The capital of Germany, Berlin, is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The Spree and Havel rivers wrap around the city like an octopus, creating picturesque backwaters on one side and narrow passages on the other. Sneaking through them, we often pass larger or smaller islands. The waterways of the Spree and Havel are complemented by a system of canals and locks, which together create a rich complex of Berlin's waterways. There are many fully equipped marinas in the bends, bays and branches of the rivers, which provide water sports enthusiasts with a comfortable stopover. There are also parking spaces located in the central parts of the city, where you can moor for free for 24 hours. These are excellent starting points for exploring the German capital. For those seeking peace and quiet, we recommend the natural backwaters, especially on the Havel, in the western and south-western parts of the city.
Berlin is not the only city that is so attractive in terms of water sports.
Cruising through the further corners of Brandenburg provides many unforgettable experiences. Regardless of the direction in which we go, we will come across interesting places. Sailing west along the Havel, we first reach Potsdam, and then through bends, backwaters, and other lakes to the beginning of the Mitteland Canal, which is the main waterway to the west of Germany, used mainly for commercial purposes. Turning slightly to the north-west, we enter the extremely interesting Lower Havel in terms of nature.
Leaving Berlin to the east, we sail partly along the Spree, picturesquely spread out among forests and meadows, and partly along the Oder-Spree Canal, to reach the Oder after several dozen kilometres in Eisenhuttenstadt. From here we can cruise with the current to the north, passing Frankfurt (on the left, German bank) and Słubice (on the Polish side) on the way, and near Schwedt turn into the Oder-Havel Canal, leading back to Berlin. On the way, an unusual hydrotechnical curiosity - the Schiffshebewerk, or a lift for boats and ships, thanks to which we overcome several dozen metres of difference in water levels.
Mecklenburg waterways.
In turn, setting off from West Berlin to the north along the Havel, we have the opportunity to sail to the Mecklenburg waterway system. Landscape-wise, the land of lakes similar to Masuria, connected by rivers and canals with numerous locks, delights with its beauty and diversity. Along the way we pass many wild places, but also beautiful towns with excellent infrastructure for water sportsmen. Almost in the middle of the trail we sail through the largest lake in Germany – Muritz.
