Even if it doesn't seem like it at first glance, Berlin offers you several possibilities to spend the day near the water. You can do it sporty or relaxed. Here are 11 tips for the perfect day on the water.
Tip 1: Relax on a classic boat tour
Probably the most popular and best-known way to get to know Berlin by water are the many boat tours on the Spree and the neighbouring lakes. In good or bad weather, you can expect a great overview of Berlin's sights and nature. Whether it's just an hour or longer, there's a huge choice of routes to enjoy the day. A perfect example would be our East Side Tour.
When: various dates + times
Where: Landing stage "Alte Börse", Burgstraße 27, Mitte
Tip 2: Spend a day at the lake
Not only the Spree flows through Berlin, but also some great lakes have their place here. Each lake has its own flair, some are more developed and therefore have great beaches with diving spots and other offers, others are completely hidden. To experience all the lakes in and around Berlin, we recommend our "Berlin Bathing Map".
You can find the bathing map here
Tip 3: Get active with water sports
Do you think just lying around is too boring? Then Berlin has a lot to offer in the way of sporting activities on the water. Whether you're a beginner or a budding pro, there's something for everyone. Stand up paddling, kitesurfing, kayaking and much more. Depending on the lake, there is usually a place where you can ask what's available and how much it will cost you.
Tip 4: Take a bike tour along the waterways
Cycling is a popular pastime for many Berliners. So why not combine both in these temperatures and cycle near the water? Many lakes in and around Berlin offer well-designed cycle paths that will get you from A to B undisturbed and always have something to cool you down in between. If you need help finding a route, take a look at our bike tours page.
Tip 5: Enjoy a café by the water
But the water can not only be beautiful for swimming, relaxing and sports, but also for admiring over a café and cake. At the edge of many lakes and also on the Spree there are many cafés that invite you to enjoy the afternoon in a beautiful ambience.
The most beautiful cafés in Berlin
Tip 6: Crossing the water on your own
Is it too unspectacular for you to just be chauffeured through the water and would you rather "take the helm" yourself? Then there are a number of possibilities to get hold of different boats on many lakes.
So you can decide for yourself where you want to go and what you want to see.
Tip 7: Spend extraordinary moments at sea
And to top it all off, there are some boats that not only get you from A to B for a great day out, but also make it a unique experience. How about a sauna boat or a boat with a built-in whirlpool, for example. Although it's certainly a bit more expensive than taking a regular boat, it's all worth it to have a great time together.
When: All year round
Where: Finnfloat sauna boat - Mügelseedamm 70, Friedrichshagen
Tip 8: Walk along the water
If you don't fancy being out on the water and would rather just enjoy the idyllic atmosphere, there are some great hiking trails that invite you to marvel at the waters. If the weather holds out, you might even be tempted to take a dip in the water.
Top hiking trails in and around Berlin
Tip 9: Cross the water with your own house
For a longer trip by boat and a warm place to sleep, no matter where you end up, one of the many houseboats on Berlin's lakes and the Spree is a good choice. What was initially very unusual - is now one of the classics for exciting water trips. And with good reason: a living room, bedroom and bathroom on your own little boat? That calls for adventure.
When: Daily 10:00 to 19:00
Where: Knobelsdorffstr. 17, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 10: Spend the night on the water
An absolute tourist highlight for overnight stays is the "Eastern Comfort Hotel Ship". Here, an aging cruise ship that has been renovated and converted into a hotel opens its doors to you. There are various cabins, as well as a multi-person room and a campsite on deck. In an absolutely prime location in the eastern centre of Berlin, this is certainly an incredible way to sleep on the Spree.
When: all year round
Where: Mühlenstraße 73, Friedrichshain
Tip 11: Just take a dip
The water is home to an infinite number of plants and animals that are often not even visible to us because they are hidden in the depths. But with the help of diving equipment and experienced instructors, you also have the chance to discover what is hidden in the lakes in Berlin. Even though diving often makes you think of huge colourful coral reefs and exotic fish, it has its own charm.
When: daily 11:00 to 19:00; except Sundays
Where: Atlantis Berlin Diving School, Coppistraße 11, Lichtenberg