Big round trip

Big Houseboat Round Trip Through Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, and Berlin

570 km

3–4 weeks

Start and end: Waren (Müritz)

Einmalig in Europa: Diese Hausboot-Tour verbindet drei Bundesländer und drei Hauptstädte. Auf den 570 Kilometern erlebt ihr den Wechsel von unberührter Natur zu pulsierendem Stadtleben. Die Mecklenburgische Seenplatte, die Flusslandschaft Havel in Brandenburg und der Blick auf die Skyline Berlins vom Wasser aus machen diese Reise zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis.

Naturparke und Biosphärenreservate bieten Gelegenheiten für Spaziergänge oder auch Radtouren, wenn ihr die Räder auf dem Boot dabeihabt. Kulturelle Höhepunkte wie zum Beispiel das imposante Schloss Schwerin, die UNESCO-Welterbestätten in Potsdam und die historische Altstadt Brandenburg an der Havel lassen sich individuell geplant oder auf geführten Rundgängen erleben. Nicht zu vergessen: die jährlich wiederkehrenden Open-Air-Veranstaltungen und Events am Wasser.

Die Tour startet an der Müritz, führt über die Obere Havel nach Berlin-Spandau und weiter nach Potsdam. Von dort geht es entlang der Unteren Havelniederung bis nach Havelberg in Sachsen. Über die Elbe gelangt ihr in die Müritz-Elde-Wasserstraße und schließlich durch das historische Schwerin zurück zum Ausgangspunkt.

Recommendations

Berlin

Spandau Citadel
Old Town of Spandau
Tiefwerder Wiesen
Schwanenwerder
Peacock Island
Glienicke Bridge

Brandenburg

Potsdam, with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic city center
City of Brandenburg an der Havel: Cathedral Island with St. Pauli Monastery
Rühstädt - European Stork Village on the Elbe
Fürstenberg/Havel, the Island Town
Neuruppin, the City of Fountains, on Lake Ruppin
Oranienburg with its Baroque palace

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Schlossinsel Mirow (castle island) with the 3-Königinnen-Palais (Palace of the Three Queens)
Müritzeum in Waren an der Müritz
Malchow Monastery Complex
Kulturmühle Parchim (culture mill)
Historic Castle in Neustadt-Glewe
Festung Dömitz (fortress)

Discover Germany's Most Beautiful Waterways: Houseboat Adventures on Lakes and Rivers

The tour takes you through some of Germany’s most diverse aquatic landscapes. You’ll pass expansive lakes, tranquil rivers, and towns situated along the water. The route connects the Mecklenburg Lake District, the Havel Lakes, and the Elbe River via small canals and idyllic coves. Due to the natural current of the Elbe, it is recommended to travel the route clockwise. With 44 locks along the way, careful planning is helpful; current lock times are available at www.elwis.de.

The landscape is constantly changing: On Lake Müritz, the water opens up to a vast horizon, while the Havel River winds its way through dense forests and picturesque villages. In the Untere Havelniederung, you can spot rare bird species—and enjoy the starry sky. The Elbe impresses with its diverse floodplain landscapes. Finally, the Müritz-Elde-Waterway winds its way through small towns with cozy harbors that invite you to take a break.

An Inlands Boating License is required for the tour, but some sections can be navigated without a license. Houseboats can be steered without prior experience, especially on Lake Müritz and the calmer parts of the Havel River. Anyone wishing to travel the entire route should check the current licensing regulations in advance.

Traveling through Deutschlands Seenland on a houseboat means having the water as your constant companion. Every day brings new experiences—whether it’s the morning view of a quiet cove, an encounter with herons on the shore, or docking at a historic city harbor. Which leg of the journey appeals to you the most?

P.S.: Anyone who falls in love with the Mecklenburg Lake District often ends up staying longer. How about a detour to Neustrelitz on the Great small lakes tour?

Independent. Free.
A houseboat vacation.

The view of the water is included—everywhere. What are you waiting for?

Houseboat

Vacation in Deutschlands Seenland

Experience the sense of peace and open space on the water. With a houseboat, you can explore the most beautiful lakes and rivers in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin at your own pace. Anchoring in idyllic coves makes every trip a special experience.

Swimming

Swimming and Water Fun at Lakes

Clear water, fine sandy beaches, and lush green shores—swimming in Deutschlands Seenland is pure relaxation. Whether you want to take a dip in the cool water, splash around with your family, or simply soak up the sun. Here you’ll find your swimming paradise, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.