Hamburg / Hamburg City15.12.2017Alster or Elbe?
Two rivers shape the face of Hamburg. One wakens a yearning for the sea, the other for home: with its port that never sleeps, the Elbe is the city’s main artery leading out into the North Sea; and the Alster, which forms the lake in the city centre, represents the heart of Hamburg. These two waterways are in slight competition with each other, and thus “Alster or Elbe?” is almost a question of faith among residents of Hamburg, and literally everyone has their own answer.
Alster or Elbe, this is, first of all, a question of social milieu: the rough Elbe with its tireless port, and the busy operations of heavy cranes, barges and ferries, have always been the domain of the working classes. Gigantic container ships from China or returning cruise liners from Scandinavia can be seen making their way down the River Elbe. At night, the port is illuminated by its countless cranes, and their hollow humming provides the city’s soundtrack.
While the port denies the Elbe a moment’s peace, the Alster creates Hamburg’s idyllic centre. Quiet and beautiful, the Alster provides you with a far-reaching view in the heart of the city centre – a view of Hamburg’s magnificent Kontorhaus buildings and luxury hotels on the banks of the Inner Alster Lake, and a view of tree-lined parks and promenades on the banks of the larger Outer Alster Lakes. The exclusive residential areas close to the Outer Alster are home to many of Hamburg’s affluent citizens. On a sunny afternoon, you can see them in the club houses of the time-honoured rowing clubs, and on their sailing boats on the water.
While these stereotypes are familiar and may be true in essence, the truth is of course more complex than that: as an urban recreational area and Hamburg’s most popular jogging route, the Alster belongs to everyone. During the summer, the restaurants and cafés along the banks of the Alster, such as the Alsterperle, are a popular place to meet, have a drink, and enjoy the view – for all age groups and for all social milieus. And Hamburg’s most expensive residential areas in the suburb of Blankenese with a view over the Elbe are anything but working class. At the end of the day, a stretch of water can be claimed by nobody – and isn’t life perfect that way?
Photo: www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Jörg Modrow
22.05.2019Leave your stresses and strains behind
21.05.2019More than 190 partners
20.05.2019Bavaria’s hotel brand for connoisseurs
17.05.2019On the trail of nobility
16.05.2019Wellbeing in Bayern
15.05.2019Culture, nature and culinary delights of Allgäu/Bavarian-Swabia
13.05.2019A great experience, whatever the season!
08.05.2019Many advantages and free entrances
07.05.2019Hot time, summer in the city
06.05.2019Lake Constance Gardens tell stories.
03.05.2019No chance for a boring holiday!
02.05.2019Relaxing and inspiring
29.04.2019Inn or gourmet restaurant - always tasty!
26.04.2019Stuttgart’s Market Hall and Markets
25.04.2019The contrast between Frankfurt and its surrounding environs is typical of the Rhine-Main region
24.04.2019Creative hotel concepts with a sophisticated design
23.04.2019Many events to experience
18.04.2019The Romans started it
17.04.20195 great gardening experiences in Southwest Germany
16.04.2019Positive results in 2018
15.04.2019Big festivals and the picturesque Christmas Market are traditionally held in the state capital.
11.04.2019Jewish culture – important heritage but also actively experienced
09.04.2019Vineyards, Wineries and Wine Queens
08.04.2019What’s awaiting visitors in 2019?
05.04.2019Enjoy coffee.
04.04.2019Specialists for Enjoyment.
03.04.2019Two Guide Michelin 2019 star-awarded restaurants in Frankfurt
02.04.2019The New Old Town has brought a piece of Frankfurt history back to life!
01.04.2019Together with other German cities, Leipzig celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus school
29.03.2019Lake Constance Region: New Offers
