26 Locations
The Havel gives Berlin its most beautiful waterside, a broad river that widens into lakes along the western edge of the city. Lined with beaches, forests and villas, the Havel is where Berliners come to swim, sail and escape the summer heat. This overview gathers Berlin locations along its shores.
The river passes the Grunewald forest, the Pfaueninsel island and the Wannsee, one of the city's most popular lake beaches. Boat trips, sailing clubs and lakeside beer gardens make the most of the water, while historic villas and towers line the banks. It feels like the countryside, yet lies within the city limits.
Browse the venues below to explore the Havel and its surroundings.
Right on the Great Wannsee and at the edge of the Grunewald forest: The Wannseeterrassen in Zehlendorf is one of Berlin's most famous excursion restaurants, with lake views, a spacious terrace, and cuisine blending German and French traditions.
Stand Up Paddling on the Havel, right in Spandau: The SUP Center Berlin on Eiswerder Island is the perfect place for anyone who wants to experience Berlin from the water in beautiful weather. Rentals, courses, yoga, and XXL boards make this spot the top choice for watersports activities in the capital.
No party train, no sash chaos: For a bachelorette party on the Finnfloat sauna raft on Müggelsee in Köpenick, the girls sweat, jump, and toast in a Scandinavian way. Wellness on the water, far away from the hustle and bustle of Berlin.
The Havelhöhenweg leads about 10 kilometers from Heerstraße to Wannsee Beach over the steep bank of the Havel in Grunewald. Along the way are the 55-meter-high Grunewald Tower, the Schildhorn peninsula, and numerous viewpoints overlooking the Havel. For an autumn stroll in Berlin, this means: golden foliage, water views, and constant ups and downs.
Peacock Island in the Havel near Wannsee is only accessible by ferry, a connection that has existed since 1821. On 67 hectares of UNESCO World Heritage, there are around 400 old oak trees, the white pleasure palace from 1794, and Berlin's oldest rose garden, with peacocks roaming freely in between. As an autumn excursion in Berlin, this means: golden foliage, water all around, and hardly any traffic noise.
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.
Sicilian hospitality on the Havel bank: The harbor restaurant Da Peppe in Spandau-Wilhelmstadt is located directly at the Scharfe Lanke marina and serves Italian cuisine with beach chairs, loungers, and water views.
Tucked away in the Grunewald, deserted and absolutely peaceful - if you prefer a calmer place to go for a swim, the bathing spot Badestelle Kuhhorn on the banks of the Havel might just be the place for you.
A few minutes by ferry, and Berlin is gone. Peacock Island in the Havel is car-free, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and can only be reached by boat. Peacocks roam freely among 400 ancient oaks, and in their midst stands a white pleasure palace from 1794. For a marriage proposal, this is a rare case of a backdrop you don't have to book.
Anchored in Friedrichshain, in the middle of the Spree, the Hauptstadtfloß transforms into a floating alpine hut: sheepskins, deer antlers, and a crackling fireplace make the Winterfloß's cozy hut atmosphere arguably Berlin's most rustic Christmas party location.
Die Havelradweg‑Tour zum Grunewaldturm im grünen Grunewald‑Kiez: Hier rattert man durch urigen Wald, radelt entlang der Havel und wird oben auf der Aussichtsplattform mit Blick bis Potsdam belohnt. Ein Erlebnis mit Tempo, Natur und Backsteinromantik – ehrlich, aber charmant neugierig.
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.
A round, orange boat chugging along Lake Spandau and the Havel: The BBQ boat in Berlin-Spandau is probably the most relaxed way to celebrate your wedding day on the water. Grill, drift, enjoy the sun - all without a boat license.
In the old town of Brandenburg an der Havel, directly on the riverbank: The Havelfloß Apartments combine lovingly renovated old buildings with floating holiday homes. You can choose between rooms with Havel views and license-free houseboats, with which you can explore the city from the water.
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.
Right by the ferry terminal to Pfaueninsel, nestled between the Havel River and old trees, lies one of the most atmospheric excursion restaurants in Zehlendorf's southwest. The listed tavern captivates with its green inner courtyard, homemade cuisine, and expansive views over the river landscape.
45 minutes from the city and your own boat vacation is already at the dock: In Werder an der Havel, charter yachts without a license set off towards Potsdam, the Havel lakes, and Müritz. Reeds, open spaces, and water instead of Berlin's pavement.
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.
In Wedding's Nordhafenpark, where the shipping canal borders green banks, charter ships depart. From here, trips go on the Spree and Havel rivers up to Hennigsdorf, for a few hours exchanged for waves and panoramic views.
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.
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.
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.
Equipped with a sun deck and sauna - on the SpaBoat you can enjoy an exclusive bachelorette party on the river Havel.
This idyllic water restaurant is located on the Lindwerder Island and can only be reached by boat or ferry.
Kapitäns Kajüte in Gatow is a true gem among Berlin's waterfront restaurants. Guests enjoy excellent fish dishes directly on the banks of the Havel, complemented by breathtaking views of the Grunewald Tower.