Alster

More bridges than Venice, the largest container port in Europe and countless canals and canals inevitably create a maritime flair in Hamburg. But that's not all! The Alster is also an integral part of the cityscape. Alongside the Elbe, the Inner Alster and Outer Alster are the most characteristic bodies of water in the Hanseatic city. If you want to know what makes Hamburg's Alster so special, you should read on now.

From Henstedt to the Elbe

The source of the Alster lies north of the gates of Hamburg in Henstedt-Ulzburg. From here, the river flows into the Hanseatic city not far from the Stadtpark before damming up at the Krugkoppelbrücke bridge to form the Outer Alster, which is almost 164 hectares in size. The so-called Alster Lake was created around 1235 when the Alster was dammed not far from today's Jungfernstieg to power the city's mills. The route then continues along the Kennedy and Lombards bridges - the old course of the city fortifications - to the Inner Alster. Finally, the course of the Alster finds its way via the Kleine Alster and the Alsterfleet to the Elbe, where the river flows into the North Sea.

While the Alster was initially important to Hamburg primarily for practical reasons, today it is one of the undisputed crowd-pullers of the Elbe metropolis. Whether it's cruises on the Inner and Outer Alster on one of the many Alster steamers, leisurely pedal boat tours or stand-up paddling, the Alster is the heart of the Hanseatic city. Visitors can also take to the water themselves and explore the lake by canoe or on board a sailing boat. The green banks of the Alster also offer countless paths for jogging, skating or walking. Or you can simply enjoy the view of the beautiful Alster fountain from the park, the Alsterwiese Schwanenwik or one of the other green spaces around Hamburg's natural paradise. Especially in the evening, the eastern bank offers a breathtaking panorama against the backdrop of the city.

Hamburgs Binnenalster

The popular Jungfernstieg runs right through the city center on the southern bank of the Binnenalster. So if you are already in Hamburg city center to visit the town hall, Mönckebergstraße or Colonnaden, it is not far to the Alsterpavillon. If you have enough time, you can make yourself comfortable here on the spacious steps and enjoy the view of the Alster or the almost 60-metre-high Alster fountain at your leisure. Alternatively, numerous Alster cruises depart from here, offering you the opportunity to experience the enchanting silhouette of the city, including important hotels such as the Hotel Atlantic directly on the Alster lake or the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, from the water. A small tributary, the Kleine Alster, leads directly from the Inner Alster past the town hall along the Alsterfleet. And this is where the typical Alster swans have made their home every year for over 400 years. In addition, one of the ten Alster locks, which regulate the gradient and water levels of the Alster around the clock, can still be seen right next to the town hall. While the barrages in Mellingburg, Poppenbüttel and Fuhlsbüttel were initially also used to lock ships, today only this lock and the Schaartor lock still function as a shipping connection between the Elbe and the Outer Alster.

Hamburgs Außenalster

The Outer Alster is the larger of Hamburg's two lakes. While the Outer Alster attracts sports enthusiasts in particular for jogging, rowing or walking, the Alster ice fun offers an incomparable spectacle in winter. Only when the temperatures drop significantly and the Outer Alster freezes over completely, as in 1997 or 2012, can locals and visitors skate on the frozen waters. Numerous stalls and stands with hot drinks and regional delicacies invite you to enjoy a few days of unique fun in the open air. If you would like to find out more about the Alster, its history, nature or monuments, you will find all the information you need to know in the PDF Rund um die Alster (source: City of Hamburg).

Location & Directions

The Inner and Outer Alster are the heart of the Hanseatic city. Just a stone's throw from Hamburg's main train station, you can easily reach numerous sights and attractions of the city such as the Planten un Blomen park or the famous Michel on foot. At the same time, the Alster is also easy to reach by public transport, such as buses or trains. In many cases, the HamburgCard is a great way to do this, giving you reduced admission to over 150 museums and institutions as well as free travel by bus and train. Up-to-date information on this offer can be found online at any time on the Hamburg Tourist Board website. But even if you want to drive to the picturesque waters in your own car, you will find plenty of paid parking options on site.

Your hotel near the Hamburg Alster

Hamburg is a popular destination for both Germans and numerous international tourists. Whether a short trip from the surrounding area to the Hanseatic city, a longer vacation in the north or a classic city trip, if you want to explore the multifaceted metropolis on the Elbe, you should book one of the comfortable B&B HOTELS in Hamburg in good time. For example, reserve a single, double or family room with a private bathroom at the Hotel Hamburg Nord and explore the nearby Inner and Outer Alster from the comfort of your room. Benefit from numerous worthwhile services such as free WiFi or a comprehensive breakfast offer (optional). Let our competent service team provide you with tips on things to do in Hamburg and the surrounding area. Take a trip to the fascinating Hamburg Planetarium or the historic Ohlsdorf cemetery. Let yourself be inspired by one of the current events at the venerable Kampnagel. Or learn more about Hamburg's industrial, technical and social history at the nearby Museum der Arbeit in Barmbek. Whatever you decide, Hamburg North is the perfect place for an unforgettable discovery tour of Hamburg.