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deBoating in the Brandenburg Region
Did you know that Brandenburg an der Havel is a great starting point for a boating holiday in northeastern Germany? On one side lies the vibrant city of Berlin, whose city center is easily accessible by boat. You can read more about this in our blog “Exploring Berlin by Motorboat: A Unique Experience.“ On the other side, you’ll find the peaceful, nature-rich area surrounding the Havel River. Have you rented a boat for a longer period? Then you can also explore the Elbe, the Elbe-Havel Canal, the Oder, the Müritz, or the Elde in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
In the Brandenburg region, you can rent a Campi Houseboat or motorboat from Yachtcharter De Drait without a boating license. With our Campi 300, you can navigate the entire area from Havelberg to beyond Potsdam license-free. Rented a motorboat or Safari Houseboat without a license? Then you may sail from Brandenburg an der Havel to Havelberg with our boats. If you do have a boating license, you can navigate almost all routes—depending on water levels—including the Oder and the Elbe.
Below, you’ll find detailed information about the various boating routes, including license-free routes suitable for our motor yachts, Safari Houseboats, Campi 340, and Campi 400. Additionally, there’s specific information about the license-free route for the Campi 300, which is subject to separate conditions. Discover which route fits your boating adventure:
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Campi 300 license-free between Havelberg and Berlin
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Campi 340 and Campi 400 with Charterschein between Havelberg and Brandenburg; with a license to Berlin
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Motor yachts & Safari Houseboats with Charterschein between Havelberg and Brandenburg; with a license, all routes possible (subject to water levels)
Do you have questions about the boating routes, boating without a license, or renting a boat in Brandenburg an der Havel? Feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help!
Campi 300 (no boating license required)
Have you rented a Campi 300 Houseboat in Brandenburg an der Havel? Then you can explore the designated area on the map below without needing a boating license. From our marina in Brandenburg, you can sail towards Havelberg and/or Berlin.
Cruise along the Havel River towards Havelberg and discover picturesque villages and towns where you can dock, or enjoy the peace and quiet in one of the many coves for an overnight stay. If you choose the route towards Berlin, you’ll travel through a nature-rich area with expansive lakes and pass well-known places like Werder and Potsdam. The Campi 300 is not suitable for cruising through the city center of Berlin. Before departure, our marina staff will provide you with a comprehensive briefing. You can read more about this on the “Charterschein” page.
Do you have a boating license? Then you’re also welcome to take some of our other motorboat routes with the Campi Houseboat. Feel free to ask us about the possibilities.
Campi 340 and Campi 400
If you’ve rented a Campi 340 or Campi 400, you can sail without a boating license – using a Charterschein – between Havelberg and Brandenburg an der Havel. This route is marked in purple on the map. Along the way, you’ll find various coves for anchoring, as well as charming villages and towns to dock and explore.
Do you have a boating license? Then you can even sail the Campi 340 and 400 all the way to Berlin. On the way, you’ll pass well-known places like Werder and Potsdam. Please note: these boats are not suitable for navigating through the city center of Berlin.
Motorboat and Safari Houseboat
With a motorboat or Safari Houseboat, you can enjoy a wide variety of trips throughout the Brandenburg and Berlin region. To help you get started, we’ve outlined several suggested routes. These are shown on the map below and are explained in more detail further down. Of course, you can also plan your own route using the water chart provided on board. The routes depend on the water levels of the Oder and Elbe rivers. We’ve categorized them as: license-free, weekend/midweek trips, week tours, or multi-week journeys.
Do you have questions about the routes? Feel free to contact us at +31 512 513 276 or email us at contact@dedrait.com. We look forward to helping you plan your perfect route!
Black Route (Various periods): License-free
On the Havel River, between the cities of Brandenburg and Havelberg, there is a 200-kilometer long cruising area where no boating license is required. A Charterschein is sufficient.
From our marina, you’ll head towards the center of Rathenow. Rathenow is also known as Optikstadt, as it is the birthplace of Germany’s optical industry. You can dock here at the Stadtschleuse (city lock) and take a pleasant walk through the town. The next day, head towards Sternenpark Westhavelland. This park is known as the darkest place in Germany, making it a prime spot for stargazing on clear nights.
Continue towards Havelberg and dock in the historic city center. Visit the cathedral and enjoy the stunning views over the town. The next day, your journey will continue towards Hohenauer See. Dock here to relax, and the following day, head towards Brandenburg, known as the city of water. Take a walk in one of the many parks, or explore the historic part of the city with its cultural highlights. The next day, cross the beautiful Seenplatte to return to the marina.
Time required: 5 – 7 days
License required: No
Blue Route (Weekend or Midweek): Potsdam Castle Tour
A perfect route for a shorter boating holiday. Sail over idyllic lakes past the palaces of Potsdam and enjoy the nature. Along the way, you can stop in Brandenburg an der Havel, Ketzin, and Werder, or anchor in the water-rich area around Potsdam.
Time required: 3 – 5 days
License required: Yes
Orange Route (Week): Berlin Tour
Start in Plaue and sail towards Werder, an island definitely worth a walk. From there, continue through Potsdam and Spandau to the Spree River, which leads to Berlin. The next morning, sail into the vibrant city of Berlin and admire the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Museumsinsel, and the TV Tower.
You can then take the Müggelsee and Köpenick to return via the Teltow Canal to Potsdam. Visit Schloss Sanssouci and the Dutch Quarter. From Potsdam, return to Plaue. More about this route can be read in our blog, “Sailing through Berlin by motorboat: A unique experience.“
Time required: Week or longer
License required: Yes
Green Route (Week): Elbe Tour
Sail towards Genthin, Burg, Magdeburg, Tangermünde, and Havelberg. Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, is directly on the Elbe River and is worth a visit. Along the way, you’ll discover a beautiful mix of nature and culture along the Havel, Elbe, and Elbe-Havel Canal.
Time required: Week
License required: Yes
Purple Route (Two weeks): Oder Tour
This extensive tour takes you to Potsdam, Berlin, Frankfurt (Oder), and Oranienburg. Sail along the Teltow Canal past Berlin, explore the border river Oder between Germany and Poland, and admire the impressive Niederfinow Boat Lift. Also, visit Oranienburg, named after the Dutch Princess Louise Henriette of Orange-Nassau.
Time required: 2 weeks
License required: Yes
Pink Route (Two or three weeks): Müritz Round Tour
Combine the beautiful cruising area around Brandenburg and Berlin with a journey to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Müritz. After visiting the impressive palaces in Potsdam, sail along the Havel River towards Spandau. From Spandau, you can easily visit the German capital, or sail further towards the city center and dock at the Bundesratufer, a beautiful mooring location right in the heart of Berlin. Then, continue along the Havel towards Müritz and Plauer See. Sail past several charming villages and towns, eventually arriving at the idyllic German town of Havelberg.
Time required: 2 to 3 weeks
License required: Yes