Hamburg, Germany Attractions

Hamburg Fish Market

The oldest open-air market in Hamburg, the Hamburg Fish Market, takes place on Sunday mornings. Starting at 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m. in the winter, the stalls on the Altona dock along the River Elbe come alive as vendors arrive in a parade of trucks. The market is always crowded with a blend of night people heading home, early risers, locals, and tourists. This is not subdued shopping: the vendors are loud, and bark about their wares, which go well beyond fish. From potted plants to fresh fruits, kitchenware to sausages, a wide variety of merchandise is sold. Brunch is served in the Fish Auction Hall where musicians perform, beers are downed, and a favorite delicacy is the smoked eel.