Oder-Havel Kanal
53.87 km | 33.47 mi
Length can differ from official measure!
Kanal
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The Oder-Havel Canal (OHK) is an approximately 54-kilometer-long federal waterway that, as part of the Havel-Oder Waterway, connects the Havel River south of Oranienburg with the Old Oder River near Niederfinow. Built between 1908 and 1914 as the "Hohenzollern Canal," it largely replaced the older Finow Canal and today serves both commercial shipping and recreational water sports. For water sports enthusiasts such as canoeists, rowers, and pleasure boaters, the canal offers a technically interesting route, with the famous Niederfinow boat lift as a highlight, even if the landscape appears rather monotonous due to its straight course and often elevated position above the surrounding countryside. The route is characterized by dense forests and occasional lakes, which nevertheless make it attractive.
Harbors and Moorings for Recreational Water Sports
The Oder-Havel Canal has several harbors and moorings accessible to recreational water sports. Facilities range from simple moorings to well-equipped marinas:
Oranienburg Marina (km 20.9, Lehnitzsee): This modern marina is located at the beginning of the canal, near the Lehnitz Lock. It offers guest moorings, restrooms, electricity, water, and a slipway. Its proximity to the town and Oranienburg Palace makes it ideal for excursions.
Lehnitzsee Water Sports Rest Area (km 26-28): A simple mooring with a jetty and rest areas, located directly on the lake. It is scenic but lacks comprehensive services.
Hohen Neuendorf / Niederheide Mooring (km approx. 30): A public pier with limited berths, primarily suitable for short stops. No major amenities, but a quiet location.
Papenberge Marina (km approx. 35): A small harbor with guest moorings, electricity, and water. Its sheltered location makes it attractive for pleasure boats wishing to stay overnight.
Havelbaude Lehnitz / Oranienburg Harbor (approx. 25 km): Another option near the Lehnitz Lock with simple moorings and access to a restaurant. Ideal for a break with a shore excursion.
Liepe Water Hiking Rest Area (approx. 70 km): Near the Niederfinow Ship Lift, this rest area offers simple mooring options and an idyllic setting, but no permanent service.
Oderberg Marina (87 km, junction with the Finow Canal): Located at the eastern end of the canal, this marina offers approximately 75 berths, including guest berths. It is equipped with restroom facilities, fuel service, repair facilities, and bicycle rentals – perfect for longer stays and excursions into the town of Oderberg.
There are also smaller jetties and dolphins along the canal, although these often do not allow for shore excursions and are more suitable for short breaks. The branch to Lake Werbellin (km 54.5) opens up further options such as Marienhafen or the Werbellinsee Marina Altenhof, which, however, are not technically located directly at the OHK.
Special features for recreational boaters
The canal is open to pleasure boats up to 65 meters long, 8 meters wide, and a draft of approximately 1.8 meters, although smaller boats are common. Important aspects for use:
Locks and lift: The Lehnitz Lock (km 25.5, lift approx. 6 m) and the Niederfinow boat lift (km 78, lift 36 m) are the main structures. Both are passable for pleasure boats, although waiting times due to commercial shipping (e.g., pushed convoys) should be planned for.
Swell and traffic: Commercial shipping causes swell, which is why sheltered moorings are preferred. Paddlers should stay close to the shore and be careful of bow waves.
Infrastructure: Gas stations are only available in larger harbors such as Oderberg; Otherwise, fuel must be arranged on land.
Landscape: The canal is linear and offers little variety between Kreuzbruch (km 40.5) and Niederfinow, but sections like Lake Lehnitz are picturesque.
Conclusion
The Oder-Havel Canal is a functional waterway with solid opportunities for recreational activities. Harbors like Marina Oderberg or Oranienburg offer convenience, while smaller moorings provide peace and quiet in nature. The Niederfinow boat lift, in particular, makes it a technical experience. For more scenic alternatives, a detour to the Finow Canal or Lake Werbellin is worthwhile. Careful planning, especially regarding lock times and supplies, is recommended.
Harbors and Moorings for Recreational Water Sports
The Oder-Havel Canal has several harbors and moorings accessible to recreational water sports. Facilities range from simple moorings to well-equipped marinas:
Oranienburg Marina (km 20.9, Lehnitzsee): This modern marina is located at the beginning of the canal, near the Lehnitz Lock. It offers guest moorings, restrooms, electricity, water, and a slipway. Its proximity to the town and Oranienburg Palace makes it ideal for excursions.
Lehnitzsee Water Sports Rest Area (km 26-28): A simple mooring with a jetty and rest areas, located directly on the lake. It is scenic but lacks comprehensive services.
Hohen Neuendorf / Niederheide Mooring (km approx. 30): A public pier with limited berths, primarily suitable for short stops. No major amenities, but a quiet location.
Papenberge Marina (km approx. 35): A small harbor with guest moorings, electricity, and water. Its sheltered location makes it attractive for pleasure boats wishing to stay overnight.
Havelbaude Lehnitz / Oranienburg Harbor (approx. 25 km): Another option near the Lehnitz Lock with simple moorings and access to a restaurant. Ideal for a break with a shore excursion.
Liepe Water Hiking Rest Area (approx. 70 km): Near the Niederfinow Ship Lift, this rest area offers simple mooring options and an idyllic setting, but no permanent service.
Oderberg Marina (87 km, junction with the Finow Canal): Located at the eastern end of the canal, this marina offers approximately 75 berths, including guest berths. It is equipped with restroom facilities, fuel service, repair facilities, and bicycle rentals – perfect for longer stays and excursions into the town of Oderberg.
There are also smaller jetties and dolphins along the canal, although these often do not allow for shore excursions and are more suitable for short breaks. The branch to Lake Werbellin (km 54.5) opens up further options such as Marienhafen or the Werbellinsee Marina Altenhof, which, however, are not technically located directly at the OHK.
Special features for recreational boaters
The canal is open to pleasure boats up to 65 meters long, 8 meters wide, and a draft of approximately 1.8 meters, although smaller boats are common. Important aspects for use:
Locks and lift: The Lehnitz Lock (km 25.5, lift approx. 6 m) and the Niederfinow boat lift (km 78, lift 36 m) are the main structures. Both are passable for pleasure boats, although waiting times due to commercial shipping (e.g., pushed convoys) should be planned for.
Swell and traffic: Commercial shipping causes swell, which is why sheltered moorings are preferred. Paddlers should stay close to the shore and be careful of bow waves.
Infrastructure: Gas stations are only available in larger harbors such as Oderberg; Otherwise, fuel must be arranged on land.
Landscape: The canal is linear and offers little variety between Kreuzbruch (km 40.5) and Niederfinow, but sections like Lake Lehnitz are picturesque.
Conclusion
The Oder-Havel Canal is a functional waterway with solid opportunities for recreational activities. Harbors like Marina Oderberg or Oranienburg offer convenience, while smaller moorings provide peace and quiet in nature. The Niederfinow boat lift, in particular, makes it a technical experience. For more scenic alternatives, a detour to the Finow Canal or Lake Werbellin is worthwhile. Careful planning, especially regarding lock times and supplies, is recommended.
