The contrast to the pulsating metropolis of Berlin could hardly be greater than in the water district of south-east Brandenburg, where beautiful river courses, idyllic lakes and a unique landscape make you forget the hustle and bustle and noise of the metropolis in a matter of seconds. You can explore the palpable tranquility of pristine naturalness that wide meadows, fairytale forests and charming shorelines exude on an eleven-day tour on the Märkische Gewässer from the northeastern edge of Berlin to the Spreewald forest in the south.
You will experience around 180 km of pure nature by canoe on this circuit, which is unique in Europe. Hardly any other region in Germany has such a varied scenic beauty to offer as can be seen on the Märkische Umfahrt. A species-rich animal world and rare plants are at home here. From kingfishers to beavers, observations can be made, with attentive and much time combined touring the shallow waters. Body and mind are decelerated!
Thanks to a very good infrastructure all places along the route are easily accessible. Between the stages you can also spend an eventful time on land. Many historical sights, cultural highlights and recreational opportunities offer a successful balance to the sporting activity with the canoe. The camera should not be left at home, because the beautiful impressions of this trip are worth to be captured in pictures.
Length: approx. 178 km / 7-11 days
Start/Destination: Beeskow
Arrival / Departure:
Public transport: regional train (RE) to Fürstenwalde. From here by bus to Beeskow
Car: From Berlin via the A12 and B168 to Beeskow
Route: Beeskow, Spree, Oegelsee, Spree, Fürstenwalder Spree, Priebschsee, Fürstenwalder Spree, Müggelspree, Spree, Dämeritzsee, Seddinsee, Zeuthener See, Dahme, Krimnicksee, Krüpelsee, Dahme, Dolgensee, Dahme waterway, Streganzer Weg, Dahme, Dahme flood channel, Köthener See, Dahme flood channel, Spree, Neuendorfer See, Spree, Glower See, Leißnitzsee, Spree, Beeskow.
Shore leave:
- Beeskow: castle, historic old town
- Fürstenwalde/Spree: castle, cathedral
- Erkner: Gerhart Hauptmann Museum, local history museum
- Königs Wusterhausen: castle
- Prieros: Visitor Center Nature Park Dahme-Heideseen
- Märkisch Buchholz: cascade weir system
Water profile: varied; Spree with many old and side arms, low current on Dahme and Spree (in spring on Spree possibly stronger), driving and mooring ban on Spreeneben and Spreealtarmen, altogether 12 locks
Maps / Literature:
"DKV water guide for eastern Germany: canoe guide for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Saxony (DKV regional guide)", German Canoe Association; (14.06.2021), ISBN-13: 978-3937743288, 19,95 Euro.
"TourenAtlas Wasserwandern / TA5 Berlin-Brandenburg mit Spreewald: Oder, Havel, Spree + Nebengewässer", 1:75.000 & 1:25.000, publisher: Jübermann, (24.09.2021), ISBN-13: 978-3929540666, 29,90 Euro
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