Berlin to Malchin
Germany, Poland Bike + Barge Tours
Cycle in Eastern Germany & into Poland!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1695 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This bike and barge tour in Germany and into Poland takes you back through history to the past of Eastern Europe. Though the wall that divided Germany fell over thirty years ago, remnants remain.
The German government has refurbished all roads that belong to the state, however, as soon as you enter the cities or villages, and are immersed in each different community, the contrasts and differences between the east and the west stand out. Go back even further in time, you will find a region once united as Prussia, adding another layer to the nuances of history.
The highlights of this European bike and boat tour include the beautiful scenery and areas of untouched natural beauty such as the magnificent Stettiner Lagoon, the differences between former eastern, and now modern western Germany, and the cycling itinerary that includes Poland with the overnight stay in Szczecin.
If you have an interest in the culture and history of Eastern Europe, you will find this tour fascinating.
Highlights
- Iconic Berlin: history, art, architecture, and ENERGY
- Ship lift Niederfinow, oldest in German
- Guided tour of Stolpe Castle (with one of the best-preserved castle towers in Germany)
- Island of Usedom
- Baltic Sea coast
- Stettiner Lagoon
- Stunning Peene River, "Amazon of the North"
- The lively Polish city of Szczecin
We offer many more bike & boat tours in Germany so be sure to look at our comprehensive list!
Itinerary
All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change sometimes without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
Day 1: Berlin/Spandau - Oranienburg
Day 2: Oranienburg - Eberswalde - Niederfinow, 28 mi. or extend to 39 (45 km or extend to 60)
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 or extend to 55)
Day 7: Stolpe - Jarmen - Demmin - Malchin
Day 8: Departure from MalchinDay 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, and provide information about the ship, the tours, and the 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 (45 km or extend to 60)
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 cycling 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)
You will 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.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 the 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 GDR-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.
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/SpandauDay 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 houseDay 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.Looking for more? View all of our featured bike and barge tours, or view our full list of bike trips.
Boats & Bikes
Aboard the beautiful and very popular, Merlijn, a Deluxe class ship
- Merlijn
Deluxe Class Barge
"The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step onboard and discover for yourself! Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in a climate-controlled cabin on board the deluxe class vessel, the Merlijn
- 7 buffet breakfasts & 6 packed lunches
- 6 three-course dinners
- Coffee, tea, & ice water on board, free of charge
- 27-speed hybrid bike (Sensa). Bikes come equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, a waterproof pannier, water bottle, towel, and a universal sized helmet
- Tour guide
- GPS tracks for most routes
- Daily cleaning of cabin
- Harbor, ferry, & lock fees
- Entrance & guided tour of Stolpe Tower
- Entrance to the GDR Museum
- †Wifi
- †Important to note, due to steel construction of the ship, cruising locations, and other factors, Wifi signal speed and strength may not be what you are accustomed to and may not meet your expectations. If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a personal hot spot. See our FAQ page.
What’s Not Included
- 1 dinner
- All beverages other than those mentioned
- Excursions, other than those mentioned
- Gratuities
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Saturday departures
Berlin to Malchin:
June 4 & June 18, 2022Malchin to Berlin:
June 11* & June 25*, 2022
*2 for 1 special! Valid for bookings from May 6.
Saturday departures
Berlin to Malchin
June 10, 2023 (fully booked)
Malchin to Berlin
June 17, 2023 (fully booked)
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Twin/Double $ 2537 £ 1462 $ 2,274 € 1695 ₪ 5844 NZ$ 2808 kr 17951 $ 1,765 Twin for Single-Use On Request June 11 & June 25 departures from Malchin to Berlin are now being offered at a 2 for 1 discount! Valid for bookings from May 6.
Twin/Double $ 2605 £ 1501 $ 2,335 € 1740 ₪ 5999 NZ$ 2882 kr 18427 $ 1,812 Twin for Single-Use, On Request € 3132 Extra Options
Electric bike rental (rate is per day). Advanced reservation required: $ 45 £ 26 $ 40 € 30 ₪ 103 NZ$ 50 kr 318 $ 31
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
Easy to moderate bike and boat tour. Daily distances range from 19 to 28 miles (30 to 45 km)
Airport Info
There are two main airports in Berlin. Berlin Tegel (TXL), located in the northwest and Berlin Schöenefeld (SXF), located in the southeast. Both are international airports, but Schöenefeld mostly caters to charter flights and low-budget carriers.
Local Travel
Berlin’s airports, Schönefeld and Tegel are both very well connected to the city center of Berlin and the surrounding area.
Berlin Tegel:
Berlin Transport Services (BVG) operate various buses that leave frequently from the airport to the city center. If traveling onward to Malchin, train travel from the city center to Malchin by train entails approx. 3 to 4 hours travel time with two transfers.
Berlin Schönefeld (SXF):
Schönefeld Airport has a railway station that provides excellent connections (regional and S-Bahn trains) to Berlin’s center and surrounding areas. Train travel time to Berlin is approx. 3 1/2 hours with 2 or 3 transfers depending on type of train and departure time.
From the train /bus station in Malchin or Berlin, depending on mooring location of the Merlijn, it is either a short walk, or short taxi ride. More details will be provided in your final travel information.
To travel back to Berlin from Malchin, train e-tickets are available for purchase on board. We can also offer you group transfer possibilities from Malchin back to Berlin by bus or minibus. Arrangements can be made on board. Cost is approx. €350 - €400 total for 8 people.Climate
Please check local conditions before arrival.
Day of Rest
Clients can remain on board the Merlijn on any day for a day of rest.
Remarks
Electric bikes are available for rental for €30 per day. Advanced reservation required. Payment on board.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Coen van der Vlies.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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