playbook
Rent a Boat on the Hamburger Alster Without a Boating License
Take out an electric boat or rowing boat without a boating license on the Außenalster and cruise through the heart of Hamburg on the water, between Jungfernstieg and Uhlenhorst.
3u
duration
€ 25–120
budget
Ground
pace
The Alster is Hamburg's central waterway, clearly visible between Jungfernstieg, Rotherbaum and Uhlenhorst. A special rule applies on the Außenalster: combustion engines are not allowed, which makes electric boats, rowing boats and small sailboats without a license the obvious choice. You don't need an SBF certificate, a brief on-land briefing is all it takes. Rental stations are located at the Alsterperle, at Bobby Reich and at the Atlantic-Steg.
An electric boat comfortably fits four to six people, while rowing boats are smaller and suit two to four. A lap around the Außenalster, past the Anglo-German Club and the Krugkoppelbrücke, takes about an hour and a half. Getting there is easy with the U1 or S-Bahn to Dammtor or Hauptbahnhof, then a short walk to the waterfront. Prices range from 25 to 40 euros per hour for rowing and pedal boats, with electric boats starting at around 60 euros an hour.
Checklist
0 of 5
Reservierung und Ausweis mitnehmen
Wetterlage und Wind prüfen
Schwimmweste vor Abfahrt anlegen
Bargeld für Kaution einpacken
Sonnenschutz und Wasser dabei haben
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by PlayTryBe team
Book your spot at Bobby Reich, Alsterperle or Bootshaus Silwar online in advance, and show up early on sunny weekends.
Listen to the briefing, check the battery level or oar setup, and place a life jacket on the boat.
Keep the towers of Sankt Petri and Sankt Nikolai behind you as you head towards the Krugkoppelbrücke ahead.
Make a brief stop at Schwanenwik to grab an ice cream or coffee from one of the kiosks.
Steer clear of the Alsterdampfer routes, the lanes are marked with yellow buoys.
Make a note of whether a longer trip through the lock to the Binnenalster appeals to you for next time.
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Suggestions
- Start on a weekday morning, the Außenalster gets busy with sailors on weekends.
- The ice cream at the Schwanenwik kiosk is worth it, the small landing spot is usually free.
- Watch out for swans and rowing eights, competitive rowers often have right of way.
- Enjoy the sunset in the late afternoon on the western side of the Alster.
- In winds above force 4, go for an electric boat rather than a rowing boat.
Variations
- - Tretboot statt Ruderboot für eine entspannte Runde mit weniger Aufwand.
- - Segelboot mit kleinem Skipper buchen, falls Wind verlässlich vorhanden ist.
- - Tour zur Binnenalster über die Schleuse Bei den Mühren erweitern.
- - Frühstücksboot ab 9 Uhr buchen, einige Verleiher liefern Brötchen an Bord.
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