Zafiri - Hamburg City Guide

Hamburg City Guide

Welcome to Hamburg – the perfect city for triathletes who want to balance training with a bit of sightseeing because, in Hamburg, you can do both at the same time. Running along the picturesque Alster, cycling through the countryside, or diving into one of the many swimming pools, there’s always something to keep you active and inspired. And when you’re not training, Hamburg’s vibrant neighborhoods, great coffee spots, and beautiful restaurants are ready to fuel your next adventure.

To make the most of this Hamburg city guide for endurance athletes, note a few patterns and features. Facilities are broken into categories according to their running, cycling, or swimming focus, with a separate section highlighting quality gym facilities in Hamburg. Finally, the Sleeping & Eating section towards the end of the guide provides insight into good places for sleeping and fuelling during your time in Hamburg. A full directory of Google Map-linked addresses is found in the Directory section.

Orientation & Logistics

Hamburg is a city of waterways, parks, and beautiful architecture – the perfect city to explore by running, cycling, and swimming. It’s easy to get around Hamburg by bike, train, or car, whether you’re here to train or enjoy a bit of sightseeing between workouts.

Hamburg’s public transport system takes you to the best sightseeing spots or to quiet spots by the North Sea. You can buy a single-day pass for unlimited travel across all of Hamburg’s public transportation services.

But the best way to get around Hamburg? Bikes. After all, the city is known as one of Germany’s most bike-friendly cities, with (protected) bike lanes all across the city. If you’re bringing your bike, you’ll find easy storage at major train stations, and if you’re renting, there are plenty of bike shops around. And if you’re planning a longer ride? Hamburg’s location makes it easy to reach beautiful, quieter routes in the nearby countryside.

Each neighborhood in Hamburg has a vibe of its own and is best explored by foot or bike. The Alster Lakes area is a top choice for running, while the nearby city center is full of sightseeing spots packed with history, shops, and restaurants. And don’t forget to check out Speicherstadt with its iconic canals – it’s perfect for a post-workout wander.

Running

Hamburg is the perfect place for running, with scenic lakes, riverside paths, and green parks that make it easy to log some miles. Whether you need to do a long run or interval training, there’s plenty of routes to keep things interesting.

The Inner and Outer Alster Lakes (Binnenalster and Außenalster) are Hamburg’s go-to spots for runners. The loop around the Outer Alster is roughly 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) and offers a mix of paved and gravel surfaces with water views the entire way. You’ll pass iconic landmarks, lush parks, and catch glimpses of the city’s skyline. The Inner Alster loop is a quick, scenic 1.6-kilometer (1 mile) loop.

If you prefer riverside views, the Elbe River Promenade stretches about 5 km (3 miles) from Landungsbrücken to Övelgönne Beach. This route has a bit of everything: you’ll pass historic sites, busy harbors, and quiet beaches. It’s also ideal if you’re looking to mix a steady run with some sightseeing.

Hamburg’s largest park, Stadtpark, is another great spot for running. With several trails through green spaces and woods, it offers varied terrain. The main loop around the park is around 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles), perfect for intervals or easy recovery runs.

But if your training plan demands some speed work, you can also stop by the Jahnkampfbahn track. The track is open to the public for recreational use. Originally built in the 1920s, it’s one of Hamburg’s oldest sports facilities. However, keep in mind that public hours can vary, especially during events or if local sports clubs have scheduled training sessions, but it’s generally accessible outside of these times.

Another popular track is Hammer Park Stadion in Hamburg’s Hamm district, offering a 400-meter track surrounded by greenery. The stadium is part of a larger park with additional trails, so it’s easy to combine track work with a warm-up or cool-down on the surrounding paths. Hammer Park Stadion is open to the public during specific hours, although local clubs and schools sometimes reserve the space for events and practices.

If you’re in the mood for some hill training, head to Jenischpark in the western part of Hamburg. The park features a mix of gentle hills and open fields – perfect for hill repeats. You’ll also enjoy quiet trails and views of the Elbe.

With routes for every type of run, Hamburg makes it easy to stay on track with your training plan while soaking up the city’s unique vibe.

Cycling

Hamburg offers flat cycle paths, historical landmarks, and scenic countryside. Whether you need to build endurance, do interval sessions, or take in the views, there’s a route for everything.

For a beautiful, flat ride along the river, head to the Elbe Cycle Route (Elbradweg). Starting from the city center, you can follow the river all the way to the coast. There are two options for destinations on the Elbe Cycle Route: you can either head toward Cuxhaven or to Brunsbüttel. But either way, you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views and plenty of coffee stops. This route is great for steady endurance rides on a protected bike path.

Hills are hard to find in Hamburg, but if hill training is on your agenda, Blankenese is the place to go. Known for its steep climbs and winding roads, this area offers hills with rewarding views of the river and city. The Süllberg climb is a highlight, offering both short, steep inclines and gradual hills.

If you are looking for some off-roading and rolling hills, head to Harbuger Berge southwest of Hamburg. Given the flat geography of Hamburg, this area offers the most elevation change for mountain bikers, gravel cyclists, and trail runners. This is also where you can find the highest point in the city of Hamburg.

For peaceful, scenic cycling away from the city, head southeast to the Vier- und Marschlande area. This countryside region features open fields, winding canals, and quiet roads that are perfect for longer rides. It’s ideal for long weekend rides without much elevation.

The Alster cycle route is another scenic bike path that begins at the Alster source in Ohlsdorf and winds through lush landscapes, picturesque lakes, and charming neighborhoods. This route is approximately 40 kilometers and along the way, you’ll find various opportunities for breaks with beautiful views. The Alster route is well-marked, so you can enjoy a smooth ride while you soak in the beauty of Hamburg’s outdoor spaces.

Although a big city, Hamburg has an exceptionally well-designed cycle path network, known as Velorouten, making it easy for cyclists to navigate the city safely and efficiently. The cycle path network connects key areas, parks, and recreational spots.

If you’re not traveling with your own road bike and need to rent one for your time in Hamburg, there are plenty of shops to choose from. Happy Bikes Hamburg is an excellent option for traveling triathletes. Rentals range from road bikes to gravel bikes – e-bike or not. The booking process is straightforward and simple to do online. Just keep in mind: Happy Bikes is taking a winter break from October to March each year.

Zweiradperle is another excellent bike rental shop in Hamburg. They offer Liv and Giant road bikes, as well as any other type of bike. You can also conveniently book your bike online ahead of your travels. Unfortunately, if you happen to be traveling during the winter, your options for bike rentals are limited, as Zweiradperle is also taking a winter break.

Swimming

Hamburg offers a variety of swimming spots, whether you prefer indoor pools, outdoor facilities, or a swim in open water.

Alster Schwimmhalle is a popular indoor pool for year-round training. It features a 50-meter competition pool and offers early morning sessions for those looking to fit in a swim before other training or sightseeing.

Bondenwald Schwimmhalle is a local favorite. This facility has both a 25-meter lap pool and leisure areas (including a spa and sauna area), making it perfect for a mix of training and relaxation.

The Kaifu Bad outdoor swimming pool is probably the most picturesque summer swimming destination in Hamburg. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a relaxing atmosphere for both swimmers and sunbathers alike.

Another outdoor pool, the Poseidon Swimming Pool in Hamburg-Eidelstedt has two 50-meter swimming pools and a separate non-swimmer’s area. Open from May to September, Poseidon provides a welcoming environment for all swimmers.

Freibad Stadtpark is a natural swimming area situated in the Stadtpark that’s perfect for open water swimming. Perhaps you also remember from the running section that Stadtpark also offers a public track, which makes it the perfect location for a double-session day.

Freibad Ostende is another natural swimming pool located at Tonndorfer Strand in Hamburg. Open from mid-May to early September, it’s a great open-water swimming location with excellent water quality.

Although the Außenalster (Outer Alster) and Elbe River might seem like a great swimming spot (and swimming is not forbidden), the city of Hamburg doesn’t recommend swimming there. The Elbe, for example, is not designed as a swimming area because it fails to meet the necessary quality and safety standards. The river poses risks due to its lack of visibility and strong currents, especially near weirs and locks.

Gym

A training plan wouldn’t be complete without strength training. If you don’t want to skip leg day while traveling, here are a few gym options in Hamburg that offer day passes.

With three locations across the city, EVO Fitness allows you to purchase a day pass for €19.90, giving you 24-hour access. Their gyms focus on functional training, making it an ideal spot for triathletes looking to mix up their workouts.

Holmes Place is a premium gym chain that has two locations in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld and Hamburger Meile. They offer day passes for €25, giving you access to state-of-the-art facilities, including pools and saunas.

Known for its modern facilities and variety of classes, Fitness First provides day passes that let you enjoy all the amenities without a long-term membership. There are multiple locations throughout Hamburg.

Sleeping & Eating

After a day of training and exploring, it’s essential to find the right places to rest and refuel. Here are some of our top recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops in the city.

Hotels

Nestled in the vibrant St. Georg district, The George Hotel combines modern luxury with a classic feel, also part of Design Hotels. With spacious rooms and chic decor, it’s perfect for busy athlete-travelers looking to unwind after a long training day. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Alster, and the hotel’s proximity to public transport provides easy access to the city’s attractions.

the-george-hotel-hamburg_zimmer_the-george-suite

25hours Hotel Altes Hafenamt is a unique hotel in a former harbor office and reflects Hamburg’s maritime heritage. Each room is decorated with nautical touches. Located near the harbor, it’s ideal for exploring the waterfront. The hotel owners want to encourage their guests to explore the city by bike, so you’ll hear all about the best routes around Hamburg.

Just a short walk from the city center, the Radisson Blu Hotel offers a blend of comfort and convenience. This hotel has a well-equipped fitness center, sauna, and wellness area, making it the perfect choice for athletes looking to make the most out of their time in Hamburg. The hotel restaurant serves a variety of dishes that cater to different dietary preferences, ensuring you have plenty of healthy options after your workouts.

Restaurants

If you’re craving traditional German cuisine, look no further than Frau Möller. This restaurant is known for its hearty dishes, including schnitzels and homemade potato salad. The cozy atmosphere makes the restaurant a favorite among locals and visitors.

Bun’s Streetfood is a vibrant eatery in Hamburg that’s known for its mouthwatering buns, burgers, and sandwiches. Its casual atmosphere makes the restaurant a great spot to grab a quick bite or enjoy a relaxed meal with friends.

For healthy dining options in Hamburg, check out Erdapfel, a restaurant specializing in stuffed baked potatoes. Erdapfel offers a variety of toppings, including fresh vegetables and savory sauces. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, there’s something on the menu for everyone – and it’s certainly loaded with carbs.

Coffee Shops

A local coffee shop favorite, Elbgold serves some of the best brews in four locations in Hamburg. Known for its specialty coffee, the coffee shop is a perfect pit stop for a quick caffeine fix – a great place to relax and enjoy a healthy snack before heading out for your next training session.

Brühwerk is another charming coffee shop located in the middle of Hamburg. With a focus on sustainability and sourcing beans from select roasters, Brühwerk offers an exceptional coffee experience. The coffee shop is the perfect spot to stop by during a ride, after a run, or between training sessions. In addition to their fantastic coffee, they offer a selection of delicious pastries and light bites.

Playground Coffee has an athletic edge – originally a cycling focus and now with a run club for Hamburg.