Enjoy all the insights from Gallop the Globe on all your devices

Learn more about Hamburg and everything it has to offer, in our latest episode of "Gallop the Globe"

Learn more about Hamburg and everything it has to offer, in our latest episode of "Gallop the Globe"

All Episodes

Watch here

Watch everything from "Gallop the Globe"

Watch everything of our new series "Gallop the Globe"

Episode 2: Hamburg

In this episode of Gallop the Globe, host Carly Rein heads to Hamburg, Germany, for the Al Shira’aa Hamburg Jumping and Dressage Derby—one of the oldest and most iconic events in equestrian sport. Set in the leafy Derby-Park in Klein Flottbek, the show blends tradition with world-class competition, featuring the legendary natural obstacles of the show jumping derby and a growing five-star dressage tour.

Carly takes viewers behind the scenes of the action, meets riders and fans, and explores Hamburg’s unique mix of elegance and edge. From local gastronomy and green parks to the vibrant harbor district, the city offers the perfect backdrop for this historic event. Whether it’s thundering hooves or riverside charm, Hamburg delivers a true celebration of horse sport and culture.

📍 Venue

The Hamburg DerbyThe Al Shira'aa Deutsches Spring- und Dressur-Derby—commonly known as the Hamburg Derby—is one of the most prestigious and historic equestrian events in the world. It is renowned for its challenging show jumping and dressage competitions, attracting top international riders. 

The event is held at the Derby Park in Klein Flottbek, Hamburg. This picturesque venue combines tradition with modern facilities, providing an exceptional experience for both participants and spectators.

🎭 Entertainment & Nightlife

• Reeperbahn: Hamburg's famed entertainment district boasts a lively nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and theaters.

• Musicals and Shows: Catch world-class performances like "The Lion King" and "MJ – The Michael Jackson Musical" at various venues across the city.

• Elbjazz Festival: Held annually in the harbor area, this festival features a diverse lineup of jazz performances in unique settings.

• Hafengeburtstag: Celebrate the Port of Hamburg's anniversary with ship parades, fireworks, and maritime festivities.

• Hamburger DOM: Germany's largest funfair, held three times a year, offering rides, games, and traditional food stalls.

• Christmas Markets: Experience the festive atmosphere at various markets throughout the city, featuring handcrafted goods and seasonal treats.

🌟 Top Attractions & Cultural Highlights

• Miniatur Wunderland: Home to the world's largest model railway, this attraction features intricately detailed miniature worlds, including a functioning airport and various international landscapes. 

• Elbphilharmonie: An architectural marvel, this concert hall offers panoramic views of the city and hosts a variety of musical performances.

• Speicherstadt: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its historic red-brick warehouses and scenic canals.

• Alter Elbtunnel: Walk or cycle through this historic tunnel beneath the Elbe River, offering unique perspectives of the city.

• Hamburg Rathaus (City Hall): A stunning example of neo-Renaissance architecture, the city hall is a central landmark worth visiting.

• St Michaelis Church: A gorgeous golden trimmed cathedral in the heart of the city.

🏞️ Parks & Outdoor Activities

• Planten un Blomen: A beautiful urban park featuring botanical gardens, fountains, and open spaces perfect for relaxation.

• Stadtpark: This expansive park offers recreational activities, a planetarium, and hosts open-air concerts during the summer months.

• Alster Lakes: Enjoy boating, kayaking, or a leisurely stroll along the picturesque lakes located in the heart of the city.

• Blankenese: Explore this charming hillside neighborhood with its winding staircases and stunning views of the Elbe River.

• McBoat: Visit the world's only McDonald's with a boat drive-thru, accessible via the city's waterways.

• St. Pauli Bunker: A former WWII bunker transformed into a cultural hub featuring a hotel, restaurants, and a rooftop garden.

🍽️ Culinary delights

• Fischmarkt: Experience the bustling atmosphere of this traditional fish market, offering fresh seafood and local delicacies.

• Portuguese Quarter: Savor authentic Portuguese and Spanish cuisine in this vibrant neighborhood near the harbor.

• Altona and Schanzenviertel Neighborhoods: super local and beautiful neighborhoods with more authentic souvenir shopping and stores

• Chocoversum: Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to this interactive chocolate museum, where you can create your own chocolate bar.

Dining with a View

• Clouds – Heaven's Bar & Kitchen

• Restaurant Engel

🏛️ Museums & Unique Experiences

• International Maritime Museum: Discover Hamburg's rich maritime history through extensive exhibits and ship models.

• Hamburg Dungeon: An interactive attraction that takes you through the city's dark past with live actors and special effects.

• Paradox Museum: Engage with mind-bending exhibits that challenge perceptions and offer fun photo opportunities.

🌟 Amazing Restaurant Recs

• Tortue Brasserie - incredible french bistro, also recommend their downstairs bar for cool cocktails 

• The Table Kevin Fehling

• Haerlin

• 100/200 Kitchen

• Lakeside

• Bianc

• Petit Amour

• Jellyfish

• Haebel

• XO Seafood Bar

• Grill Royal Hamburg

• Fischereihafen Restaurant

TRAVEL GUIDE: 

The Al Shira'aa German Jumping & Dressage Derby

in Hamburg (GERMANY)

🏆 Hotels Recs in Hamburg

• Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten

• The Fontenay

• Hotel Louis C. Jacob

• Tortue Hamburg

• SIDE Design Hotel Hamburg

• The George Hotel Hamburg

• Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel Hamburg

• Fraser Suites Hamburg

• Grand Elysee Hamburg

• The Westin Hamburg

• Hotel Atlantic Hamburg, Autograph Collection