If you’re into water sports, then this will float your boat. These two artificial lakes are Hamburg’s foremost boating hotspot.

Bobbing sails and the sun’s reflection dance on the water, and rowers' rhythmic strokes ripple across the shimmering lake surface. Pack a picnic of “Fischbrötchen” (fish sandwich) and join the serotonin-seeking locals on Alsterpark’s grassy verges.