The Alster was once an insignificant little river. But over 800 years ago, the river was dammed in the city so that the water power could drive the mill wheels. Even after the Great Fire of 1842, the people of Hamburg benefited from the good transport route for lime and bricks. It is 7.5 kilometres, once around the Outer Alster. But let's take it one step at a time: We start the walk at Hamburg's most relaxed railway station, Dammtor. All around, caravans of cars pile up several times a day, but it's worth taking a second look at the station, which opened in 1903, with its sandstone-clad Art Nouveau hall. From Dammtor, walk across Moorweide to Mittelweg, from there turn right into Fontenay Street, which leads directly to the Alster. From there, turn left into the upmarket Harvestehude district. This was not built on until the middle of the 19th century, until then it was pastureland with grazing cows outside the then gates of Hamburg. The best thing to do on the Außenalster is to drift along with the stream of joggers, walkers and strolling passers-by and let the scenery take its effect on you. Sailboats chug along on the water, while on land the wind blows through the autumnal scenery. The Krugkoppel Bridge from 1927 finally leads from the western to the eastern bank of the Alster - where it is better to live is a question of faith in Hamburg. From here the route continues via Bellevue and Fährhausstraße to Schöne Aussicht and past the Feenteich, around which the villas are grouped in a circle. After Schwanewiek, the colourful district of St. Georg begins at An der Alster. Before Kennedybrücke, turn left and walk to the end of the walk at the main railway station.
