Elbstrand Övelgönne

The Elbstrand (the Elbe beach) at Övelgönne is where Hamburg goes the moment the sun comes out: an actual sand beach on the river, packed on warm days with people grilling, wading and watching the ships. It is nothing like an ocean beach, and that is exactly the point. The full working traffic of one of Europe's biggest ports passes right in front of you, container giants, ferries and excursion boats, while behind you stand the old captains' and harbor pilots' houses of the Övelgönne waterfront. The institution here is the Strandperle, a legendary beach kiosk that counts as the city's best-known beach meeting point and turns into Hamburg's collective living room on a good afternoon. The beach runs from the Museumshafen Övelgönne, where historic ships are moored, westward toward Teufelsbrück, and the shoreline path along it is one of the finest walks in the city. One safety note: the Elbe is a tidal river with strong currents and constant ship traffic. The beach is for sitting, walking and watching. Swimming is at your own risk and only advisable for strong swimmers. Getting there: the most atmospheric route is HADAG ferry line 62 from the Landungsbrücken to Neumühlen/Övelgönne. Otherwise take a bus to Neumühlen and walk along the shore from there.