The Werbellin Canal is a 7-kilometer-long navigable waterway in Brandenburg, Germany, connecting Lake Werbellin with the Oder-Havel Canal and the Finow Canal. Together with Lake Werbellin, it forms the 17-kilometer-long federal waterway "Werbelliner Gewässer" (WbG), which is considered a branch of the Havel-Oder Waterway. The canal was expanded in 1765, originally to supply water to the Finow Canal, and today is primarily important for recreational sports. It offers a tranquil route through the Schorfheide Biosphere Reserve and is ideal for canoeists, rowers, and pleasure boaters seeking nature and relaxation.
Harbors and Moorings for Recreational Sports
The Werbellin Canal itself does not have any large harbors directly along its course, but its connection to Lake Werbellin and the Oder-Havel Canal connects it to several moorings and marinas accessible to recreational sports enthusiasts:
Marienhafen Marina at the Werbellin Cross (km 54.5, branch of the Oder-Havel Canal): Located directly at the connection to Lake Werbellin, this harbor offers approximately 30 guest moorings. It is equipped with electricity, water, restrooms, a restaurant, boat and bicycle rentals, and greywater disposal – a perfect base for tours on the lake or the canal.
Werbellinsee Marina Altenhof (km 14.55): On Lake Werbellin, accessible via the Werbellin Canal, this marina offers 12 guest moorings with supplies, restrooms, repair services, and boat rentals. The idyllic lakeside location is ideal for longer stays.
Büttner Shipyard & Marina (km 54.5, junction to Lake Werbellin): Equipped with 70 berths (guest berths upon request) and a draft of up to 1.4 m, this marina offers electricity, water, sanitary facilities, and two boat cranes – particularly suitable for maintenance work.
Eichhorst Water Hiking Rest Area (km 3): A simple mooring on the canal with a jetty and rest areas, ideal for paddlers or short breaks. It doesn't offer comprehensive services, but it offers a peaceful environment.
Oderberg Marina (km 87, junction from the Oder-Havel Canal to the Finow Canal): At the eastern end of the region, this marina offers 75 berths, including guest berths, with fuel service, sanitary facilities, repair facilities, and bicycle rental. Although it is not directly on the Werbellin Canal, it is quickly accessible via the Oder-Havel Canal.
There are only a few other moorings along the canal itself, such as at the Eichhorst Lock or Rosenbeck Lock, but these are mostly functional and do not offer permanent services.
Special features for recreational boaters
The Werbellin Canal is a Class I waterway and is suitable for boats with a draft of up to approximately 1.4 meters. Important aspects for use:
Locks: The canal overcomes the gradient to the Oder-Havel Canal with the Eichhorst and Rosenbeck locks. These are manually operated and open seasonally (April to October), usually from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Waiting times may occur.
Nature: The route runs through a wooded, quiet landscape with little traffic, as commercial shipping plays a negligible role. This makes the canal particularly attractive for paddlers.
Infrastructure: There are no gas stations directly along the canal; fuel is available in larger ports such as Oderberg or Lake Werbellin.
Connections: Via Lake Werbellin and the Oder-Havel Canal, the Werbellin Canal offers access to other waterways such as the Finow Canal and the Havel River.
Conclusion
The Werbellin Canal is a tranquil, natural waterway, particularly attractive to recreational boaters due to its connection to Lake Werbellin. With marinas such as Marienhafen and Altenhof am See, as well as simple rest areas such as Eichhorst, it offers ample opportunities for day trips or longer tours. The combination of untouched nature and technical history – for example, through the locks – makes it a special experience, even if the direct infrastructure along the canal itself remains limited. Careful planning, especially for lock times, is advisable.