Alster

The Alster is a 56-kilometer-long tributary of the Elbe River that significantly shapes the cityscape and recreational life of Hamburg. In the 13th century, the river was dammed for milling purposes, creating the Binnenalster (Inner Alster) and the much larger Außenalster (Outer Alster). While the Binnenalster is surrounded by the city's commercial center and grand buildings, the Außenalster serves as Hamburg's green heart for sailors, rowers, and joggers. The two artificial lakes are separated by the Lombard and Kennedy bridges, which serve as vital traffic arteries. Numerous canals, known as 'Fleets,' connect the Alster with the Elbe, reflecting the city's historical water management. Every year, the Alster hosts traditional events such as the Alstervergnügen and the cherry blossom festival. Water quality is strictly monitored as the river also constitutes an important habitat within the densely populated urban area. The Alster steamers offer regular ferry services and tours, forming an integral part of public transport on the water.

Nearby cities

Hamburg

Hamburg, the Free and Hanseatic City, is Germany's second-largest city and a central European logistics hub.

Wandsbek

Wandsbek is a beautiful city.

Eimsbüttel

Eimsbüttel is a beautiful city.

Altona

Altona is a western borough of Hamburg, once an independent city, known for its historic railway station, the fish market, and the vibran…

Harburg

Harburg is a beautiful city.

Hamburg-Harburg

Harburg is a southern borough of Hamburg south of the Elbe, with an important inland port, the Hamburg University of Technology, and a hi…

Bergedorf

Bergedorf is an eastern borough of Hamburg with a historic castle district and one of the last preserved farmsteads within a major city.

St. Pauli

St.

History & landmarks

St. Michaelis Church

St.

Elbphilharmonie

The Elbphilharmonie is Hamburg's most spectacular landmark, a concert hall opened in 2017 atop a historic port warehouse.

Elbphilharmonie

The Elbphilharmonie is a modern concert hall in Hamburg built on top of a historic warehouse building, opening in 2017.

Hamburg Fish Market

Hamburg's fish market on the Elbe waterfront takes place every Sunday from 5 a.m.

Reeperbahn (St. Pauli)

The Reeperbahn in the St.

Reeperbahn St. Pauli

The Reeperbahn in St.

Beatles Museum Hamburg

A museum dedicated to the legendary band that started their career in Hamburg.

St. Pauli Landungsbrücken

The prominent landing stage in Hamburg harbor, gateway to the world and starting point for harbor tours.

Nature

Hamburg Alster

The Alster is a tributary of the Elbe, dammed in the middle of Hamburg into two lakes: Binnenalster and Außenalster.

More places

Hamburg City Hall

Hamburg City Hall is an impressive Neo-Renaissance building from 1897, housing the Senate and Citizens' Assembly of the Free and Hanseati…

St. Nikolai Memorial Hamburg

The ruins of St.

Hamburg Speicherstadt

Speicherstadt is the world's largest warehouse district, built between 1883 and 1927 in Hamburg's free port.

Speicherstadt

The Speicherstadt is the world's largest historic warehouse complex, built between 1883 and 1927 on oak piles in Hamburg's port.

HafenCity

HafenCity is Europe's largest inner-city urban development project, built on a former free-port area north of the Speicherstadt.

Miniatur Wunderland

Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg's Speicherstadt is the world's largest model railway exhibition and one of Germany's most visited attracti…

Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg

Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg's Speicherstadt is the world's largest model railway and miniature worlds installation.

Kramer-Amtsstuben

The Kramer-Amtsstuben are a group of 17th-century almshouses near St.