With a motorboat through Berlin: a unique boating experience

Discover Berlin from the Water – A Unique Experience with Yachtcharter De Drait Brandenburg

Whether you’re looking for a unique boating experience? Or perhaps you want to explore a world city from the water? Or have you rented a boat with Yachtcharter De Drait in Brandenburg but haven’t decided on your route yet? Step aboard and let yourself be surprised by everything Germany’s capital has to offer!

Berlin is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and lively neighborhoods. Moreover, did you know the city also has an extensive network of waterways? With a boat from Yachtcharter De Drait, you can discover Berlin from a completely new perspective! Cruise right through the city center on the Spree and admire iconic sights such as the Reichstag, Berliner Dom, and the East Side Gallery.

Start your day relaxed on deck with a cup of coffee while the city awakens around you. Dock your boat to explore Berlin on foot, by bike, or by metro. And the best part? You always have your own floating accommodation with you.

Specifically, we’ll guide you through planning the perfect boating route, share useful tips, and explain how you can navigate Berlin without a VHF radio in this blog. Get inspired and embark on an unforgettable adventure on the water—one you’ll cherish for a long time!

👀 Sneak peek: Want a taste of your Berlin adventure? Check out our time-lapse video of a boat trip past the city’s highlights! 🚤🌊

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Boating in Berlin Without a VHF Radio – Here’s How!

Many boaters think a VHF radio is mandatory when navigating through Berlin, but that’s not the case! As long as you follow the correct times and regulations, you can cruise through the city center without one.

When can you boat without a VHF radio?

✅ Before 10:30 AM and after 7:00 PM, passage is allowed without a radio.
❌ Between 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM, a VHF radio is required.

Where does this rule apply?

🌉 Between Lessing Bridge (KM 12) and Mühlendamm Lock (KM 17)

You’ll encounter many sightseeing boats along the way, but as long as you follow the boating rules, you can safely and comfortably navigate through Berlin’s city center.

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How to Pass Through Berlin on Time!

Want to navigate Berlin without a VHF radio? To make your trip easier, here are our tips!

📍 Mooring location: Stay overnight at Bundesratufer (KM 12), just before the VHF zone.
🕘 Departure time: Cast off between 9:00 – 9:15 AM.
⏳ Travel time: It takes about one hour to reach Mühlendamm Lock at a relaxed pace.
🏛️ Along the way: Enjoy sights like the Reichstag and Museum Island.

This way, you’ll be out of the city before 10:30 AM and can enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey!

👉 Tip: Take a walk along the Spree from Bundesratufer or hop on the U-Bahn (Turmstraße station, a 6-minute walk) to explore Berlin’s highlights. Nearby, you’ll also find cozy cafés, bars, and restaurants.

Important for Your Boating Trip

Before you set course for Berlin, keep these things in mind:

✅ Boating license required – A license is needed for the route from Brandenburg an der Havel to Berlin.

🌉Low bridges – No worries! Our boats are specially designed to pass smoothly under all bridges on the Spree.

🛑 Locks along the route – You’ll pass multiple locks on this journey. No stress! We provide a water map with opening times and contact details at departure. Plus, we’ll give you detailed instructions on lock operations and the route, so you can enjoy your trip worry-free.

Berlin from the Water: A Unique Experience

Berlin was founded on the Spree, near Museum Island. The river has shaped the city and now runs through both its historic and modern heart. Along the banks, you’ll see a mix of iconic buildings, such as:

🏰 Schloss Bellevue
🏛️ Reichstag
🗼 Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
🏢 Kanzleramt (Chancellery)

Your boating route takes you past these highlights, under the Oberbaum Bridge, towards Köpenick and Große Müggelsee. Here, you leave the bustling city behind and slowly enter an industrial and natural landscape. The mix of culture, nature, and historical architecture makes this route truly unique! On the lakes beyond Berlin, you’re guaranteed to find peace and quiet.

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Boating Routes To & Around Berlin

Planning to explore Berlin by boat? One of the most popular routes takes you past the picturesque towns of Potsdam and Werder—both well worth a visit!

📍 Plan your ideal route

Check the map below for a sample route. Have specific preferences or questions? We’re happy to help you tailor the perfect trip!

Alternative Routes

If you want to visit Berlin but avoid the busy city center by boat, no problem! Consider these options:

🔹 Bundesratufer (KM 12) as a stopover – Moor here before entering the VHF zone and then return to your original route (e.g., the Müritz route).

🔹 Teltow Canal – If you’re taking the Oder route, it’s best to travel via the Teltow Canal. Moor at one of the marinas and explore Berlin at your own pace. The Teltow Canal has no restrictions, ensuring a smooth passage.

Looking for Moorings? Here’s Where You Can Dock!

There are plenty of mooring options in Berlin and its surroundings, from full-service marinas to basic sport boat docks. Here are a few options:

Marinas:

📍 Stadthafen Ketzin
📍 Werder: Marina Havelauen, Yachthafen Scheunhornweg
📍 Potsdam: Yachthafen Potsdam, Marina am Tiefen See
📍 Berlin: Historischer Hafen Berlin, City Marina Berlin, Yachthafen Tempelhof, Stadthafen Teltow