Hamburg: Public ride with an original Venetian gondola

Hamburg , Germany

Hamburg: Public ride with an original Venetian gondola

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45m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The floating haven of peace on the Alster.
An old but well-maintained gondola from Venice and flagship of the Azzurro e.V. rowing club in Hamburg; freshly inspected by a ship expert and approved by the Waterways Authority...
The Venetians' floating Rolls Royce has been at home in Hamburg, the Venice of the North, for many years and is often rowed at a sporty pace by up to 4 rowers in the club.
We finance part of the maintenance costs, the berth rental and, if it is enough, part of the travel costs for participation in regattas in Italy through guest trips.
Your gondolier Carlo was trained in Venice, has been allowed to drive the gondola on the Grand Canal there since 2009, has been the first to cross the finish line at regattas since 2021 and likes to talk about gondolas, Hamburg and Venice.
There is no fixed route because the weather and traffic situation on the water must be taken into account.
Take a seat on the soft cushions and enjoy!

Available options

Ride on the Alster in an original Venetian gondola

What's included

Free life jackets in different sizes are available for all guests.

Detailed itinerary

In the 13th century, there were several watermills on the Inner Alster. The owner of one of these mills in 1256 was Heinrich Reese (Reesendammbrücke).

The Inner Alster is 3m deep and about 400m long.

The Lombards Bridge follows the course of the old ramparts. There was a pawn shop called "Lombard" here (Lombard shops, Lombard set).
At the eastern end of the bridge is the 10th longitude, which we cross several times on the journey.
The distance between the longitudes is about 70 km in our latitudes. We are 700 km from Greenwich.

Stop 3 Pass by

The Alster is a 56 km long river that flows into the Elbe in Hamburg. In the middle of Hamburg's urban area, the dammed river forms the Alster lakes.
The Outer Alster (we've been here for about 10 minutes) was created in the 12th century by damming the Alster river for a water mill and was part of the city's fortifications. Many beautiful canals lead from the Alster into the city, all of which we can travel on by gondola on longer trips.
The Outer Alster is 2.8 km long, 1 km wide and on average 2.5 m deep.
The banks of the Alster are very popular with Hamburg residents. The "Alsterrunde" for joggers is 7.4 km long and goes around the Outer Alster.
On warm spring and summer days, many pedestrians, cyclists and picnickers are out and about on the riverside paths and in the adjacent parks, enjoying the view of the water of the Outer Alster.
From the soft cushions of the gondola you can enjoy the unobstructed view of the green banks of the Alster, the villas and the skyline of the city.

The Alster Arcades, which were planned in 1842 by the Hamburg architect Alexis de Chateauneuf, are located directly on the Kleine Alster.

Stop 5 Pass by

Opposite the Alsterarkaden are the imposing Hamburg Town Hall and the Town Hall Lock. Locking into the Old Town canal is only possible on longer tours. The difference in height is 1.5 metres and it takes 15 minutes.

Stop 6 Pass by

The Alster fountain is 60 meters high and fills an entire bathtub in 3 seconds.

Stop 7 Pass by

The famous Jungfernstieg is located on the south bank of the Binnenalster and we almost always see it from the water side.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN IT

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The departure point is about 250 m from the "Jungfernstieg" stop. S-Bahn S1 and S3 / U-Bahn U2 and U4

This trip is especially designed for couples who want to celebrate themselves... marriage proposal, wedding anniversary, birthday, day they met...

Small companion animals can travel free of charge in bags or on blankets brought along.

All guests must climb a step approximately 30 cm high when entering. We are happy to help with this.

Meeting point

The departure point is next to the restaurant ship "Bootshaus". We will also return there after our trip.
You will find toilets opposite in the Europapassage.

Important notes

Please arrive at the Ballindamm 14 A departure point on time. We cannot wait to depart because the following trips must also start on time.

The ticket is valid for the specified date and can be transferred to other people.

We also travel in the rain and always have large umbrellas with us. If there is strong wind at the departure point from 6 Bft and if there is a thunderstorm, no trips will take place. We will call you in this case.

No sales tax is charged in accordance with Section 19 of the VAT Act.

Please let us know if you would like to put on a life jacket. We have these in different sizes and using them is free.

When boarding, there is a step of around 30 cm to overcome. We are happy to help you.

The route depends on the wind and traffic situation on the water and may be changed or shortened. Safety comes first!

Gondolier Carlo was trained in Venice and has a whole collection of permits and certificates for carrying out guest trips, and you are in a gondola approved by the BG Verkehr.

Take a seat on the soft cushions and enjoy the romantic ride in an original Venetian gondola in the Venice of the North, where Hamburg is at its most beautiful!

About Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and a major port hub with a rich maritime history. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, picturesque canals, and iconic Reeperbahn entertainment district, it offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern energy.

Top Attractions

Elbphilharmonie

An iconic concert hall and architectural marvel with stunning views of the city and the Elbe River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free to enter the plaza, concerts vary in price

Miniatur Wunderland

The world's largest model railway exhibition, featuring intricate landscapes and miniature cities.

Museum 2-3 hours €21 (adults), €11 (children)

Speicherstadt

A historic warehouse district with red-brick buildings, canals, and bridges, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, museums have entry fees

Reeperbahn

Hamburg's famous entertainment district, known for its nightlife, theaters, and the Red Light District.

Entertainment Evening and night Varies by venue

Planten un Blomen

A beautiful public park with gardens, water features, and seasonal events.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Finkenwerder Scholle

A local delicacy of buttered and fried plaice, often served with potatoes and vegetables.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy

Franzbrötchen

A sweet, cinnamon-filled pastry similar to a croissant.

Breakfast/Snack Contains wheat and dairy

Rote Grütze

A berry dessert made with red currants, raspberries, and strawberries, served with cream or vanilla sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy and may contain gelatin

Hamburger Aalsuppe

A traditional eel soup made with vegetables, potatoes, and spices.

Soup Contains fish and may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Lüneburg Heath Cycling along the Elbe River Boat tours on the Alster and Elbe Walking along the Alster Lake Relaxing at Elbstrand beach Visiting spas and wellness centers Visiting museums and historic sites Attending concerts and theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and numerous festivals. The city is lively with outdoor events and water-based activities.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

CET (GMT+1), CEST (GMT+2 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hamburg is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe visit.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services to avoid overcharging.
• Be cautious when approached by strangers, particularly in the Reeperbahn area.

Getting there

By air

Hamburg Airport • 8.5 km from city center

By train

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof

By bus

ZOB Hamburg (Central Bus Station)

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and frequent, the U-Bahn is the backbone of Hamburg's public transport system.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Mytaxi, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Altstadt (Old Town) Neustadt (New Town) St. Pauli HafenCity

Day trips

Blankenese

10 km from Hamburg • Half day to full day

A charming suburb known for its historic houses, scenic views, and the famous Elbstrand beach.

Lübeck

65 km from Hamburg • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval architecture, marzipan, and historic city center.

Lüneburg Heath

50 km from Hamburg • Full day

A vast area of heathland, forests, and meadows, known for its natural beauty and hiking trails.

Festivals

Hamburg Maritime Festival • May (annual) Reeperbahn Festival • September (annual) Christmas Markets • November to December (annual)

Pro tips

Visit the Elbphilharmonie's plaza for free and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the Elbe River.
Explore the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district and its canals, especially at sunset.
Try local specialties like Finkenwerder Scholle and Franzbrötchen at traditional restaurants.
Take a boat tour on the Alster and Elbe rivers to see the city from a different perspective.
Visit the Miniatur Wunderland early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.