Grand Round Tour "Blue Paradise"

Those seeking recreation in the German federal states of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania may indulge in a boat tour for several days and weeks around the sparkling bodies of water to be found in these two magnificent states and venture across wide rivers and romantic waterways, gigantic lake districts and little forest lakes. While underway the travellers will be gazing at the charming landscapes full of wild, untouched magic woods and picturesque meadows in full bloom. Here, unlike elsewhere, flora and fauna are thriving in the numerous nature reserves. Appealing towns, majestic palaces and placid villages will awaken the desire of the tour members to disembark and begin an adventurous time on shore. The flow of the River Elbe allows for a clockwise round tour only, but travellers may board the boat at any harbour and decide how long they like to stay aboard. The vibrant metropolis Berlin offers a splendid start for the tour. Those desiring to marvel at the city’s many highlights from the water, are welcomed to embark on the River Spree in Köpenick or Berlin-Mitte as well as at the ship lock at River Havel in Berlin-Spandau. Right after having picked up some pace, the River Havel, on its first kilometres expands into breathtaking lakes. Wide water landscapes can be found to the west of Berlin, around the city of Potsdam and Brandenburg where boaters and skippers are easily seduced by the breadth of lakes and waterways. The nature park Westhavelland draws one into its relaxing realms after having been ashore exploring the cities’ cultural and historic highlights. The nature park protects Central Europe’s largest wetland area. In close proximity to the cathedral town of Havelberg the mellow River Havel joins the wide River Elbe. For decades, this very large stream was the dividing line between East and West Germany. Today it embraces a UNESCO biosphere reserve expanding across the federal states of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schleswig Holstein, Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony. The River Elbe meanders through one of the most beautiful and pristine riverscapes and it offers the perfect habitat for beavers, otters as well as scores of water birds and storks. Beneath the Dömitz Fortress boaters and skippers leave the River Elbe via the Müritz-Elde waterway. The country’s longest river runs through 17 locks and covers a distance of 180 kilometres until it reaches the heart of Mecklenburg – the Mecklenburg Lake District. It cuts through pine forests of the moorland region named ‘Griese Gegend‘, passing along fishponds of the Lewitz, a protected landscape, and through idyllic timber-framed towns. A short trip to Mecklenburg’s capital Schwerin via the Stör Canal is highly recommended.