Hamburg’s St. Pauli Fish Market has been a bustling commercial centre for the past three centuries. Located right next to the city’s harbour, it is the top destination for anyone interested in sampling the freshest seafood, with fish for sale from catches landed only hours before. It is also a popular social hub, catering for both early risers and late-night revellers on their way home. Overall, around 70,000 people are drawn to the Fish Market each week.
The market is held every Sunday from 5:00 to 9:30 am in the summer, and from 7:00 to 9:30 am between 01 October and 31 May. It is well worth making the early start, as the atmosphere is unique, lively and very welcoming. Have a coffee and traditional pastry for energy, and head off to browse the stalls which sell not only seafood, but also local farm produce, teas and spices, and vintage clothes and collectables.
If, however, you are partaking in the local custom of heading to the market after a long night of partying, the food of choice has to be the traditional pickled fish sandwich, washed down with a cold beer. You’ll have to see this to believe it!
Once you’ve explored the open-air market to its fullest, head to the historic fish auction hall next door. This is no longer used for its original purpose, but now offers food, drink and merriment in abundance. Join the crowds for a traditional mid-morning meal of cured meats and fish, and, with the live music and free-flowing beer, expect singing and dancing from all involved.
The St. Pauli Fish Market is located right on the banks of the River Elbe. Take the U-Bahn to the Reeperbahn station, and continue on foot along Pepermölenbek until you reach Grosse Elbstrasse. There is no charge for admission to the market, but there is a fee for the entertainment at the fish auction hall.
