23 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.
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.
Enjoying a nice walk along the river Havel is a nice way to spend an autumn day.
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.
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.
Already poet Theodor Fontane described the Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island) as a "mysterious island, an oasis, a carpet of flowers in the heart of the Mark".
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.
On Altstädtische Fischerstraße in Brandenburg an der Havel, Pension Havelfloß surprises vacation-ready city dwellers with an unusual concept.
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.
Where Havel, forest, and Prussian history meet, the Wirtshaus zur Pfaueninsel in Wannsee awaits with rustic charm and honest home cooking. Located directly at the ferry landing to the eponymous UNESCO World Heritage island, this waterside excursion restaurant is one of the most beautiful in Berlin's southwest.
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.
To make the children's birthday party an unforgettable experience, the BoulderWerft in Werder offers climbing fun as a birthday package for six children, which includes supervision by trainers and a delicious pizza with a drink.