Binnenalster

What makes it special

A dam built from 1235 on the line of today's Jungfernstieg held back the Alster, and the lake you look across from the promenade formed behind it.

Two bridges, the Lombardsbrücke and the Kennedybrücke, close off the far side and divide it from the Außenalster, the outer lake. The Lombardsbrücke runs on the line of the old city fortifications.

Out on the lake, the Alsterfontäne throws a jet of water high into the air. It was modelled on the Jet d'Eau.

The Alsterarkaden run between the lake and the Rathausmarkt, a covered walk made for a slow stroll. Four of the original houses still stand along them, each with its old lanterns.

Visiting

Up from Jungfernstieg station, the promenade runs along the water, with seating where you can sit and look out over the lake. The Alsterpavillon stands right on the Binnenalster, on the promenade itself.

From the promenade, walk the small round of the Binnenalster, the loop of the lake on foot, and come back to the Jungfernstieg at the end of it.

Then cut through to the Alsterarkaden and follow them towards the Rathausmarkt, where the walk ends in front of the town hall square.

Guided or on your own

The Alster round trip is the guided way onto the water. It leaves the landing on the Jungfernstieg, lasts 50 minutes and has an audioguide in English, so bring your own headphones.

In the main season, from April to early October, boats leave every half hour through the day. From October to the end of December there are fewer departures, with extra ones from Friday to Sunday and on holidays.

Book by date on the Hamburg Tourism ticket page for the round trip, which also lists the departure times.

Tips

In the main season the round trip adds an evening departure at 6.30pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Book that one to be out on the lake in the evening, and do the walk round the shore in the afternoon before it.