Mecklenburg, Brandenburg and Berlin
About Mecklenburg, Brandenburg and Berlin
Get back to nature in pretty Mecklenburg and Brandenburg
Get back to nature in pretty Mecklenburg and Brandenburg. Abundant waters pepper the states of Mecklenburg and Brandenburg, lacing them with rivers, streams and literally thousands of small and large lakes. Castles perch on the shores of medieval villages, and resorts bustle on Lake Müritz, the largest lake confined within Germany’s borders. Mecklenburg-Brandenburg Boating vacations usher you into paradise for lovers of Nature.
Mecklenburg, Brandenburg and Berlin map
= Le Boat Base 
= Canal 
= Navigable river 
= License required
The perfect boating region for...
Nature Lovers
Designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1991, the Spreewald in Brandenburg is a natural for nature lovers! Trails weave through forests, wetlands and meadows, and wildlife thrives! Equally compelling is Müritz National Park in Mecklenburg. It features miles of cycling and trekking trails!
Water Sports
The Lakeland district of Mecklenburg is a watery playground dotted with resorts and spas. Watersports vacations are hugely popular! rent a motorboat to go water skiing! Ride a jet ski! Glide on a windsurfer! In Brandenburg, you can enjoy watersports vacations at the resorts of Werder!
History & Heritage
Castle Mirow, Rheinsberg Castle and Sanssouci Castle Park are enchanting! In Neustrelitz, relax in the lush public gardens and admire the stunning Gothic-style Castle Church! And of course your history vacations will include the monuments, edifices and museums of Berlin and Potsdam!
Family
Spend time with the kids at Mecklenburg's Müritz Museum and aquarium. The gardens on the grounds contain a neat bee house where the family can learn about bee keeping! Take the kids on a nature walk in Brandenburg's beautiful Spreewald or to the vivarium in Mecklenburg's Jabel!
Useful information
Download our region guide
We've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.
Berlin is the largest city in the state Brandenburg, and it’s linked via canals to the Oder, Elbe and Rhine rivers as well as the North Sea. A glance at a Brandenburg map indicates that Berlin sits amongst vast tracts of nature reserves. Indeed, fully one third of the state is protected land sprinkled with more than 3,000 lakes, making it well suited for Boating Vacations! Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg, once was Prussia’s seat of power. The plethora of Baroque palaces attests to that!
Brandenburg’s neighbour, Mecklenburg, is similarly endowed with waterways. The region is often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes! Large and small lakes are everywhere, and dense forests line the hilly shores. Lake Müritz National Park, which hugs the eastern shore of Lake Müritz, boasts nearly 650 kilometres (400 miles) of trekking and cycling paths, and 130 lakes!
Licensed areas: certain cruising areas in Germany require an International Certificate for Operator of Pleasure Craft, which is issued in UNECE member States in accordance with Resolution No. 40. Without this license you won’t be able to cruise on these waterways. If your license does not reference ‘Resolution No. 40 of the UNECE Working Party on Inland Water Transport’ – we suggest you send it to our sales team prior to booking so it can be validated.
Unlicensed areas: If you don’t have a license and wish to cruise in license-free area of Germany (which includes the waterways around our bases in Jabel and Marina Wolfsbruch), our base teams are required to provide additional tuition prior to your departure. This means your pre-departure briefing will take two hours in total and you must arrive at the base in time for this tuition which begins at 2pm (we suggest you arrive at 1pm to complete checkin beforehand). Even after this tuition, you will still not be allowed to cruise in licensed areas.
If you have a license, this additional tuition is not required, your pre-departure briefing will take the usual 1hr and your check-in will be arranged between 3pm and 5pm (unless you have booked an early check-in).
Once upon a time, a huge frozen freshwater lake covered the entire state of Mecklenburg. The last Ice Age shaped the land, and as the climate warmed the lake thawed and split into smaller ones. Those then fragmented again. Lake Müritz is the biggest lake left with a present-day surface area of 112 square kilometers (43 square miles). Humans changed the water level of the lake a couple times, raising and lowering it through dams built to power mills in the 1700s.
Take a look at our waterway and lock closures page to find out if there are any scheduled cruising restrictions that will affect your vacation plans.
Cruising in Germany is relatively easy and is suitable for beginners. Traffic can be heavy in certain places, and caution is needed on big lakes if the wind kicks up.
Please note: Big Lakes Area (around Jabel/Müritz): Although the lakes around Jabel/Muritz are license-free, customers without a German license will not be allowed to pass any of the big lakes when the windspeed is more than 4 Bft (20km/h). Therefore you are advised to call the Le Boat base and request approval to pass. They can then check current weather conditions and decide whether to grant permission.
Locks on the Brandenburg and Mecklenburg waterways are fully automatic and manned or automatic with self-service. There is no charge to use them.
Opening hours: Locks open 08:00 - 19:45 from May to October and 09:00 - 15:45 daily in April. Manned locks have half an hour lunchbreak during which they are closed. Some locks are open until 20:45 in high season.
Public holidays: Locks are open on public holidays.
Please note: For the 2024 season the operating hours will be reduced on the waterways between Berlin and Müritz. Operation will be from 9am to 6pm only and specific hours. The affected locks are Strasen, Canow, Diemitz and Mirow on the Müritz-Havel waterway and the Steinhavel and Wesenberg on the Upper Havel Waterway too. The automated locks are fully operational.
Full-service marinas with all amenities are available. Moorings are plentiful along the german waterways.
To find out how to get to each of our bases in this boating region, as well as what facilities and amenities are available at each base or nearby, click on the relevant base below:
- Rental of the boat and its onboard equipment
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Towels and linen for all passengers
- A boat handling demonstration prior to departure
- Technical support
- On-board maps and visitor information
- Passage through locks
- Optional vacation extras
- Boat damage waiver
- Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour (by the litre in Scotland).
- Travel to and from the base(s)
- Waterside services if you use them (i.e. moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc)
- Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance
- Food and drink
Interactive map of Mecklenburg, Brandenburg and Berlin
= Le Boat base 
= Point of interest
Great to see...
Itinerary suggestions
Our boating vacations allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever 'floats your boat'. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
Route suggestions
As well as the suggested itinerary shown above, all the routes available in this region are shown below. They aren’t as detailed, but they should help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have. You won’t have time to stop at every single place listed on each suggestion – but they should give you an idea of what’s possible. Of course, cruising times are approximations and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
The Plauer See Watersports Short Break
Jabel
Malchow
Plau-am-See
Waren
Jabel
12 hr(s) of cruising
78km 0 locks 3 nightsThe Plauer See Watersports Short Break
Jabel RETURN via Plau, Warren
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Overview
The beauty of the Plauer See mesmerises you as you travel toward the medieval town of Plau, famous for its impressive castle. You’ve discovered the charm of river cruises in Germany! You’re in the midst of a foray into a land of forests and medieval villages, of Baroque castles and cosy waterfront restaurants, of parks and lakeside resorts.
Top highlights:
- The twelfth century church in Malchow
- Plau-am-See's boisterous city hall
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Jabel: Jabel is a quiet and peaceful village, perfect place for relaxing and taking it easy. Stroll downtown and discover a beautiful old brick church, and cycle around the canal bank to admire the beautiful scenery.
- Malchow: Also called the City-Island, Malchow has many treasures for you to discover. Downtown, you will find a huge mill, and an old church from the 12th century with an organ museum inside. There's also a pretty flower garden if you're in the mood for a stroll.
- Plau am See: Welcome to Plau am See, a peaceful and welcoming little village along the canal. Visit the charming ivy-covered City Hall while leisurely perusing downtown. For a change of scenery, take a peaceful walk along the canal bank.
- Waren: Stop at Waren for a pleasant walk along the lake banks, and enjoy it's wonderful landscapes. Downtown, you will find many quaint monuments, like the old timbered houses. You'll also want to see the old water tower and Saint Mary's church.
12 hr(s) of cruising
78km 0 locks 3 nights
The Rheinsberg Cruise
Jabel
Malchow
Plau-am-See
Waren
Röbel
Mirow
Marina-Wolfsbruch
Rheinsberg
Jabel
34 hr(s) of cruising
229km 8 locks 7 nightsThe Rheinsberg Cruise
Jabel RETURN via Rheinsberg
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Overview
It’s the land of 1,000 lakes, and the reason why is obvious as you follow the connecting waters to savour a delightful blend of culture, history, upscale shopping, fine dining and unparalleled natural beauty. The bustle of lively Waren stands in contrast to laid-back 13th century Plau, but both represent distinct charms of German river cruises.
Top highlights:
- The twelfth century church in Malchow
- Plau-am-See's boisterous city hall
- Hiking through Marina Wolfsbruch
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Jabel: Jabel is a quiet and peaceful village a perfect place for relaxing. Stroll downtown and discover a beautiful, old brick church, and cycle around the canal bank to admire the beautiful scenery.
- Malchow: Also called the City-Island, Malchow has many treasures for you to discover. Downtown, you will find a huge mill, and an old church from the 12th century with an organ museum inside. There's also a pretty flower garden if you're in the mood for a stroll.
- Plau am See: Welcome to Plau am See, a peaceful and welcoming little village along the canal. Visit the charming ivy-covered City Hall while leisurely perusing downtown. For a change of scenery, take a peaceful walk along the canal bank.
- Waren: Stop at Waren for a pleasant walk along the lake's bank, and enjoy it's wonderful landscapes. Downtown, you will find many quaint monuments, like the old timbered houses. You'll also want to see the old water tower and Saint Mary's Church.
- Röbel: Welcome to Robel, a charming and peaceful town located along the large Muritz lake. Take a walk downtown between the colorful timbered houses, and enjoy one of their many fine restaurants.
- Mirow: Mirow is a charming little town with timbered houses. Stop here to see the beautiful Mirow castle located magnificently on its own island. The church, surrounded by lush countryside, is also a nice place to visit and relax.
- Marina Wolfsbruch: A beautiful harbor surrounded by forest, Marina Wolfsbruch is a pretty little place where you will find many hotels and restaurants. If you would like to stretch your legs, there are also hiking paths on the outskirts.
- Rheinsberg: Along the bank, surrounded by a lush and green forest, stands the large Castle of Rheinberg. You may visit it, along with its gardens, and museum. Downtown, you will also enjoy seeing the Evangelical Church of Saint Laurent, built in the 13th century.
34 hr(s) of cruising
229km 8 locks 7 nights
The Müritz Cruise
Jabel
Waren
Röbel
Mirow
Rheinsberg
Marina Wolfsbruch
20 hr(s) of cruising
85km 4 locks 7 nightsThe Müritz Cruise
Jabel to Marina Wolfsbruch via Rheinsberg & Mirow ONEWAY
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Overview
You’ve crossed Lake Müritz and cruised to splendid Rheinsberg. You timed your arrival to coincide with a live evening concert on the grounds of the Baroque castle there, and you look forward to a stroll in the gardens beforehand. German river cruises offer a mix of pleasures, like some pampering at the resort amenities of Marina Wolfsbruch at the end of your travels!
Top highlights:
- The isolated Mirow Castle
- The Evangelical Church of Saint-Laurent in Rheinsberg
- Hiking through Marina Wolfsbruch
- The outstanding scenery beyond Muritz Lake
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Jabel: Jabel is a quiet and peaceful village a perfect place for relaxing and taking is easy. Stroll downtown and discover a beautiful, old brick church, and cycle around the canal banks to admire the beautiful scenery.
- Waren: Stop at Waren for a pleasant walk along the lakes bank, and enjoy it's wonderful landscapes. Downtown, you will find many quaint monuments, like the old timbered houses. You'll also want to see the old water tower and Saint Mary's Church.
- Röbel: Welcome to Robel, a charming and peaceful town located along the large Muritz lake. Take a walk downtown between the colorful timbered houses, and enjoy one of their many fine restaurants.
- Mirow: Mirow is a charming little town with timbered houses. Stop here to see the beautiful, Mirow castle located magnificently on its own island. The church, surrounded by lush countryside, is also a nice place to visit and relax.
- Rheinsberg: Along the bank, surrounded by a lush green forest, stands the large Castle of Rheinberg. You may visit it, along with its gardens, and museum. Downtown, you will also enjoy seeing the Evangelical Church of Saint Laurent, built in the thirteenth century.
- Marina Wolfsbruch: A beautiful harbor surrounded by forest, Marina Wolfsbruch is a pretty little place where you will find many hotels and restaurants. If you would like to stretch your legs, there are also hiking paths on the outskirts.
20 hr(s) of cruising
85km 4 locks 7 nights
The Müritz Short Break
Marina Wolfsbruch
Mirow
Röbel
Waren
Jabel
11 hr(s) of cruising
65km 4 locks 3 nightsThe Müritz Short Break
Marina Wolfsbruch to Jabel ONEWAY
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Overview
The waters of Lake Müritz stretch out before you, and grand castles jut from forested slopes. You think you’re in paradise as you guide the boat to the next resort, or as you nose into a new waterfront town with its very own Baroque palace. The big lakes are all part of a river cruise in Germany!
Top highlights:
- Hiking through Marina Wolfsbruch
- The isolated Mirow Castle
- The colourful houses of Röbel
- The outstanding scenery beyond Müritz Lake
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Marina Wolfsbruch: A beautiful harbor surrounded by forest, Marina Wolfsbruch is a pretty little place where you will find many hotels and restaurants. If you would like to stretch your legs, there are also hiking paths on the outskirts.
- Mirow: Mirow is a charming little town with timbered houses. Stop here to see the beautiful Mirow castle located magnificently on its own island. The church, surrounded by lush countryside, is also a nice place to visit and relax.
- Röbel: Welcome to Robel, a charming and peaceful town located along the large Muritz lake. Take a walk downtown between the colourful timbered houses, and enjoy one of their many fine restaurants.
- Waren: Stop at Waren for a pleasant walk along the lake banks, and enjoy it's wonderful landscapes. Downtown, you will find many quaint monuments, like the old timbered houses. You'll also want to see the old water tower and Saint Mary's Church.
- Jabel: Jabel is a quiet and peaceful village a perfect place for relaxing and taking it easy. Stroll downtown and discover a beautiful, old brick church, and cycle around the canal bank to admire the beautiful scenery.
11 hr(s) of cruising
65km 4 locks 3 nights
The Palace Gardens Short Break
Marina Wolfsbruch
Neustrelitz
Marina Wolfsbruch
10 hr(s) of cruising
70km 8 locks 3 nightsThe Palace Gardens Short Break
Marina Wolfsbruch RETURN via Neustrelitz
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Overview
The water sparkles off the bow and tall trees line the shores. The warm summer breeze carries the scent of wildflowers whilst you travel ever closer to a town that once hosted a grand palace destroyed in 1945. A river cruise in Germany brings you to this historic place with its Castle Church and Château Park, all harking back to a storied past!
Top highlights:
- Hiking through Marina Wolfsbruch
- Catching a show at the Landestheater Neustrelitz
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Marina Wolfsbruch: A beautiful harbor surrounded by forest, Marina Wolfsbruch is a pretty little place where you will find many hotels and restaurants. If you would like to stretch your legs, there are also hiking paths on the outskirts.
- Neustrelitz: Neustrelitz is a large city with many beautiful sights to see, especially downtown. You will enjoy walking along a footpath and seeing the Zierke Church which is surrounded by gorgeous green gardens, perfect for a walk. If you stay the night, you could possibly catch a show at the theater.
10 hr(s) of cruising
70km 8 locks 3 nights
The Lakes and Castles Cruise
Marina Wolfsbruch
Rheinsberg
Mirow
Neustrelitz
Furstenberg
Himmelpfort
Lychen
Marina Wolfsbruch
25 hr(s) of cruising
166km 20 locks 7 nightsThe Lakes and Castles Cruise
Marina Wolfsbruch RETURN via Rheinsburg, Mirow, Neustrelitz, Lychen
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Overview
Palaces and châteaux imbue Brandenburg and Mecklenburg with an ambiance of elegance. The incredible culture and beauty of Germany river cruises is obvious as you stroll in mediaeval market squares and browse in the shops in cities like Mirow and Rheinsberg. Pampering yourself is part of the fun, so you plan to thoroughly enjoy the watersports and resort amenities at Marina Wolfsbruch!
Top highlights:
- Hiking through Marina Wolfsbruch
- The Evangelical Church of Saint-Laurent in Rheinsberg
- The isolated Mirow Castle
- Catching a show at the Landestheater Neustrelitz
- The WWII memorial in Fürstenberg
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Marina Wolfsbruch: A beautiful harbor surrounded by forest, Marina-Wolfsbruch is a pretty little place where you will find many hotels and restaurants. If you would like to stretch your legs, there are also hiking paths on the outskirts.
- Rheinsberg: Along the bank, surrounded by a lush and green forest, stands the large Castle of Rheinberg. You may visit it, along with its gardens, and museum. Downtown, you will also enjoy seeing the Evangelical Church of Saint-Laurent, built in the thirteenth century.
- Mirow: Mirow is a charming little town with timbered houses. Stop here to see the beautiful, Mirow castle located magnificently on its own island . The church, surrounded by lush countryside, is also a nice place to visit and relax.
- Neustrelitz: Neustrelitz is a large city with many beautiful sights to see, especially downtown. You will enjoy walking along a footpath and seeing the Zierke church which is surrounded by gorgeous green gardens, perfect for a walk. If you stay the night, you could possibly catch a show at the theater.
- Fürstenberg: Fustenberg is a city full of history. Here, you can visit a World War 2 memorial and learn about the events that took place in the city decades ago. The protestant church also makes for an interesting visit and there are also great paths for cycling.
- Himmelpfort: Once an old city of fishermen, Himmelpfort is now a famous tourist destination. Take a walk downtown and discover the vestiges of the old abbey. And, if you want to get a little exercise, there are plenty of beautiful cycle paths among the beautiful lakes.
- Lychen: Lychen is located in the middle of a great natural park, a green and welcoming place perfect for relaxation. Come here and see the wonderful scenery and lakes during sunset, or go downtown and discover the beautiful sanatorium, or the Saint-Johannes church.
25 hr(s) of cruising
166km 20 locks 7 nights
The Mecklenburg Cruise
Marina Wolfsbruch
Rheinsberg
Mirow
Röbel
Waren
Jabel
Malchow
Plau-am-See
Marina Wolfsbruch
31 hr(s) of cruising
215km 8 locks 7 nightsThe Mecklenburg Cruise
Marina Wolfsbruch RETURN via Plau am See and Rheinsburg
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Overview
The Brandenburg and Mecklenburg regions are your vacation playgrounds on Germany river cruises you know you won’t forget! The myriad waterways wind through protected nature reserves. You come and play, shouting and laughing with friends whilst enjoying watersports on Lake Müritz and the resort amenities of Marina Wolfsbruch. Then you head off to explore medieval towns and castles!
Top highlights:
- Hiking through Marina Wolfsbruch
- The Evangelical Church of Saint-Laurent in Rheinsberg
- The isolated Mirow Castle
- The old water tower and Saint-Mary's Church in Waren
- The boisterous city hall of Plau-am-See
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Marina Wolfsbruch: A beautiful harbor surrounded by forest, Marina Wolfsbruch is a pretty little place where you will find many hotels and restaurants. If you would like to stretch your legs, there are also hiking paths on the outskirts.
- Rheinsberg: Along the bank, surrounded by a lush green forest, stands the large Castle of Rheinberg. You may visit it, along with its gardens, and museum. Downtown, you will also enjoy seeing the Evangelical Church of Saint Laurent, built in the thirteenth century.
- Mirow: Mirow is a charming little town with timbered houses. Stop here to see the beautiful, Mirow castle located magnificently on its own island. The church, surrounded by lush countryside, is also a nice place to visit and relax.
- Röbel: Welcome to Röbel, a charming and peaceful town located along the large Muritz lake. Take a walk downtown between the colorful timbered houses, and enjoy one of their many fine restaurants.
- Waren: Stop at Waren for a pleasant walk along the lake banks, and enjoy its wonderful landscapes. Downtown, you will find many quaint monuments like the old timbered houses. You'll also want to see the old water tower and Saint Mary's Church.
- Jabel: Jabel is a quiet and peaceful village a perfect place for relaxing and taking it easy. Stroll downtown and discover a beautiful, old brick church, and cycle around the canal bank to admire the beautiful scenery.
- Malchow: Also called City Island, Malchow has many treasures for you to discover. Downtown, you will find a huge mill, and an old church from the 12th century with an organ museum inside. There's also a pretty flower garden if you're in the mood for a stroll.
- Plau am See: Welcome to Plau am See, a peaceful and welcoming little village along the canal. Visit the charming ivy-covered City Hall while leisurely perusing downtown. For a change of scenery, take a peaceful walk along the canal banks.
31 hr(s) of cruising
215km 8 locks 7 nights
The Trödel Cruise
Marina Wolfsbruch
Furstenberg
Himmelpfort
Zehdenick
Liebenwalde
Marina Wolfsbruch
42 hr(s) of cruising
238km 34 locks 7 nightsThe Trödel Cruise
Marina Wolfsbruch RETURN via Liebenwalde
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Overview
The great Lake Werbellinsee comes from the meltings of the majestic moutains around here for millenia. Cruise along the pretty river Havel and discover a part of Germany's history and patrimony, seeing monuments like famous Joachimsthal village and its hunting lodge made by King Frederick William IV of Prussia; or beautiful charming villages such as Echhorst. In this preserved area, you will enjoy the quietness - perfect moments for enjoying the sunset over the lake, eating one of the regional dishes: the Marane!
Top highlights:
- Hiking through the paths of Marina Wolfsbruch
- The WWII memorial in Fürstenberg
- The red brick neoclassical church of Liebenwalde
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Marina Wolfsbruch: A beautiful harbor surrounded by forest, Marina Wolfsbruch is a pretty little place where you will find many hotels and restaurants. If you would like to stretch your legs, there are also hiking paths on the outskirts.
- Fürstenberg: Fürstenberg is a city full of history. Here, you can visit a World War II memorial and learn about the events that took place in the city decades ago. The protestant church also makes for an interesting visit and there are also great paths for cycling.
- Himmelpfort: Once an old city of fishermen, Himmelpfort is now a famous tourist destination. Take a walk downtown and discover the vestiges of the old abbey. If you want to get a little exercise, there are plenty of beautiful cycle paths among the beautiful lakes.
- Zehdenick: Zehdenick is a gathering of several little villages. It is a pretty big town full of heritage that you may appreciate. Take time to take a stroll here and see the old fortified city church in Bergsdorf. Downtown, you may can tour the beautiful, newly-erected city church.
- Liebenwalde: Welcome to Liebenwalde, a beautiful and charming town surrounded by a lush green forest. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing walk and see the handsome red brick neoclassical church and you can learn about the local history in the museum.
42 hr(s) of cruising
238km 34 locks 7 nights