Simply sitting by the water and letting your gaze wander into the distance – that’s something you can do particularly well in Berlin. Rivers such as the Spree and the Havel, canals and, of course, the many lakes invite you to take a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city, stop off during a cycle ride or spend a relaxing afternoon by the water. You’ll be amazed by the variety of the most beautiful spots by the water . Here are 11 very special tips for you.
Tip 1: Kolonnaden Bar
Right on the banks of the Spree, in a wonderfully romantic spot on Museum Island, you’ll find the Kolonnaden Bar. It’s situated in the eponymous Kolonnadenhof courtyard of the Alte Nationalgalerie. With panoramic views of the Spree and the TV Tower, you can enjoy free concerts, performances, DJ sets – and the island’s own beer, ‘Wissensdurst ’. By the way, there’s plenty else going on at Museum Island too: it’s celebrating its 200th anniversary!
When: every Wednesday and Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm and Friday to Sunday from 12 noon to 10 pm
Where: Colonnade Courtyard of the Alte Nationalgalerie, Museum Island, Mitte
Tip 2: Behind the House of World Cultures on the River Spree
The River Spree runs right through the heart of the city, offering plenty of great spots for a coffee by the riverbank in the Nikolaiviertel, a romantic date on Museum Island, and many other places where you can watch the boats glide along the Spree.
A little hidden away, but very idyllic, is the stretch of riverbank behind the House of World Cultures. Here you can also visit the café or hop aboard one of the sightseeing steamers and cruise along the Spree past the sights. You can find even more summery spots on the Spree on our blog.
More about the 11 most beautiful summer spots on the Spree
Tip 3: Behind the Flensburg Lion on Lake Wannsee
The Wannsee lido is one of Berlin’s most popular summer destinations. Here, you can relax all day on the white sandy beach, take a dip in the Wannsee or simply enjoy the view of the water.
But you can also enjoy a fantastic view of the water from the other side of the Wannsee. The side directly opposite, with the Düppeler Forest, is perfect for a cycle ride with a view of the lake. It’s well worth stopping behind the imposing statue of the Flensburg Lion and at the many bathing spots along the shore.
Tip 4: From the Havelhöhenweg
Somewhat tucked away are the lovely spots along the Havel, which offer you a stunning view of the Havel landscape. On a walk along the Havelhöhenweg, you can let your gaze wander far across the river. It’s best to take a delicious picnic with you and enjoy a leisurely break at Schildhorn or Lieper Bucht.
Hiking in Berlin and the surrounding area
Tip 5: Müggelsee
Berlin’s largest lake: when you stand here on the shore, all you can really see is water and sky, and you almost feel as if you’re by the sea. Make the most of a trip to the south of Berlin for a cycle ride around the Müggelsee or a boat trip across the lake. Or lace up your walking boots for a hike with breathtaking views.
Our tip: There are several options for a break along the way: stop off at the Rübezahl beer garden or at the Fisch Borke restaurant and beer garden. Or take the ferry across the Spree and enjoy delicious fish at the Spreearche by the water’s edge.
Tip 6: Rummelsburger Bucht
Rummelsburger Bucht is the perfect spot for all fans of the GDR classic *The Legend of Paul and Paula *. Here, you can sit on a bench on the Paul-and-Paula Embankment and imagine that the boat carrying the two of them is about to moor right there. Even without that, Rummelsburger Bucht is a lovely spot for a long walk with views of the water.
Tip 7: Landwehr Canal
If you don’t want to – or can’t – travel far out of the city, Berlin also offers numerous green oases by the water right in the city centre. Alongside the Spree, the Landwehr Canal is one of the city’s central waterways. You can sit on the banks, stop off here whilst strolling through the Tiergarten , or let the day gently slip into evening.
Tip 8: Spandau and the Havel
Spandau lies right on the Havel, so it boasts countless beautiful spots by the water. The famous Spandau Citadel is a good starting point for a cycle ride along the water’s edge, with plenty of places to swim and hidden romantic views. At some point, you might even reach Lake Tegel …
Tip 9: Lake Tegel
And so we come to our next tip. Lake Tegel is situated next to Tegel Forest, meaning you have both woodland and water right there for a relaxing day out. Or you could stroll along the Greenwich Promenade and sit in one of the cafés with a view of the lake. This is also where the jetties for Berlin’s boat companies are located, should you fancy a boat trip.
Tip 10: Weißer See
Not far from busy roads and the hustle and bustle of the city, yet in a world of its own, lies Weißer See, which gave the district its name. It’s surrounded by parks and green spaces. So, make yourselves comfortable at the Weißensee lido or in the ‘ ’ Park on the shore. From Alexanderplatz, you can reach the Weißensee lido by tram in just about twenty minutes. After a relaxing day by the water, treat yourself to a magnificent sunset there.
Tip 11: The deck of a restaurant boat
Fancy spending the evening by the water with a delicious meal? Then why not visit one of the restaurant boats, where you can dine on deck whilst enjoying the sunset by the water. A classic choice is the Alte Liebe on the River Havel in Charlottenburg. On the Capt’n Schillow in Tiergarten, you can enjoy delicious fish and even Labskaus.
And at Urbanhafen in Kreuzberg, the restaurant boat van Loon has dropped anchor. At the weekend, the day on the van Loon kicks off with the much sought-after ‘Brunchy Lunchy’ and a delicious breakfast buffet.
