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Raft tour through the Untere Havelniederung flood plain
Vacation on the Havel: Nature, Biodiversity, and Starry Skies
35 km
1–2 days
Start: Plaue | End: Rathenow
The current gently carries your raft downstream as the Havel unfolds in all its grandeur. The journey begins in the tranquil fishing village of Plaue, just outside Brandenburg an der Havel. The river takes you through a landscape where water and nature become one. With every bend, the scenery changes: reeds sway gently in the wind, dense forests provide shade, and every now and then a village nestles against the riverbank.
The Untere Havelniederung is among the most biodiverse river landscapes in Europe and is almost entirely protected as an EU Special Protection Area for birds. Along the banks, herons stand motionless in the reeds, while white-tailed eagles circle high above the treetops. With a little luck, you can spot beavers working on their dams or otters gliding elegantly through the water.
Along the 35-kilometer route, natural swimming spots invite you to take a refreshing break. If you want to enjoy the tranquility of nature even more deeply, you’ll find ideal places to camp at the nature-oriented campgrounds. At night, the clear sky envelops you in a sparkling canopy of stars—an impressive experience that lets you feel the peace and vastness of this unique river landscape in a special way.
Recommendations
TIPS FOR GOING ASHORE:
- Plaue on the Havel: Castle, Parish Church, Old Havel Bridge
- Brandenburg an der Havel: St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Paulikloster, and the Jahrtausendbrücke (Millenium Bridge)
- Milow: Westhavelland Nature Park Center
- Rathenow: Optics Park Rathenow, Museum of the Optical Industry, St. Marien-Andreas-Kirche church
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RAFT TOUR:
- Area/Region: Untere Havelniederung River Landscape / Havelland
- Waterway Profile: River landscape with tranquil side channels, chains of lakes, and floodplain forests
- Number of locks: no locks on the tour
- No driver's license is required to drive this route.
Under the Starry Sky: Anchoring in Germany’s First Nature and Star Park
Your raft continues drifting downstream as darkness gently settles over the landscape. A special highlight of this tour is the Natur- und Sternenpark Westhavelland, one of the darkest regions in Germany. With no artificial light sources, a vast sky stretches out above you, where countless stars and the glowing Milky Way seem close enough to touch. The silence is broken only by the soft murmur of the water and the distant call of an owl.
As the first rays of sunlight appear, a completely new landscape unfolds. Dense floodplain forests line the banks, where cranes forage for food and ospreys circle overhead. Sometimes a white-tailed eagle dives into the water from high above, while the raft drifts quietly on. But even away from the main current, a world full of discoveries awaits: the Havel’s numerous tributaries wind through wild riverside landscapes and past hidden islands. The perfect place for a break.
Ready for your rafting adventure? Imagine drifting through this unique water landscape, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Feel the tranquility and experience nature from a whole new perspective.
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Rafting in Deutschlands Seenland
When traveling by raft, you’ll constantly come across quiet coves and hidden spots to dock. Your vacation rental stays right on deck the whole time—on the move, yet still feeling just like home. The route is flexible and winds through an extensive network of lakes and canals, ideal for peaceful getaways on the water.
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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, you’ll find your swimming paradise here, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.