Hamburg's fish market in Altona-Altstadt is one of the metropolis' biggest tourist attractions and also attracts many locals. Every Sunday morning it opens its doors for a few hours, in the summer months it attracts up to 70,000 people. Visitors come across numerous market stalls selling fresh fish, sausages, vegetables and fruit. Souvenirs, clothing and much more can also be purchased there.
Attraction for night owls and early risers
Early on Sundays, the fish market at Hamburg harbour is a hive of activity. Numerous traders loudly advertise their wares, tourists and Hamburgers bustle between the trucks as sales areas and the market stalls.
Especially the sellers of fish and other food attract attention. As market shouters, they know how to attract attention. They put together packages of different goods and shout across the square asking who would like to buy them at a certain price. No one answers? Then they add more products or reduce the price. Early risers do their weekly shopping, while night owls fortify themselves with coffee and fresh fish rolls.
Traditional fish market with an important economic function
The Altona fish market has existed since 1703. Until 1937, Altona was an independent city, for a long time under Danish rule. It was only in 1937 that Altona and with it the Altona Fish Market became part of Hamburg. In the first centuries the fish market functioned as a central transhipment point for freshly caught fish, already in the early phase traders sold other goods such as fruit and vegetables as well as flowers.
This economic function has weakened a little over the centuries, but the market still generates impressive sales and plays an important role for producers and traders. In addition, the port metropolis aggressively courts tourists with this attraction. Some of Hamburg's legendary originals, such as Aale-Ole, regularly go on nationwide tours and contribute to the fame of the Altona fish market.
