Binnenalster

Artificial lake in Hamburg

53°33′18″N 9°59′42″E / 53.55500°N 9.99500°E / 53.55500; 9.99500Typeartificial lakePrimary inflowsAlster (Außenalster)Primary outflowsAlster (Kleine Alster)Basin countriesGermanySurface area0.2 km² (20 ha)Average depth2.0 m (6.6 ft)Max. depth3.0 m (9.8 ft)

Binnenalster (pronounced [ˈbɪnənˌʔalstɐ] ^ⓘ) or Inner Alster Lake is one of two artificial lakes within the city limits of Hamburg, Germany, which are formed by the river Alster (the other being the Außenalster). The main annual festival is the Alstervergnügen.

The lake has an area of 0.2 square kilometres (0.077 sq mi).^[1]

Overview

History

The phrase "inner" refers to the old city walls of Hamburg. The Binnenalster was the part of the lake that was "inside" the city walls. The lake was originally created to serve as a reservoir for a mill. As of 2008 the old city walls do not exist, instead two car and train bridges, the Lombardsbrücke and the Kennedybrücke, span the river.

Location

The Binnenalster is bordered by embankment streets on three sides, only the northern side is bordered by a park. Jungfernstieg – on the southern side, opposite this park is a busy boulevard and center of the Binnenalster. Left and right, Ballindamm and Neuer Jungfernstieg accommodate a number of corporate headquarters and first class hotels.

Public events

Alstervergnügen

The Alstervergnügen (English: Alster enjoyment) is an annual street fair held around the lake. It always takes place throughout the first weekend of September, and offers a wide variety of food, drink, vending and games stands, as well as some rock bands.

Notes

^ Source: statistical office of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein (2006)

References

Statistical office Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein Statistisches Amt für Hamburg und Schleswig-Holstein (2007). "Statistisches Jahrbuch 2006/2007" (PDF). Statistisches Jahrbuch Hamburg. Hamburg, Germany: Statistisches Amt für Hamburg und Schleswig-Holstein. ISSN 1614-8045.^{[permanent dead link]}