Karsten Bergmann on Pixabay

Boats, Steamers and Villas - The Außenalster (Outer Alster Lake)

The Big Alsterlake

The Alster Lake, colloquially "the Alster", consists of the Inner and Outer Alster Lake and was formed by damming the river of the same name, which flows into the Elbe. The Inner and Outer Alster are separated by the Lombard Bridge and Kennedy Bridge. The Außenalster is approx. 160 hectares in size, up to 4.5 meters deep and is the larger, northern part of the Alster lake. Some of Hamburg's most sought after residential areas are located at the Außenalster, e.g. Harvestehude and the streets Bellevue and Schöne Aussicht.

You can circle the Outer Alster Lake completely on the Alster Circular Walk of just over 7 km. This is wonderful for a walk or jogging. There are many cafes and restaurants that invite you to linger and promise refreshment. For example.the famous Bodo's Bootssteg, Kajüte, Käpt'n Prüsse and the very popular Bobby Reich. Here you can sit on the terraces if the weather is fine, look directly at the Alster and watch the water sports enthusiasts sailing and rowing. Pedal and row boats can also be rented.

There are magnificent villas around the Außenalster, built by wealthy merchants. Today there are also some celebrities and many consulates and embassies. Coming from the banks of the Alster, our route leads past the Blue Mosque, a very special building, over the street Schöne Aussicht with the Alsterperle, a restaurant that is housed in a former toilet house and is an absolute in-tip. Continue on the southeastern shore along the street An der Alster with the world-famous Hotel Atlantic, in which scenes from a James Bond film were shot, back towards the Inner Alster.

Our tips round the Big Alster Lake/ Outer Alster

If you want to walk along the Alster, please get off at bus stops Nos. 4, 5 or 6. Stop No. 4 is located on the west bank of the Outer Alster directly at Bodos Bootssteg, a boat rental with restaurants. From here you have a very nice view over the Outer Alster to the east bank. Stop No. 5 is on the north east bank on the street Schöne Aussicht. From there you can see the green west bank with the beautiful old villas. Stop No. 6 is located on the southern east bank directly at the Alsterperle , a legendary bar with an outdoor area. Here you have a very good view of the city with its towers.

Restaurants and Cafés (among many others):

Bobby Reich 
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fernsicht 2, 22301 Hamburg
www.bobbyreich.de

Alsterperle
Eduard-Rhein-Ufer 1, 22087 Hamburg
www.alsterperle.com

Bodo's Bootssteg
Harvestehuder Weg 1b, 20148 Hamburg
Bodo's Bootsteg @ facebook