Last updated on 06/16/2026
Anyone who already knows Berlin on foot discovers whole new sides of the city from the water. Criss-crossed by waterways, the region is perfect for a day trip by boat or a longer holiday on a houseboat. The Berlin Bootsverleih in Charlottenburg manages over a hundred boats, rafts and vessels across the whole city, the Wasserkutsche in Kreuzberg relies on handmade wooden boats and personal service, and the BunBos drift across the water like mobile holiday homes complete with kitchen and barbecue. The design houseboats from Nautilus in Koepenick provide luxury on the lake. That turns the trip into an adventure. On which of these boats will you cast off next?
Francesca Cerza
I most enjoy seeing Berlin from the water, because then the city feels far more relaxed. What I like best is renting a wooden boat at the Wasserkutsche or drifting across the lakes with a BunBo, complete with barbecue and hammock. For me, that is the best way to leave everyday life behind on the shore and simply set sail.
Berlin Boat Rental is the central booking platform for renting boats in Berlin, making motorboats, party boats, rafts, and houseboats comparable across the city on the Spree and Havel. Those who want to charter a boat in the capital will find the largest selection bundled here, advised by native Berliners with 16 years of experience on the water.
Right next to the Oberbaumbrücke in Kreuzberg, this small, charming houseboat adventure on the Spree begins. Wasserkutsche stands for handcrafted wooden boats with electric motors, personal service, and the most authentic way to discover Berlin from the water.
BunBo – The BungalowBoat is Brandenburg's leading provider of floating holiday homes on the waterways around Berlin. At five locations, including Zernsdorf south of the capital and Plaue near the Havel river, city life can be exchanged for a fireplace, hammock, and water views – all without a boat license.
Those who want to discover Berlin and Brandenburg from the water will find the perfect fleet in Niederlehme near Königs Wusterhausen: Nautilus Houseboat Charter rents modern designer houseboats, most of which are license-free, with panoramic glazing and a spacious terrace for up to six people.
Located directly on Lindenstraße in Köpenick, ALS Boat Rental offers motorboats, houseboats, rafts, and canoes ready to explore Berlin's waters. Enjoy a license-free journey on the Dahme, Müggelspree, or Müggelsee: Your easy start into Berlin's water life begins here.
Directly at the Spandau lock, opposite the Citadel, lies one of Berlin's most central boat rental services. The Altstadthafen Berlin-Spandau is the starting point for tours on both the Havel and Spree, with a fleet ranging from cozy pedal boats to fully equipped houseboats.
Anyone who wants to experience Berlin from the water should start directly in Spandau: Marina Lanke Houseboat Charter is located on the Scharfe Lanke, Berlin's largest yacht harbour, and sends its guests on Silent class houseboats into the aquatic world between the Havel, Müritz, and Brandenburg lake district.
Huckleberry's Tour is considered the classic among raft rentals and starts directly in Köpenick on the Spree, among other locations. The boat rental offers rustic log cabin rafts for day and multi-day tours on the Havel, Spree, and countless Brandenburg lakes.
Raft rental with soul: In Woltersdorf on Lake Flakensee, directly on the city limits of Berlin, Flossleben rents out spacious, comfortably furnished rafts for day and multi-day tours through the Berlin-Brandenburg water network. Those who set off here exchange the big city noise for the Dahme, Spree and 1000 lakes.
Located on Pichelssee in Spandau, Marina Base is Berlin's hub for raft and boat tours on the Havel, offering options for small groups as well as parties of up to 30 people. If you want to experience Berlin from the water, this is the place to be.
