Overview
Two artificial lakes in central Hamburg, created in 1240 by damming the Alster River. The 1.6-hectare 'Binnenalster' (Inner Alster) faces the city hall and downtown, while the 164-hectare 'Außenalster' (Outer Alster) is a massive lake ringed by yacht clubs and 7km of lakeside paths. On summer weekends, hundreds of sailboats and canoes fill the water, and the red Alster ferries offer a unique perspective on the city. The white villas along the shore and the Hamburg spires in the distance create one of the city's most elegant skylines. Free (boat rental extra). 1-minute walk from S-Bahn Jungfernstieg.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours (boat and ferry operations typically 10:00-19:00)
Travel Tips
Canoe and SUP rentals (about EUR 15/hr) are popular in summer. The Alster ferry day pass (about EUR 18) lets you hop on and off at 9 stops around the lakes.
Hotels near Alster Lakes
Hotels and guesthouses in Hamburg, Neustadt / Rotherbaum, Hamburg
Other attractions in Hamburg
Elbphilharmonie
A wave-shaped glass concert hall on the Elbe — Hamburg's newest landmark.
Speicherstadt (Warehouse District)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site — the world's largest brick warehouse complex, with canals and magical night views.
Hamburg Fish Market (Fischmarkt)
A 300-year-old Sunday morning market brimming with lively auctioneers and fresh seafood.
Miniatur Wunderland
The world's largest model railway — 16km of track and over 1,000 moving trains in miniature.
St. Michael's Church (Michel)
Hamburg's symbol 'Michel' — climb the 132m spire for a panorama of the harbour and city.
Reeperbahn
Hamburg's neon-lit nightlife strip — the music and entertainment hub where the Beatles got their start.
Hamburg Harbour (Landungsbrücken)
Europe's largest port — a 700m pier promenade and the launching point for harbour cruises.