Order Directly from the Boat: The World's Only McBoat

April 21, 2026, 4:28 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

Extraordinary fast-food outlets can be found around the globe. But this one stands out even among the most curious: In Hamburg, guests can order their burger not only from their car but directly from a boat–at the world’s only McBoat.

More than 1.8 million people eat at a McDonald’s in Germany every day, according to statistics, where the restaurants and especially the menus are usually quite similar. But one location is certainly among the most unusual. Since 2015, this branch has had its own boat dock. Especially in summer, the small pier attracts many curious visitors.

Boat Drive-In: McDonald’s in the Middle of the Canal

The location is more of an insider tip: the Bille canals in eastern Hamburg. The river is less known compared to the Elbe and Alster. The canals wind through industrial areas, residential buildings, and allotment gardens. The Mittelkanal, in particular, is popular for tours with canoes, SUPs, or motorboats. And right here, in the Hamm district, a familiar sight eventually appears: the yellow “M” right on the shore.

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Those who dock can easily order via app. The boat dock is selected as the “parking spot,” and shortly after, an employee brings the food down a staircase to the pier. Direct handover to the watercraft.

Fame on Social Networks

This unique feature has long been talked about on Instagram and other platforms. Even British YouTuber Tom Scott made a special trip, and his video has millions of views. Why does it work so well? He says it’s because it hits the exact mix many are looking for: something totally familiar, but in a very unusual situation.

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And yes, it’s quite amusing to sit in a boat in the middle of Hamburg and eat a hamburger. Just be careful not to fall into the water: The Bille is polluted by old industrial waste, and swimming is only allowed in certain areas.

Also interesting: 8 regional specialties of well-known fast-food chains

In the end, one thing remains: a rather bizarre experience, and definitely one of the most unusual McDrives in the world.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TRAVELBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@travelbook.de.