The Elbjazz Festival is a highlight in Hamburg every year, and 2024 was no exception. Despite the inconsistent weather, which ranged from constant rain to sunny moments, the atmosphere on the festival grounds was truly special.
Spectacular locations on the Elbe
The location of the Elbjazz Festival is quite unique. In fact, it takes place across two main venues situated on either side of the Elbe River. One venue is the expansive Blohm+Voss shipyard, a traditional site in Hamburg where the majority of the festival events occur. Meanwhile, the other venue is the stunning Elbphilharmonie, which also hosts concerts simultaneously on both days of the festival.
Getting to the festival site is also well organized. Shuttle buses and – even more exciting – shuttle ferries take festival visitors from the Elbphilharmonie to the shipyard and back. More Elbe feeling is hardly possible.
Festival grounds at the Blohm+Voss shipyard
For me, the first day of the festival began on the shipyard grounds – and unfortunately the weather didn’t play along at first. However, I also had to learn again how to ignore the North German weather like a true Hamburg girl until it no longer bothers me or simply gets better on its own. Fortunately, the latter was the case and oh boy, it got better and better.
My favorites were The Streets and L’Imperatrice, Jungle, contrary to my expectations, didn’t quite catch me. But that’s actually the beauty of festivals – the range, paired with the atmosphere, simply surprises again and again.
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Elbjazz: More than jazz
If you’re curious, you might think, “Hmm, this doesn’t quite sound like jazz,” and you’re not alone—many others have shared this sentiment. Leading up to the event, there was quite a bit of debate about opening it up to other musical genres. Personally, I found the blend of styles to be fascinating and successful; after all, it’s impossible to satisfy everyone.
Concerts in the Elbphilharmonie
I used the second day of the festival to tour the Elbphilharmonie from the inside.The large hall boasts exceptional acoustics, as demonstrated by the concert given by Shalosh, an Israeli jazz trio.
Feeling already touched by the frontman’s heartfelt call for more peace and humanity, I was completely swept away when the audience joined in, humming softly to one of Shalosh’s enchanting melodies. The warm, rich acoustics filled the venue, wrapping around us and enhancing the moment, creating an atmosphere that was truly unforgettable.
Tips for a great festival weekend in Hamburg
Hamburg not only offers great music events such as the Elbjazz, but is also worth a trip in other respects. So what could be better than combining a festival weekend with a bit of sightseeing and exciting spots in Hamburg? Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your festival weekend!
Chill out at a beach club in the middle of St. Pauli
The trendy St. Pauli district also has a fairly large beach club on the Elbe. Not far from the Landungsbrücken jetties, you can lounge comfortably in deckchairs at StrandPauli, dig your feet into the sand and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival. From this spot, you have a clear view of the port of Hamburg.
If you have a little more time, I also recommend a harbor tour. You really should have done it once in Hamburg! However, there are so many options, so I’ve put together a selection of the best tours for you here: The best harbor cruises in Hamburg
Through the Old Elbtunnel to the festival
The Landungsbrücken serves as the entrance to one of Hamburg’s most fascinating attractions: the Old Elbtunnel. Built in the early 19th century, this tunnel connects the city center, including St. Pauli, with the shipyards located on the opposite side of the Elbe River.
Until 2019, cars could still drive through the Old Elbe Tunnel, which seems quite unusual given its narrow structure. There is no direct access road to the tunnel; vehicles used to enter via historic freight elevators. Today, those elevators are utilized by cyclists and pedestrians, along with stairs and escalators.
Cruising through Hamburg’s canals by boat
Need a bit of exercise? At Supperclub Hamburg, you can rent pedal boats, kayaks or stand-up paddle boards and explore the truly beautiful canals in Eppendorf.
Idyllically located on the Isebekkanal, you can also relax in the Supperclub after your exploration tour, take a short lunch break and enjoy the atmosphere.
Aperitivo in the Schanzenviertel
Do you want to go to the festival later or go out in the evening? Then Enchanté in the Schanzenviertel is a good place to start the evening.
In addition to really good, unusual cocktail creations such as wineballs, there are also great little things to snack on with friends, such as extensive charcuterie boards with the best cheese or sardines au gratin.
You can also find more great food tips for Hamburg in my big Hamburg Food Guide.
Getting around in Hamburg
Regardless of the festival, I was once again glad to have my Hamburg Card*, which gets you discounts at most attractions. In the meantime, I really wanted to climb Hamburg’s Michel, which was just a short distance away from the hotel and offers a fantastic view over Hamburg, even in cloudy weather.
The Hamburg Card allows you to use all public transportation in Hamburg for free, providing you with a vast area to explore in this large city. The benefit is that you don’t have to look for ticket machines or figure out fares; you can simply hop on the next train or bus that comes your way.
Where to stay in Hamburg
Finding a good place to stay in Hamburg isn’t difficult; the challenge lies in making a choice. I’ve stayed at several hotels in the city and still continue to discover new options! One hotel that I particularly enjoyed was the Adina Hamburg Michel*, thanks to its unique location in the recently trendy Neustadt district.
Although the bustling Reeperbahn is only a ten-minute walk away, it is located in a quiet neighborhood with cozy cafés and the things you need for everyday life, such as a supermarket or a great weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays on the Grossneumarkt.
The Adina Michel, like all hotels in this chain, offers small apartments equipped with a kitchen and dining area, making it perfect for those who prefer not to eat out or who want a simple breakfast in their room.
Check rates & availability at the Adina Hotel Michel Hamburg*
Disclaimer: Hamburg Marketing invited me on this trip.
