Grand tour through the blue paradise

For days and weeks at a time, those seeking relaxation can cruise through a glittering realm in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania – along wide rivers and romantic waterways, across vast lakes and small forest lakes. Along the way, they marvel at charming landscapes – with ancient forests and blooming meadows. Numerous large nature reserves provide a habitat for animals and plants that are long gone from other regions. Fascinating cities, magnificent castles, and quaint villages invite visitors to enjoy enriching excursions ashore.

Length: approx. 568 km / 3-4 weeks

Route: Berlin, Potsdam Havel, Lower Havel, Elbe, Müritz-Elde Waterway, Müritz-Havel Waterway, Havel, Oder-Havel Canal, Havel

Due to the Elbe's current, the grand tour is only recommended in a clockwise direction. Generally, the tour can be started at any port and, of course, can also be undertaken in individual stages. The world metropolis of Berlin promises a spectacular start. Those wishing to admire its highlights from the water can embark on the Spree River in Köpenick or Mitte. Alternatively, embark at the Havel lock in Berlin-Spandau.

Even in the first few kilometers, the Havel widens into idyllic lakes. They are particularly dense in western Berlin, around Potsdam and um Brandenburg an der havel Sown. Motorboat captains are only too happy to be seduced by their vastness. After extensive excursions into the culture and history of these cities, the tranquility of the Westhavelland Nature ParkIt protects the largest inland wetland in Central Europe.

Very close to the cathedral town of Havelberg, the gentle river merges with the broad Elbe. For decades, this mighty waterway divided East and West Germany. Today, it unites a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve spanning the German states of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schleswig-Holstein, Saxony-Anhalt, and Lower Saxony. The Elbe meanders through one of the most beautiful and pristine river landscapes. Beavers, otters, and countless waterfowl and storks inhabit this area.

At the foot of Dömitz Fortress, recreational boaters leave the Elbe via the Müritz-Elde Waterway. The longest river in the state flows for 180 kilometers through 17 locks to the large lakes in the heart of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania – through the pine forests of the Griese Gegend region, past the fishponds of the Lewitz, and through idyllic half-timbered towns. A side trip via the Stör Canal to the state capital, Schwerin, is also highly recommended.

From Plau am See onwards, one sparkling aquamarine lake follows another – Lake Plau, Lake Malchow, Lake Fleesen, and Lake Kölpin, culminating in the Müritz, Germany's largest inland lake. It truly is of a fairy-tale size. On the journey from Waren (Müritz) at the northern tip to Rechlin on the Kleine Müritz (Little Müritz), land is sometimes nowhere in sight. The eastern shore resembles a wildly romantic Garden of Eden.

Here begins the Müritz National Park, the domain of white-tailed eagles, cranes, and deer. Parts of the Mecklenburg Lake District also belong to the national park. The Müritz-Havel Waterway leads through a wonderland of deep forests and more than 300 clear lakes, which flow almost seamlessly into one another. Neustrelitz and Rheinsberg beckon for a romantic detour. The island town of Rheinsberg greets visitors at the southern gateway to the Mecklenburg Lake District. Fürstenberg/Havel.

A particularly beautiful stretch of the Havel River begins beyond the Stolpsee lake. Its upper reaches meander through the forests in countless playful loops. Large sections are protected by the [unclear - possibly a nature reserve or nature reserve]. Uckermark Lakes Nature Park and the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve.

Between Burgwall and Zehdenick Dozens of water-filled clay pits line the banks. Boat trips on the Voss Canal now extend to Liebenwalde and continue past the former royal residence. Oranienburg Heading towards Berlin. Gradually the forest thins, the first suburbs appear, and soon the vibrant capital city comes back into view.

shore leave:
Potsdam: UNESCO World Heritage Site, magnificent palaces, parks and gardens, baroque city center, Dutch Quarter, Filmmuseum, Babelsberg Film Park, House of Brandenburg-Prussian History and much more Brandenburg an der Havel: beautiful island city, Sun, St. Paul's Monastery Havelberg: Cathedral, Church Lenzen (Elbe): Castle, historic old town Rühstädt: Stork Village Dömitz: Renaissance fortress, Fritz Reuter Museum, charming town center. Grabow, Neustadt-Glewe, Parchim, Lübz: pretty small towns with many half-timbered houses; in Neustadt-Glewe, a well-preserved fortified castle and palace. Side trip: Schwerin and Ludwigslust with fairytale palaces. Plau am See: beautiful old town, drawbridge, castle rampart and tower, water tower. Malchow: island town, monastery. Waren (Müritz): historic old town worth seeing, town hall, harbor promenade, Müritzeum. Röbel/Müritz: beautiful island town, St. Mary's Church (tower climb worthwhile). Rechlin: Aviation Museum. Mirow: Baroque palace, Lovers' Island. Fürstenberg/Havel: island town, moated castle, Baroque palace. Mildenberg: Brickyard Park, Port and inn, a round trip on the Oranienburg clay railway is recommended: magnificent Baroque palace complex

water profile: A diverse water landscape with rivers, canals, and lakes; a motorboat license for inland waterways is required; a total of 44 locks.

For current information/lock times, please refer to the website of the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) - ELWIS.