LINE C OF THE ROT-GELBEN DOPPELDECKER
Discover even more Hamburg highlights
Once completely around the Außenalster
The route of line C of the Rot-Gelben Doppeldecker buses also takes you around the Außenalster lake.
Tickets for line C are available here: hamburg-stadtrundfahrten.com/stadtrundfahrt
For the line C route: hamburg-stadtrundfahrten.com/haltestellen
The Außenalster, a central and scenic part of Hamburg, is much more than just a body of water. It is the heart of the city and a reflection of its history. With an area of 164 hectares and a maximum depth of 4.5 metres, it is the largest man-made body of water in the city. Its creation is closely linked to the economic development of Hamburg. In the 13th century, the people of Hamburg dammed the Alster, a tributary of the Elbe, to supply the city’s mills with sufficient water power. This created the Binnenalster, and the construction of another dam outside the city walls created what is now the Außenalster.
The history of the Außenalster at a glance
Originally, the Außenalster was not an idyllic place for walks and sailing trips. Rather, it was used as a transport route to bring goods and wood to the mills and into the city. With the growth of Hamburg and the transformation of the city, the Alster increasingly became a local recreation area and a status symbol.
The green banks and sweeping views across the water attracted wealthy citizens and merchants, who had their prestigious villas built here.
Alster idyll with chic
The history of the villas on the Außenalster is closely linked to the rise of Hamburg’s bourgeoisie in the 19th century. After the Great Fire of 1842, which destroyed large parts of the city centre, wealthy families began to settle outside the old city walls. They appreciated the peace and quiet and fresh air of the suburbs, but also the proximity to the city centre.
The city of Hamburg encouraged this development by building grand boulevards and providing building land. The villas along the Außenalster, especially on the western shore in the Rotherbaum district and on the eastern shore in Uhlenhorst, became synonymous with wealth and success.
The Außenalster today
To this day, these magnificent villas, designed by renowned architects such as Martin Haller, Alexis de Chateauneuf and Georg Wilhelm Jollasse, remain a striking feature of the Alster landscape and shape the image of Hamburg.
Despite its urban location, the Außenalster is also an important habitat for a variety of water birds, including swans, ducks and geese. The Alster tour on the white Alster ships is one of the most popular attractions for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique view of the impressive villa landscape.
The Außenalster is therefore not only a place of peace and relaxation, but also a place that reflects the history and prosperity of Hamburg.
Line C: Tickets / Contact
- The Rot-Gelben Doppeldecker Line C
- Internet:
Tickets: hamburg-stadtrundfahrten.com/stadtrundfahrt
Route: hamburg-stadtrundfahrten.com/haltestellen - Telephone: +49-40 38 63 95 77
- Mail: info@hamburg-stadtrundfahrten.com
