Shopping Sundays Hamburg ⇒ All information

In Hamburg, four Sundays a year are designated when shops open from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM – each in connection with special events:

• April 6 – Sports & Health
• July 6 – Inclusion & Integration
• September 28 – Children, Youth & Family
• November 2 – Culture

In Germany, there is generally a ban on Sunday trading in retail. However, in Hamburg, the Retail Opening Act allows for up to **four Sunday shopping days per year** – but only when they are combined with a special public event, such as a city festival, cultural program, or thematic action day.

The events are intended to provide real added value for the public. The goal is not to turn Sunday into an ordinary shopping day, but to make it attractive for visitors in connection with special occasions.

The shopping Sundays usually take place citywide – that means not only in the city center but also in many Hamburg neighborhoods. In the city center (e.g., around Mönckebergstraße, Spitalerstraße, and Jungfernstieg), you can expect a particularly large selection of stores to be open.

But neighborhoods like Altona, Harburg, Wandsbek, Eimsbüttel, Ottensen, or Barmbek often participate with their own programs. Which specific stores are open may vary depending on the event and district. Generally, shopping centers, local initiatives, or retailers provide information in advance about their participation.

The opening hours on Sundays with special sales are regulated by law and must not exceed five hours. In Hamburg, the opening time is therefore typically set from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Outside of these times, no sales activities are allowed. However, gastronomy and leisure offerings (e.g., cafés, museums, cinemas) are not affected by this and can operate independently of these hours.

Yes, usually large department stores such as IKEA in Moorfleet, Schnelsen, or Altona also participate in the sales-open Sundays. Additionally, many large shopping centers and furniture stores in Hamburg are involved – including Alstertal Shopping Center, Elbe Shopping Center, Billstedt Center, Möbel Höffner, POCO, Roller and more. These stores often offer special promotions, discounts, or an accompanying program to make the shopping Sunday more attractive.

No, on certain days, Sunday openings are categorically not allowed. This includes the four Advent Sundays in December, as well as public holidays such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, Day of Mourning, or Day of the Dead. This applies regardless of events. This restriction serves to protect Sunday as a day of rest and also has religious and societal reasons.

Generally, large shopping centers, department stores, chain stores, and owner-operated shops in the city center as well as in districts like Altona or Harburg participate.

Yes, many shops offer exclusive discounts, product presentations, live music, food stalls, and activities for children. These often take place alongside city festivals or cultural events.

Generally not. The Sunday opening days mainly affect retail in connection with events. Supermarkets are usually only open at train stations or airports.

The city of Hamburg and local media publish the involved districts in advance. Notices in stores also provide information. Tip: Websites like hamburg.de or the Chamber of Commerce are reliable sources.

In addition to the openings at train stations (e.g. REWE in the main station), online shops also provide continuous shopping options. Furthermore, some weekly markets and flea markets are open on Sundays – although without traditional retail products.