Active Pursuits

Boating

A paddle on the Aussenalster (Outer Alster Lake) can be one of the most relaxing and charming warm-weather activities in Hamburg. H. Pieper (tel. 040/247578) and Alfred Seebeck (tel. 040/247652) rent rowboats, paddleboats, and one-occupant sailing dinghies; prices begin at 12€ to 18€ ($19-$29) per hour. Each of these boat-rental outfits is open only April to late September, daily 10am to 8pm.

Golf

Hamburg has many golf clubs, including Hamburger Golf-Club Falkenstein, In de Bargen 59 (tel. 040/812177). Greens fees range from 45€ to 55€ ($72-$88) for 18 holes.

Jogging

Our favorite route, either for long walks or jogging, is the pedestrian walkway that circumnavigates the Alster lakes. The total perimeter of the larger of the two lakes measures about 6km (4 miles); that of the more congested Binnenalster is about 1.5km (1 mile). The public parks flanking the northwestern edge of the inner city are also suitable.

Spectator Sports

For information about soccer matches and other spectator events, contact the Hamburger Sportbund (Hamburg Sports Association), Schäferkampsallee 1, 20357 Hamburg (tel. 040/419080).

Swimming

The rivers and lakes in Hamburg are being cleaned up, and there are many swimming pools. Two of the most popular are the Alster-Schwimmhalle, Ifflandstrasse 21 (tel. 040/223012; U-Bahn: Lohmühlenstrasse), and the Holthusenbad, Goernestrasse 21 (tel. 040/474754; U-Bahn: Eppendorfer Baum). The latter has the advantage of artificial waves, thermal baths, and steam baths. Both pools charge 9€ ($14) per day.

Tennis

Not surprisingly, the country that gave the world Steffi Graf and Boris Becker has no lack of tennis facilities. For names and addresses of tennis facilities, as well as information about upcoming tournaments, contact the Deutscher Tennis Bund, Hallerstrasse 89 (tel. 040/411780).

Hamburg is also the home of the Hamburg Tennis Masters Series, one of the nine Masters Series events that rank just below the Grand Slams. Previously known as the "German Open," it is also a major warm-up for the famous French Open, the only Grand Slam event to be played on clay. The Hamburg tournament is also played on clay (usually in May).