Rent a Boat on the Berlin Spree Without a Boating License

GroundLiving

Automatically translated · View original (Dutch)

Take the helm of a small motorboat on the Berlin Spree without an official boating license and spend a relaxed half-day on the water between the Reichstag and Treptower Park.

duration

€ 90–220

budget

Ground

pace

The Spree runs right through the heart of Berlin and is easy to navigate on a afternoon in a small motorboat up to 15 HP. All you need is the so-called charter certificate, often explained on the spot by the rental company in a quick briefing, or a boat with less than 11.03 kW that is genuinely license-free. The trip can be booked without an SBF license. Typical routes run from Treptower Park toward Museumsinsel or from Tempelhofer Hafen along the Landwehrkanal.

Depending on the model, four to seven people fit on board, and a cooler with drinks is usually allowed. The easiest way to get there is by S-Bahn to Treptower Park or Jannowitzbrücke. Prices start at around €90 for two hours; a half-day runs more like €150 to €220 depending on the season and boat size.

Checklist

0 of 5

Ausweis und Reservierung mitnehmen
Wettervorhersage am Morgen prüfen
Schwimmweste an Bord auflegen
Kühltasche mit Wasser einpacken
Tankstand vor Abfahrt kontrollieren

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Reserve a rental at Treptower Park, Hauptbahnhof, or Tempelhofer Hafen, ideally a few days in advance.

Take the on-site briefing, knots, steering, and docking are covered in about ten minutes.

Drift slowly past the Oberbaumbrücke, Molecule Man, and the Insel der Jugend from the water.

pause

Drop anchor at a quiet spot behind the Insel der Jugend and unpack some snacks.

Turn around in good time, the return trip against the current and wind takes noticeably longer than the outward journey.

Make a note of which stretch is worth exploring on a future trip when you have more time.

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Do as we did

PaceGround

Duration4u

RouteAny order

Budget€ 90–220

Suggestions

In July and August, head out early in the morning when traffic on the water is lighter.
Bring cash for a possible deposit, as many rental companies only accept debit cards on-site.
Be patient at locks, the Mühlendammschleuse can easily add 20 minutes to your trip.
Mark bridges on the map beforehand, clearance gets tight at some connecting bridges.
Bring sunscreen on board, most of the route is fully exposed to the sun.

Variations

- Statt halber Tag eine Sonnenuntergangstour von zwei Stunden buchen.
- Elektroboot statt Benziner wählen für eine geräuscharme Variante.
- Picknick durch ein Restaurantbesuch in der Marina am Tempelhofer Hafen ersetzen.
- Mit kleiner Gruppe ein Schlauchboot statt Motorboot mieten, günstiger und sportlicher.