Hamburg
Hamburg is Germany’s second‑largest city, with about 1.9 million residents and a metro region of 5.3 million.
The Elbe River and its extensive network of canals dominate Hamburg’s urban layout. Hamburg has been historically a major port for more than a thousand years because of the maritime route linking the North Sea via the Elbe River. Today, Hamburg is Germany’s largest seaport by far and remains the major gateway for German industry, including the automotive, machinery, and chemicals sectors.
Hamburg is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities with a strong expat presence due to logistics and maritime industries, as well as being Germany’s media capital and Europe’s largest musical theatre hub after London. Hamburg also has a higher migrant population compared to other major German cities. Hamburg’s diversity is visible in food, different ethnic neighbourhoods, festivals, and languages heard on the street.
Hamburg is a major rail transport hub that has excellent rail links to major European cities and regional trains linking other German cities. Hamburg is 1 hour and 45 minutes by high-speed train to Germany’s largest city, Berlin. Within the city, Hamburg has a very efficient public transport network consisting of metro (U‑Bahn), suburban rail (S‑Bahn), buses, and ferries.
In a nutshell, Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city with excellent water access, a lot of green spaces, full of modern creative energy, yet with a somewhat relaxed vibe.
Inner & Outer Alster Lakes
The Alster Lakes, consisting of Inner Alster (Binnenalster) and Outer Alster (Aussenalster), form Hamburg’s most iconic urban landscape. The lakes were created by damming the Alster River in the 13th century. They are now elegant city lakes surrounded by promenades, parks, historic buildings, and upscale neighbourhoods. Locals jog, sail, row, and relax along the water, while visitors enjoy panoramic views, cafés, and sunset walks.
The Inner Alster offers a refined, urban atmosphere, whereas the Outer Alster provides wide open water, greenery, and recreational space. Together, they create Hamburg’s signature blend of nature, culture, and city life.
The lakes are remarkably accessible – located right in the middle of the city and you can take the metro or suburban trains to Jungfernstieg Train Station, one train station away from Hamburg Central Station, and the Inner Alster is right outside Jungfernstieg train station.
The Inner Alster is bordered by Jungfernstieg, one of Germany’s most famous promenades. Many of Hamburg’s popular tourist attractions are just a short walk from Jungfernstieg.
The Walk
Jungfernstieg Station is the closest station to the Alster Lakes overall and is the best train station to reach Alster Lakes. When you step out of the station, you are immediately on the Jungfernstieg promenade right next to Jungfernstieg Ferry Wharf on the southern edge of the Inner Alster (Binnenalster), facing the lake.
From Jungfernstieg Ferry Wharf and facing the lake, walk on the waterfront walking paths on the right side of the Inner Alster in the northern direction towards the Outer Alster. Follow the walking paths alongside Ballindamm Road, then away from the lake on Ferdinandstor Road, and cross Kennedybrucke Road to reach the lakefront walking paths of the Outer Alster. Continue walking in the anti-clockwise direction around the Outer Alster Lake to enjoy beautiful water views. You will walk past marinas, sailing clubs, waterfront parks, and waterfront restaurants.
The one-way distance between Jungfernstieg Ferry Wharf at the Inner Alster Lake and Alsterwiese Schwanenwik State Park at the Outer Alster Lake is approximately 2.5 km.
Alternatively, you may do a full walking loop around Inner Alster Lake, which is approximately 2 km.
Energised and want to try a longer walk? You may do a full walking loop around the much bigger Outer Alster Lake, which is approximately 7.5 km.
Want to discover more great walking locations? Check out the “By the Waters” blogs.
The Alster Lakes, consisting of Inner Alster (Binnenalster) and Outer Alster (Aussenalster), form Hamburg’s most iconic urban landscape. The lakes are remarkably accessible – located right in the middle of the city and you can take the metro or suburban trains to Jungfernstieg Train Station, one train station away from Hamburg Central Station, and the Inner Alster is right outside Jungfernstieg train station.