From Wannsee to Griebnitzsee: Berlin’s seven lakes tour

Located just southwest of Berlin, the Seven Lakes Tour — or Sieben-Seen-Rundfahrt — is one of the city’s most scenic and peaceful cruises. Flowing through a chain of glacial lakes stretching between Berlin and Potsdam, this boat tour blends nature, royal history, and Cold War landmarks into a continuous route that reveals a lesser-known side of the capital. From the calm waters of Kleiner Wannsee to Jungfernsee, you’ll pass UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic villas, and forested shorelines, all set against a backdrop of protected landscapes and ever-changing seasonal views.

What’s special about the seven lakes tour?

• It’s not just one lake but a journey through seven distinct lakes: Kleiner Wannsee, Pohlesee, Stölpchensee, Griebnitzsee, Glienicker Lake, Heiliger See, and Jungfernsee.
• The route follows part of the Havel River system, but the lakes give it a broader, more open feel.
• The cruise moves between sharp contrasts—Cold War landmarks like the Glienicke Bridge, where tense spy swaps once happened, and the quiet charm of riverside villas and wooded banks that now surround them.
• Many of the shores belong to the Potsdam-Berlin UNESCO World Heritage landscape, including parks designed by famous Prussian landscapers.
• Unlike a city center cruise, this tour offers nature views, with less crowd and minimal noise, often with swans, herons, or grebes gliding beside the boat.
• The route skirts the edges of parks like Babelsberg and Glienicke, designed in the 19th century by royal landscape architects like Lenné and Pückler-Muskau.
• Several sights — like Villa Schöningen, Meierei im Neuen Garten, and the Hofdamenhaus — are best seen from the water and often missed from land routes.
• The view changes every 10 minutes — from narrow inlets to wide lakes, open parks to forested shores, stone bridges to wildlife zones.

Things to know about seven lakes tours

• Seven Lakes cruises typically run from April to late October. July and August have the most frequent departures, while early spring and mid-autumn have limited availability.
• Most tours begin from Wannsee or Glienicker Brücke. Some start in Potsdam’s city harbor. Always confirm the boarding point on your ticket to avoid confusion.
• Tour durations typically range from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours. Some longer cruises include return routes or stops at historic sites like Cecilienhof Palace.
• Boats usually feature indoor seating with panoramic windows, as well as outdoor decks. Book early if you're set on getting good seats, especially top deck spots in summer.
• Food and drinks are typically available for purchase but are not always included. Check onboard services before boarding.
• Wheelchair access is available on most boats, though boarding assistance and ramp availability may vary. It’s best to contact operators in advance for details.