Hotels near Alster Lakes (Binnenalster and Aussenalster)

The Alster is a tributary of the Elbe that was dammed in the 13th century to power city mills, creating the two central lakes that give modern Hamburg its distinctive shape. The Binnenalster (Inner Alster) is the smaller basin surrounded by Jungfernstieg promenade, the Alsterarkaden and the classical white facades of the Alte Post - a working city lake covered in swans and small ferries. The Aussenalster (Outer Alster) is the much larger natural lake beyond the Kennedy and Lombard bridges, 1.6 square kilometres in size and lined with parks, sailing clubs and 19th-century villas.

The 7 km walking loop around the Aussenalster is the classic Hamburg exercise route and takes about 90 minutes at an easy pace. Alsterdampfer ferries operated by ATG make circular tours from Jungfernstieg (adult ticket 22 EUR, roughly one hour, HVV cards not valid). Rent a rowing boat, kayak or small sailing dinghy at Alsterschwimmhalle for 20-30 EUR per hour from May to September. In winter, if the ice reaches 30 cm the city opens the Alstervergnugen ice festival on the frozen surface - a rare event, most recently 2012.

Pro Tip: Walk the eastern shore of Aussenalster (Schone Aussicht) around 18:00 in summer - you get the sunset behind the Alster fountain and the Rathaus spire in the same shot. Sailing dinghy rental is the best summer money you can spend in Hamburg.