Tour operator
Rainer Abicht Elbreederei
A long-established Hamburg shipping company with a fleet of 31 vessels, running harbour tours, evening light cruises and charters from the Landungsbrücken all year.
Barkassen-Meyer
A Hamburg harbour tour company on the Elbe since 1919, offering one-hour and two-hour harbour tours, evening light trips through the Speicherstadt and charters.
At a glance
- Type
- Harbour launch tours
- Area
- St. Pauli, Hamburg, Germany
- Official site
- barkassen-meyer.de
Good to know
- Harbour tours
- Evening lights tour
- Combination tickets
- Charters
- Sign-language tour
Why we recommend it
Barkassen-Meyer has been running boats on the Elbe since 1919 and has marked its 100th anniversary, which makes it one of the traditional names among Hamburg's harbour tour operators. The company is led by Hubert Neubacher, who has been part of the Meyer crew for more than 30 years. Its name comes from the Barkassen, the small harbour launches that are a fixture of the port, and the fleet includes several of them alongside larger passenger ships such as the MS Commodore, MS Hafen Hamburg and MS Hamburger Deern.
The tours are straightforward and well paced. The classic one-hour Große Hafenrundfahrt covers the Speicherstadt and the container port, a good introduction if you only have a short time. The two-hour XXL discoverer tour goes further into the port for those who want to see more of the working harbour. The 90-minute Lichterfahrt runs through the harbour and the illuminated Speicherstadt at night, which is a memorable way to see the warehouse district.
Barkassen-Meyer also sells combination tickets that pair a harbour tour with other Hamburg attractions, including the Michel, Miniatur Wunderland and the Hamburg Dungeon, which can simplify a sightseeing day. Gift vouchers, themed events, party packages, New Year's cruises, weddings and transfer trips are also on offer, and some of the launches are art or traditional boats. One unusual extra is a tour with sign-language dialogue, recommended by the motoring club ADAC.
The company also produces a podcast, Hubis Hafenschnack, about life in the port, and offers 360-degree virtual tours of its fleet on its website, both good ways to get a feel for the harbour before you travel.
These tours suit families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants a friendly, traditional introduction to the port. The one-hour tour fits easily into a busy day, while the evening light trip suits couples and photographers. Check the website for departure times and the current departure point, and book ahead in summer. Bring a warm layer, as it can be breezy on the water even on sunny days. If you are already planning to visit Miniatur Wunderland or climb the Michel, compare the combination tickets with separate prices before you buy.
Barkassen-Meyer FAQs
How long has Barkassen-Meyer operated?
The company has run boats on the Elbe since 1919.
What tours are available?
A one-hour classic harbour tour, a two-hour XXL tour and a 90-minute evening light trip.
What does the classic tour cover?
The Speicherstadt and the container port.
Are combination tickets available?
Yes, with attractions such as the Michel, Miniatur Wunderland and the Hamburg Dungeon.
Is there an accessible option?
The company lists a harbour tour with sign-language dialogue, recommended by ADAC.
Can you charter a boat?
Yes, charters, themed events, weddings and party packages are offered.
Who runs the company?
Hubert Neubacher, who has been part of the Meyer crew for more than 30 years.
Can you buy gift vouchers?
Yes, harbour tour vouchers are available on the website.