Binnenalster () or Inner Alster Lake is one of two artificial lakes within the city limits of Hamburg, Germany, which are formed by the river Alster (the other being the Außenalster). The main annual festival is the Alstervergnügen. The lake has an area of . Overview History The phrase "inner" refers to the old city walls of Hamburg. The Binnenalster was the part of the lake that was "inside" the city walls. The lake was originally created to serve as a reservoir for a mill. As of 2008 the old city walls do not exist, instead two car and train bridges, the Lombardsbrücke and the Kennedybrücke, span the river. Location The Binnenalster is bordered by embankment streets on three sides, only the northern side is bordered by a park. Jungfernstieg – on the southern side, opposite this park is a busy boulevard and center of the Binnenalster. Left and right, Ballindamm and Neuer Jungfernstieg accommodate a number of corporate headquarters and first class hotels. Public events Alstervergnügen The Alstervergnügen () is an annual street fair held around the lake. It always takes place throughout the first weekend of September, and offers a wide variety of food, drink, vending and games stands, as well as some rock bands. See also List of lakes in Schleswig-Holstein List of lakes in Germany Notes References External links Photos of Binnenalster on bilderbuch-hamburg.de Photos of Binnenalster on bilder-hamburg.info Alstervergnügen Hamburg Lakes of Hamburg Tourist attractions in Hamburg de:Alster#Binnenalster