For those who prefer fresh water to pools, Hamburg has plenty of options. There are many natural and man-made lakes within the city's borders. Many have bathrooms, kiosks and other amenities, while others are a bit more rugged. Each of them offers the opportunity for a lovely, cool dip on a warm day.
For information on cercariae parasites, please see (German only). Current of Hamburg’s ponds and lakes can be found here (German only).
Please keep in mind that some lakes may have capacity restrictions, so it is best to check ahead, especially on weekends.
Sommerbad Farmsen
The Sommerbad (lit. ‘summer pool’) Farmsen is a beautiful lake loved for its long, wide beach and its impressive waterslide. Sprawling meadows invite you to spread out and relax, and the many trees provide shade. Kids can find plenty of opportunities for play, plus restrooms and locker rooms make for a convenient trip. Parking is free of charge.
Address
Sommerbad Farmsen
Neusurenland 67
22159 Hamburg
Getting There
U1 trains to Farmsen
Bus lines 27, 168 and 171 to Neusurenland or Rönkkoppel
Visit online for more details concerning opening hours and dates.
Sommerbad Ostende
The lake has a beach and a large meadow with playground equipment for kids. A waterslide and diving boards provide some additional fun in the sun. Restrooms, showers, locker rooms and a kiosk can also be found here. Note that there is no dedicated parking in the area.
Address
Sommerbad Ostende
Tonndorfer Strand 37
22045 Hamburg
Getting There
R80 or R81 trains to Tonndorf
Bus lines 9, 27, 167 to Tonndorf
followed by a 10 min walk
Visit online for more details concerning opening hours and dates.
Boberger See
The Boberger See lake is part of the Boberger Niederung nature reserve. However, swimming in the lake and spending time on the surrounding meadows is permitted. The beach on the northeastern banks is great for families and restrooms are available. Please note, however, that dogs are not allowed and there is no kiosk for purchasing refreshments. Swimmers should note that there are no lifeguards at the lake, and as such are entering the water at their own risk.Â
Getting There
S2 trains to Mittlerer Landweg
Bus lines 330 to Billwerder Kirche
Dates
Mid-May – mid-September
See our German page on for more details concerning water quality and location.
Sommerbad Altengamme
The Altengamme groundwater pool is located east of the neighbourhood of Bergedorf, where Hamburg becomes much quieter and less densely populated. Divided into non-swimmers and swimmers areas, this recreational freshwater pool offers everything that is needed for a nice summer day. Visitors will find lawn for sunbathing, trees for shade, a playground, restrooms and a kiosk. The pool is free of charge; however, there is no on-site parking.
Address
Sommerbad Altengamme
Horster Damm 76–80
21039 Hamburg
Getting There
S2 trains to Bergedorf
Bus line 228 to Horster Moor
followwed by a 13 minute walk
Dates
Opening dates can vary year to year depending on weather, but Sommerbad Altengamme is usually open from mid-May until the end of September.
Visit online for more details concerning opening hours and dates.
Allermöher See
Please note: may occur in the water. Check with authorities before swimming here.Â
The Allermöhe lake was created in 1984 and quickly became a much-appreciated retreat for people looking to enjoy a nice swim on a hot summer day. The lake’s northern shore is particularly great for swimming - plus it has sandy beach and sunbathing lawn as well. Showers, restrooms and a playground can be found here too. Parking is free of charge.
Address
Allermöher See
Felix-Jud-Ring / Wilhelm-Osterhold-Stieg
21035 Hamburg
Getting There
S21 to Bergedorf
Bus line 234 to Hilda-Monte-Weg
Dates
Mid-May – mid-September
Visit online for more details concerning opening hours and dates.
See Hinterm Horn
This lake is located near the neighbourhood of Allermöhe and has a beach and a small lawn. Restrooms are available, though there is no on-site parking. It should be noted that small children may have trouble with the relatively steep banks of the lake and there are no lifeguards.
Address
See Hinterm Horn
Allermöher Deich 274
21037 Hamburg
Getting There
S2 trains to Mittlerer Landweg
Bus line 321 to See Hinterm Horn
Dates
Mid-May – mid-September
Visit online for more details concerning opening hours and dates.
Hohendeicher See
This lake is located in the neighbourhoods of Vierlanden and Marschlanden, directly behind the levee that keeps the Elbe river in its bed. Surfers throw themselves into the mild waves in the western part of the lake, while the eastern banks are used mainly as a campground. South of the lake, families enjoy a day on the sandy beach. Several small kiosks sell food and beverages. Restrooms and free parking are also available.
Address
Hohendeicher See
Overwerder Weg
21037 Hamburg
Getting There
S2 trains to Tiefstack
Bus line 120 to Hohendeicher See, Overwerder
Dates
Mid-May – mid-September
Visit online for more details concerning opening hours and dates.
Naturbad Stadtparksee
Every summer, a section of the lake in the middle of the Stadtpark city park is used as a freshwater outdoor swimming pool, complete with a waterslide and diving boards. Beach chairs are available to rent on the sandy shore and the surrounding meadows are perfect for sunbathing. Restrooms, showers, lockers and a kiosk can be found on site.
Address
Naturbad Stadtparksee
22303 Hamburg
Getting There
U3 trains to Saarlandstraße
Visit online for more details concerning opening hours and dates.
Naturbad Kiwittsmoor
This outdoor freshwater pool in the north of ¼«ËÙʱʱ²Ê great for all ages. In addition to the larger pool for swimming, there is also a smaller paddling pool and a playground for little ones. The large meadow offers plenty of space for sunbathing and trees for shade. Visitors can play beach volleyball, table tennis and even minigolf. A kiosk, a small beer garden and an area for grilling can all be found here as well. Parking is available.
Address
Naturbad Kiwittsmoor
Hohe Liedt 9
22417 Hamburg
Getting There
U1 trains to Kiwittsmoor
Visit online for more details concerning opening hours and dates.Â
Freibad Duvenstedt – open to club members
This large freshwater pool is divided into separate areas for swimmers and non-swimmers. Visitors can enjoy two waterslides, a large lawn, a smaller beach, a playground and a kiosk as well.
Address
Freibad Duvenstedt
Puckaffer Weg 13
22397 Hamburg
Getting There
S1 to Poppenbüttel
Bus line 276 to Lohe
Visit online for more details concerning opening hours and dates.Â
Öjendorfer See
Located in the middle of, the lake is home to two separate beaches, while its northern part belongs to a nature reserve. Sunbathing lawns are vast and perfect for grilling. The kiosk offers sweets, fries and drinks. Kids can use the playground or play table tennis and minigolf.
Address
Öjendorfer See
Driftredder
22117 Hamburg
Getting There
U2 trains to Merkenstraße, then walk or cycle the remaining 1.5 kilometres to the lake.
Or: U1 trains to Wandsbek Markt, then bus line 263 to Gleiwitzer Bogen.
Dates: opening dates can vary year to year depending on weather, but Öjendorfer See is usually open for swimming from mid-May until the end of August.
Visit online for more details concerning opening hours and dates.Â
Sommerbad Volksdorf
This lake in the northern neighbourhood of Volksdorf is the only spot for nude sunbathing and swimming in the city of Hamburg, though guests with swim apparel are also welcome. The lake is located in a wonderful green area with a beach and meadow for relaxing. Lockers and showers are available on-site, as well as a waterslide, a diving board, a playground and courts for tennis and volleyball. Parking is free and a kiosk provides food and drinks.
Address
FKK Sommerbad Volksdorf
Moorbekweg 100
22359 Hamburg
Getting There
U1 to Buchenkamp
Visit for more details concerning opening hours and dates.Â