Alster swans

  • alsterarkaden_schwaene_c-joerg-modrow
    © mediaserver.hamburg.de / Jörg Modrow
  • alsterarkaden_schwaene_c-christian-spahrbier
    © mediaserver.hamburg.de / Christian Spahrbier

These majestic waterfowl adorn the Binnen- and Außenalster as living symbols of the city.

The Alster swans are Hamburg’s living emblem and adorn the Binnen- and Außenalster. The close relationship to these majestic birds has a long tradition. From 1664 on, it was even forbidden to “insult”, injure, or kill them. Today, the white birds are considered to be the messengers of spring when they return to the Alster from their winter quarters.

DISCOVER NOW Events at this location

  • Fassade P  2 2007_3x2
    © Panoptikum

    Panoptikum - Wax Museum

    • 20.05.2026
    • 10:00
    • Panoptikum
    To event
  • MK&G_XULY.Bët_HerbstWinter24_25_Foto_Marc_Baptiste_3_klein
    © XULY.Bët, Kollektion Herbst/Winter 2024/25, Foto: Marc Baptiste

    XULY.Bët. Funkin’ Fashion Factory 100% Recycled Exhibition

    • 20.05.2026
    • 10:00
    • Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg (MK&G)
    To event
  • MK&G_InspirationJapan_SlgWalterGebhard_SuzukiKiitsu_Tänzerinnen_Detail_FotoTobiasEckmann
    © Suzuki Kiitsu, Tänzerinnen (Detail), Japan, 1. H. 19. Jh., Hängerolle, MK&G, Erworben mit Mitteln der Campe’schen Historischen Kunststiftung aus der Sammlung Walter Gebhard, Foto: MK&G/Tobias Eckmann

    Inspiring Japan Permanent Exhibition

    • 20.05.2026
    • 10:00
    • Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg (MK&G)
    To event
  • MK&G_InspirationChina_DosemitdreiDrachen_Detail_QianlongAera_1736_1795_SlgMK&G_FotoMK&G_JoergArend_klein
    © Dose mit drei Drachen (Detail), China, Qing-Dynastie, Qianlong-Ära (1736-1795), MK&G, Foto: MK&G/Jörg Arend

    Inspiring China Permanent Exhibition

    • 20.05.2026
    • 10:00
    • Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg (MK&G)
    To event
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    © Hans Hansen, Detail aus o. T. (Objektiv), für Nikon, 1985, Hans Hansen

    Photo: Hans Hansen

    • 20.05.2026
    • 10:00
    • Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg (MK&G)
    To event
  • SKULPTURAL
    © Griechische, weiße Gipsstatue eines Diskuswerfers in klassischer Wurfhaltung auf Sockel

    SKULPTURAL Exhibitions

    • 20.05.2026
    • 10:00
    • Hamburger Kunsthalle
    To event
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    © Hamburger Kunsthalle, Foto: Jann Wilken

    Acht Jahrhunderte Kunst Permanent Exhibition

    • 20.05.2026
    • 10:00
    • Hamburger Kunsthalle
    To event
  • Hamburg Dungeon
    © Hamburg Dungeon

    Take an 80-minute immersive trip through Hamburg’s chilling city history! Shows

    • 20.05.2026
    • 10:00
    • Hamburg Dungeon
    To event
  • Archäologische Ausstellung, Wagenrad und Einbaum
    © Archäologisches Museum Hamburg

    Abenteuer Archäologie Exhibitions

    • 20.05.2026
    • 10:00
    • Archäologisches Museum Hamburg
    To event
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    © Getty Images/ Alexander Scheuber

    Hamburg Open 2025 - ATP-Tour Tennis

    • 20.05.2026
    • 11:00
    • Tennisstadion Am Rothenbaum
    To event

More on this subject

Nahaufnahme von Schwänen in der Kleinen Alster vor den weißen Alsterarkaden in Hamburg.
© mediaserver.hamburg.de / Jörg Modrow

The swans are back Living landmarks return to Hamburg's Alster

It comes around every year: the calendar shows the first day of spring. But the process isn't complete until the Alster swans return from their winter quarters. Spring doesn't 't really start in Hamburg until the banks of its canals and waterways are alive with the city's living historical landmarks.

Blog
Living landmarks return to Hamburg's Alster
© Geheimtipp Hamburg

CITY AREA PORTRAIT All around the Alster

There is much to do around the Alster, one of the must-sees in our beautiful harbour city – Gründerzeit quarters and exclusive residential areas delight fans of architecture, joggers and cyclists. Many individual shops, cafés and restaurants invite visitors to linger. For a workout, for relaxation or just to take a stroll – the Alster is always a pleasant experience!

All around the Alster

THIS MIGHT INTEREST YOU AS WELL Further recommendations

Inner Alster
© Lars Meinel – stock.adobe.com

Binnenalster

In addition to the harbour, the Alster forms the maritime face of the city of Hamburg. The Alster, divided in to Binnenalster and Außenalster by the Lombardsbrücke, is a meeting point and attraction for tourists and Hamburgers alike.

Binnenalster
binnenalster_alstersonne_c-2018-thisisjulia-photography-3_1
© ThisIsJulia Photography

Alster Fountain

Hamburg's landmark in the middle of the Binnenalster

Alster Fountain
dockland_c-2018-thisisjulia-photography-3
© ThisIsJulia Photography

Dockland

A few years ago, a particularly prominent office building was built at the Fischereihafen with DOCKLAND.

Dockland

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