Berlin to Wolfsburg

Day 1: Arrival in Wolfsburg
Day 2: Wolfsburg - Calvörde - Magdeburg
Day 3: Magdeburg - Burg - Genthin
Day 4: Genthin - Brandenburg
Day 5: Brandenburg - Werder - Potsdam
Day 6: Potsdam
Day 7: Potsdam - Berlin/Spandau
Day 8: Berlin/Spandau | Departure following breakfast, by 9 am

*All distances are approximate. 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. The average daily distances are between 16  and 31 mi. (25 and 50 km).

Day 1: Arrival in Wolfsburg
Your Germany bike and boat tour begins with an afternoon check-in in Wolfsburg. Drop off your luggage on board, then cross the canal bridge to explore the world-famous Volkswagen Autostadt, one of Germany's most visited attractions. Discover the interactive automotive museum at your own pace before joining a 45-minute guided park tour. Back on board, enjoy a welcome drink, meet your crew, and receive your tour and safety briefing. The Merlijn sets sail for dinner, mooring overnight at a historically significant site, the former customs border between West and East Germany.

Travel tip: Car enthusiasts should plan a morning arrival to make the most of a full morning at Autostadt before boarding. We recommend arriving no more than one night early, as Wolfsburg's other attractions are limited.

Day 2: Wolfsburg - Magdeburg, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km)
Wake up to a sailing breakfast as your guide briefs the group on traffic rules, group riding, and what to expect while cycling in Germany. After docking, your first guided bike tourgets underway. You'll finish the day in Magdeburg where the Merlijn awaits at the Midland Canal and Elbe waterway junction. In the evening, take a fascinating after-dinner walk to one of Germany's oldest working ship lifts and the modern Rothensee lock. Rest up, tomorrow holds a full day of sightseeing in Magdeburg!

Day 3: Magdeburg - Genthin, 22-34 mi. (35-55 km)
Cycle into Magdeburg, the proud capital of Saxony-Anhalt and one of Germany's most historically rich cities. Home to the royal palace of Emperor Otto, the first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Magdeburg rewards curious travelers at every turn. Visit the Magdeburg Cathedral, Germany's first Gothic cathedral and one of its largest churches, before heading to the Old Market Square to see the Golden Rider Statue, a gilded bronze equestrian figure dating to 1240. The colorful Hundertwasser Haus and Green Citadel are also well worth a visit before you saddle up. After lunch, continue cycling past the spectacular Magdeburg Water Bridge, a navigable aqueduct where canal ships cross directly over the Elbe River and one of Europe's greatest engineering achievements. The Merlijn sails on to Genthin for the overnight stay.

Travel tip: Culture lovers can skip the afternoon ride and spend the entire day in Magdeburg. Transfers back to the boat can be arranged.

Day 4: Genthin - Brandenburg, 16-34 mi. (25-55 km)
Begin the day in Genthin, a charming, peaceful canal town its own mayor calls "The Pearl along the Canal". Today's Germany bike tour crosses two federal states, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg, following the scenic Tour Brandenburg cycle path along the Havel Lake Plateau through endless forests and open green landscapes. Along the way, discover a section of the Transromanica, a Major Cultural Route of the Council of Europe linking Romanesque heritage sites across Germany, Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. Arrive in Brandenburg and enjoy an evening stroll through its magnificent medieval old town.

Day 5: Brandenburg -  Potsdam, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km)
Start the morning exploring Brandenburg's historic center. St. Peter Cathedral stands as a landmark of German ecclesiastical history, while the Steintorturm, a 32.5 m (107 ft) medieval defence tower, is the only one of its kind in Brandenburg open to the public. The Old Town Hall, a masterpiece of late Gothic brick architecture from the mid-15th century, is equally impressive. After your morning visit, set off through traditional March-style villages with timber-framed buildings and wide-open lowland scenery, passing through Paretz, the beloved summer retreat of Queen Louise. Finish the ride in the charming blossom city of Werder, then cruise together into Potsdam.

Day 6: Potsdam, 12-25 mi. (20-40 km)
Potsdam is one of Germany's most visited cities and a UNESCO World Heritage destination and it deserves a full extra day. Visit the crown jewel is Sanssouci Palace, the magnificent former summer residence of Frederick the Great and set within the breathtaking Sanssouci Park. Beyond the palace, Potsdam rewards explorers with the unique Russian Colony Alexandrowka, the beautifully preserved Dutch Quarter, and the atmospheric Bohemian Weaver Quarters. The day can be spent as you desire. Cycle a guided group bike tour, explore the city independently, enjoy water sports on Potsdam's surrounding lakes, or simply relax on the Merlijn's sun deck. Round off the evening with a taste of Potsdam's acclaimed regional cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants.

Day 7: Potsdam - Berlin (Spandau), 19-25 mi. (30-40 km)
Your final cycling day on this Germany bike and boat tour follows the iconic European Cycling Track along the Havel River, crossing the legendary Glienicker Bridge, the Cold War's famous "Bridge of Spies", once the dramatic crossing point between West and East Germany. Arrive in Spandau, Berlin's westernmost borough, set at the historic confluence of the Havel and Spree rivers. Tonight, celebrate an incredible week of cycling and cruising through Germany with a festive farewell dinner on board MS Merlijn.

Day 8: Disembark in Berlin
After a final breakfast aboard MS Merlijn, it's time to say farewell in Berlin, one of Europe's most exciting capital cities. Continue your European adventure, explore Berlin for a few extra days, or transfer to the airport.

We strongly recommend planning extra days in Berlin after your cruise to experience everything this world-class city has to offer.

Day 1: Arrival in Berlin/surroundings
​Day 2: Berlin/surroundings - Potsdam, 19-25 mi. (30-40 km)
Day 3: Rest day in Potsdam, 12-25 mi. (20-40 km)
Day 4: Potsdam - Brandenburg, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km)
Day 5: Brandenburg - Burg, 22-34 mi. (35-55 km)
Day 6: Burg - Magdeburg, 22-34 mi. (35-55 km)
Day 7: Magdeburg - Wolfsburg, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km)
Day 8: Wolfsburg | Departure following breakfast, by 9 am

*All distances are approximate. 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. The average daily distances are between 22 and 34 mi. (35 and 55 km).

Day 1: Embarkation - Berlin (Oranienburg / Tegel / Spandau)
Begin your adventure with an afternoon check-in aboard MS Merlijn. Settle in with a welcome drink, meet the crew, and receive your tour and safety briefing. As Merlijn sets sail, enjoy a delicious dinner while gliding past Berlin's stunning inland lakes. Overnight at a tranquil anchor spot surrounded by nature, the perfect start to an unforgettable journey.

Note: Berlin's city center is not accessible by ship. Embarkation takes place in one of Berlin's well-connected suburbs, easily reached by public transport or taxi within one hour from the center. The exact mooring location will be confirmed in your travel letter. We strongly recommend arriving a few days early to explore Berlin before your cruise.

Day 2: Berlin - Potsdam, 19-25 mi. (30-40 km)
Wake up to breakfast as Merlijn cruises toward your first cycling destination. After a bike fitting and group briefing, set off on a scenic ride to the royal city of Potsdam. Highlights include the iconic Glienicker Bridge, once a Cold War spy exchange point, and the historic Wannsee House. The Merlijn will be waiting for you dockside in Potsdam, capital of Brandenburg province.

Day 3: Rest day in Potsdam, 12-25 mi. (20-40 km)
Potsdam is one of Germany's most beautiful cities, and it deserves a second day. Explore at your own pace, cycle through the city, visit the magnificent Sanssouci Castle and Park (entrance included), wander the Russian Colony Alexandrowka, the charming Dutch Quarter, or the historic Bohemian Weaver Quarters. Water sports fans can enjoy the surrounding lakes, or simply relax on Merlijn's sun terrace. A guided group bike ride is also available, tailored to the group's ability.

Day 4: Potsdam - Brandenburg, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km)
Cruise through a landscape of lakes and tributaries as Merlijn heads toward Brandenburg an der Havel. Today's cycling route passes through charming traditional March-style villages and the royal retreat of Paretz, summer residence of Queen Louise. Arrive in Brandenburg,  the historic cradle of the March region, and spend the afternoon discovering its magnificent Gothic old town, including St. Peter Cathedral and the iconic Steintorturm defence tower.

Day 5: Brandenburg - Burg, 22-34 mi. (35-55 km)
Today's ride crosses two German federal states, Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, following the scenic "Tour Brandenburg" cycle path along the Havel Lake Plateau through endless forests and green vistas. While you pedal, the Merlijn navigates the famous Elbe-Havel Canal, reuniting with you in Burg for a well-earned evening aboard.

Day 6: Burg - Magdeburg, 22-34 mi. (35-55 km)
Cycle to Magdeburg, the proud capital of Saxony-Anhalt, passing one of Europe's most extraordinary engineering feats, the Magdeburg Water Bridge, where ships sail across the Elbe River on a navigable aqueduct. Explore this history-rich city at your own pace: visit the first Gothic cathedral built on German soil, the Golden Rider Statue at the Old Market Square, and the colorful Hundertwasser Haus. Culture lovers may prefer to leave bikes on board and spend a full day in the city. Transfers can be arranged.

Day 7: Magdeburg - Wolfsburg, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km)
Your final cycling day winds through peaceful forests and picturesque villages before arriving in Wolfsburg, home of Volkswagen. Explore the world-famous Autostadt museum and enjoy a guided tour of the park. The Merlijn is docked just across the canal, steps away. The evening concludes with a festive farewell dinner on board.

Tip: Car enthusiasts may want to revisit Autostadt on the morning of Day 8 before departing. Not into cars? Wolfsburg's popular designer outlet is a great alternative.

Day 8: Disembarkation - Wolfsburg
After a final breakfast aboard Merlijn, it's time to say farewell. Continue your European adventure or head to the airport with wonderful memories of cycling, cruising, and culture through the heart of Germany.

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