West along the Spree to Charlottenburg

About this experience

This is the long one in Stern und Kreis' range that goes west. From the pier at Friedrichstraße 140, on the corner of Reichstagufer, the boat runs past the Reichstag and the Federal Chancellery, then along the Tiergarten to Bellevue Palace and the Victory Column. After Hauptbahnhof the city thins out. You reach Charlottenburg Palace, then turn into the Westhafen Canal and the Berlin-Spandau Ship Canal and come back past Hamburger Bahnhof. It's a working, leafy side of Berlin: harbours, canal banks and housing instead of museums.

Here's the catch for English speakers. Commentary on board is German. Everyone else gets an audio guide in 12 languages, and there's no live guide. Guests write that the handset can be quiet and sometimes runs behind the sights. Bring wired earphones with a 3.5 mm jack so you aren't holding a device to your ear for two hours.

It's also the wrong boat if you're short on time or want the Wall. The route doesn't include Museum Island and never gets near the East Side Gallery. One guest wrote that the tour is too long, and for a first look at Mitte the one-hour Friedrichstraße loop does the job. Seats can't be reserved, outside food and drink aren't allowed, and the trip isn't suitable for wheelchair users.

• The Chancellery, Bellevue Palace and the Victory Column from the water
• Charlottenburg Palace, the far point of the loop
• Quiet stretches on the Westhafen Canal and the Spandau ship canal
• Audio guide in 12 languages, including English and Hebrew
• Food, beer and coffee sold on board

How the day runs

1. 15 to 30 min beforeQueue at Friedrichstraße

   The Stern und Kreis pier is at Friedrichstraße 140, corner of Reichstagufer, a few minutes from S+U Friedrichstraße. Seats are first come, first served.

2. StartPick up an audio guide

   Commentary over the speakers is German. Ask for a handset in your language as you board.

3. First 40 minGovernment quarter and Tiergarten

   Past the Reichstag, the Chancellery and Hauptbahnhof, then along the park to Bellevue Palace.

4. Middle stretchCharlottenburg

   The boat continues west to Charlottenburg Palace, the far point of the trip.

5. ReturnThrough the canals

   Back via the Westhafen Canal and the Berlin-Spandau Ship Canal, past Hamburger Bahnhof, to Friedrichstraße.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Pack wired earphones with a 3.5 mm jack. Several guests say the handsets are hard to hear over the boat.
• Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early in summer. The boat leaves on time and seats are first come, first served.
• The outdoor seats on the upper deck are best for the Bellevue and Charlottenburg stretch. Take a layer: two hours on the water gets cool.
• The listing warns that the route can change, for example when a lock or bridge is closed for works.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours applies to the GetYourGuide booking. Expedia sells the same trip as non-refundable, so check before you pay.

Read next:

• The best boat tour
• Is it worth it?

Frequently asked questions

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