[Photo from hamburg-travel.com]

[Photo from hamburg-travel.com]

A legend and a must-see for all visitors to Hamburg: Since 1703, pretty much everything that is not bolted down has been traded here at Hamburg's most traditional market. From dusty porcelain jugs to a chirpy family of ducks, you can find just about anything in the shadow of the 100-year old fish auction hall.

Half the jungle is sold here directly in the pot and from the lorry, bananas fly through the air, plastic bags full of sausage go to the owner for a ridiculously low price, "Aale-Dieter" bellows his from the pit of his stomach, crowds of people in front of the traders' cars - you have to experience it (and it's worth getting out of bed early once to do so)!

Revellers from the Reeperbahn stand on the water's edge with fish sandwiches and coffee in hand waiting for their spirits to be revived, others "guard the loot" they have purchased - for some the day is just beginning, while for others yesterday has not ended! Brunch in the historic fish auction hall with jazz, skiffle or country and western music is a special highlight.

Opening Hours:

Every Sunday 5.00am - 9.30am

In winter (16 November - 14 March) 7.00am - 9.30am