+49 (0) 40 34 94 0
The Inner Alster Lake in Hamburg – 11 curious and interesting facts
While standing in front of Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, you have a beautiful view over the Inner Alster Lake. The Jungfernstieg promenade in front of our hotel is one of the most beautiful places in the Hanseatic city and a popular spot for tourists and locals as well.
The Inner and Outer Alster Lake are much more than just lakes and rivers in Hamburg, they are integral to the city's culture. Here are 11 interesting and sometimes curious facts about Hamburg's Alster that you probably didn't know.
1: The Alster is both a river and a lake
Lake or river? The Alster is both. It originates in Schleswig-Holstein and winds its way to Hamburg, where it transforms into a lake, divided into the Inner and Outer Alster Lake.
2: Inner Alster Lake and Outer Alster Lake
The Inner Alster Lake is located in the city centre, directly in front of Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. It is separated from the much larger Outer Alster Lake by the Lombards- and Kennedy bridge. While the Inner Alster Lake is surrounded by historic buildings, the banks of the Outer Alster Lake are lined with beautiful parks and imposing villas.
3: Impressively large and surprisingly shallow
The Inner Alster Lake covers an area of approximately 0.18 km², while the Outer Alster Lake is much larger at 1.64 km². With a depth of up to 4.5 metres, it is also a little deeper than the Inner Alster Lake with up to 3.5 metres. In some places, however, both are less than a metre deep, which is good for water plants, but can be a little inconvenient for boats.
4: The Alster fountain
In the middle of the Inner Alster Lake is one of Hamburg's most popular landmarks: the Alster fountain. Installed in 1987, it sprays water up to 60 meters high and can be admired all summer long.
5: Underground canals
Yes, there's more to it than meets the eye. There is an extensive network of canals and tunnels beneath the Alster. This regulates the flow of water and prevents flooding.
6: The Alster canals
Our beautiful Alster boasts not only underground canals but also above-ground ones most of which are navigable. The best way to explore the more than 15 canals is by water. Hire a boat, SUP or canoe and discover Hamburg from a different perspective. Along the canals you will find numerous cafés and bars where you can order directly from the water and enjoy your food and drink on board.
7: Water sports paradise
Hamburg's Alster is a water sports paradise. Whether you fancy stand-up paddling, canoeing, a trip in a rubber dinghy or a sailing boat, the Alster offers the ideal setting. There are around 15 rowing clubs and numerous canoeing and sailing clubs around the Outer Alster Lake. However, as the water of the Alster is always quite chilly, we recommend against swimming.
8: The swans of the Alster
The majestic swans are a natural part of Hamburg's Alster Lake. They have lived there for years and have become a symbol of the Hanseatic city. In autumn, the birds are transported to warmer regions for the winter before returning to the Alster each spring.
9: The Alster swan keeper
To ensure the swans are well cared for, the swan keeper looks after them with loving care. This role has existed since 1674 and the swan keeper looks after the swans all year round. The current swan keeper Olaf Nieß took over from his father. One of his duties is to move the swans into their winter quarters, a true spectacle that you shouldn’t miss.
10: Fun on the ice
The Alster also attracts many visitors in winter. When it gets particularly cold and the Alster freezes over, it's time to hit the ice! You can enjoy skating, playing ice hockey, or taking a leisurely stroll with a warm drink.
11: The Alster water
Fancy a cool Alster? Although the quality of the water in Hamburg's Alster is astonishingly good, you won't get a glass of lake water if you order an "Alster". In Hamburg, this is a mixed beer drink with lemonade. In other parts of Germany this refreshing drink is called a "Radler".
Dreamy overnight stay at Inner Alster Lake
One thing is clear: Hamburg's Alster is impressive and diverse. Imagine spending the night in a beautiful hotel with a view over the Inner Alster Lake. At Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, this dream becomes true.