As a living landmark, the majestic birds decorate the Inner and Outer Alster.
A real attraction for many visitors to Hamburg and hard to imagine Hamburg without - the Alster swans. Many people are not even aware of the long history that Hamburg has with these proud animals. Today, the white birds are considered to be the harbingers of spring when they return to the Alster from their winter quarters.
History of the swans
The Alster swans have been a tradition in Hamburg for several hundred years. For Hamburg, the swans were a symbol of its freedom and independence when it became an independent city as the former capital of Stormann. Feeding accounts can be found in early records from the 16th century and from 1664 onwards it was even forbidden and punishable to "insult", injure or kill the swans.