Things to do in Alster
The Alster River flows through and adds life to Hamburg, Germany just like blood circulates through the human body. Spend any amount of time in Hamburg and you're bound to stumble upon this scenic 56-km-long tributary of the Elbe River.
In the 13th century, two artificial lakes were formed from the Alster River: the Außenalster (Outer Alster) and the smaller Binnenalster (Inner Alster). These two prominent expanses of water can be found right in the heart of Hamburg and are separated by the Kennedy and Lombard bridges.
Locals and tourists alike make their way to the Alster lakes for sanctuary from the bustling city. On a day with pleasant weather, you'll find people walking, biking, or lounging around this charming urban oasis. You can also sail down the water on a boat, canoe, or kayak. And you can't miss seeing the city lights reflected on the Alster during sunset or at night — it makes for a perfect photo backdrop!
Our recommendations in Alster
Discover Hamburg with hop-on hop-off bus, harbor and Alster cruise
Explore the highlights of Hamburg by land and water: Enjoy a sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour, a harbor cruise, and an Alster cruise in 1-3 days!
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Discover the different faces of Hamburg on an Alster cruise
Navigate the Alster river through the posh suburbs and to the mysterious side of the city can only be discovered by taking the water.
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Sunset sailing trip on the Alster in Hamburg
Enjoy a sailing trip on the Alster in Hamburg at sunset and admire the panorama of Hamburg.
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Hamburg hop-on hop-off bus and Alster lake tour
Discover Hamburg's city centre with a hop-on hop-off bus, see the top attractions and enjoy a cruise along the beautiful Inner and Outer Alster lake.
Discover Hamburg with hop-on hop-off bus, harbor and Alster cruise
Explore the highlights of Hamburg by land and water: Enjoy a sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour, a harbor cruise, and an Alster cruise in 1-3 days!
en, de
Discover the different faces of Hamburg on an Alster cruise
Navigate the Alster river through the posh suburbs and to the mysterious side of the city can only be discovered by taking the water.
en, de
Sunset sailing trip on the Alster in Hamburg
Enjoy a sailing trip on the Alster in Hamburg at sunset and admire the panorama of Hamburg.
en, de
Hamburg hop-on hop-off bus and Alster lake tour
Discover Hamburg's city centre with a hop-on hop-off bus, see the top attractions and enjoy a cruise along the beautiful Inner and Outer Alster lake.
Alster tour on the water in Hamburg
Tour the city on the water, explore the “pearl of the city center” and discover popular sights of the Hanseatic city from the water.
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Private sailing tour on the Alster in Hamburg
Experience a private sailing tour with up to 10 people on Hamburg's Alster and enjoy the panorama of the city from the water.
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Hop-on hop-off Alster cruise day-ticket
Discover the Alster river with a hop-on hop-off ticket, which allows you to get off the boat at any station and get on again at a later time.
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Sailing trip with two-mast sailing cutter on the Alster in Hamburg
Sail around 1.5 hours on the Hamburg Außenalster and enjoy the great distant view of Hamburg's highlights.
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How to get there
Alster
Hamburg
Germany
Reviews Alster
“Uns hat die Tour super gut gefallen, wir kommen wieder. Schade, dass es am Ende wieder Regen gab und wir im Atlantik etwas flott aufwärmende Zuflucht suchten. AHOI und lieben Dank für die schöne Fahrt bis in Kürze, die Volksdorfer mit teils Bielefelder Wurzeln”
“Enjoyed the boat tour. While we were able to use the audio guide in English it would have been nice to have been included a little in the commentary as the German audience seemed to be enjoying it but the only dialogue to us was greeting hello & goodbye.”
