H2olidays

Locaboat

Germany

Brandenburg - Fürstenberg
The first stopping place on the voyage south is Himmelpfort (Gateway to Heaven), the town of Father Christmas. There's also a fishery where you can stock up with smoked fish. Don't miss the sidetrip to Lychen. The Woblitz river twists its way through forest before opening out into the Grosser Lychensee: it's one of the loveliest cruises in the area.
The Havel is a quiet river which flows through lonely countryside. You should stop off at Regow, an organic farm with a hundred or so goats which sells several different mouthwatering cheeses. At Templin, its towers welcome the visitor from afar. Its town walls and its ancient houses give it a very romantic feel. A brand new lock completed in 2005 gives access to new lakes. Beyond Liebenwalde there's a choice of three directions.
To the west, the Neuruppin lakes preserve an environment in which ospreys, beavers and otters all flourish. The town of Altruppin, the old capital, stands in lovely surroundings. Neuruppin, the “new” town dating from the 18 th century, bears witness to Prussia's Age of Enlightenment which has left its mark on the whole region from Berlin to Potsdam. Here was born Fontane , who wrote several books describing his journeys through lakeland which can still serve as guides today.
To the south lie Berlin and Potsdam, both towns which are best discovered from the water. To the east, don't miss the Finowkanal, an old canal which twists and turns through lovely countryside on its way to a monument unique in Europe, the Niederfinow Boat Lift on the Oder Havel canal.

Brandenburg - Ketzin
Before heading for Berlin and its famous Museum Island do make the side trip to astonishing Potsdam. Its an absolute must, is close by and with easy access. Berlin will retain you, there are so many things to do. Whether to explore on foot one of its many lakes edged with century old forests and opulent or luxurious villas, or visit the heart of the town, which has been so profoundly transfigured.
More to the south and to the east, canals lakes and rivers intermingle to offer visits between Spree and Oder and some of the best tables in Germany, such as at Bad Saarow. Lovers of pure nature and tranquility will choose the Havel as far as Havelberg . The countryside is magnificent with few visitors. It is an itinerary that connoisseurs recommend to each other. Don't forget to make a halt at red-brick Brandenburg with its famous statue of the giant Roland who protects the townhall. The oldest town of the region of Mark , it preserves many relics of the past.

Mecklenburg
The lake Fleesensee is one of the most beautiful areas in Germany. Quite close, the lake Müritz welcomes numerous birds: cormorants, cranes and even eagles.
From the top of the Gothic tower of Röbel, you will make staggering pictures. Waren is a very lively city with a renowned marina. Every lake opens on several others. You will explore them as you wish, alternating strolls,
swimming, fishing and idleness.
On the West, Plau overlooks the lake to which it has its name. Down from the tower of the XVth century,
we have an impressive view on tiled roofs and medieval fortifications. The Müritz-Elde canal, which links the river Elde to the lake Müritz runs along the Elde River and its numerous meanders. Parchim, built between two branches
of the Elde, is exceptional for its ancient city centre, its ramparts and its half-timbered houses.
Numerous villages and small medieval cities such as Lübz, Grabow or Plate offer all along the route fantastic sights. Finally, Schwerin and its famous Rococo castle are a highlight of your cruise not to miss.

Mecklenburg Lakes
From Fürstenberg, you may head out to the great lakes of Mecklenburg. Your first visit has to be the rococo castle at Rheinsberg. Further west there is Mirow with its strange wooden boathouses, the charming town of Roblin and the great Müritz lake. Heading eastward there's Weserberg with its wooden harbour buildings, as well as Neustrelitz.
On these varied waterways and open lakes a little more care is required than on canals, but what better reward than to anchor far out in a lake and take advantage of some of the purest water in Europe for a swim in idyllic and unspoilt surroundings. Pause too at one of the many fish smoke-houses to enjoy an unmissable local speciality.

Fishing
The region of the Mecklenburg lakes is famous as one of the outstanding fishing grounds of Europe encompassing the river Havel, known for eel, zander and perch, as well as some 20 lakes all covered by the one fishing permit. All can hope for a good catch here, and can expect to enjoy pike, carp or burbot on the menu. Instruction is given at the base (in English or German) to help you select the right bait, tackle and locations.

Gastronomy
From simple pubs to fine restaurants, you will find a wide choice of eating places handy for your cruise. Nor will you have any problem in doing your shopping in well-stocked shops. Do try smoked fish, the great regional speciality: carp, trout and eel that you can buy in the many small smokehouses which serve the local fisherman, and guarantee fresh produce.

Water quality
Fürstenberg/Gransee has been ranked first town in Germany for its air and water quality. Six other towns in the area also figure among the top ten most ecologically minded places in Germany, which explains why Mecklenburg is such an outstanding area for nature, and why it has such a rich fauna and flora.

Hiring without a licence
You don't need a licence for cruising if you start from Matzlow and Furstenberg and go as far as Liebenwalde to the north of Berlin.
Starting from Ketzin, you will be asked for a licence that is valid in your country of residence. If no licence is necessary in your country of residence then one will not be asked for at Ketzin.

1 Week

Fürstenberg - Fürstenberg
Ober Havel, Plauer See, Müritz , Müritz Elde,
Fürstenberg Schwedtsee, Lychen, Templin, Burgwal, Zehdenick Fürstenberg Schwedtsee
154 km - Locks: 12 - navigation: 3 : 30' / Day

Ketzin - Ketzin
Ober Havel, Templiner , Ruppiner Gewässer, Finowkanal, Potsdamer Havel, Spree Oder
Ketzin, Brandenburg, Rathenow, Havelberg. Ketzin
234 km - Locks: 8 - navigation: 5 : 0' / Day

Ketzin - Ketzin
Ober Havel, Templiner , Ruppiner Gewässer, Finowkanal, Potsdamer Havel, Spree Oder
Ketzin, Spandau, Charlottenburg, Berlin-Mitte, Erkner, Köpenick, Wannsee, Potsdam Ketzin
160 km - Locks: 5 - navigation: 3 : 30' / Day

Ketzin - Fürstenberg
Ober Havel, Templiner , Ruppiner Gewässer, Finowkanal, Potsdamer Havel, Spree Oder
Ketzin, Potsdam, Berlin Charlottenburg, Mitte, Spandau, Neuruppin, Zehdenick Fürstenberg Schwedtsee
265 km - Locks: 20 - navigation: 4 : 15' / Day

10 Days

Ketzin - Ketzin
Ober Havel, Templiner , Ruppiner Gewässer, Finowkanal, Potsdamer Havel, Spree Oder
Ketzin, Potsdam, Brandenburg, Rathenow, Havelberg. Ketzin
354 km - Locks: 8 - navigation: 4 : 30' / Day

Ketzin - Fürstenberg
Ober Havel, Templiner , Ruppiner Gewässer, Finowkanal, Potsdamer Havel, Spree Oder
Ketzin, Potsdam, Berlin, Charlottenburg, Köpenick, Neuruppin, Lindow, Zehdenick, Templin, Lychen Fürstenberg Schwedtsee
341 km - Locks: 26 - navigation: 4 : 15' / Day

2 weeks

Fürstenberg - Fürstenberg
Ober Havel, Plauer See, Müritz , Müritz Elde,
Fürstenberg Schwedtsee, Strasen, Neustrelitz, Buchholz, Rheinsberg, Templin, Zehdenick Fürstenberg Schwedtsee
345 km - Locks: 29 - navigation: 3 : 45' / Day

Fürstenberg - Fürstenberg
Ober Havel, Plauer See, Müritz , Müritz Elde,
Fürstenberg Schwedtsee, Lychen, Zehndenick, Oranienburg, Berlin, Lindow. Fürstenberg Schwedtsee
357 km - Locks: 30 - navigation: 4 : 15' / Day

Ketzin - Ketzin
Ober Havel, Templiner , Ruppiner Gewässer, Finowkanal, Potsdamer Havel, Spree Oder
Ketzin, Potsdam, Berlin-Mitte, Hennigsdorf, Oranienburg, Zehdenick, Regow, Fürstenberg. Ketzin
340 km - Locks: 20 - navigation: 3 : 45' / Day

Ketzin - Ketzin
Ober Havel, Templiner , Ruppiner Gewässer, Finowkanal, Potsdamer Havel, Spree Oder
Ketzin, Spandau, Berlin-Mitte, Märkisch-Buchholz, Erkner, Rüdersdorf, Teupitz, Bad Saarow, Potsdam. Ketzin
385 km - Locks: 17 - navigation: 4 : 0' / Day

Ketzin - Ketzin
Ober Havel, Templiner , Ruppiner Gewässer, Finowkanal, Potsdamer Havel, Spree Oder
Ketzin, Charlottenburg, Berlin-Mitte, Fürstenwalde, Eisenhüttenstadt, Kienitz, Frankfurt, Schwedt, Niederfinow, Liebenwalde, Oranienburg, Potsdam, Werder Ketzin
489 km - Locks: 13 - navigation: 3 : 30' / Day

Fürstenberg - Fürstenberg
Ober Havel, Templiner , Ruppiner Gewässer, Finowkanal, Potsdamer Havel, Spree Oder
Fürstenberg Schwedtsee, Oranienburg, Berlin, Potsdam, Brandenburg, Havelberg, Wittenberge, Schwerin, Lübz, Röbel Fürstenberg Schwedtsee
620 km - Locks: 43 - navigation: 5 : 0' / Day