Berlin: (E)-Bike & Boat: The City’s Biggest Lake & Lagoon

Exploring Berlin by E-Bike & Boat: A Unique Water-Focused Adventure

Our review covers an engaging tour that combines cycling and boat rides to reveal Berlin’s surprisingly water-rich landscape. Though we haven’t experienced it firsthand, this 5.5-hour journey promises an authentic look at the city’s green areas, lakes, and waterways, all while being environmentally conscious.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and flexible it seems—offering both electric and conventional bikes, along with a solar ferry—making it a perfect eco-friendly outing. The emphasis on exploring Berlin’s rural lakes and canals rather than just city streets is a refreshing change from typical urban tours. Plus, the inclusion of a souvenir set adds a nice touch of keepsake value.

One possible downside is the distance covered (~33 km/20 miles), which might be demanding for less experienced cyclists or those with limited stamina. The tour does specify that participants should be comfortable riding bikes, so it’s best suited for those with a moderate level of cycling experience.

This tour appeals to travelers craving a mix of nature, history, and local life, especially if you’re keen to see Berlin from a different perspective—beyond its famous landmarks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Water-rich Berlin: The city’s lakes and canals are at the core of this experience.
• Eco-friendly travel: Bikes, solar ferry, and metro make it almost emissions-free.
• Cultural insights: Stops include historical sites, parks, and local neighborhoods.
• Flexible options: Choose between electric and standard bikes.
• Comfort and convenience: All necessary gear, tickets, and water are included.
• Authentic views: Scenic stops at lakes, lagoons, and green spaces create memorable photo moments.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Berlin’s reputation as a city dominated by history and urban architecture often overshadows its surprising abundance of natural beauty. This tour highlights exactly that—Berlin as a city of water and greenery. The fact that you’ll primarily glide along lakes, canals, and parks makes it a fantastic way to see a different side of the city, especially if you’re tired of busy streets or crowded museums.

The tour is designed for those who appreciate a relaxed pace but still want a meaningful experience. The flat terrain makes it accessible to most cyclists, with the added support of electric bikes available if needed. It’s also worth noting that the ride is described as “gentle and easy,” even for those coming straight off a long flight—though you should be comfortable riding a bike.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point and Orientation

The tour kicks off at a centrally located spot, Cotheniusstraße 8, just 2 km east of Alexanderplatz. This proximity makes it straightforward to access via Berlin’s comprehensive public transport network, including S-Bahn lines S8, S85, and other tram and bus lines.

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First Stops: East Berlin’s Greenest & Most Rural Areas

The initial part of the ride takes you through Lichtenberg and towards the Dong Xuan Center, a lively market area filled with interesting sights and a place perfect for a quick photo stop. As you pedal further, you’ll encounter landscapes that show Berlin’s extensive green spaces, including Landschaftspark Herzberge, which is ideal for scenic photos and learning about the city’s rural side.

The Neighborhoods and Parks

As you reach Marzahn-Hellersdorf, expect a mix of modern housing and peaceful parks, highlighting Berlin’s rapid urban transformation and ongoing development. The tour’s stops here provide insight into East Berlin’s evolution, from socialist housing to contemporary neighborhoods.

Rural and Water-Connected Areas

The ride takes you past Kleintierhof Wuhletal, a small zoo that adds a touch of rural charm, and continues through areas like ehemaliger Schießplatz Mittelheide, a former shooting range that now offers open, green spaces.

Lakes, Lagoons, and Scenic Breaks

One of the tour’s highlights is Friedrichshagen, a charming lakeside neighborhood, followed by a longer stop at Müggel Park. Here, you’ll enjoy a break with water views, plus an optional swim towel if you want to cool off in the nearby lakes.

The trip’s pièce de résistance is the 25-minute solar ferry ride across the waterways, offering a unique perspective of Berlin’s water corridors, along with insightful commentary from guides. After crossing the New Venice Lagoon, you’ll have a chance to explore this artificial but picturesque waterway, lined with charming cafes and quaint houses.

Final Legs and Urban Highlights

The last part of the tour takes you back through Friedrichshain, passing notable sights and neighborhoods before ending at the starting point, Cotheniusstraße 8. The entire route offers a balance of nature, history, and local life, with many photo opportunities along the way.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

For $67, you get a well-rounded package: bikes (electric or conventional), helmet, water, ferry and metro tickets, and a small Berlin souvenir set. This makes the tour a good value when you consider the transportation, gear, and sightseeing packed into one experience.

However, note that snacks or meals are not included—although plenty of cafes and open-air restaurants at the New Venice stop make it easy to grab a bite afterward. The optional swim towels are a nice touch for those wanting to take a dip but aren’t obligatory.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love outdoor activities and want a water-focused perspective on Berlin, this tour is perfect. It suits moderately experienced cyclists who are comfortable riding for around 20 miles, on flat terrain, with some scenic stops.

The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures a more personal experience, with guides like Michael providing plenty of stories and insights. The tour is not suitable for children under 12, wheelchairs, or those unable to ride a bike, so keep that in mind.

While the tour is gentle, it’s still quite a long ride, so it’s best for active travelers who enjoy cycling and exploring natural landscapes. The flexibility of choosing an electric bike is a bonus for those who prefer a little extra assistance, making it accessible to a broader range of participants.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience offers more than just sightseeing—it’s an escape into Berlin’s lakes and waterways, away from the busy city center. Visitors will appreciate how well-organized and thoughtfully curated it is, with all logistics managed including tickets, gear, and transportation.

The guide’s commentary, based on reviews, is praised for being informative and engaging. The stops at lakes and green spaces are praised as “beautiful and peaceful,” providing a perfect balance of activity and relaxation.

This tour is ideal for those who want to combine active exploration with cultural and historical learning. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a different view of Berlin, especially if you’ve already ticked off the main tourist sites.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is best for active travelers who enjoy cycling and are curious about the quieter, natural side of Berlin. It’s perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, or families with older children (over 12) who want a relaxed but meaningful day outdoors.

The eco-friendly aspect and scenic stops make it attractive to those conscious of their environmental impact, and the small group size ensures personalized attention from guides. If you’re after a balanced mix of water, green spaces, and local insights in Berlin, this tour delivers it all without feeling rushed.

It’s a fantastic way to see a different side of Berlin—one filled with lakes, parks, and waterways—making it a memorable addition to any trip itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 12, as it involves riding about 20 miles on flat terrain. It’s best suited for older children and teenagers comfortable on bikes.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
Yes, participants should be experienced cyclists, as the tour covers a significant distance. The support of electric bikes is available if needed.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers bikes (electric or conventional), helmets, water, ferry and metro tickets, and a small Berlin souvenir set. Food and drinks are not included but are available locally.

How long does the ferry ride last?
The solar ferry ride lasts approximately 25 minutes, providing scenic views and a relaxing break.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and optional swim towels if you wish to swim at lakeside stops.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellations are available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

This cycle and boat tour offers a compelling way to experience Berlin’s natural beauty and waterways. With knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and eco-friendly transportation, it’s a rewarding choice for those eager to see a different side of the city while staying active and engaged.

You can check if your dates are available here: