A festival of industrial and maritime history
Every two years, the Hamburg Metropolitan Region celebrates its maritime and industrial heritage with the Tage der Industriekultur am Wasser (Waterfront Industrial Culture Days). Over one autumn weekend, more than 100 sites open their doors across Northern Germany – from Cuxhaven to Parchim, from Neumünster to Uelzen, and of course in Hamburg. Visitors can explore harbour facilities, locks and bridges, lighthouses and water towers, mills, shipyards and museum ships through special tours, talks and one-off exhibitions. Many events are free or low-cost.
Founded in 2011, the biennial project showcases often little-known monuments of industrial history and explains how water – from small irrigation channels to the Elbe – has shaped the region’s economy, technology and landscapes.
Guided tours, ship trips and hands-on experiences
Highlights include expert-led walks and cycle tours, behind-the-scenes visits to working and historic sites, and excursions on participating ships. Past editions have featured journeys on historic work and cargo vessels, routes tracing Hamburg’s drinking-water infrastructure, and themed walks through former industrial plants. Museums and active shipyards provide rare close-ups of machinery, energy generation and maritime craft.
Family-friendly discovery of industry and nature
The programme is designed with families in mind. Children can learn how a windmill works, why shipping is vital to the region, or what a suspension ferry is. Large harbour facilities in Hamburg, Wismar and Cuxhaven, as well as museums such as the Freilichtmuseum am Kiekeberg and the Salzmuseum Lüneburg, become hands-on discovery sites with activities tailored for young visitors.
Explore heritage routes year-round
Beyond the festival weekend, the region’s Routen der Industriekultur (Industrial Heritage Routes) invite you to discover local economic, technical and social history on your own – on foot, by bike, train or car. Each route features around 20 stations, with trails available for Geesthacht, Neumünster, Lauenburg and Schwerin.
Dates
27-28 September 2025
More information
Further information and programme at (German only).
