Sightseeing boat tour on the Spree

Explore Berlin from the water on a Spree River cruise that follows sections of the former border in what was once East Berlin. Pass the famous East Side Gallery, historic bridges, and modern landmarks while discovering how the city has evolved since reunification.

Details

More than three decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the BWSG invites visitors on a boat tour along the Spree that traces parts of the former border in what is now East Berlin. From the water, you can observe how the city’s landscape has changed over the years, particularly in the old and new centers of Berlin.

The EAST-SIDE-TOUR focuses on the area surrounding the well-known East Side Gallery—a 1.3-kilometer stretch of the original Berlin Wall. Today, this concrete remnant stands as an open-air gallery, where the post-reunification murals are currently being carefully restored. The gallery also inspired the name of this tour.

Along the route, the cruise passes several notable landmarks, including the Oberbaumbrücke, the redesigned Osthafen, and the striking sculpture Molecule Men. The journey also includes passage through the Mühlendammschleuse, located near the historic area often considered the early cradle of Berlin’s urban development.

To conclude, the tour continues through the parliament and government district, offering views of the Reichstag building and the Federal Chancellery. This Spree River city cruise provides a distinctive perspective on Berlin’s history and its ongoing transformation.

Important Info

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
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Online Booking

What is included in activity

Boat trip
Live commentary in English and German
Onboard bar with food and drinks (own expense)

What is not included

Food and drinks
Departure: Anlegestelle Alte Börse / BWSG Berliner Wassersport und Service GmbH, Burgstraße 27, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Group size up to 55 persons
Children allowed
English
Mobile ticket
Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

River cruise ship

Open deck
A bar
Professional guide
Restroom

Itinerary

Berliner Dom
Humboldt Forum
Mühlendammschleuse
East Side Gallery
Oberbaumbrucke
Molecule Men Sculpture
Nikolaiviertel
Berliner Fernsehturm
Museum Island
Schiffbauerdamm
Reichstag Building
Kronprinzenbruecke
Humboldthafen Berlin
Bundeskanzleramt
Haus der Kulturen der Welt
Palace of Tears
Weidendammer Brucke
Bode-Museum

Meeting point

Near S-Bf Hackescher Markt, walk to the Spree, direction Museumsinsel, the landing stage is directly in front of the Friedrichsbrücke.

Places you will see

• Berliner Dom
• Humboldt Forum
• Mühlendammschleuse
• East Side Gallery
• Oberbaumbrücke
• Molecule Men Sculpture
• Nikolaiviertel
• Berliner Fernsehturm
• Museum Island
• Schiffbauerdamm
• Reichstag Building
• Kronprinzenbrücke
• Humboldthafen Berlin
• Bundeskanzleramt
• Haus der Kulturen der Welt
• Palace of Tears
• Weidendammer Brücke
• Bode-Museum

Reviews by travellers

4.7 out of 5
1408 reviews
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Cynthia H.
“The best walking tour we’ve experienced in Berlin! Highly recommended — incredibly informative, with a friendly and approachable guide.”
3 months ago
Anna W.
It was a very informative cruise the staff was very efficient. We saw Berlin from the water & it gives a different perspective that you won't see if you don't go on the water .
3 months ago
Melissa H.
Excellent trip, very informative and an excellent way to view hard to get to sights. Easy to get to to using berlin card with public transport or hop on hop off busses. The only negative would be is that a wheel chair user would probably no be able to access this trip.
3 months ago
Shirley D.
On a clear day it’s a lovely ride. There is a lot to learn about Berlin and its history. The buildings, sculpture and impromptu graffiti and the end of the wall were all explained.
4 months ago
Fernando H.
Nice relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Only downside was no food allowed to be taken onboard, but none available as all sold out.
4 months ago
Constance O.
We learned a lot about Berlin's beautiful and interesting architecture and history. Great experience.
4 months ago
Margaret W.
It was an excellent trip, very informative and relaxing. The staff were friendly and it was really enjoyable.
4 months ago
John C.
Be aware that a lot of the trip is about unknwn everyday buildings from the past and not too much historical events.
4 months ago
Pamela D.
If you have time and want to see besides standard tours of 1 hours, this is a good opportunity. The boat isn't the modernest one, but ok.
5 months ago
Guy W.
I have done several tours in Berlin, some covering similar things. What I liked about this, was the very different perspective I.e. from the water Great experience overall
6 months ago
Route details changed.
More info
Starting point of the tour
Near S-Bf Hackescher Markt, walk to the Spree, direction Museumsinsel, the landing stage is directly in front of the Friedrichsbrücke.