17 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.
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.
For more than 100 years the boat restaurant Alte Liebe, moored on the Eastern bank of the Lower Havel, has been offering refuge from the big city stress to Berliners.
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.
The guesthouse Pension Havelfloß is a unique and hotel with an unusual concept located by the Havel in Brandenburg.
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.
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.