For commuters:

The HADAG ferries are effectively a sub company of HVV for Hamburg. They have a wide range of offerings and not only the number 62. Of course this line is the most used as it goes between Sandtorhöft and Finkenwerder.

During the week it travels every 15 minutes and therefore is a very well supported service. In the mornings it is busy but you will always find a seat.

For tourists:

This is a great way to take in the harbour without having to listen to someone explaining everything. And also you can use your HVV tickets so nice’n’cheap.

The stops along the way are:

• Sandtorhöft
• Landungsbrücken Brücke 3
• Altona (Fischmarkt)
• Dockland(Fischereihafen)
• Neumühlen
• Bubendey-Ufer
• Finkenwerder

Neumühlen is good to get to the beach, Altona (Fischmarkt) for grabbing something to eat, Docklands for the beach club there and also food and drink.

General:

This ferry line is very well used. If the sun is only remotely shining in Hamburg then expect a very full ferry!!

Conclusion:

I love the ferry system in the harbour. And I use it daily (even if it is only for one stop). The service offering is great and it’s cheap.

INSIDER TIP #1: It’s horrible but true. I see all too often people having trouble opening the doors. On each ferry there are usually big black buttons with “Tür Offnen” written in big letters. Press them and the doors do actually open :)

INSIDER TIP #2: When it is not busy or the captain see’s that no-one is waiting at a stop then he will carry on. To ensure the boat stops for you then go to one of the exit doors (inside). There are buttons that light up that you can press. Or on some is a huge red button. Make sure you press it just after leaving the stop before yours. I have had some annoying experiences there :)

"Hadag" means "The Fish" in Hebrew, but I don't think they had this in mind for these ferries, as suitable as it might seem.

The Hadag ferries take you from place to place along the Hamburg area of the Elbe river, from Landungsbrücken to Ottensen and a little further than that. These ferries are a wonderful way to see some of the harbor for on-a-budget tourists, as they essentially are bus-ships - they cost nothing more than a standard bus ride and make stops up and down the river at stations which are identical to bus stations.

Great for sightseeing, but also a wonderfully efficient way to get from place to place along the elbe.