Stern und Kreisschiffahrt

Berlin from the Water, since 1888

Stern und Kreisschiffahrt is the largest passenger shipping company in Berlin and its surroundings, bringing, according to its own statements, about one million people onto the water each year. Its roots date back to August 8, 1888, when the Stettin merchant Gustav Krokisius founded the Spree-Havel-Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft Stern. Just over three decades later, twenty-seven steamers were already in operation, in 1934 Teltower Kreisschiffahrt was added, and in 1992, through the merger with Weiße Flotte Berlin, the current company with its headquarters in Treptow harbor was formed. The fleet comprises more than twenty ships, including several convertible ships with opening roofs and a solar catamaran that operates emission-free. For groups, ships for forty to four hundred people can be chartered, booked for a minimum of three hours. In addition to city center tours, the shipping company also travels to the surrounding areas, such as Wannsee, Woltersdorf, and Potsdam, and stops at piers in Treptow, Nikolaiviertel, Museum Island, and Jannowitzbrücke. The oldest ship in the fleet dates from 1957, the younger twin ships were built in 2003.

From the Short Loop to the Bridge Tour

The shortest and most well-known tour from Stern und Kreisschiffahrt is the Historic City Tour from the Friedrichstraße pier: one hour from 22.50 Euros, passing the Humboldt Forum, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, House of World Cultures, Reichstag, and the Federal Chancellery. Those who want to stay on board longer can book the approximately three-hour Spree tour through the city from 24.90 Euros, or the Bridge Tour from Jannowitzbrücke, which takes just over three hours across Berlin’s network of waterways and costs from 35.50 Euros. The one-hour harbor tour is cheaper and more industrial, starting from 12.50 Euros. Children under six years travel free, up to fourteen they pay half price, students, people with severe disabilities, and pensioners receive a fifteen percent discount. On board, there is a free audio guide in twelve languages, as well as food and drinks, which can also be paid by card; bringing your own provisions is not allowed. Several ships are barrier-free, however, the Friedrichstraße pier is only accessible via stairs.