Spectacle in Hamburg: Half marathon & Harley Days bring traffic to a standstill!

Spectacle in Hamburg: Half marathon & Harley Days bring traffic to a standstill!

It was an exciting Sunday, June 29, 2025 when Hamburg was captivated by two big events: Hella Hamburg half marathon and the Harley Day. The city was in a state of emergency when around 18,000 participants tackled the route and at the same time took place Europe's largest inner-city biker meeting.

The first streets were closed from 4 a.m., especially about the Reeperbahn and the Millerntorplatz . Most of the traffic restrictions came into force at 7 a.m. when the half marathon started. The route led from the Reeperbahn through Altona, past the harbor, around the Alster and finally to the exhibition halls.

of runners and bikers

The half marathon was a complete success. The first places were occupied by talented runners from all over the world, with Samwel Mailu from Kenya first place. With more than 10,000 runners and numerous skaters, the mood was exuberant and the city full of energy.

But that was not the end of the celebrations. The highly expected parade of Harley Days began at 2 p.m., led by music legend Peter Maffay. Around 2,000 motorcycles rolled through Hamburg in an impressive caravan of hundreds of vehicles. The route of the parade led via the Veddel , the Köhlbrandbrücke, through the port and HafenCity back to the wholesale market.

traffic restrictions and alternatives

The police warned of considerable traffic disruptions along the approximately 30 km long route of the Harley parade until around 5 p.m. In combination with the ongoing events, the bus lines of the Hamburg Transport Association (HVV) were severely affected. Lines 2, 3, X3, 4, 5, 6 and many more were particularly affected during the half marathon. In the afternoon, drivers also had to calculate restrictions on lines 13, 119 and further arithmetic. The HVV recommended that the U and S-Bahnen to take a look at the current traffic situation via your website or app before the journey.

The police advised drivers to drive over the Ring 2 and plan additional alternative routes. It was a day when the city could be enjoyed to the fullest despite the restrictions. For the Hamburgers and the numerous visitors, this Sunday was a festival of sporty and motorized passion.