A container ship sails on the Elbe, surrounded by seagulls. Sunlight is reflected on the water and Hamburg harbour can be seen in the background.

Tide data: Interesting facts about the water level of the Elbe in Hamburg

The last 160 kilometres of the Elbe to the North Sea are tidal waters that are subject to the tides. The so-called tidal range has an effect from the estuary near Cuxhaven to the weir in Geesthacht. This is the difference in height between high and low tide. The change in the Tidal Elbe takes around six hours. In Hamburg, the tidal range is around 3.80 metres.

Why the tidal range is important for the Port of Hamburg

For a large universal harbour like Hamburg, the tidal range is of immense importance in order to be able to optimally manage shipping traffic. After all, the most important German seaport not only accounts for a large proportion of exports and imports by water, but is also necessary for the secure basic supply of the population in Germany.

The tide calendar for Hamburg sets the pace for the harbour

A tide calendar can be used to view the ebb and flood tides and the tidal range several days in advance. The current water level of the Elbe in the harbour at the St. Pauli landing stages and in the Lower Elbe determines the conditions for the smooth and efficient functioning of shipping, and not just for the big boats. Pleasure craft such as sailors and motorboats also need to keep an eye on the tides and their currents at all times.</p

<p>How deep the Elbe is to allow even large container ships to enter and leave varies with the tide. The most recent adjustment of the navigation channel ensures that ships with a draught of up to 13.50 metres can sail on the tidal Elbe regardless of the tide. Very large ships can utilise the high tide if they require particularly large water depths. They then "ride" on the tidal wave to Hamburg.

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<p>Two impressive videos from the company aquadot show what the change of ebb and flood in Hamburg looks like from a bird's eye view.

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The graph shows the hydrograph of the water level at the St. Pauli measuring point in Hamburg over a period of 36 hours. The curve illustrates the natural fluctuations caused by the tides, with high and low water levels.
Water level of the Elbe in Hamburg - recorded measurements and forecasts: crucial for shipping, harbour operations and safety on the water.

By the way: More data on the tidal Elbe and the water level of the Elbe today can be found at Hydro-Online from the HPA.