Boat Tours

Berlin lies at the heart of a vast network of rivers and canals that criss-cross the North German plain, linking the Baltic to the Danube, and the Rhine to the Oder. In the last century these were used for trade, to transport coal, grain and industrial machinery thousands of miles into the very heart of Europe.

Berlin itself has more than 112 miles (182 km) of waterways - the rivers Spree and Havel that wander serendipitously through the city, linked by artificial canals like the Landwehr Canal, and flowing through dozens of lakes which dot the surrounding State of Brandenburg - and, in the warmer months, they provide an ideal option for viewing the city from an original angle.

It has to be one of the most relaxing ways to travel, gliding lazily under the countless bridges on the river Spree, watching the domes, museums and stately buidings glide into view, shift their angle, and retreat, only to be replaced by some further perspective.

Berlin Travel Service is the authorised partner of the Berlin based shipping company "Stern- und Kreisschiffahrt" which offers various tours in the city and its surroundings. These include a "Historical tour" through the medieval centre of Berlin - the ancient Nikolai Quarter, a "Bridge tour" through the very centre of the city past the Reichstag to the palace of Schloss Charlottenburg, a "City at Night" tour to take in the illuminations, and a complete circumnavigation of the city via Potsdam, Wannsee, Tegel and Treptow. Further tours of Brandenburg, the Müggelsee and the surrounding lakes are also available.

Boats depart from and return to a number of central locations; they supply refreshments and snacks and are provided with toilet facilities. Tour duration varies from 1 to 8 hours, prices from EUR 6.50 to EUR 26.00. Upon request, English commentary, live or taped, is often available.

Below you'll find a list of the most popular tours. Please select your favorite boat trip from the current schedule.

Boat Tours

Tour 1 - Bridge Tour

A guided sightseeing tour on Berlin's waterways. Experience the variety of architectural styles and discover that Berlin has more bridges than Venice. Round-trip via Spree river and Landwehr Canal.
Main season: March 29 until October 19, 2003.

Tour 2 - City Tour on the Spree

Experience the city of Berlin with its historical and modern sights from the seaman's view.
One-way or return trip. Main season: March 29 until October 19, 2003.

*Operating from April 18 until October 12, 2003 only

Tour 3a - Historical Tour / Nicolai Quarter

Don't think twice! Take a shopping break and relax one hour on an inner city cruise. Departure from Nicolai Quarter. Stops at "Haus der Kulturen der Welt" (end of one-way trip) and Friedrichstrasse.
Main season: March 15 until November 2, 2003.

*Operating from March 29 until October 10, 2003
** Operating on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from April 18 until October 5, 2003
***Operating from April 18 until October 5, 2003

Tour 3b - Historical Tour/Pergamon Museum

On Sundays and Public Holidays an additional historical tour departs from Pergamon museum.
Main season: April 18 until October 5, 2003.

Tour 4 - City-Nights

Experience the historical city of Berlin on our guided evening cruise. See the illuminated highlights on a nightly sightseeing cruise. Departs from and returns to Nicolai Quarter. Included in the tour is an optional dinner menu at EUR 17.00. Please refer to our request for more details. Main season: April 25 until September 20, 2003. Fridays and Saturdays.

If you would like to book your tour or require further information, don't hesitate to contact us. Upon request we will gladly provide detailed schedules of extended day tours to the surrounding area.

Simply fill in the tour section of the Request form.