25 Locations
A boat is one of the finest ways to experience Berlin, a city laced with rivers, canals and lakes. From the Spree through Mitte to the wide Wannsee and Müggelsee, a boat opens up sightseeing, sunbathing and quiet escapes on the water.
This overview gathers Berlin locations built around a boat, from sightseeing cruises and party boats to rentals you steer yourself. Some focus on guided tours past the landmarks, others on relaxed days out on the lakes.
Browse the options below to find the best boat trips and rentals in Berlin, compare routes and prices, and plan your day on the water.
Berlin from the Water: A boat trip on the Spree is one of the most beautiful ways to discover the capital together. From the Government District to Museum Island and the East Side Gallery, you glide relaxed through Berlin-Mitte and see the city from a perspective simply impossible from the riverbank.
Moored on the Spree in the middle of Tiergarten, on the Helgoländer Ufer, the PATIO restaurant ship combines sophisticated fine dining with the unique sensation of gently swaying on the water during dinner. Three decks, a crackling fireplace in winter, an open terrace in summer: This is high-level Berlin water-restaurant culture.
On the Landwehr Canal in Kreuzberg, the restaurant ship van Loon is permanently anchored in Urbanhafen, combining maritime ambiance with fresh fish specialties and seasonal cuisine. Diners here enjoy water views, fireplace warmth, and a sun deck.
In the historic harbor at Märkisches Ufer in Mitte, a converted GDR cargo barge invites guests to a sharing dinner on the water with Asian tapas from bamboo steamers and cocktails named after Berlin bridges.
Deep in the green, directly on the Lower Havel in Charlottenburg, lies Berlin's arguably oldest restaurant ship: the Alte Liebe. For over a century, this floating piece of Berlin history has defied the city noise and served hearty maritime cuisine with a view of the water.
A truly romantic wedding ceremony can be had aboard a historic boat on the river Spree in Berlin - the company Bootsvermietung Fangrot specialises in just this very event.
The special Christmas party "Christmas Dine & Dance" at Restaurant ALvis combines two elements: the "Winter Wonderland" Christmas buffet in the restaurant and the subsequent celebration on the party boat!
Easter on the Water: The restaurant ship Patio in Moabit transforms spring on the Spree into a multi-course asparagus menu, combining regional seasonal cuisine with a direct view of the Bärenbrücke. On April 5th and 6th, 2026, lamb, Beelitz asparagus, and a French touch will be celebrated here.
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.
The Panoramahotel am Oberuckersee is a true paradise for water sports. Sailing enthusiasts, rowers, canoe and kayak paddlers will find the appropriate sports equipment at the hotel. And then the generous wellness area invites to relax!
The two original wooden rafts can be rented for a cruise on the Spree for group events, various parties and even for a summer BBQ on the river.
Why not propose marriage aboard a ship?
Located directly on Lake Tiefer See in Potsdam's Berliner Vorstadt, the restaurant ship John Barnett is named after the pioneer of steam navigation in Prussia. The historic ship, which was still in use as a cargo vessel on canals and rivers until 2004, now offers Central European cuisine with a view of Babelsberg Park.
An 1890 two-masted ship that once supplied Frisian islands and now lies moored on the banks of the Spree in Treptow, between Plänterwald and Treptower Park: The Klipper Sailing Ship Restaurant is arguably Berlin's most maritime address for breakfast, fish dishes, and lingering.
Berlin's most famous shipping line, Stern und Kreisschiffahrt, embarks from Greenwichpromenade in Reinickendorf into the northern island world, bringing passengers relaxing cruises across Tegeler See, the Upper Havel Lakes, and far into the Berlin countryside on sunny days. Few excursions showcase the city as serenely and expansively as this one.
In Berlin's Charlottenburg Tiergarten, slightly hidden in the Landwehr Canal near the Charlottenburg Gate, a blue and white restaurant ship has been anchored since 1996. Capt'n Schillow combines classic Berlin cuisine with a maritime atmosphere, without appearing overly touristy.
A former transport ship, moored in Tempelhof Harbor from May to September and re-launched as a restaurant ship. Grilled dishes, fresh beer, and a view of the Tempelhof harbor basin make this barge one of Berlin's most relaxed summer spots.
A over 100-year-old Dutch two-masted ship, moored in the heart of Köpenick's old town, where the Dahme and Spree rivers meet: The restaurant ship arsVivendi combines maritime ambiance with a historic backdrop and is Berlin's most charming address for dining on the water.
Two ships, one Spree, zero boredom: The Shipotel Berlin is located between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, directly on the East Side Gallery, offering overnight stays on the water instead of in a conventional hotel room. Those who want to experience Berlin differently sleep here in cabin beds with a view of the Oberbaumbrücke.
A real big city adventure can be experienced with Mecki’s rafts, boats, canoes and stand up paddles. All hands on deck!
On this playground in Charlottenburg near the castle gardens of Schloss Charlottenburg kids play on a wooden pirate ship!
In Berlin-Kladow, in the quietest corner of Berlin, Lanke Boat Rental awaits with sports boats and day cruisers directly at the Havel pier. Here, city noise is exchanged for lapping waves and sunsets over the water. A "Sunset Drive" with strawberries and champagne or baguette, cheese, and wine makes the first date truly special.
Berlin has won a film star as a bar and event ship: On the boat restaurant Gode Wind you can eat well with a fantastic view to the Rummelsburger Bucht.
The waterfront restaurant Mutter Lustig offers a big, sunny terrace with the perfect view over the water and its own wharf.
This restaurant is closed. The editorial team gladly accepts new location tips via email: [email protected]