Hamburg's two largest rivers reflect the different facets of the city. On this short walk, you will encounter magnificent architecture from the Hanseatic era, grand shopping streets, some of the city's oldest buildings and a breathtaking view of the harbour.
Gänsemarkt and Jungfernstieg
This walking route starts at Gänsemarkt square, at the bronze statue of German poet Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, which was erected there in 1881. Leave Lessing behind for the Jungfernstieg promenade along the Inner Alster lake. As the beautiful panorama of the Inner Alster lake comes into view on your left, you’ll see the Alster fountain and the Lombardsbrücke bridge across the water. On your right, you’ll pass the magnificent Alsterhaus department store, Hamburg's counterpart to Harrod’s of London.
From where the Jungfernstieg bridge crosses the Kleine Alster canal, you can see the steps along the riverbank and the impressive City Hall. The white archways of the Alsterarkaden on the right-hand side are reminiscent of Venice. On the banks of the canal, about halfway to the City Hall, stands a prominent stone monolith. This relief sculpture is Hamburg's official memorial to the victims of the two world wars.
Neuer Wall and Rödingsmarkt
Turning away from the City Hall and crossing the Kleine Alster canal again above the locks, you’ll make your way towards Neuer Wall, Hamburg’s most luxurious shopping street, where shops from a number of renowned and international designers line up. Turn left, pass the iconic Steigenberger Hotel, and walk towards the U3 train viaduct at Rödingsmarkt.
You’ll now come to the Old Town Centre, a part of the city that was particularly damaged towards the end of the Second World War. This is reflected by the St. Nicholas Memorial only a few hundred steps to the east along the busy Willy-Brandt-Straße. Cross the road to get a nice view from Holzbrücke bridge over the Nikolaifleet inlet, which used to be the original course of the River Alster before its straightening in the late 19th century.
Tip: At the End of Neuer Wall, it is well worth visiting the Palaishof and Stadthöfe courtyards along with the Stadthaus historical exhibition.
Deichstraße and Harbour
Towering above Nikolaifleet are some of Hamburg’s oldest remaining buildings along the famous Deichstraße street. Some of these buildings date back to the first half of the 17th century and are home to some particularly cosy and unique dining spots. At the end of the street, take in a view of the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district. Turn right and walk towards the train viaduct again, under which you will find the locks at the mouth of the Alster into the River Elbe.
The Alster pumping station sits at the lower end of the Alsterfleet canal. Built in 1967 following the North Sea Flood of 1962, these locks to the River Elbe are an important part of Hamburg's flood protection system. The locks regulate the water level in the canal and push excess water into the Elbe. Heading towards the harbour and the River Elbe, you will find the U3 stop Baumwall where you can end your walk.
Tip: Follow the Jan-Fedder-Promenade until you reach S+U Landungsbrücken for a fish bun and a spectacular harbour view from the Stintfang lookout on top of the station.
Duration: approx. 45 minutes to 1 hour
