Berlin to Malchin

Day 1: Arrival in Berlin (Oranienburg - Tegel - Spandau)
Day 2: Bike tour, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km)
Day 3: Schwedt, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km) or shorten 19-22 mi. (30-35 km) 
Day 4: Schwedt - Szczecin, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Day 5: Szczecin - Kamminke/Usedom, 22 mi. (35 km)  
Day 6: Island of Usedom, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km) or extend 34-37 mi. (55-60)
Day 7: Malchin, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km) or extend 28-31 mi. (45-50 km)
Day 8: Departure from Malchin

Day 1: Arrival in Berlin (Oranienburg - Tegel - Spandau)
Check-in begins in the afternoon, after all the guests are welcomed on board, the boat will start cruising. Enjoy a welcome drink during a briefing and introduction of the crew and your fellow passengers. Take in the scenery as the boat passes inland lakes around Berlin. This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board the boat will dock in a quiet location surrounded by nature. 

Please note: Berlin is a large city made up of many districts, and the historic city center is not accessible by ship for the Merlijn. For this reason, we have selected a convenient embarkation location in one of Berlin’s suburbs. This boarding point is easily reachable by public transportation or taxi and is less than one hour from central Berlin. If you plan to visit Berlin before or after your cycling and sailing tour, we recommend staying in the city center so you can easily explore major attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and the Berlin Wall Memorial. Your accommodation plans do not need to be based on the ship’s mooring location, as it is outside the central district. This tour does not include a visit to Berlin during the itinerary. We highly recommend arriving a few days early to experience Berlin’s historic sites, vibrant neighborhoods, museums, and culture before the start of your trip.

The exact mooring location for the Merlijn will be confirmed in your travel letter prior to departure.

Day 2: Bike tour, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km)
Enjoy your first breakfast onboard the Merlijn before meeting your guide for a short orientation covering local cycling rules, group riding, and an introduction to your Merlijn bicycle. While the crew unloads the bikes, you’ll have a bike fitting to ensure a comfortable ride before setting off on your first tour.

Today’s ride takes you through forested landscapes to Eberswalde, cycling along the historic Old Finow Canal, one of the oldest artificial waterways in Europe, originally built in 1605 to connect the Havel and Oder rivers. Along the route you’ll rejoin the Merlijn, where the crew will welcome you back onboard before the ship continues cruising to the evening’s mooring location. End the day with a delicious dinner onboard and time to relax with your fellow travelers.

Day 3: Schwedt, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km) or shorten 19-22 mi. (30-35 km) 
Before breakfast, experience one of the highlights of the tour as the Merlijn passes through the historic Niederfinow Ship Lift, the oldest working ship lift in Germany, built in 1932. During this remarkable engineering experience, the ship and its guests descend nearly 38 meters, offering a unique start to the day. After the descent, the Merlijn continues cruising to the next docking point, where your guided cycling tour begins. Today’s ride takes you through beautiful natural landscapes toward the town of Schwedt, located near the Lower Oder Valley National Park. Along the route, you will visit a historic castle tower with well-preserved medieval architecture. During the guided visit, enjoy panoramic views from the tower roof, stretching across the Lower Oder Valley toward Poland, as well as the forested hills and scenic countryside surrounding the area. Following the visit, continue cycling through picturesque landscapes to the historic town of Schwedt, where you will rejoin the Merlijn. Schwedt still reflects elements of life from the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), offering an interesting glimpse into the region’s history and culture.

Day 4: Schwedt - Szczecin, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Start the day with a peaceful morning cruise through Brandenburg, Germany, surrounded by some of the most pristine landscapes in northern Europe. After breakfast on board, set out on a scenic cycling tour through the Lower Oder Valley National Park, a region known for its untouched wetlands, rich wildlife, and expansive river landscapes.

As you ride along quiet bike paths through the Lower Oder Valley, the terrain gradually becomes more challenging as you approach the German–Polish border. The route offers a rewarding cycling experience through protected natural areas and picturesque countryside.

Soon, the journey continues across the border into Poland, leading to the historic port city of Szczecin. Formerly the German city of Stettin, Szczecin is now a vibrant Polish destination known for its maritime heritage, grand boulevards, and impressive architecture.

A special highlight of the tour is Merlijn’s long-standing tradition of enjoying local cuisine ashore. This evening, you’ll have the opportunity to experience authentic Polish cuisine in Szczecin, dining at one of the city’s many inviting restaurants and discovering the flavors of the region.

Day 5: Szczecin - Usedom, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Your captain sets sail early as Merlijn cruises along the Oder River from Szczecin toward the Stettin Lagoon (Stettiner Haff). This scenic stretch follows the river to its wide estuary, where the Oder flows into the vast lagoon separating Germany and Poland. As the ship enters the Stettin Lagoon, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding waterways before continuing toward the beautiful Baltic Sea island of Usedom. Usedom Island, shared by Germany and Poland, is one of the most scenic destinations on the Baltic coast and a true highlight of this bike and boat tour. Known for its long sandy beaches, seaside resorts, and charming coastal towns, the island offers a perfect blend of nature and culture.

Late in the morning, your cycling tour across Usedom Island begins. The route takes you through picturesque landscapes and quiet villages as you ride toward the northern Baltic Sea coast. Once you arrive, you’ll have several hours to enjoy the seaside at your own pace. Relax on the beach, take a swim in the Baltic Sea, rent a traditional German beach chair (Strandkorb), or stroll through one of the island’s elegant resort towns. After a memorable afternoon exploring Usedom, return to the ship for dinner and an overnight stay in the harbor of a charming fishing village, ending another beautiful day of cycling and cruising.

Day 6: Island of Usedom, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km) or extend 34-37 mi. (55-60 km)
Today’s guided cycling tour across the beautiful island of Usedom continues through scenic coastal landscapes and charming villages. Along the route, you’ll visit a small GDR museum, offering insight into life in the former East Germany. In the southern part of Usedom, rejoin the Merlijn to begin a relaxing afternoon cruise along the Peene River. Cyclists who want a longer ride can extend the route and board the ship later. The day ends in a quiet village within a protected natural reserve along the Peene River, a peaceful area known for its untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Day 7: Malchin, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km) or extend 28-31 mi. (45-50 km)
After breakfast onboard, begin your final cycling tour through the former GDR countryside, riding along a mix of tarmac roads, concrete bike paths, and traditional cobblestones. In the afternoon, return to the Merlijn for a scenic cruise along the Peene River, often called the “Amazon of the North” for its wide marshlands, untouched nature, and tranquil waterways. During the cruise, the ship crosses Lake Kummerow (Kummerower See), a 20-km-wide lake, before continuing toward Malchin, the final destination of your cycling and sailing journey. Enjoy the beautiful scenery before celebrating the week with a farewell dinner onboard.

Day 8: Departure from Malchin following breakfast, by 9 am

Day 1: Arrival in Malchin 
Day 2: Anklam, 25-28 mi. or 34-37 mi. (40-45 km or extend 50-55 km)
Day 3: Anklam - Island of Usedom, 19-25 mi. or 35-37 mi. (30-35 km or extend 55-60 km)
Day 4: Isle of Usedom - Szczecin, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Day 5: Szczecin - Schwedt, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km) 
Day 6: Schwedt, 31-35 km or shorten 16-19 mi. (50-55 km or shorten 25-30 km)
Day 7: Berlin (Oranienburg - Tegel - Spandau), 22-25 mi. (35-40 km)
Day 8: Departure from Berlin 

Day 1: Arrival in Malchin
Arrive in Malchin for afternoon check-in and board the Merlijn. Enjoy a welcome drink while meeting the crew and receiving a safety briefing and tour introduction. As the ship departs, your journey begins along the Peene River, often called the “Amazon of the North,” passing untouched forests, blossoming meadows, and hidden valleys. Cruise over the Kummerower See and the Peene River while dinner is served onboard. Overnight stay in a small riverside town.

Day 2: Anklam, 25-28 mi. or 34-37 mi. (40-45 km or extend 50-55 km)
After breakfast onboard, the Merlijn sails along the Peene River to the next dock. Your guide will provide a cycling orientation, covering local traffic rules, group riding, and Merlijn bicycles, while the crew prepares and fits the bikes.

Cycle through the picturesque village of Jarmen, home to St. Mary’s Church and the Art Nouveau Waterstraat residence. Continue along the largest uninterrupted lowland moor area in Europe before rejoining the Merlijn. Explore Anklam, a historic Hanseatic town with landmarks including St. Mary’s Church, Nikolai Church, the Brick Gate (Steintor), and Gothic gabled houses.

Day 3: Anklam - Island of Usedom, 19-25 mi. or 35-37 mi. (30-35 km or extend 55-60 km)
Cycle along the southern coast of Usedom Island, near the Polish border, known for its sandy beaches, seaside resorts, and elegant towns like Zinnowitz and Heringsdorf. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a charming fishing village port, with time to soak in the coastal scenery.

Day 4: Isle of Usedom - Szczecin, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Spend the morning cycling along Usedom’s scenic beaches, with an option for a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea. In the afternoon, the Merlijn cruises across the Stettiner Haff and River Oder toward Szczecin, Poland. Pass through untouched natural landscapes and enjoy the panoramic views from the ship. Explore Szczecin, formerly German Stettin, with its maritime heritage, grand boulevards, and historic architecture. Dine ashore to experience authentic Polish cuisine at one of the city’s local restaurants.

Day 5: Szczecin - Schwedt, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km) 
After a morning exploring Szczecin, cycle back into Germany’s Brandenburg region, surrounded by natural landscapes. Arrive in Schwedt, a historic town reflecting life in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), where you’ll stay overnight.

Day 6: Schwedt, 31-35 km or shorten 16-19 mi. (50-55 km or shorten 25-30 km)
Cycle through majestic natural scenery and visit a medieval castle with a well-preserved tower. Climb the tower for panoramic views across the Lower Oder Valley toward Poland. Choose the shorter or longer route depending on your preference. Later, board the Merlijn and experience the historic Niederfinow Ship Lift, Germany’s oldest working ship lift, which raises and lowers ships 38 meters along the Havel Canal, a highlight of the tour.

Day 7: Berlin (Oranienburg - Tegel - Spandau), 22-25 mi. (35-40 km)
Cycle through forested areas and along the historic Old Finow Canal, one of Europe’s oldest artificial waterways, originally built in 1605. Meet the Merlijn along the route for the final scenic cruise through Berlin’s inland lakes. In the evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner onboard, celebrating the week of cycling and sailing adventures.

Day 8: Departure from Berlin following breakfast, by 9am
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip. You might want to extend your holiday and spend extra time in Berlin.