Bootsvermietung Zur Gondel with kids

At Bootsvermietung Zur Gondel, families can rent rowboats, pedal boats or Canadian canoes at Kämmererufer and paddle toward downtown or into the quieter Alster canals. With around 180 boats, the station is one of the largest on the Alster, which means rarely having to queue and being able to set off spontaneously without a reservation. Around the jetty there are benches and lawns for picnicking, playing and waiting.

A special feature is the Venetian gondolas, rarely available for hire elsewhere in Hamburg. They and larger crew boats can be reserved in advance, for example for birthday groups, school classes or groups of 20 or more. The location away from the big landing spots means families with little rowing experience can also start out relaxed.

Kids can lend a hand themselves, and life jackets are standard equipment. The surroundings are green and quiet with plenty of shady spots under trees, making it easy to plan a half-day or full-day outing.