Willkomm-Höft, Ship greeting station at Elbe River in Wedel, Germany.
Willkomm-Höft is a ship greeting station on the Elbe River in Wedel that serves as a welcoming point for vessels entering and leaving Hamburg's port. A 60-meter pontoon with covered seating provides a place to observe large container ships and cruise vessels year-round regardless of weather.
Founded in 1952, the station established a tradition of playing national anthems and raising flags for vessels exceeding 1000 gross tons passing through. This welcoming custom has endured for over 70 years as a maritime tradition connecting the city to the port.
The greeting captains announce details about passing vessels, including their technical specifications, destination ports, and cargo information to gathered visitors. This welcoming practice creates a living connection between the port and the people gathered at the waterfront.
Visit during daylight hours when you can see the ships clearly and hear the announcements well. The covered pontoon allows you to watch comfortably in any weather condition.
Each larger vessel receives an individualized welcome through the station's sound system with the corresponding national anthem of its registration country played upon arrival. This ritual has made the station a recognized maritime gateway that sailors from around the world look for when approaching Hamburg.
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