Alster Lakes

In the Middle Ages, a dam turned the Alster River into a reservoir to power the factories that operated on its banks. This has shaped the face of central Hamburg as today it is made up of two lakes known as Außenalster (Outer Alster) and Inner Alster (Inner Lake). From a water source outside Hamburg, the Alster flows into the Elbe River just south of the city centre.

The Kennedy and Lombard Bridges separate the Outer and Inner Alster lakes. Inner Alster is the smaller of the two and faces downtown Hamburg. Magnificent buildings along the Jungfernstieg, the Town Hall, the many churches and fountains in the center of the lake make a dramatic backdrop for every photo. After the sun goes down, the city lights are reflected by the water and make for great photo opportunities.

Outer Alster is surrounded by old trees, green parks and beautiful mansions of Winterhude, St. Georg and Rotherbaum, giving the area a sophisticated, seductive beauty. People go there to leave the stressful city life for a moment and relax in the shade of the trees. In the summer, the parks around the lake are great places to grill (a national sport), enjoy the sun's rays or jog around the lake. Around the lake area or organize sports activities on the shore into water sports. Boats, canoes and kayaks can be rented at various points around Alster. Stand-up paddle boarding is also a fun activity and is very popular with locals.

In previous cold winters, the Alster was once frozen and turned into a huge skating rink for thousands of Hamburg locals. However, given current climate trends, this phenomenon is unlikely to happen again with any frequency.

Near Alster Lakes is the Pöseldorf area, famous for its galleries, shops and cafes, along with the canals, or "fleetes", that link the lakes to the Elbe river. Visitors visiting at the end of summer will have the opportunity to attend the Alstervergnügen - a street fair held annually around the lakes with great entertainment, including many concerts.

Address: Jungfernstieg, 20534 Hamburg