How did the Treaty of Gottorp affect Hamburg’s relationship with Denmark?

The Treaty of Gottorp, concluded on May 27, 1768, significantly altered Hamburg’s political status by releasing the city from its theoretical subjection to the king of Denmark.1

This diplomatic resolution paved the way for Hamburg to be formally acknowledged in 1770 as an "immediate" imperial city of Germany, meaning it was no longer under the authority of any overlord other than the emperor. Additionally, the treaty provided tangible territorial benefits by ceding to Hamburg the islands located between the city and the left banks of the Elbe River, stretching from Veddel to Finkenwerder—land that would later become the site of major new docks.1