Övelgönne is a single narrow waterfront lane in Altona's western reaches, with whitewashed fishermen's cottages on one side and the Elbe on the other. The Museumshafen — museum harbour — moored along the quay holds a collection of restored 19th- and early-20th-century working vessels: small steam tugs, an icebreaker, a lightship, a fleet of sailing barges. Many are still seaworthy and head out for sail-by events through the summer.
A long Strand (beach) of grey-and-orange Elbe sand runs along the lane, popular with locals for sunbathing and barbecues. The path is closed to cars and is the prettiest section of the Elbe footpath between the city centre and Blankenese. The Strandperle café at the Övelgönne end serves cold beer at sunset and is a Hamburg institution.