Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture

Apply for permission to navigate the Alster with a motorized boat

If you want to navigate the Alster with motorized vehicles, you need a permit. Here you can find out where and how to apply for one.

Detailed description

The navigable Alster area is a special use area that is intended for water sports and recreation. Shipping is therefore mainly reserved for boats for sailing, rowing and paddling. You need a separate driving license to use engines as propulsion. You must apply for the separate driving license from the responsible authority. The driving license will only be issued to you in justified exceptional cases. Even with the separate driving license, you are not allowed to drive in certain areas of the navigable Alster area. This is only permitted with a further, additional special permit. You must also apply for this special permit from the responsible authority. The areas in which you need a special permit are marked on the map of the navigable waters in the Alster area (see the "Links" section).

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • For safety reasons, vessels may only have the maximum possible draught based on the water level. The applicable values are published in the Official Gazette.
  • Vehicles that are licensed for the carriage of passengers for a fee, offer food on board and undertake journeys lasting more than one hour must be equipped with permanently installed toilets, hand basins and a holding and waste water tank dimensioned to accommodate the wastewater generated by the maximum number of persons permitted and kept in working order on board at all times.
  • The vehicles may only be equipped with an environmentally friendly underwater coating.
  • The engine power of vehicles not licensed for the paid transport of passengers or used for towing or commercial work may not exceed 50 kilowatts (kW). Vehicles powered by an oil/gasoline fuel mixture with underwater exhaust are prohibited as of January 1, 2007. These restrictions do not apply to public service vehicles or emergency operations by private rescue services.

Documents required

  • Documents proving that your boat meets the requirements for motorized navigation on the Alster

Please note

Once you receive the permit, you must carry it on board at all times and present it during inspections.

Deadlines

You must apply for permission at least 2 weeks before the start of the intended driving event.

Procedure

  • You apply for a driving license using the application form provided. In your application, you also state whether you want to make a single trip or a transfer trip or whether you want to drive in the Alster area with a so-called annual permit.
  • The responsible authority will examine your application and, if necessary, request any missing documents or information from you.
  • The decision of the competent authority regarding your application will be communicated to you in writing.

Processing time

about 2 weeks

Fees

10.00 EUR - 200.00 EUR

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Ordinance regulating the use of the navigable Alster by machine-driven vessels (Alster Shipping Ordinance)


www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-AlsterSchVHAV1P3/part/X

Forms and downloads

Links on hamburg.de

Address and contact information

Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture

Water Management

We have a limited number of customer parking spaces. To reserve a parking space, please contact our receptionist by e-mail at zugang@bsw.hamburg.de or by telephone on +49 40 428 40 - 50 50. Our working hours are: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m , Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Haven't found the right one yet?

To Hamburg Service startpage

Keywords: Alster motorized boats Water protection Driving on the Alster Pleasure craft Transfer trip - Alster Driving license on the Alster Single trip - Alster Water lanterns

Last updated: 06.02.2026