From Berlin to the Baltic Sea along the Havel and Oder 2026

Bike Cruise in Germany, from Berlin to the Baltic Sea

From the bustling city of Berlin with its northern forests, begin your journey sailing to Schwedt along the Oder-Havel Canal, passing through Oranienburg and Eberswalde. The tranquil and unique beauty of the Oder landscape will accompany you to the Polish city of Szczecin, renowned for its magnificent castle. The river then guides you along the distinctive Bodden coast through Usedom to Germany's largest island, Rügen, famous for its chalk cliffs. The final destination is the historic Hanseatic city of Stralsund.

What could be more delightful than relaxing on the sun deck, taking in the stunning landscapes as they pass by, and learning about the local culture, nature, and history on picturesque bike tours? Discover the diverse flora and fauna of these unique river landscapes, baroque castles, brick gothic architecture, and the charming seaside resorts of northern Germany.

Day 1: Arrival in Berlin
Arrive in Berlin on your own and embark at 4:00 pm. Berlin offers endless attractions worth exploring. You might enjoy a walk on the Kurfürstendamm, a stroll through the Nicolai Quarter on Spree Island, or a visit to the Brandenburg Gate. The city's possibilities are nearly limitless.

Day 2: Berlin to Eberswalde, bike tour, approximately 42 km
Your first bike tour takes you through the vast forests of the Ruppiner Lake District, following intricate waterways. The well-marked cycle path leads you north from the city to Oranienburg. The city's palace, one of the country's most significant Baroque buildings, and its adjacent park invite you to linger. Afterward, reboard and continue to Eberswalde, home to Germany's oldest operational lock in the city center.

Day 3: Eberswalde to Schwedt, bike tour, approximately 33 - 65 km
Start your ride along the towpath cycle route by the Finow Canal, passing through beautiful landscapes with forests, clearings, and small hills toward Niederfinow and its impressive ship lift. Return on board to sail to Schwedt, or for the adventurous, continue cycling through the crane resting area of the Auennationalpark from Hohensaaten to Schwedt (about 32 km).

Day 4: From Schwedt to Mescherin (28 km) | Boat to Szczecin

Today, you'll cross a unique, cross-border protected area: the "Lower Oder Valley International Park" via the Oder-Neisse cycle path. The former Criewen estate houses the National Park Center of Germany's only floodplain national park. Upon reaching Mescherin, you'll board the boat to enjoy the cruise to Szczecin (Stettin). Known as the green metropolis at the mouth of the Oder, Szczecin is one of the largest ports on the Baltic Sea. Not to be missed is the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle located in the old town.

Day 5: From Szczecin to Zinnowitz (rest day on board)

Today, you'll spend the entire day on board. After a final narrow passage, the boat will arrive in the vast waters of Szczecin Bay (Oder Lagoon). After the crossing, you will reach Zinnowitz. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to stroll through the streets of one of the prettiest seaside resorts on the Baltic Sea.

Day 6: From Zinnowitz to Peenemünde (Usedom Island) (15 to 25 km) | Cruise to Lauterbach (Rügen Island)

Today, you have two cycling routes to choose from on Usedom Island:

Cycle via Mölschow and Zecherin, passing the Usedom Distillery (recommended!), to Peenemünde. Upon arrival, you will have time to visit the Museum of Technical History if you wish.
The second, slightly longer option takes you to the Baltic Sea. You'll discover the seaside resorts of Trassenheide and Karlshagen, which invite you to sunbathe on their beautiful sandy beaches.
The boat sets sail around 6 p.m., heading for Lauterbach, southeast of the island of Rügen (expected arrival around 9 p.m.).

Day 7: From Lauterbach to Stralsund (44 km)

Today, don't miss a visit to the nearby town of Putbus (about 2 km away) with its famous circus. Classical buildings line this circular "square," where all the streets converge.
Your bike tour today takes you through Putbus, Garz, Groß Schoritz, the birthplace of Ernst Moritz Arndt, Poseritz, and Gustow with its famous village church, to the Rügen Dam in Stralsund, where the boat awaits you. As a city with a rich history, a stroll through the historic center, located on an island, will take you past many exceptional sites.

Day 8: Departure from Stralsund

After breakfast, disembarkation until 9:00 a.m. and return independently.

Germany by bike and boat, from Stralsund to Berlin

Day 1: Stralsund

Embarkation at 4:00 p.m. If you have time, you'll be in the heart of history, located on a small island. Its eventful and rich past has shaped the city.

Day 2: From Stralsund to Lauterbach (44 km) | Sailing as in Peenemünde

You'll leave Stralsund to visit Gustow, a small village with a beautiful church. You'll then pass through Poseritz, the Renaissance town of Ern Moritz Arndt and Garz, before arriving in Putbus. The route continues as in Lauterbach, south of the island of Rügen, where you'll board. Departure from the port is at 6:30 p.m. for Peenemünde.

Day 3: Zinnowitz Loop (15-26 km)

Today you have time to enjoy the island of Usedom at your leisure. Three cycling routes are available. In the morning, visit the Historical Technical Museum housed in a former power plant or the Usedom Distillery in Mölchow. If you plan to visit, we recommend a cycling tour from Trassenheide and Karlshagen, with a break on the Baltic Cycle Paths, as well as Zinnowitz and the most beautiful seaside resorts of Usedom. Located between the Baltic Sea and the Achterwassern, the town is surrounded by pine forests and trees. The magnificent sandy beaches invite you to relax.

Day 4: From Zinnowitz to Szczecin (rest day on board)

Relax on board the ship. You'll cross the large Szczecin Bay (Oder Lagoon) to visit the city that bears its name. This verdant city is one of the most important ports in the Baltic Sea and is located at the mouth of the Oder River. The Pomeranian Dukes' Castle is a historic landmark, along the way.

Day 5: Boat from Szczecin to Mescherin and bike ride like Schwedt (28 km)

In the morning, let the captain and crew take you to Mescherin. Hop on your bike and cycle through the Lower Oder Valley International Park, a protected natural area straddling Germany and Poland. The Oder-Neisse Cycle Path guides you, just like Schwedt. Along the way, you'll pass through Criewen, where you can visit the Floodplain National Park Center (the only one in Germany).

Day 6: Cycle from Hohensaaten to Eberswalde (33 km)

The route you started in Niederfinow includes magnificent landscapes: hills, clearings, and forests. After this bucolic interlude, you'll reach the Finow Canal, just like Eberswalde. In the heart of the town, you can admire the country's oldest still-functioning lock.

Day 7: Boat from Eberswalde to Oranienburg, by bike like in Berlin (42 km)

Oranienburg is home to a splendid Baroque castle, a park, a museum, and a summer residence. Then, head south for a magnificent cycle path that will allow you to discover Lake Ruppin before entering the capital. Berlin is a magnificent city: the palace is located at the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery or Checkpoint Charlie, Museum Island, or the Holocaust Memorial.

Day 8: Berlin

Breakfast on board is possible before 9:00 a.m.

General Information:

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Boat comfort level: Premium Comfort
• Languages spoken on board: German and English
• Child rates: Please contact us

2026 Dates:
Saturday Departures

• from Berlin: May 16, May 30, June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22, September 5
• from Stralsund: May 9, May 23, June 6, June 20, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, August 29, September 12

Included:

• 7 nights in a cabin with private bathroom
• Port, bridge, and lock fees
• Welcome drink
• Daily cabin cleaning
• Bed linen and towels
• Full board
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 6 packed lunches
  • 6 afternoon hot drinks (coffee or tea)
  • 7 dinners (with 3 courses)
• Daily briefing for bike tours
• Detailed digital travel documents, navigation app, and GPS data for bike routes
• Tour guide on board

Not included:

• Transportation to the departure location
• Personal expenses
• Excursions
• Drinks on board
• Anything not specified in the inclusions

Options:

• Cabin choice
• Hybrid bike or e-bike rental
• Personal bike parking fee (mandatory if not renting a bike)
• Theft insurance for rented bikes
• Cancellation insurance

Level:
1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:
The route is mainly flat with some hilly sections. A few steep climbs to be expected.

Climate:
Contrary to popular belief, temperatures in the Netherlands are similar to those in France. The coastal climate can sometimes be windy.

Technical details:

• 0 to 65 km of biking per day, approximately 5 to 7 hours of cycling maximum.
• Easy-to-follow itinerary. No difficulties, accessible to all.

Bibliography:
> Bike guides and maps on Germany

Participants:
You will meet an international community of all ages on board.

Guidance:
On board, the captain and crew are responsible for your bike and boat holiday. They ensure the smooth running of the holiday on the boat and navigate from one stop to the next.
Each morning, you can receive advice on the route and additional tourist information if desired.

Meals:

• Breakfasts: complete
• Lunches: packed picnic to take away
• Hot drink: in the afternoon, after the bike tour, coffee or tea is offered
• Dinners: at least three courses.

Other drinks, such as wine, beer, lemonade, and mineral water, are not included but can be purchased on board.

Bikes:

• Rental hybrid bike: unisex 7-speed bike
• Rental e-bike: unisex 8-speed bike
• Helmets available for purchase on board (subject to availability - cash only)
• If you bring your own bike, remember to bring essentials (lock, repair kit, panniers...). Transportation of the bike to and from the start and end points is at your expense.

Transport:

• By train: Berlin is about 8.5 hours by train from Paris.
• By plane: Berlin-Brandenburg Airport is well-connected.
• By car: Berlin is a 12-hour drive from Paris.

Return to the starting point
It costs about €50 to return to Berlin by train from Stralsund.

Parking your vehicle
It costs about €10 per day for secure parking.

There are several car parks located less than a kilometre from the boarding point.

Cancellation Insurance:
To ensure reimbursement of expenses in case of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. For more information, click here.

To access the description of the boat, click here: ► MS PRINCESS