Volunteering in Hamburg
Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Hamburg is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.

Moving to a new city can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially for expats. Volunteering is a fantastic way to integrate into the local community, meet new people, and make a positive impact. Hamburg, offers a wealth of volunteering opportunities that cater to various interests and skills. By dedicating your time and efforts to these causes, you can forge meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and contribute to the betterment of the city.
Hanseatic Help
Hanseatic Help is a well-known organization in Hamburg that supports refugees and asylum seekers. They provide a range of services, including language classes, cultural integration programs, and legal advice. Volunteers can assist with teaching, event organization, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies but typically involves a few hours per week.
Website: hanseatic-help.org
Location(s): Various locations across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per week
Hamburg City Mission
The Hamburg City Mission focuses on helping the homeless and those in need. They offer meals, clothing, and shelter, as well as support services to help individuals reintegrate into society. Volunteers can assist with meal preparation, distribution, and other support activities. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.
Website: stadtmission-mensch.de
Location(s): Various locations across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement
Greenpeace Hamburg
Greenpeace Hamburg is dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability. Volunteers can participate in campaigns, events, and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues. The time commitment can vary depending on the specific project or campaign, but it generally involves a few hours per month.
Website: greenpeace.de/hamburg
Location(s): Greenpeace Office in Hamburg and various event locations
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per month
Hospiz Hamburg
Hospiz Hamburg provides palliative care and support for terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers can offer companionship, assist with administrative tasks, or help with fundraising events. The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to the volunteer's availability.
Website: hospiz-hamburg.de
Location(s): Various hospice facilities and event locations in Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, based on the volunteer's availability
Tafel Hamburg
Tafel Hamburg is a food bank that distributes surplus food to people in need. Volunteers can assist with food collection, sorting, and distribution, as well as administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.
Website: hamburger-tafel.de
Location(s): Various distribution points across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement
Hamburg Animal Shelter
The Hamburg Animal Shelter provides care and shelter for abandoned and abused animals. Volunteers can assist with animal care, walking dogs, cleaning facilities, and administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to the volunteer's availability.
Website: hamburger-tierschutzverein.de
Location(s): Hamburg Animal Shelter
Time Commitment: Flexible, based on the volunteer's availability
Hamburg Public Libraries
Hamburg Public Libraries offer a range of programs and services for the community. Volunteers can assist with reading programs, children's activities, and other educational initiatives. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.
Website: buecherhallen.de
Location(s): Various public libraries across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement
Hamburg Red Cross
The Hamburg Red Cross provides various humanitarian services, including first aid, disaster relief, and social support programs. Volunteers can assist with events, training sessions, and support activities. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.
Website: drk-hamburg.de
Location(s): Various locations across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement
Hamburg Maritime Foundation
The Hamburg Maritime Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the city's maritime heritage. Volunteers can assist with events, educational programs, and restoration projects. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.
Website: stiftung-hamburg-maritim.de
Location(s): Various maritime sites and event locations in Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement
Hamburg Museums
Hamburg is home to numerous museums that showcase the city's rich history and culture. Volunteers can assist with tours, exhibitions, and educational programs. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.
Website: hamburg.de/museen
Location(s): Various museums across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement
Hamburg City Parks
Hamburg City Parks offer beautiful green spaces for the community to enjoy. Volunteers can assist with gardening, maintenance, and environmental conservation projects. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.
Website: hamburg.de/stadt-grün
Location(s): Various city parks across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Hamburg
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Hamburg
- Public Transportation in Hamburg
- Best Markets in Hamburg
- Retire in Hamburg Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Hamburg
- Pros & Cons of Living in Hamburg
- Driving in Hamburg
- Cost of Living in Hamburg
- Health Care in Hamburg
- The Essential Guide to Hamburg
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Germany
- Best Places to Live in Germany
- Real Estate in Germany
- Pros & Cons of Living in Germany
- Moving to Germany with a Pet
- Pros and Cons of Living in Germany 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Germany