During the construction of a dam on the Alster River, a tributary of the Elbe, two artificial lakes were created in the center of Hamburg: Alster, with an area of ​​1.64 sq. km and Inner Alster, with an area of ​​0.2 sq. km, which formed a new urban space for outdoor recreation . A seven-kilometer “health path” has been laid around the large lake, which gathers lovers of jogging, walking and cycling. The main attraction of the lake is a sculpture of a girl sitting up to her neck in the water, called the "Mermaid" in the city. The Alster lakes are decorated with numerous fountains, beautiful swans live here. On the lake you can rent a boat and go fishing with a special fisherman's card, ride on the lake and along its many channels, admiring the surrounding parks and buildings. Near the Alster lake there is a park area with green lawns.