Discover Potsdam from the water with an unforgettable boat tour! The surrounding waterways offer a unique perspective on the rich history and magnificent palaces of this idyllic city. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Potsdam river cruises and enjoy an incomparable boat trip, island cruise, or scenic journey along the historic shores. Take advantage of one of our exclusive offers and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the water and the impressive sights along the way.
Potsdam Boat Tours: Discover Potsdam from the Water
Potsdam is surrounded by water. Several lakes connected by the River Havel encircle the city. The following waterways can be explored on various boat tours, among others:
- Templiner See
- Schwielowsee
- Tiefer See (Park Babelsberg, Glienicke Bridge)
- Jungfernsee (New Garden)
- Fahrländersee
- Großer Zernsee
- Wublitz
- Schlänitzsee
Most cruises are operated by the “Weiße Flotte,” a renowned Potsdam-based provider. These boat tours are generally available from March to October and offer a wonderful way to explore the region from the water. Many vessels are barrier-free, allowing wheelchair users to enjoy the experience comfortably.
Address
Lange Brücke 6, 14467 Potsdam
Potsdam Boat Tours: Tickets for Cruises & Island Tours
A variety of cruises are offered. In addition to classic options such as palace cruises and Havel lake tours, themed cruises are available throughout the year — including night-time palace cruises and evening tours. Below you will find a selection of available tours. Typically, the following options are offered:
Potsdam: 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise / Palace Cruise
Experience the popular Palace Cruise in Potsdam, one of the most frequently booked boat trips! In approximately 90 minutes, you will pass the most breathtaking sights of the Havel landscape, admire magnificent palaces, and explore enchanting parks of the Hohenzollern dynasty. From the impressive beauty of Babelsberg Palace to the historic Cecilienhof Palace, where the Potsdam Agreement was signed, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through Potsdam’s historic splendor. Depart from Lange Brücke aboard a ship of the Weiße Flotte and immerse yourself in the city’s fascinating history.
Highlights of the tour include:
- Museum Barberini
- Friendship Island
- Schiffbauergasse with Hans Otto Theater, Waschhaus, “Oracle” office building
- Flatow Tower
- Little Palace
- Babelsberg Palace and much more
Included:
- 90-minute cruise from Potsdam Lange Brücke aboard a Weiße Flotte ship
- Palace cruise with Weiße Flotte
- Commentary via loudspeaker in German and English
Tours operate daily from approximately late March to late October. Please use the booking planner below to check availability.
Potsdam: The Grand Island Cruise
Discover Potsdam from all sides on this approximately 4-hour tour and explore the unique river landscape with its imposing manor houses and magnificent buildings. Admire Caputh Palace and Babelsberg Palace, among others.
Enjoy the beauty of the river landscape around Potsdam with its Havel lakes and picturesque villages of Brandenburg. Board the ship, sit back and relax as you pass Caputh, the fishing and wine town of Werder (known for its Blossom Festival), the Sacrow-Paretz Canal north of Potsdam, and the palaces and manor houses of the Hohenzollern along the Havel shores. View Caputh Palace, the Marble Palace, and Cecilienhof Palace in the New Garden. Sail past Glienicke Park with Schinkel’s Casino and discover Babelsberg Palace along the waterfront. Finally, pass beneath the famous Glienicke Bridge and enjoy a magnificent view of the skyline of Brandenburg’s capital.
Included:
-
Boat cruise
Tours operate daily from approximately mid-April to late October.
Potsdam: Night-Time Palace Impressions
Night-Time Palace Impression cruises are offered in July. This romantic spectacle on the Havel includes a three-hour journey past the beautifully illuminated palace and park landscape of Potsdam. A festive palace menu and classical music accompany the experience. Ticket information is available once published.
Berlin: UNESCO World Heritage Cruise to Potsdam
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage region between Potsdam and Berlin on a cruise departing from Berlin-Wannsee. Learn more about the historic buildings along the chain of lakes and admire the picturesque scenery.
The route leads from Wannsee along the Havel to Potsdam and back through the UNESCO World Heritage region of the palaces and gardens of Potsdam and Berlin. Experience Prussian history from the water and admire the beautiful natural landscapes along the Wannsee and Upper Havel lakes. The tour runs from Wannsee to Kladow, past Peacock Island, Nikolskoe, and the Church of St. Peter and Paul, continuing to Moorlake, Sacrow Church of the Redeemer, Cecilienhof Palace with the Old Dairy, through the Glienicke Bridge, onward to Babelsberg Palace, past Flatow Tower, the Hans Otto Theater (Schiffbauergasse), and Friendship Island to Potsdam/Lange Brücke and back.
Additional Themed Cruises
Beyond traditional palace cruises, island tours, and UNESCO cruises, additional themed cruises are offered throughout the year. These include evening cruises, Night-Time Palace Impressions, “Havel in Flames,” brunch cruises, culinary-themed cruises, and special event cruises. Please consult the provider directly for further information.
Summary of Tickets for Potsdam Boat Tours: Cruises & Steamboat Trips
| About this activity | Book now / more informations |
|---|---|
| River Cruises |
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Potsdam: Palace Tour by Boat  See the most beautiful sights of Potsdam and discover the hill landscape from the water in only 90 minutes. Admire the countless palaces and wonderful parks from the Hohenzollern Dynasty and see a true piece of history. (From € 22 per person, GetYourGuide) |  |
Potsdam by Boat: Island Cruise Discover all of Potsdam on this very special boat trip and explore the unique riverscape surrounded by impressive manor houses and magnificent buildings. Admire Caputh Castle, Babelsberg Castle and other beautiful sights. (From € 30 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
2-Hour Seven Lakes Tour from Berlins Wannsee Enjoy an approximately 2-hour tour of the idyllic Havel Lakes. Venture beyond Little Wannsee to Pohlesee, Stölpchensee, Griebnitzsee, Glienicker Lake, Jungfernsee and over the Havel, then back to Wannsee again. (From € 16,40 per person, GetYourGuide)) | |
Berlin-Wannsee to Potsdam 3-Hour World Heritage Cruise Explore the UNESCO World Heritage region between Potsdam and Berlin on this 3-hour cruise from Berlin-Wannsee. Learn interesting facts about the magnificent buildings along the chain of lakes and admire the picturesque scenery. (From € 19,90 € per Person, GetYourGuide) | |
| Private Cruises | |
Wannsee: 4h Private Seven Lakes Boat Tour with Skipper Discover Wannsee's stunning lakes and surrounding landscapes, including Tiefensee, Babelsberg Castle, and Griebnitzsee, while sailing on a private yacht. (From € 369 per group up to 4, GetYourGuide) | |
Berlin-Wannsee to Potsdam 3-Hour World Heritage Cruise Cruise on a private yacht through the Havel lakes landscape from Potsdam to see the picturesque towns of Caputh, Petzow, Ferch, Geltow, and Werder from the water. (From € 379 per group up to 2, GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam: Private Harbor and Castle Sightseeing Cruise Discover Potsdam's stunning landscapes and architecture, including Glienicke Bridge, Babelsberg Palace, and Flatow Tower, while sailing on a private yacht around the harbor. (From € 369 per group up to 4, GetYourGuide) | |
Daytrip: Private Wannsee Lake and Werder Yacht Cruise Discover Potsdam on a private, round-trip yacht tour. See city landmarks and the picturesque Werder Havel and Hermannswerder islands, and relax on the calm waters. (From € 869 per group up to 4, GetYourGuide) | |
| If you not only want to explore Potsdam but also Berlin from the water, we recommend one of these best Berlin boat trips. | |