Spending a Sunday after walking around Außenalster was the perfect remedy for jet lag. The lake is…read moresurrounded by beautiful scenes in the distance and up close. The swans and ducks are magnificent. There is no shortage of sailboats. Trees and flowers are abundant. The architectural diversity is impressive including spectacular residences and consulate buidlings. The trails are shaded about half of the distance which helps on a hot day. There are plenty of scenic resting spots and ice cream vendors along the way. I enjoyed the people watching and was impressed by things I'd never seen live before. One man had his wheel chair rigged with a front wheel and handle bars so that he could "arm pedal" it along side his family. It was very touching to see them ride together. Surrounding the lake, there are plenty of restaurants where you can quench your thirst. I topped off my mile walk with a cold heifeweizen and hearty Germany meal. For anyone visiting Hamburg who likes to walk or cycle, this is a great place to spend a full morning or afternoon.

GORGEOUS LAKE!! Absolutely love it and one of my favorite places in hamburg. Its great if you want…read moreto walk around or sit by it and enjoy a drink or a good book. Its very friendly to runners/joggers.

'Inner-Alster' is the smaller part of a lake that defines the heart of Hamburg. Beyond two bridges…read more- one named in honour of president Kennedy - is the Outer-Alster, a lake of 1,2 square miles. A net of more than 120 miles of waterways meanders through the city. In spring it is unbelievably beautiful to canooe this wonderworld. Blossoming trees and dedicately tended gardens border the rivers and creeks, the canals and cul-de-sacs. More than 50 kinds of birds build nests and rise their offspring between low hanging branches, dusted by pollen from countless bushes and trees. Four weeks ago the swans were freed again - after incarnation for the winter time. Never before they could court as undisturbed as 2020.

Jetzt im Herbst ist ein Blick vom Jungfernstieg auf die Alster schöner denn je. Heine hat in seinen…read morejungen Jahren oft im Pavillon gesessen, der damals noch anders aussah. Und wahrscheinlich hat der Schwerenöter weniger auf die Alster als auf den Jungfernstieg gesehen, auf dem junge Damen flanierten. Tatsächlich war das Theater-Viertel - am heutigen Gänsemarkt - mit dem dazugehörigen Straßenstrich - nur einen Steinwurf entfernt. Wenn man heute im ALEX am Jungfernstieg sitzt, kann man erahnen, wie romantische Gefühle aufkommen können. Wenn man ein Schiff wie die St. Georg betritt, fühlt man sich ein bisschen zurückversetzt in das 19. Jahrhundert. Heine hätte Dampfschiffe gemocht.