Havel
363.63 km | 225.95 mi
Length can differ from official measure!
Kategorie 2
Embedd this river on your own website
The Havel is a significant river in northeastern Germany and, with a length of approximately 334 kilometers, the longest right tributary of the Elbe. It originates in the Diekenbruch near Ankershagen in the Mecklenburg Lake District, flows through the federal states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Berlin, and Saxony-Anhalt, and joins the Elbe at Gnevsdorf. The direct distance between its source and mouth is only about 94 kilometers, as the Havel meanders through numerous loops and lakes, making it a particularly picturesque river. With an elevation difference of just 40.6 meters and an average water volume of 103 cubic meters per second, the Havel is a relatively calm but water-rich river. It is largely navigable, with weirs and locks regulating water levels, and forms an important link in the waterway network connecting the Rhine, North Sea, Berlin, and Poland.
The Havel flows through numerous lakes, including the Müritzsee, Tegeler See, and Großer Wannsee, and forms several inland deltas, such as in Brandenburg an der Havel. Its largest tributary is the Spree, which joins the Havel in Berlin-Spandau and carries more water than the Havel itself at this point. The region around the middle Havel, known as Havelland, is characterized by sandy hills and low moors. The river is not only ecologically and economically significant but also a cultural and historical landmark, shaping cities like Potsdam, Brandenburg an der Havel, and Berlin.
Leisure Activities on the Havel
The Havel offers a wide range of leisure activities that appeal to both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Thanks to its diverse landscapes, lakes, and well-developed infrastructure, it is a paradise for water sports, cycling, hiking, fishing, and cultural exploration. Below is a detailed overview:
1. Water Sports
The Havel is a hotspot for water sports, particularly in cities like Werder (Havel), Potsdam, and Berlin, where excellent water quality and maritime infrastructure are available.
Canoeing and Kayaking: The Havel is particularly popular for paddling in its upper reaches, such as from the Käbelicksee. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at numerous stations, e.g., in Werder or Potsdam. The calm waters and many lakes make it ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers.
Sailing and Motorboating: Sailboats and motorboats, including those that don’t require a license, are available at marinas like in Werder. The Havel is part of the “Blue Paradise,” one of Europe’s largest interconnected water sports areas, linking over 40 lakes and canals.
Rafting and Houseboat Tours: Particularly popular are tours with rafts or houseboats, ranging from simple wooden rafts to luxury houseboats with saunas. These offer a relaxed way to explore the river landscape.
Water Skiing, Surfing, and Catamaran Sailing: For thrill-seekers, there are opportunities for water skiing, surfing, or catamaran sailing in Werder and its surroundings.
Swimming: In summer, public bathing areas, such as at Großer Wannsee or in Werder, invite swimming. The water quality here is excellent.
2. Boat and Steamboat Trips
River Cruises: In Berlin and Potsdam, numerous providers offer river cruises along the Havel and Spree, showcasing historical landmarks like Sanssouci Palace, the Museum Island, or the Spandau Citadel. The Havel Lakes Tour, connecting seven lakes in southwestern Berlin and passing UNESCO World Heritage sites, is particularly popular.
Chartered Boats: For private outings or events, boats can be exclusively chartered, e.g., for birthdays or corporate celebrations. Accessible tours are also available.
Waterway Rest Stops: In Werder, there are free mooring spots for up to two hours, ideal for day trips with playgrounds, barbecue areas, and bike rentals nearby.
3. Cycling
The Havel Cycle Path, established in 2009, stretches about 370 kilometers from the source to the mouth. It passes through picturesque villages, historic cities like Potsdam and Brandenburg, and nature parks. The path is mostly flat and well-signposted, though it can occasionally overlap with other cycle paths in Berlin. Highlights include:
The brick-making landscape near Zehdenick with the Mildenberg Brickworks Park.
Palaces like Rheinsberg Castle or Sanssouci.
Organized tours, such as the 236-kilometer route from Rheinsberg to Brandenburg, offer pre-planned accommodations and stops.
4. Hiking
The Havel offers numerous hiking trails that combine nature and culture:
Havel Heights Trail: This 15.5-kilometer trail in Berlin stretches from Heerstraße to Wannsee Beach. It runs along the Havel’s steep banks, through forests, and offers 15 viewpoints overlooking Havelland, Potsdam, and Grunewald. Information boards and benches make it particularly inviting. The trail is dog-friendly and ideal for an autumn walk.
Westhavelland Nature Park: A paradise for hikers with well-marked trails and opportunities for stargazing, as the park is a Dark Sky Reserve.
5. Fishing
The Havel is a popular fishing spot with a variety of fish species, including perch, pike, and zander. In Werder, anglers regularly report surprising catches. However, local regulations should be checked beforehand.
6. Nature and Wildlife Observation
Birdwatching: The Westhavelland Nature Park is a hotspot for birdwatchers, with numerous species living along the Havel.
Wildlife Photography: The river landscape offers countless subjects, from majestic birds to landscapes and sunsets.
7. Cultural Exploration
The Havel connects historic cities and landmarks:
Potsdam: Visits to Sanssouci Palace, Babelsberg Park, or a boat trip with views of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Brandenburg an der Havel: Explore the old town or the cathedral while strolling along the river.
Berlin-Spandau: The Citadel and old town are located directly on the Havel and invite leisurely walks.
8. Events
Boot & Fun Inwater in Werder: An annual boat show celebrating the region’s maritime culture and showcasing various boat types.
Christmas Markets in Spandau: Visitors praise walks along the Havel combined with festive markets.
Conclusion
The Havel is a versatile leisure destination offering everything from relaxing boat trips to action-packed water sports and cultural discoveries. Its unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern infrastructure makes it ideal for day trips or longer vacations. Particularly recommended are the Havel Cycle Path for cyclists, the Havel Heights Trail for hikers, and the diverse water sports opportunities in Werder and Berlin. Local regulations and safety precautions should be checked before any activity to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience.
The Havel flows through numerous lakes, including the Müritzsee, Tegeler See, and Großer Wannsee, and forms several inland deltas, such as in Brandenburg an der Havel. Its largest tributary is the Spree, which joins the Havel in Berlin-Spandau and carries more water than the Havel itself at this point. The region around the middle Havel, known as Havelland, is characterized by sandy hills and low moors. The river is not only ecologically and economically significant but also a cultural and historical landmark, shaping cities like Potsdam, Brandenburg an der Havel, and Berlin.
Leisure Activities on the Havel
The Havel offers a wide range of leisure activities that appeal to both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Thanks to its diverse landscapes, lakes, and well-developed infrastructure, it is a paradise for water sports, cycling, hiking, fishing, and cultural exploration. Below is a detailed overview:
1. Water Sports
The Havel is a hotspot for water sports, particularly in cities like Werder (Havel), Potsdam, and Berlin, where excellent water quality and maritime infrastructure are available.
Canoeing and Kayaking: The Havel is particularly popular for paddling in its upper reaches, such as from the Käbelicksee. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at numerous stations, e.g., in Werder or Potsdam. The calm waters and many lakes make it ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers.
Sailing and Motorboating: Sailboats and motorboats, including those that don’t require a license, are available at marinas like in Werder. The Havel is part of the “Blue Paradise,” one of Europe’s largest interconnected water sports areas, linking over 40 lakes and canals.
Rafting and Houseboat Tours: Particularly popular are tours with rafts or houseboats, ranging from simple wooden rafts to luxury houseboats with saunas. These offer a relaxed way to explore the river landscape.
Water Skiing, Surfing, and Catamaran Sailing: For thrill-seekers, there are opportunities for water skiing, surfing, or catamaran sailing in Werder and its surroundings.
Swimming: In summer, public bathing areas, such as at Großer Wannsee or in Werder, invite swimming. The water quality here is excellent.
2. Boat and Steamboat Trips
River Cruises: In Berlin and Potsdam, numerous providers offer river cruises along the Havel and Spree, showcasing historical landmarks like Sanssouci Palace, the Museum Island, or the Spandau Citadel. The Havel Lakes Tour, connecting seven lakes in southwestern Berlin and passing UNESCO World Heritage sites, is particularly popular.
Chartered Boats: For private outings or events, boats can be exclusively chartered, e.g., for birthdays or corporate celebrations. Accessible tours are also available.
Waterway Rest Stops: In Werder, there are free mooring spots for up to two hours, ideal for day trips with playgrounds, barbecue areas, and bike rentals nearby.
3. Cycling
The Havel Cycle Path, established in 2009, stretches about 370 kilometers from the source to the mouth. It passes through picturesque villages, historic cities like Potsdam and Brandenburg, and nature parks. The path is mostly flat and well-signposted, though it can occasionally overlap with other cycle paths in Berlin. Highlights include:
The brick-making landscape near Zehdenick with the Mildenberg Brickworks Park.
Palaces like Rheinsberg Castle or Sanssouci.
Organized tours, such as the 236-kilometer route from Rheinsberg to Brandenburg, offer pre-planned accommodations and stops.
4. Hiking
The Havel offers numerous hiking trails that combine nature and culture:
Havel Heights Trail: This 15.5-kilometer trail in Berlin stretches from Heerstraße to Wannsee Beach. It runs along the Havel’s steep banks, through forests, and offers 15 viewpoints overlooking Havelland, Potsdam, and Grunewald. Information boards and benches make it particularly inviting. The trail is dog-friendly and ideal for an autumn walk.
Westhavelland Nature Park: A paradise for hikers with well-marked trails and opportunities for stargazing, as the park is a Dark Sky Reserve.
5. Fishing
The Havel is a popular fishing spot with a variety of fish species, including perch, pike, and zander. In Werder, anglers regularly report surprising catches. However, local regulations should be checked beforehand.
6. Nature and Wildlife Observation
Birdwatching: The Westhavelland Nature Park is a hotspot for birdwatchers, with numerous species living along the Havel.
Wildlife Photography: The river landscape offers countless subjects, from majestic birds to landscapes and sunsets.
7. Cultural Exploration
The Havel connects historic cities and landmarks:
Potsdam: Visits to Sanssouci Palace, Babelsberg Park, or a boat trip with views of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Brandenburg an der Havel: Explore the old town or the cathedral while strolling along the river.
Berlin-Spandau: The Citadel and old town are located directly on the Havel and invite leisurely walks.
8. Events
Boot & Fun Inwater in Werder: An annual boat show celebrating the region’s maritime culture and showcasing various boat types.
Christmas Markets in Spandau: Visitors praise walks along the Havel combined with festive markets.
Conclusion
The Havel is a versatile leisure destination offering everything from relaxing boat trips to action-packed water sports and cultural discoveries. Its unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern infrastructure makes it ideal for day trips or longer vacations. Particularly recommended are the Havel Cycle Path for cyclists, the Havel Heights Trail for hikers, and the diverse water sports opportunities in Werder and Berlin. Local regulations and safety precautions should be checked before any activity to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience.
