This huge Volksfest (people’s fair) is one of the largest in Germany, famous for its amusements, beer and general good spirits.
Attracting between nine and ten million visitors annually and taking place three times each year (spring, summer, winter), Hamburger Dom is impressive both in terms of its size and its duration. Young and old flock from around the country to enjoy the many rides on offer, from rollercoasters to ferris wheels and merry-go-rounds.
This riot of colour and movement is Hamburg’s answer to the famous Munich Oktoberfest – but it surpasses its southern rival by taking place multiple times each year, for a month each time.
The festival has been traced back as far as 1329, when traders, craftspeople and street performers held a Christmas market in the square outside the Marien-Dom Cathedral (thus giving the festival its name). The market was a big success, and a few centuries later it was extended to a number of occasions in different seasons, creating the tradition still upheld today. The cathedral was demolished at the beginning of the 1800s, and the fair was moved to its current location, Heiligengeistfeld, by the end of the same century.
Bright lights, fast rides and strong German beer have come to characterise the festival these days, but local produce can still be found on many stalls. Each season has a particular character: spring sees a medieval fort and a scary witches’ village set up during the Frühlingsdom, it’s the turn of the cowboys and their Wild West town during the summertime Hummelfest, while young and old dress up in costume from the Middle Ages in the winter.
When you’ve had your fill of rides, enjoy some roasted almonds or waffles, or get yourself a stein of hearty local beer. The park is open from mid-afternoon until late every day, and there is a fireworks display every Friday night.
Entry is free, but each ride has an individual price. Nearby parking is quite expensive, so you’re better off getting the train to St Pauli U-bahn or Reeperbahn S-bahn station.
