Spree River Cruise
If you want to enjoy a relaxing and scenic tour of Berlin, you might want to consider taking a Spree River Cruise. The Spree River flows through the heart of the city, passing by many historical and cultural landmarks. You can choose from different types of cruises, such as sightseeing, dinner, or party cruises, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some information and tips to help you plan your Spree River Cruise.
Ticket: You can buy tickets online or at the pier. Prices vary depending on the type and duration of the cruise. For example, a one-hour sightseeing cruise costs 15 euros per person, while a three-hour dinner cruise costs 49 euros per person. You can also book a private boat for a special occasion.
Open: The Spree River Cruise operates all year round, except on some public holidays. The schedule and frequency of the cruises depend on the season and the weather conditions. In general, the cruises run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the summer, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter.
Close: The Spree River Cruise closes on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Days: The Spree River Cruise runs every day of the week, but some cruises may have limited availability on certain days. For example, the dinner cruise only runs from Thursday to Sunday.
Hours: The duration of the cruise depends on the type and route of the cruise. The shortest cruise is 30 minutes long, while the longest cruise is four hours long.
How to get: You can reach the Spree River Cruise by public transportation or by car. There are several piers along the river, such as Jannowitzbrücke, Friedrichstraße, Schlossbrücke, and Hauptbahnhof. You can check the map and directions on the website of the Spree River Cruise.
Tips: Here are some tips to make your Spree River Cruise more enjoyable:
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. You may want to bring a jacket or a scarf in case it gets chilly on the boat.
- Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful views of Berlin.
- Listen to the audio guide or the live commentary to learn more about the history and culture of Berlin.
- Try some local delicacies and drinks on board. You can find snacks, sandwiches, salads, cakes, coffee, tea, beer, wine, and cocktails on most cruises.
- Respect the rules and regulations of the boat. Do not smoke, litter, or disturb other passengers.
Tours: You can choose from different tours that suit your interests and preferences. Some of the most popular tours are:
- Historical Berlin: This tour takes you along the historical center of Berlin, where you can see landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral, and the Berlin Wall.
- Modern Berlin: This tour takes you along the modern and trendy areas of Berlin, where you can see landmarks such as the Potsdamer Platz, the Sony Center, the East Side Gallery, and the Oberbaum Bridge.
- Bridge Tour: This tour takes you along both sides of the river, crossing over 40 bridges. You can see landmarks such as the Charlottenburg Palace, the Bellevue Palace, and the Tiergarten Park.
- Dinner Cruise: This tour combines sightseeing with dining. You can enjoy a three-course meal with drinks while admiring the illuminated skyline of Berlin at night.
Prohibitions: There are some things that are prohibited on board the Spree River Cruise. These include:
- Bringing your own food and drinks
- Bringing pets (except for guide dogs)
- Bringing weapons or explosives
- Bringing drugs or illegal substances
- Swimming or diving in the river
What to see: There are many things to see on board the Spree River Cruise. Some of the highlights are:
- The Reichstag: The seat of the German parliament and one of the most iconic buildings in Berlin. You can admire its glass dome and its impressive architecture.
- The Museum Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses five museums with collections of art, history, and culture. You can see exhibits such as the Pergamon Altar, the Nefertiti Bust, and the Ishtar Gate.
- The Berlin Cathedral: The largest church in Berlin and a symbol of Protestantism. You can see its impressive dome and its ornate interior.
- The Berlin Wall: The former barrier that divided East and West Berlin during the Cold War. You can see remnants of it along the river and learn about its history and significance.
