Außenalster

The Alster Lake, colloquially known as ‘the Alster’, consists of the Inner and Outer Alster and was created by damming the river of the same name, which flows into the Elbe. The Inner and Outer Alster are separated by the Lombardsbrücke and Kennedyrücke bridges. The Outer Alster covers an area of approximately 160 hectares, is up to 4.5 metres deep and is the larger, northern part of the Alster Lake. Some of Hamburg’s most sought-after residential areas are located on the Outer Alster, e.g. Harvestehude and the streets Bellevue and Schöne Aussicht.

You can walk all the way around the Außenalster on the Alsterrundweg, which is just over 7 km long. It’s a great place for a walk or a jog. There are lots of cafés and restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat or a drink. For example, there’s the famous Bodo’s Bootssteg, Kajüte, Käpt’n Prüsse and the very popular Bobby Reich. When the weather is nice, you can sit on the terrace anywhere, look directly at the Alster and watch the water sports enthusiasts sailing and rowing. Pedal boats and rowing boats can also be hired.

Magnificent villas surround the Outer Alster. These were built by wealthy merchants. Today, they are home to a number of celebrities and many consulates and embassies. Coming from the banks of the Alster, our route takes us past the Blue Mosque, a very special building, across Schöne Aussicht street with the Alsterperle, a restaurant housed in a former toilet block and an absolute insider tip.