Grand Round Tour "Blue Paradise"

Those seeking recreation in the German federal states of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania may indulge in a boat tour for several days and weeks around the sparkling bodies of water to be found in these two magnificent states and venture across wide rivers and romantic waterways, gigantic lake districts and little forest lakes. While underway the travellers will be gazing at the charming landscapes full of wild, untouched magic woods and picturesque meadows in full bloom. Here, unlike elsewhere, flora and fauna are thriving in the numerous nature reserves. Appealing towns, majestic palaces and placid villages will awaken the desire of the tour members to disembark and begin an adventurous time on shore. The flow of the River Elbe allows for a clockwise round tour only, but travellers may board the boat at any harbour and decide how long they like to stay aboard. The vibrant metropolis Berlin offers a splendid start for the tour. Those desiring to marvel at the city’s many highlights from the water, are welcomed to embark on the River Spree in Köpenick or Berlin-Mitte as well as at the ship lock at River Havel in Berlin-Spandau. Right after having picked up some pace, the River Havel, on its first kilometres expands into breathtaking lakes. Wide water landscapes can be found to the west of Berlin, around the city of Potsdam and Brandenburg where boaters and skippers are easily seduced by the breadth of lakes and waterways. The nature park Westhavelland draws one into its relaxing realms after having been ashore exploring the cities’ cultural and historic highlights. The nature park protects Central Europe’s largest wetland area. In close proximity to the cathedral town of Havelberg the mellow River Havel joins the wide River Elbe. For decades, this very large stream was the dividing line between East and West Germany. Today it embraces a UNESCO biosphere reserve expanding across the federal states of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schleswig Holstein, Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony. The River Elbe meanders through one of the most beautiful and pristine riverscapes and it offers the perfect habitat for beavers, otters as well as scores of water birds and storks. Beneath the Dömitz Fortress boaters and skippers leave the River Elbe via the Müritz-Elde waterway. The country’s longest river runs through 17 locks and covers a distance of 180 kilometres until it reaches the heart of Mecklenburg – the Mecklenburg Lake District. It cuts through pine forests of the moorland region named ‘Griese Gegend‘, passing along fishponds of the Lewitz, a protected landscape, and through idyllic timber-framed towns. A short trip to Mecklenburg’s capital Schwerin via the Stör Canal is highly recommended.

Length: approx. 570 km / 3-4 weeks
Route: Berlin, Potsdam Havel River, Lower Havel River, Rive Elbe, Müritz-Elde waterway, Müritz-Havel waterway, Havel River, Oder-Havel Canal, River Havel

Starting from the town of Plau am See, an abundance of sparkling crystals can be found – among them the lakes Plauer See, Malchower See, Fleesensee and Kölpinsee along with the district’s jewel Lake Müritz. Germany’s largest inland lake, Lake Müritz, is renowned for its truly magic dimensions. On a cruise from the town of Waren at the northern tip of the Lake Müritz to Rechlin located at Lake Kleine Müritz there almost seems to be no land in sight. The lake’s serene eastern shore resembles the wild and romantic Garden of Eden.  This is where Müritz national park is situated and where the white-tailed sea eagle‘s territory and habitat of the common crane and deer can be traced. Parts of the small Mecklenburg Lake District are also covered by the national park. The Müritz-Havel waterway leads through a wonderful world of deep forests and more than 300 crystal-clear lakes that appear to merge seamlessly. The towns of Neustrelitz and Rheinsberg entice the visitor to take a romantic break. The island town of Fürstenberg/Havel extends its warm welcome at the southern gate of the small Lake District. A quite charming stretch of River Havel lies behind Lake Stolpsee. Forming countless loops, its upper reaches meander through the woods. A large proportion of the river fall under the protection of the nature park Uckermärkische Seen and the biosphere reserve Schorfheide-Chorin.  Between the hill fort and the town of Zehdenick dozens of water-filled clay pits line the shores. The cruise continues along the Voss Canal, passing the town of Liebenwalde and then Oranienburg, which used to be a royal town. Slowly but surely the woods open up, exposing the residential areas and eventually, the vibrant capital Berlin takes centre stage again. 

Water profile: diversified water landscape encompassing rivers, canals and lakes; licence for motor boats for inland waters required; altogether 44 locks