To get a good feel of any destination a trip to the local market is always a great idea. Long time readers will already know that this is one of my all-time favorite activities in every place I visit. Whether it ends up being a cultural experience or a learning one, there are always treasures to find. Here are the two best weekend markets in Hamburg Germany that will leave your pockets empty of cash. 😂
Flohschanze
Every Saturday in the old slaughterhouse buildings is the Flohschanze! This is an extensive flea market that covers a vast area, both inside and outdoors. Only used goods are allowed, no new items and this is strictly enforced. Even the rain cannot deter shoppers from this weekly market. Open from 8am to 4pm and located here (Alte Rinderschlachthalle, Neuer Kamp 30).
Tons of clothing! A thrifters dream come true. Tent after tent after stall, there are so many clothes, shoes and accessories. Household goods, bicycles of course, gorgeous Arabian rugs, you name it and its there.
Of course, my favourite tables are the antiques, vintage items and collectibles, jewellery included. Many of these are located inside a large building, but most are outside the rear of this structure. Tables laden with the most intriguing and tempting finds. One reason I always gravitate to the antiques is because they can provide an authentic glimpse into the local history. Military items, paintings, décor, it all expresses the interest and climate of the city and regions past.
St Pauli Fischmarkt
Now for Sunday’s adventure, the St. Pauli Fischmarkt located right on the Elbe River. Opening times vary depending on the time of year, summer is 5am to 9:30am and winter is 7am to 9:30am. Yes, these are short windows and you will have to get your sleepy butt out of bed in the dark, but I guarantee you its worth it. 🥱 The Fischmarkt has been in operation since 1703 and its one of the most unique markets I have ever seen. Right away you will hear very loud yelling! Those are the marktschreier or ‘market criers’ who are enticing people to spend their money.
Selling everything from packaged snacks, to fresh fish, fruits, cheese and cured meats, they line their stalls with empty bags. Into these, they place items one at a time until the bag is absolutely bursting with goods. All the while they are cracking jokes, teasing the crowd and enticing empty stomachs. It’s a thrill to see and you are quickly caught up in the merriment and fun.
Fischbrotchen
Now one of the reasons this market has attracted thousands, yes thousands of visitors each Sunday morning at dawn, is the fischbrotchen. If anyone had told me that I would be eating a fish sandwich this early on a Sunday, I would have definitely said no way Jose. 😂 But when in Rome…… Everyone has come for one thing and that is a fresh as can be Fischbrotchen. Made on a crispy bun, these are traditionally filled with pickled herring, fried fish or smoked salmon. Along with onions and a tangy sauce like honey mustard, they are the thing to consume.
I ask a vendor which she recommends as the most traditional and end up with this salmon one. Taking it to the rivers edge, and being careful of the looming seagulls eyeing my treasure, I bite down. Oh my, hands down the best fish sandwich I have ever eaten in my life (Don’t tell anyone it’s the only fish sandwich I’ve ever eaten in my life). 🤣 Kidding aside, I’m hooked for life now.
Market Goods
Once you have made your way thru the criers and fischbrotchen sellers, you will pass through a more typical market. Here find souvenirs, flowers, cheese sellers and everything else.
The Auction Hall
At the end of this long row, the last part of the market is the auction hall. Built in 1894, it is a huge iron and brick structure that used to be where the fish were sold. Today on Sundays, it is filled with party goers, ones who have partied the entire night, from Saturday evening until now and are still going!
A live band will be playing mostly German songs, beer is flowing steadily, yes even at 7am, and the dance floor is packed. Writer of this blog was feeling the atmosphere and couldn’t resist getting onto the dance floor for a song that I recognized from the 80’s. I don’t think I have dance in a decade, not since I took my children on a holiday to Mexico. It was absolutely so much fun.
The Ferry
Once you have finished in everything that is St Pauli Fischmarkt, walk through the auction hall and out towards the riverside. There pass over a bridge and find yourself on a pier with restaurants. This is where the local ferries, the ones that are part of the public transportation system pick up and drop off passengers. One single stop up river and you will be in the centre of the city again! No extra cost, simply included in your day pass or other such card.
Weekends in Hamburg are definitely lively; there is already so much to do in this northern German city. Adding these two markets to your itinerary and I guarantee you will see and experience a whole other side of the people, their character and their charm. Hamburg is a special place and my impressions are greatly enhanced by the time spent immersed in Flohschanze and St Pauli Fischmarkt.
