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Cruise Through Berlin - Discover, Dine & Relax
4.3(3,754)
Combo: Berlin TV Tower Entry Tickets + Guided City Cruise
from
€46.50
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Why choose sightseeing boat cruises in Berlin?
Unparalleled city views from the water
From the river, landmarks like the Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, and Museum Island appear uninterrupted and photo-ready. Bridges, parks, and riverside neighborhoods glide by, giving you a full sweep of the city’s character without the traffic or crowds.
Popular routes on Berlin’s sightseeing cruises
Central Berlin Loop
Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
Popular landmarks: Reichstag, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, Bellevue Palace, Victory Column, Government District
Description: Covers Berlin’s political and historic core. You'll pass major sights like the German Parliament, baroque cathedral domes, and the Victory Column, all without the city traffic. Great for orienting yourself to the city or a quick overview.
Recommended ticket:
- 1-hour city cruise from Berlin Mitte
- 2.5-hour city boat tour
Charlottenburg or East Side Gallery Extension
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Popular landmarks: Charlottenburg Palace, Oberbaum Bridge, East Side Gallery, Berlin Wall Memorial, Mercedes-Benz Arena
Description: Choose a westward route for Charlottenburg’s royal grounds, or head east to see the longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, colorful murals, and the striking Oberbaum Bridge.
Recommended ticket:
- 2-hour evening sightseeing cruise with an audio guide
- 2.5-hour East side tour
Seven Lakes Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
Popular landmarks: Kleiner Wannsee, Pohlesee, Stolpchensee, Babelsberg Castle, Sacrow Church of the Savior
Description: Sail through forested lake chains in southwest Berlin, passing 19th-century castles and waterfront estates. A peaceful alternative to city routes, especially on sunny days.
Recommended ticket:
- 2-hour Seven Lakes tour
- 3-hour Spree cruise to Mugglesee Lake
Landwehr Canal Detour
Duration: 3.25 hours
Popular landmarks: Tiergarten, Charlottenburg Palace, Urbanhafen, Maybachufer
Description: This quieter route winds through shaded canals, Berlin’s green inner districts, and lesser-known neighborhoods. It’s slower and more local, ideal if you’ve already seen the big sights.
Recommended ticket:
3.25-hour River Spree and Landwehrkanal boat tour
3-hour Spree cruise to Mugglesee Lake
Evening river cruises in Berlin: What makes them special
Golden hour and sunset views over the city skyline
As the sun sets, Berlin’s skyline glows in warm light. The golden hour highlights bridges, domes, and towers in soft tones, creating ideal photo ops.
Top landmarks towards the west side of the Berlin Harbor
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Top landmarks towards the east side of the Berlin Harbor
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Berlin sightseeing cruise boarding points
Friedrichstraße
Nearest landmarks: Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and Museum Island
Nearest metro station: Friedrichstraße
Boat tours: 1-hour city cruise from Berlin Mitte and 2.5-hour city boat tour – Through the center of Berlin to the West Harbor
Alte Borse
Nearest landmarks: Leipzig Market Square, St. Nicholas Church, and Leipzig University
Nearest metro station: Hackescher Markt
Boat tours: 1-hour city cruise from Berlin Mitte, 1-hour sightseeing cruise on the River Spree, and 2.5-hour East-side tour sightseeing cruise in East Berlin
Nikolaiviertel
Nearest landmarks: Berlin Cathedral, Alexanderplatz, and Berlin TV Tower
Nearest metro station: U Rotes Rathaus
Boat tours: 1-hour city cruise from Berlin Mitte
Liegestelle Seminarschiff
Nearest landmarks: Berlin Hauptbahnhof, German Chancellery, and Reichstag
Nearest metro station: U Turmstr
Boat tours: City-Loungefahrt mit dem Schiff and romantic moonlight cruise
Anlegestelle Wannsee
Nearest landmarks: Wannsee Haus, Pfaueninsel, and Glienicke Bridge
Nearest metro station: Berlin Wannsee station
Boat tours: 2-hour Seven Lakes tour
Treptow Harbor
Nearest landmarks: Treptower Park, Soviet War Memorial, and Spree River Promenade
Nearest metro station: U Schlessiches Tor
Boat tours: 3-hour Spree Cruise to Muggelsee Lake
Jannowitzbrucke
Nearest landmarks: East Side Gallery, Oberbaum Bridge, and Kreuzberg District
Nearest metro station: Jannowitzbrucke
Boat tours: 2-hr eco-friendly river cruise in a luxury solar catamaran and Under the Bridges: 3.25-hour River Spree & Landwehrkanal boat tour
Plan your Berlin River sightseeing cruise experience
Timings
Best time to go on a cruise
Getting there
Facilities
Visitor tips
- 1-hour city cruise from Mitte: 11 am to 5:15 pm
- Evening sightseeing cruise with audio guide: 10:30 am to 3 pm
- 2-hour Seven Lakes tour from Wannsee: 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
- 2.5-hour city boat tour- Through the center of Berlin to the West Harbor: 10:30 am to 3 pm
- 2-hour eco-friendly river cruise in a luxury solar catamaran: 1 April to 29 October: Wednesday to Sunday: 11 am & 1:30 pm
- Under the Bridges: 3.25-hour River Spree & Landwehrkanal boat tour: 10:45 am and 2:20 pm
- 2.5-hour East-side-tour sightseeing cruise in East Berlin: 2:45 pm to 5:15 pm
- 2.5-hour dinner cruise: 6:30 pm
Best time of the week: The Berlin sightseeing boat tours operate throughout the year and attract tourists from all over the globe. It is crowded on most days. If you want to go on a city sightseeing cruise near Mitte, avoid sailing over the week. Parking is limited near Mitte’s boarding port on weekdays. If you want to explore the museums in Museum Island or walk across the historic districts after your sightseeing cruise, avoid weekends, as most museums and quaint shops are closed on Sundays.
Best time of the year: April to May and September are the best months to cruise along the Spree. Around September, the schools re-open and fewer families book sightseeing boat tours. June and July are the hottest months of the year. While these months offer the clearest views of the city’s landmarks, it gets too hot to lounge on the open decks for a long time. If you do not mind the cold, you can visit the city between November and December, and explore its Christmas markets.
Friedrichstraße
- By bus: 147 and N6
- By metro: U6
- By tram: 12 and M1
- By train: FEX, RB14, RB21, and Flixtrain
Nikolaiviertel
- By train: S1, S7, and S9
- By metro: U3, U5, and U9
- By bus: U6
Wannsee
- By bus: 114, 118
- By train: IC2431, IC2432
Jannowitzbrucke
- By train: RB14 and RE7
- By metro: U-Bahn U8, S-Bahn S3, S5, S7, and S9
- By bus: 300, N8, N40, N60, and N65
- Open decks: The Berlin sightseeing cruise boats have ample space on their decks. You can lounge in these spaces, marvel at the landmarks, and soak in the sun.
- Heated cabins: After the sun sets, if it gets too cold for you to stand on the decks, or if you are visiting in the winter months, you can retire to the cabins. They are heated and cozy.
- Restrooms: There are accessible toilets on board for your convenience.
- First-aid kits: You can find life jackets, first-aid kits, and safety gear on sightseeing boats in case of any emergency.
- Dinner options: You can choose lavish meal options with glasses of prosecco and cocktails on Berlin sightseeing dinner cruises.
- Professional staff: There are experienced professionals on board to aid you in case of emergencies and to ensure that you have a hassle-free cruising experience.
- Check the ticket voucher: After confirming your payment, make sure to check your ticket details to ensure that your information is correct. Confirm the boarding point, duration, and timings of the boat tour. Keep this voucher handy, for you have to show it before embarking on your cruise.
- Arrive early: Reach your tour’s boarding point at least 15 to 20 minutes before the cruise begins to settle in comfortably.
- Bring sun protection: If you plan to lounge on the open decks for a long time, carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.
- Listen to audio guides: All sightseeing boat tours offer live commentary in German and English and include multilingual audio guides in around 5 to 12 languages. Make sure to listen to them to acquaint yourself with the history behind the landmarks.
- Book tickets online: It is best to reserve tickets online in advance since these sightseeing boat tours are in demand throughout the year. Online ticket bookings ensure that your seat is reserved and you can embark on your cruise, no matter the crowd on the day of your visit.
Frequently asked questions about Berlin River sightseeing cruises
How do I book Berlin sightseeing cruises?
We recommend you book Berlin sightseeing cruises online to save time and money. With online ticket bookings, you can avoid standing in long lines and ensure that you get guaranteed access to your chosen boat tour, no matter the crowd on the day of your visit.
How much do the sightseeing boat tours cost?
Berlin River cruises are available online starting from . The Lakes cruises, passing through Kleiner Wannsee, Glienicker Brucke, and Jungfernsee are around €22. The city boat tours starting from the center of the city and going towards either the east or west side of the Berlin Harbor are between €28.90 and €30. If you add dinner options and cocktails, they would cost around €69.
What is included in a sightseeing cruise?
All Berlin sightseeing boat tours include multilingual audio guides in around 5 to 12 languages, depending on which cruises you book. They also feature live commentary in German and English. You can also include gourmet meal options, cocktails, and glasses of prosecco, making for a fine dining experience along the River Spree.
What route do Berlin sightseeing boat tours take?
The cruises have multiple boarding points along the Spree, The city tour boats that start from Friedrichstraße go towards the west side of the Berlin Harbor, while the ones that start from Alte Börse sail towards the east side of the city. The Berlin Lake cruises start from Anlegestelle Wannsee and pass through some of the most iconic lakes in the city, like Kleiner Wannsee, Pohlesee, Stolpchensee, and Glienicker Brücke.
What can I see on a Berlin cruise along the Spree?
Many of the city’s iconic historic buildings are situated on the banks of the River Spree. On a sightseeing cruise, you can catch glimpses of the TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Treptower Park, Charlottenburg Palace, East Side Gallery, and more.
From where will I get on my cruise?
One of the best perks of booking Berlin sightseeing cruises is that they have multiple boarding points along the Spree. They depart from Alte Borse, Nikolaiviertel, Jannowitzbrucke, and several other ports. You can choose the one nearest to your accommodation or depending on the kind of streets and markets you want to explore nearby.
How long are the Berlin River sightseeing cruises?
Most Berlin sightseeing cruises are 1 hour to 2 hours long. The cruises that go beyond Spree, towards Landwehrkanal, are around 3.5 to 4 hours. Dinner cruises, which include a lavish 3 or 4-course gourmet meal, lasts for around 3 hours.
What kind of food and drinks are offered on the sightseeing boat tours?
Depending on the kind of tickets you choose, you can enjoy an elaborate 3 or 4-course authentic German dinner, with glasses of prosecco, and cocktails. If you book Berlin dinner cruises, make sure to try their Swabian potato salad and green jelly with vanilla toppings.
What are some popular sightseeing boat tours in Berlin?
Whether you are a history nerd or want to relax in the lap of nature, there is something for every kind of traveler on Berlin boat tours. To learn more about the historic sites along the banks of the Spree, you can choose a city cruise from Friedrichstraße, Nikolaiviertel, or Alte Borse. The Seven Lakes boat tours, departing from Wannsee, and the Mugglesee Lake cruise from Jannowitzbrucke are ideal for visitors looking to get away from the city bustle.
Are Berlin sightseeing boat tours suitable for children?
Yes, all Berlin boat tours are suitable for families with infants and strollers. You can bring your prams and strollers on board.
Are there any accessibility considerations for Berlin sightseeing boat tours?
Most Berlin sightseeing cruises are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. The open decks have seating areas and there are professional staff on board to help you board the cruise and settle in comfortably.
More boat tours in Berlin
Dinner cruises
Enjoy a full-course meal while gliding past Berlin’s landmarks lit up at night. These cruises often include welcome drinks, wine pairings, and regional dishes. It’s a relaxing way to take in the city, combining sightseeing with a restaurant-quality dining experience on the water.
Canal cruises
Berlin’s canal cruises explore routes off the main Spree River, offering a quieter, more local view of the city. You’ll pass through shaded waterways, neighborhood bridges, and green parks, perfect for spotting lesser-known sights in districts like Kreuzberg and Charlottenburg.
Seven lakes cruises
This scenic cruise leaves the city behind and sails through a chain of lakes in Berlin’s southwest. Expect wooded shorelines, historic villas, and landmarks like Babelsberg Castle. Great for nature lovers or anyone wanting a peaceful break from urban sightseeing without leaving Berlin.
From happy customers
Tamuna
Georgialug, 2025
+ 1 more
I recently had the pleasure of enjoying the Combo: Berlin TV Tower Skip-the-Line Tickets + Guided City Cruise, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
The visit to the Berlin TV Tower began with a seamless entry—no waiting in line, which was a huge plus. Once at the top, the views were absolutely breathtaking. Despite a light fog in the distance, the burning lights of the city created a magical atmosphere that truly highlighted Berlin’s unique character. The panorama offered a stunning 360° perspective, from the historic heart of the city to its modern skyline.
A major highlight was the elegant revolving restaurant located 207 meters above ground. The ambiance, the food, and the slowly changing view as the restaurant turned—everything about it was exceptional. Dining there was an experience in itself, combining fine cuisine with one of the best views Berlin has to offer.
The guided city cruise was equally impressive. Floating along the Spree River, we were treated to a fascinating journey through time. The bilingual guide (English and German) was both informative and entertaining, sharing interesting facts and humorous anecdotes that brought Berlin’s history and architecture to life.
Passing by both grand historic landmarks and striking modern buildings, the cruise offered a unique perspective on the city. Seeing Berlin from the water allowed us to truly feel the contrast and harmony between the old and the new—a perfect reflection of the city’s rich and complex identity.
This combo experience offers the best of Berlin from above and along the river. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a deeper, more memorable view of the German capital!
1-Hour Berlin City Highlights Sightseeing Cruise
Margarethe
Germanymag, 2025
I was delighted with the guide, who presented and explained the sights in an interesting and entertaining way.
View original review in German
1-Hour Berlin City Highlights Sightseeing Cruise
Thomas
ott, 2023
Nice Spree river cruise! Nice narration in German and English. We were on the upper deck and had an awesome view! Very enjoyable way to learn and see more about Berlin.
Berlin: 1 Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the River Spree
Brady
United Statesset, 2023
The cruise was one-hour, a perfect amount of time to take in the sites and relax. The booking process on-line was easy and effective.
Berlin: 1 Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the River Spree
Julia
ott, 2024
The loudspeakers in the outdoor area were not always understandable. We were discreetly ignored when ordering drinks.
View original review in German
2.5-Hour East-Side-Tour Sightseeing Cruise in East Berlin
Hsueh-ling
Taiwanmag, 2024
2.5 hours cruise went south and north of the river. Saw many great buildings and famous spots. It was so beautiful and impressive.
2.5-Hour East-Side-Tour Sightseeing Cruise in East Berlin
Guðbjörg
giu, 2024
Sailing and guide on tour excellent, but staff at ticket office where we took off rude and unhelpful when we were just asking about ecact departure spot.
Berlin Seven Lakes Boat Tour
Mirko
giu, 2024
It was a very nice boat tour, with very nice weather and a lot of interesting facts that were explained to us. I can only recommend this tour.
View original review in German
Berlin Seven Lakes Boat Tour