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Hamburg: Alster Lake A stroll around the Alster is one of the most rewarding things that Hamburg has to offer. Located in the heart of the green Hanseatic city, this artificial lake is a whopping 160 hectares in size but only 2.5 metres at its deepest point. It was created in the 13th century from the Alster rivulet and its smaller tributaries. Top quality specialist shops, expensive department stores, glass arcades and first class restaurants and cafes are located all around this lake and are popular among locals and visitors alike. In wet weather, covered arcades such as the Hansaviertel are inviting places for a stroll. The lake is divided by the Kennedy Bridge and Lambardsbrüke into the Außenalster (outer Alster) north of the bridges, and the Binnenalster (inner Alster) in the city centre south of the bridges. The Alster steamers on the Jungfernsteig offer enchanting sightseeing tours of the lake and city (Tel: +49 40/ 300 51 535. Prices from &eur;7.50). To the north of Aussenalster is the Stadtpark, a popular recreation area for residents of Hamburg's northern districts. In the summer, the park's open-air stage hosts free jazz and rock concerts. It is also home to the Planetarium which offers lectures and exhibitions all about the subject of astronomy (Tel: +49/ 40/ 42 88 65 2- 0, advance reservations advisable). |