The water column
A jet rising about sixty metres in the middle of the lake, visible from every side.
Lukas from München, Germany — CC BY 2.0 · Rainer Marks — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Dietmar Rabich — CC BY-SA 4.0 · NOTE: This image is a panorama consisting of multiple frames that were merged or stitched in software. As a result, this image necessarily underwent some form of digital manipulation. These manipulati — CC BY-SA 3.0
Generally in the warmer months, roughly spring to early autumn, and it is switched off in winter. The dates shift with the weather each year, so do not rely on a fixed one. The lake and promenade are attractive regardless.
A quarter of an hour to look and photograph, an hour to walk the full circuit of the lake. It is part of central Hamburg and needs no special trip — you will pass it on any walk through the city.
The inner Alster is the small lake in the city centre holding the fountain, ringed by buildings and hotels. The outer Alster is much larger and lies north of it, surrounded by parks, long walking paths and sailing boats. The inner one is the city view; the outer is for recreation and open air.
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The Alster Fountain plays in the middle of the Binnenalster, the inner Alster lake at the heart of Hamburg. Its column of water rises about sixty metres and can be seen from every side of the lake and the bridges around it. It has become one of the city's emblems and among its most photographed sights. The fountain runs in the warmer months and is switched off in winter, when the lake sometimes freezes over. A comfortable promenade runs round the water, with cafés and hotels, and small boats set out from it for trips on the Alster. Watching it is free, of course, and it is loveliest at night when it is lit in colour.
A jet rising about sixty metres in the middle of the lake, visible from every side.
A level, comfortable walk right round the Binnenalster, with benches and cafés.
Small boats touring the lake and canals, leaving from a nearby jetty.
Binnenalster, 20095 Hamburg