Tour operator
Rainer Abicht Elbreederei
A long-established Hamburg shipping company with a fleet of 31 vessels, running harbour tours, evening light cruises and charters from the Landungsbrücken all year.
ATG Alster-Touristik
The operator of Hamburg's Alster steamers, with round trips on the lakes, canal cruises, twilight trips and longer river routes from the Jungfernstieg pier.
At a glance
- Type
- Alster lake and canal boat trips
- Area
- Neustadt (Jungfernstieg), Hamburg, Germany
- Official site
- alstertouristik.de
Good to know
- Runs in all weathers
- Alster round trip
- Canal trips
- Twilight cruise
- Hop-on day ticket
- Charters
Why we recommend it
ATG Alster-Touristik runs the passenger boats on the Alster, the lakes in the middle of Hamburg, and refers to more than 165 years of Alster shipping tradition. Its boats leave from the Jungfernstieg pier on the Binnenalster, a few steps from the Rathaus and the shopping streets, and they are one of the most relaxing ways to see the city.
The best-known trip is the 50-minute Alster round trip on the lakes. For more flexibility, a day ticket called the Alsterkreuzfahrt lets you hop on and off at piers around the lakes. Two-hour options include a canal trip through the Alster canals, a trip from the Alster to the Speicherstadt and the harbour, and the Dämmertörn, a twilight cruise with the lights coming on around the lake. Longer three-hour routes head out to the Vierlande, with departures from Jungfernstieg or Bergedorf, as well as an Alster-Elbe-Bille route and a trip to Wilhelmsburg.
The company says its boats run in any weather, which is useful in Hamburg, though departures vary by season, so use the trip finder on its website to check what is running on your dates. Tickets are sold through the online shop, and the company also handles private charters, weddings and events with on-board catering, as well as special themed cruises. An accessibility information page explains access to the boats.
The Alster trips suit almost everyone: families with small children, older travellers, couples and anyone who needs a rest from walking. The 50-minute round trip is easy to fit between sights, while the canal and twilight cruises give a more unusual view of the city and work well on a summer evening. The tourism office suggests ending a twilight cruise with an ice cream on Jungfernstieg.
The pier is next to Jungfernstieg station, so it is easy to reach from anywhere in the centre. Combine a boat trip with a visit to the Rathaus, a stroll through the Alsterarkaden or coffee at the Alsterpavillon. The Speicherstadt and harbour trip is also a clever way to travel from the lakes to the warehouse district by water rather than on foot, and the day ticket makes the boats a scenic alternative to public transport on a sunny afternoon.
ATG Alster-Touristik FAQs
Where do Alster boat trips depart?
From the Jungfernstieg pier on the Binnenalster; some longer trips also leave from Bergedorf.
How long is the Alster round trip?
About 50 minutes.
Can you hop on and off?
Yes, the Alsterkreuzfahrt day ticket allows flexible boarding and leaving at different piers.
Is there an evening cruise?
Yes, the two-hour Dämmertörn twilight cruise.
Do the boats run in bad weather?
The company says its boats run in any weather; schedules vary by season.
Is there a canal trip?
Yes, a two-hour trip through the Alster canals.
How do you book?
Through the online ticket shop on the company's website.
Can you charter a boat?
Yes, for private charters, weddings and events with catering.