KanuHelden Mellingburger Schleuse with kids

At KanuHelden at Mellingburger Schleuse, families rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards and set off spontaneously or book guided tours. Life jackets and a waterproof bag for phones and valuables are included in the price, and an on-site briefing makes it easy even for beginners. The route toward Wohldorfer Wald or on to the next station, Ratsmuehle, is popular.

The location on the Oberalster is one of the calmest and most scenic Alster stretches, with reed beds, overhanging trees, and meadows. Herons, ducks, and sometimes deer on the bank make the tour a small nature experience. For families with younger children, canoes are especially suitable, since they're stable and one parent can steer while the children paddle along.

Open Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a bite after the tour, the historic Gasthaus Mellingburger Schleuse is right next door.