A journey down Berlin’s waterways – a network of rivers, lakes and canals - will bring you face-to-face with the city’s remarkable history and current status as a modern metropolis that celebrates diversity. Berlin river cruises make for immersive experiences that tell the history of Berlin through its landmarks like its domed cathedral, baroque palaces, Prussian war memorials and its first settlement neighbourhoods. Alongside these, you also spot the sites that shape modern Berlin like the Reichstag – the seat of the Government – and the unique House of Cultures. Here are the best Berlin river cruises you choose from during your exploration of the city!
What to expect on a Berlin Cruise?
From the ashes of World War II and the ruins of the Soviet-era Wall, Berlin has risen to create a progressive city that is at peace with its checkered past. You can gauge this when you traverse its waterways – largely made up of the River Spree but also other rivers, lakes and canals - on a Berlin river cruise. The city’s lively landscape showcases its storied monuments including its centuries-old churches, synagogues, and palaces that sit comfortably next to the German capital’s newer constructions that herald Berlin as a melting pot of cultures.
Travellers can choose from a range of Berlin river cruises – from 1-hour whirlwind tours to laidback evening and dinner cruises that stretch across many hours. Whatever your choice is, a Berlin river cruise makes for an unforgettable experience!
Types of Berlin River Cruises
Buy Berlin Sightseeing Cruise Tickets
Buy Berlin Dinner Cruise Tickets
How to pick the best Belin river cruise
For an immersive Berlin experience, a Berlin river cruise has to be a part of your itinerary! Here are a few factors to consider when booking the ideal cruise.
Budget
Berlin river cruises come in a range of budgets and you can choose one depending on what suits your pocket. Typically, the no-frill hour-long tours are the most affordable while the dinner cruises that unfurl over many hours and serve delicious food cost more. Choose the one that sits well with your budget and you’ll be good to go!
Time
In Berlin for only a few hours or a couple of days? Then, take the quick, hour-long tours that highlight the best bits of the city. If you have more time on your hands, then, don’t hesitate to sign up for longer, lingering cruises that deep delve into the city’s historical and modern offerings.
Experiences
Each cruise offers a few exclusive experiences that add sheen to your holiday in Berlin. River cruise experiences can range from exploring the city’s canals and harbours to spotlighting Berlin’s rich history, unpacking the sights and sounds of the city’s downtown area, and even serving up cosy dinners.
Best Berlin Cruises
Take your pick from the best river cruises that Berlin has to offer:
- Sightseeing cruises
- Dinner cruises
Sightseeing cruises
These value-for-money cruises last from 1 hour to several hours and are a great way to get to know Berlin.
Guided Berlin cruise
Perfect for travellers who speak English or German, this one-hour cruise takes you through the waters that sit by central Berlin. As you navigate the waters of the River Spree on a glass-covered boat, the guide points out the city’s best-known landmarks like the Berlin cathedral and Reichstag – the seat of the government.
1-hour sightseeing cruise
Get onboard a two-deck cruise or a convertible boat to take in Berlin’s celebrated highlights. With this cruise, you have the added advantage of tuning into audio guides in Spanish, French, Polish, Hebrew, Italian, and Russian while live commentary is available in German and English. Throughout this hour-long journey, you will be shown the city’s iconic landmarks, including, Berliner Dome, the Old National Gallery, Museum Island and the government and parliamentary district.
2.5-hour city centre and West Harbour cruise
Offering a deep exploration of the city and its waters, this 2.5-hour cruise presents the many facets of Berlin. You set sail near Friedrichstrasse – a busy, vibrant shopping street – and then make your way past the Berlin cathedral, the museum island and Nikolaiviertel – a historic settlement. The boat also glides through the waters, weaving its way under old-world bridges till you reach the Westhafen Canal. Here, you’ll encounter another line-up of landmarks including the Bellevue Palace, the lush Tiergarten park, the House of World Cultures, and Reichstag – filled with stately edifices.
3.25- hour under the bridges tour
Relax and enjoy this lengthy cruise that makes its way through the River Spree and the Landwehrkanal – a lengthy canal that runs parallel to the river and is speckled with houseboats and soothing greenery. The boat also makes its way under the city’s old-world and modern bridges, giving you a feel of how Berlin has evolved through the ages. As you go along, the city’s leading landmarks also come into view – from the House of World Cultures to the government district, Museum Island, the old settlement of Nikolaiviertel, and the Spreebogen garden.
Berlin evening sightseeing cruise
As the sun sets on Berlin the city’s streets and main landmarks are lit up, lending a sparkle to your magical experience on its waters. Twinkling under the night sky, you’ll be able to feast your eyes on the Berlin cathedral, the glorious Victory Column while also witnessing the hustle and bustle of the historic neighbourhood of Nikolaivierte. Then, as you cruise along, the city’s other leading landmarks like the Charlottenburg Palace and Spreebogen come into focus. The evening sightseeing cruise makes for an enchanting experience packed with romance and the arresting stories that make Berlin remarkable.
Combo hop-on, hop-off and cruise tour
Get bang for your pack by signing up for this exciting combo deal that pairs a hop-on, hop-off bus pass with a river cruise. You can sign up for a 24-hour or 48-hour bus pass that takes you to the threshold of Berlin’s top attractions. And then sail across its waterways to further enjoy the beauty of Berlin.
Dinner cruises
Embark on an alluring journey on Berlin’s waters to discover the magical city under a star and moonlit sky.
Prosecco dinner cruise
Spend a mesmerising evening on Berlin’s waters with a dinner cruise that is lit (quite literally)! After embarking at Caprivi Bridge, the gentle waters guide the boat along as you take in a gorgeous sunset and sip on a glass of Prosecco. Then, cast your eyes on Berlin’s twinkling cityscape and prepare to be blown away by the beauty of the Berlin cathedral, Bellevue Palace, and Reichstag – each edifice adorned with lights that add to their sheen. Along the way, enjoy a well-crafted two or four-course meal that is served alongside unparalleled views.
Know before you go on your Berlin River cruise
- Ensure you reach your pickup point on time as the cruises do not wait for you if you are late.
- Most cruises do not offer wheelchair accessibility. Check with the operators before you make a booking.
- The cruises do not allow you to carry your food or drinks onboard.
- However, you can make purchases on the boat once it sets sail.
- Carry a small bottle of water and if you are prone to seasickness, then, do carry your medication.
- Cruise timings vary according to the season and, during winter, only a few cruises are available. Make sure you double-check before booking.
- Weather conditions do impact cruises and they may be cancelled at the last minute.
FAQs
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