Berlin to Malchin

Berlin to Malchin

Day 1: Berlin/Spandau - Oranienburg 
Day 2: Oranienburg - Eberswalde - Niederfinow, 28 mi. or extend to 37 mi. (45 km or extend to 60 km) 
Day 3: Niederfinow - Oderberg - Schwedt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Schwedt - Mescherin - Szczecin, 25 mi. or extend to 44 (40 km or extend to 70)
Day 5: Szczecin - Kamminke/Usedom, 22 mi. (35 km) 
Day 6: Kamminke  - Karnin - Anklam - Stolpe, 22 mi. or extend to 34 (35 km or extend to 55)
Day 7: Stolpe - Jarmen - Demmin - Malchin 
Day 8: Departure from Malchin

*Daily distances range from 22 to 44 miles (35 to 70 km). The itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice,  due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs,  etc.

Day 1: Berlin/Spandau - Oranienburg 
The Merlijn, your sailing home for the next eight days, will be moored in the port of Berlin/Spandau. Embarkation starts at 3:30  pm but you can drop your luggage off at 10 am.  At 4:00 pm, the crew will introduce themselves, provide information about the ship, the tours, and bicycles, while you enjoy your complimentary welcome drink. at 5 pm your captain starts the engine to sail to Oranienburg, your overnight location.  Oranienburg, which received its royal name from the Dutch princess Louise Henriette of Nassau-Oranien (1627-1667), is situated at the northern city limits of Germany’s capital city of Berlin. It is a very popular destination for visitors to Berlin. Here you can visit the oldest Baroque castle of the Brandenburg March area. Since the reunification of Germany, new trade and industry have been established and most of the residential areas have been thoroughly renovated and redeveloped. Roads, footpaths, and cycle tracks have been newly constructed. 

Day 2: Oranienburg - Eberswalde - Niederfinow, 28 mi. or extend to 37 mi. (45 km or extend to 60 km) 
During breakfast, the barge cruises along the Havel River to Zerpenschleuse for the beginning of the cycling itinerary. First on the agenda is  Eberswalde along the Old Finow Canal, one of the oldest artificial waterways in Europe. First built in 1605 to connect the Havel and Oder rivers. You will meet the Merlijn in Eberswalde and cruise further. You can also opt to  extend your bike tour to Niederfinow. The mooring spot for the night will be close to the Niederfinow-Ship-Lift, a highlight you will explore the next day.

Day 3: Niederfinow - Oderberg - Schwedt, 31 mi. (50 km)
In the morning, you'll experience one of the highlights of this tour: the oldest German boat lift at Niederfinow which utilizes a staircase lock with four chambers to overcome a difference in elevation of 36 meters.

The Merlijn then continues on to Oderberg. From here, your cycling tour will take you from Oderberg to Schwedt, passing magnificent areas of natural beauty. A visit to the Castle of Stolpe is definitely recommended. 

The Castle of Stolpe has one of the best-preserved Medieval castle towers in Germany. You will enjoy the majestic view that extends from the Lower Oder river valley up to Poland, including picturesque wooded slopes up to the beautiful chains of hills in the spacious hinterland. A guided tour through the castle is offered.

Final destination today is historical Schwedt, where the remnants of the lifestyle and atmosphere of the German Democratic Republic are still visible. This town and surrounding region provide a good example not only of the positive change that occurred as east and west merged but also of the upheaval of the German reunification. 

Day 4: Schwedt - Mescherin - Szczecin, 25 mi. or extend to 44 (40 km or extend to 70)
Today’s cycling itinerary will showcase “nature at its purest” yet again. The bike tour leads you to Mescherin, still in Germany in the state of Brandenburg. You will board the Merlijn here to navigate to Poland. Tonight you'll stay in the former German city of Stettin, which now belongs to Poland and is named Szczecin. Dinner this evening is at your expense providing you the opportunity to discover the regional Polish cuisine in one of the many restaurants this city has to offer. Henk and Jantien, your host and hostess, will provide you with suggestions. 

Day 5: Szczecin - Kamminke/Usedom, 22 mi. (35 km)  
As you enjoy breakfast, the Merlijn will continue following the Oder from Szczecin to the confluence of the Oder into the Stettin Lagoon/Stettiner Haff. Passing the estuary of the Oder River and Polish/German border, you cruise through the magnificent Stettiner Lagoon to the sunny island of Usedom. This lagoon, originating from a glacier reservoir lake, is located to the south of the island of Usedom and its surface area is larger than the surface area of the famous Lake Konstanz. This is a German-Polish region located at the Baltic Sea definitely well worth exploring and discovering. Today's cycle route begins at approx. 11;30 am and takes you along the coast so you can stop for a swim while you enjoy the shores of Usedom or stroll through the charming cities such as Ahlbeck and Heringsdorf. Whatever you decide you will enjoy this island very much, it is considered to be another highlight of this tour. Overnight stay in the little town of Kamminke.

Day 6: Kamminke  - Karnin - Anklam - Stolpe, 22 mi. or extend to 34 (35 km or extend to 55)
This morning you will cycle again across the beautiful Island of Usedom enjoying its beautiful nature. On the route, you visit a small DDR-Museum. In Karnin, which is in the southern part, you will board the Merlijn, and sail into the River Peene. You can also opt to continue cycling to Anklam. Today’s destination is Stolpe. A small remote village, with few tourists. A lovely authentic experience. 

Day 7: Stolpe - Jarmen - Verchen - Malchin, 31 mi. (50 km) 
After a sailing breakfast, your last biking tour starts in Jarmen another charming village on the Peene river. Your cycling routes are through the former DDR region, again, where the roads change from asphalt to concrete bike paths to cobblestones, a popular surface in this region. From Verchen, you will cruise the Peene River toMalchin. The banks are wide and traffic, houses and people are far away. Enjoy the ‘Amazon of the North’!

While cruising, you will also cross the Kummerower See, a 20 km wide lake, that empties into the Peene again. This cruise is also to be considered one of the highlights of this week.  Malchin is the final destination.

Day 8: Departure from Malchin 
Departure after breakfast. 
 

Malchin to Berlin

Day 1: Arrival in Malchin, cruising to Demmin
Day 2: Demmin - Alt Plestin - Stolpe - Anklam, 28 mi. or extend to 34 mi. (45 km or extend to 55 km)
Day 3: Anklam - Karnin - Kamminke/Usedom, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Isle of Usedom (Kamminke) - Szczecin, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 5: Szczecin - Mescherin - Schwedt, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Day 6: Schwedt - Oderberg - Eberswalde, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Eberswalde - Oranienburg - Berlin/Spandau, 22 mi. or extend to 44 mi. (35 km or extend to 70 km) 
Day 8: Departure from Berlin/Spandau 

*Daily distances are approximate and range from 22 to 44 miles (35 to 70 km). The itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice,  due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs,  etc.

Day 1: Arrival in Malchin, cruising to Demmin
Check-in on the Merlijn begins at 3:30 pm.  However, you can leave your luggage on board from 10 am on. After checking in, the barge sets off at 4 pm to cruise from Malchin to Demmin, while you enjoy your complimentary welcome drink and listen to a tour presentation.  On the “Amazon of the North” nature lovers can explore mysterious forests, blossoming meadows, and hidden valleys. The trip takes you over the large Kummerower Lake. Its 300-meter-high east bank offers magnificent views of the beautiful landscapes of the Mecklenburger Schweiz district. Your moorage in Demmin is located right in the town center and is, therefore, the perfect place for an overnight stay. The Hanseatic city of Demmin is situated in the Northern German Lowlands where the rivers Peene, Trebel, and Tollense flow together. The city is situated in a very attractive landscape that is characterized by its five scenic and nature protection areas.

Day 2: Demmin - Alt Plestin - Stolpe - Anklam, 28 mi. or extend to 34 mi. (45 km or extend to 55 km)
While you are enjoying your breakfast, the Merlijn will continue following the Peene River downstream to Alt Plestin. Here your cycling tour to Stolpe will begin. Along the way, you'll visit the village of Jarmen with its St. Mary’s Church, the triangular old and new market, the town hall, and the “Waterstraat” residence with its Art Nouveau elements. Once in Stolpe, you can board the Merlijn to cruise to Anklam or you can cycle there. Before reaching the Haff Lagoon at Anklam, the Peene will cross the largest uninterrupted lowland moor area of Europe. The Hanseatic city of Anklam, situated on the European Road of Gothic Brick Building Art, boasts the brick buildings of St. Mary’s Church and Nikolai Church, the Brick Gate (Steintor) and the Gothic gabled house

Day 3: Anklam - Karnin - Kamminke/Usedom, 31 mi. (50 km)
From Anklam, you'll first sail to the very charming Isle of Usedom, crossing the Haff with the Merlijn. The Isle of Usedom is one of Germany's major holiday and recreation areas due to its beaches, its natural beauty, and a number of elegant seaside towns such as Zinnowitz and Heringsdorf, which have been frequented by the German and international nobility as well as the general public. It is situated very close to the Polish border as well.

Day 4: Isle of Usedom (Kamminke) - Szczecin, 19 mi. (30 km)
Today, you can choose to bike a few hours extra on the island to explore the beautiful beaches and perhaps take a refreshing swim in the sea. The Merlijn will then sail you across the Stettiner Haff and the Oder river to the city of Szczecin in Poland. During this cruise, a picnic lunch will be served on board.

On the way, you'll pass through areas of untouched natural beauty. The barge trip continues along the magnificent Stettiner Lagoon before reaching the estuary of the Oder River and the Polish border. Today's destination is Szczecin. The Stettin Lagoon, originating from a glacier reservoir lake, is located to the south of the island of Usedom and its surface area is larger than the surface area of the famous Lake Constance. This is a German-Polish region located at the Baltic Sea definitely well worth exploring and discovering. Tonight you will have the opportunity to discover the regional Polish cuisine in one of the many restaurants this city offers. This will be at your own expense.

Day 5: Szczecin - Mescherin - Schwedt, 28 mi. (45 km)
During breakfast, the barge leaves Szczecin to return to Germany, where you will soon reach yet another German State, Brandenburg. Your cycling tour will start in Mescherin and will take you to Schwedt, where you'll stay tonight. Schwedt is a historical town where you will be able to discover and experience some of the remains of the lifestyle and atmosphere of the German Democratic Republic. As far as the landscape is concerned, today’s trip will offer you “nature at its purest” yet again. Tonight you will dine at your own expense in the city of Schwedt.

Day 6: Schwedt – Oderberg – Eberswalde, 34 mi. (55 km) 
Today's cycling tour will take us from Schwedt to Oderberg passing magnificent areas of natural beauty. The tour also leads along the Castle of Stolpe where you will be offered a guided tour. The Castle of Stolpe has one of the best-preserved Medieval castle towers in Germany. Enjoy the majestic view from the roof of this tower, a view that extends from the Lower Oder River Valley up to Poland or of picturesque wooded slopes up to beautiful chains of hills in the spacious hinterland. Your tour will take us through many more magnificent scenic areas to the city of Oderberg. Here you'll board the Merlijn and cruise past the oldest German boat lift at Niederfinow and continue your journey to Eberswalde. Our overnight stay will be in Eberswalde.

Day 7: Eberswalde - Oranienburg - Berlin/Spandau, 22 mi. or extend to 44 mi. (35 km or extend to 70 km)  
Today's cycling day explores the industrial history of this area. Cycle from Eberswalde to the city of Oranienburg along the Finow Canal. The route is very level and therefore very easy to do, even for less trained cyclists. You will bike along the Berlin-Kopenhagen and the Oder-Havel-River cycling route. During today’s route, nature and culture will be emphasized. Take a break at Zerpenschleuse where you can have your lunch in a cozy Biergarten. Oranienburg, which received its royal name from the Dutch princess Louise Henriette of Nassau-Oranien (1627-1667), is situated at the northern city limits of Germany’s capital city of Berlin. There are many attractions and sites here, such as the oldest Baroque castle of the Brandenburg March area.  The city is a very popular destination for visitors to Berlin. Since the reunification of Germany new trade and industry have been established, most of the residential areas have been thoroughly renovated and redeveloped, and roads, footpaths and cycle tracks have been newly constructed. But even the brand-new residential and commercial buildings characterize the historically shaped face of this city. At Oranienburg you will reboard the Merlijn for a relaxing afternoon’s boat trip to Berlin/Spandau along the Havel River. In the evening, you will have plenty of time to enjoy a stroll around the beautiful city center of Spandau. 

Day 8: Departure from Berlin
Departure after breakfast. 

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