No pier, no direct parking on the bank, no ordinary restaurant boat: The SpreeArche in Friedrichshagen is a floating log cabin on the Müggelspree, reachable by a raft shuttle. What sounds like a century-old excursion destination is one of the most discussed culinary highlights in the Treptow-Köpenick district.
SpreeArche: When the restaurant takes care of the journey itself
Even the journey to SpreeArche is an unusual one. Those arriving from Friedrichshagen S-Bahn station first pass through the Spree tunnel, the only pedestrian tunnel under the Spree. This is followed by the actual highlight of the journey: After about 300 meters along the riverside path, you reach the SpreeArche landing. There, you ring the bell at the sign, whereupon the raft shuttle departs and brings guests directly to the floating cabin. The extraordinary thing about it: The ship has no fixed land connection and is firmly anchored about 60 meters from the bank. Thus, the visit becomes a small expedition even before the first bite is eaten.
The rustic ambiance in the form of a log cabin with two floors and two sun terraces invites you to relaxing hours, especially in good weather with a view of the water. SpreeArche achieves a Google rating of 4.4. However, those who drop by spontaneously should keep the limited number of seats in mind.
Smoked fish, seasonal cuisine, and an ongoing legal dispute
On the plate, SpreeArche focuses on clarity. The menu concentrates on German cuisine with an emphasis on fish specialties from its own smokehouse. Smoked fish is refined according to Norwegian recipes and with a special wood mixture for a savory taste. The kitchen works with a deliberately small, daily fresh menu and places great value on the smoking process for fish. Additionally, there’s baked perch or pasta with shrimp and duck leg.
However, the future of SpreeArche has been uncertain for years. The cult restaurant in Friedrichshagen remains without a final permit, although the floating restaurant is environmentally sound. According to the Senate Administration, there are no nature conservation concerns, yet the operators are still fighting for a clear perspective after almost ten years of legal dispute. Despite everything, SpreeArche is open, and a visit is all the more worthwhile as long as it is still possible.
Top10 Redaktion
Erfahrungsbericht vom 13.08.2026
Price level
Spring salad 15.50 Euros, home-smoked salmon fillet 19.50 Euros, fried perch fillet 21.90 Euros, two Emden herring fillets 27.90 Euros, Swedish ice cream sundae 7.90 Euros
Opening hours
Mon to Fri 13:00 to 22:00, Sat and Sun 12:00 to 22:00
Directions
The house is located in the middle of the water. A motorized raft picks up guests from the shore; there's a bell at the pier for that.
Public transport
S3 Friedrichshagen, through the Spree tunnel and approx. 300 meters along the shore. From Köpenick, approx. 900 meters through the forest.
Parking
Few spaces at the corner of Müggelschlößchenweg and Alfred-Randt-Straße, after which further driving is prohibited.
Card payment
Debit card is accepted
Cuisine
Fish from the in-house smokehouse, plus bowls, meatballs, and Berlin cured pork loin.
Smoked specialty
On the first Sunday of the month for 26.90 Euros
The house
A floating Scandinavian-style log cabin on a disused barge, with a bar on the ground floor and a sun terrace on the roof.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 13:00–22:00
- Tuesday: 13:00–22:00
- Wednesday: 13:00–22:00
- Thursday: 13:00–22:00
- Friday: 13:00–22:00
- Saturday: 12:00–22:00
- Sunday: 12:00–22:00
