Discover our limited seasonal offers and travel Europe at its most beautiful
Find your tourLevel 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
The duration of the tour
Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
This 15-day bike and boat tour connects two of Germany’s most fascinating cities: the maritime port city of Hamburg and the capital, Berlin. Between them, you’ll discover a quieter side of northern Germany, with rivers, canals, lakes, heathland, historic towns and wide-open landscapes. By day, you explore actively by bike. In the afternoon or evening, the Clair de Soleil follows along the waterways, so you only unpack once. This journey is not about racing from one famous sight to the next. It is a relaxed way to experience Germany beyond the big-city highlights: cycling through peaceful countryside, stopping in smaller towns, seeing impressive locks and ship lifts, and arriving each day at a new place without the logistics of moving hotels. Along the way, you’ll …
Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM
This 15-day bike and boat tour connects two of Germany’s most fascinating cities: the maritime port city of Hamburg and the capital, Berlin. Between them, you’ll discover a quieter side of northern Germany, with rivers, canals, lakes, heathland, historic towns and wide-open landscapes. By day, you explore actively by bike. In the afternoon or evening, the Clair de Soleil follows along the waterways, so you only unpack once.
This journey is not about racing from one famous sight to the next. It is a relaxed way to experience Germany beyond the big-city highlights: cycling through peaceful countryside, stopping in smaller towns, seeing impressive locks and ship lifts, and arriving each day at a new place without the logistics of moving hotels. Along the way, you’ll encounter many layers of German history, from Hamburg’s heritage as a powerful trading port to medieval towns, royal palace landscapes in Potsdam and places connected to Germany’s complex 20th-century history.
This tour is especially well suited to travelers who enjoy active days at an easy pace, appreciate smaller ships and a personal atmosphere, and like the idea of combining guided cycling with time to explore independently. It is also a good fit if you are curious about Germany beyond the best-known cities, but still want the comfort of a clear daily program, an experienced tour leader and the option to stay on board when you prefer a quieter day.
The route includes a varied mix of experiences: Hamburg’s Speicherstadt warehouse district and Elbphilharmonie, the historic salt town of Lüneburg, the Lüneburg Heath south of Hamburg, Volkswagen’s Autostadt in Wolfsburg that provides a unique look into Germany’s automotive culture, the island town of Werder, Potsdam’s UNESCO-listed palace landscapes and Berlin’s unique mix of history and urban life. You’ll also see striking examples of water engineering, including the Scharnebeck ship lift, the Old Elbe Tunnel and several lock systems along the route.
Nature is never far away. Peaceful stretches through heathland, moors, canals and Havel lakes give the journey a calm, spacious feel, while stops such as the Weißes Moor nature reserve and Peacock Island near Berlin add memorable moments along the way. The result is a varied, down-to-earth bike and boat tour through northern Germany: active, comfortable and always close to the water.
Your floating hotel
The premium ship Clair de Soleil is your floating hotel throughout this bike and boat tour. With a maximum of 24 guests, the atmosphere on board is personal and relaxed. Between cycling stages, the ship brings you comfortably from place to place, so each day offers a new destination without the need to pack and unpack.
On board, you enjoy breakfast and dinner, overnight stays in your cabin and time to relax after the day’s ride. During breakfast, you can prepare your own packed lunch for the cycling stage ahead. If you prefer to take a break from cycling on a particular day, you are welcome to stay on board and enjoy the passing scenery from the sun deck.
Guided cycling
The daily bike rides are accompanied by an experienced multilingual tour leader. During the daily briefings, you’ll receive the information you need for the next day’s route and program.
If you prefer to cycle independently and at your own pace, you can also ride on your own using the detailed cycling map, GPS tracks and/or printed route descriptions available on board.
Your journey begins in Berlin-Spandau. After check-in and cabin access from 2:00 p.m., you’ll meet the captain, crew and tour leader during a welcome meeting. After your rental e-bike has been adjusted and you receive a safety briefing, enjoy your first evening on board and settle into the rhythm of the journey ahead.
Today is all about Berlin. If you would like to explore actively, you can cycle along the Havel and around Lake Tegel, or visit the impressive Spandau Citadel.
Alternatively, there is time to discover Germany’s capital on your own. The Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, the government district and Berlin’s lively neighborhoods all offer a different view of the city.
For a simple local experience, you may also want to try Berlin’s famous currywurst.
Your first cycling stage leads through the lakes and waterways between Berlin and Potsdam. Following the Havel, you first cycle toward Kladow before crossing the Großer Wannsee by ferry.
Along the way, you pass the House of the Wannsee Conference, an important memorial site connected to Germany’s 20th-century history. You then visit Peacock Island, part of a UNESCO World Heritage area and known for its landscaped parkland and small palace.
Crossing the famous Glienicke Bridge, known during the Cold War as the “Bridge of Spies,” you arrive in Potsdam. This former royal residence is known for its palaces, landscaped parks and elegant atmosphere.
Today you leave Potsdam along Lake Templiner See and follow a landscape of lakes, river arms and open waterfront views.
A particularly pleasant stop is Werder, a small island town in the Havel. Its historic center, narrow lanes, restored fishermen’s houses and small cafés make it a charming place to pause.
In the afternoon, you arrive in Brandenburg an der Havel. This is the oldest town in the state of Brandenburg and is closely tied to the origins of the wider Brandenburg region. During a guided walk, you discover the historic center with its churches, bridges and waterfront promenades. Dinner is on your own tonight.
During breakfast, enjoy a relaxed cruise through the water-rich Havel region. Afterwards, you begin your bike ride toward Genthin.
Past Plauer See, the route leads through Kirchmöser, known for its distinctive industrial architecture and historic water tower. In Wusterwitz, you see a lock complex where older and newer water engineering meet.
Following Wusterwitzer See and a varied rural landscape, you arrive in Genthin. This small town on the canal is closely linked to inland shipping and has a calm waterfront feel.
Today you ride through the wide landscapes of the Jerichower Land. The route is mostly flat and follows canals and waterways, making for relaxed cycling through a rural part of Germany.
Along the way, you pass Parey with its Paltrock windmill and lock system, as well as Burg with its medieval churches and towers.
In the afternoon, you reach Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt and one of Germany’s oldest cities. During a guided walk, you’ll see Magdeburg Cathedral, Germany’s first Gothic cathedral, as well as the colorful Green Citadel by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The wide Elbe riverbanks and historic squares add to the city’s character.
While your ship cruises toward Wolfsburg in the morning, you enjoy breakfast on board. Afterwards, you begin a varied bike ride along one of Germany’s major inland waterways.
The route leads through quiet landscapes, small villages and attractive canal sections. There are several natural viewpoints and places to pause along the way.
In the afternoon, you reach Calvörde, where you return to the ship. As the ship continues toward Wolfsburg, you can relax on board and let the day wind down.
Today the bike stays on board, giving you time to experience Wolfsburg from a different perspective. In the morning, you visit the Autostadt, a unique look into Germany’s automotive culture. The visit also includes a tour of the Volkswagen factory.
Wolfsburg also offers options beyond automotive history. You may want to visit Wolfsburg Castle, one of northern Germany’s notable Renaissance buildings, or the city’s art museum with changing exhibitions by international artists. For time outdoors, the spacious Allerpark is a good choice.
The afternoon is free. Stroll through the modern city center, relax in a café and choose a restaurant for dinner on your own.
Today you leave Wolfsburg and cycle north through a calm, water-rich landscape with meadows, forests and small heathland villages.
A natural highlight is the Weißes Moor nature reserve, a protected moorland habitat for rare plants and animals. The ride offers wide views, quiet roads and a slower rhythm.
In the afternoon, you arrive in Alt Isenhagen. The village is known for its former Isenhagen Convent, one of the best-preserved convent complexes in the region. With more than 750 years of history and medieval art treasures, it gives this small place a special sense of character.
After breakfast, your route continues through the Lüneburg Heath. You ride via Uelzen, where the unusual Hundertwasser railway station is considered one of Germany’s most distinctive train stations. The historic town center also offers a pleasant stop.
You then continue through quiet heathland toward Bad Bevensen. Along the way, a detour to Bodenteich Castle is worthwhile, with its medieval castle grounds and park.
In the afternoon, you reach Bad Bevensen, where your ship is waiting.
Today you follow the Ilmenau River through a calm landscape of woods, meadows and small heathland villages.
Soon after Bad Bevensen, Medingen Convent offers a cultural highlight. This former Cistercian convent is one of the region’s notable historic sites. In Bienenbüttel, you can pause at St. Michael’s Church or along the sculpture trail by the river, which combines art and nature over about 8.5 kilometers / 5 miles. In the afternoon, you arrive in Lüneburg, a historic former salt-trading town.
In the morning, there is time to explore Lüneburg. Brick buildings, narrow lanes and historic squares give this former Hanseatic town its distinctive character. If you are interested in the story of salt and trade, you can visit the German Salt Museum.
Afterwards, your bike ride leads through the Lüneburg Heath, with quiet paths through forests, meadows and gently rolling heathland. A lookout tower offers wide views over the region.
Later, you return to the ship. As the ship passes the Scharnebeck ship lift and overcomes 38 meters / 125 feet of height difference, you continue toward Geesthacht.
Today brings your final major cycling stage along the Elbe. While the ship heads toward Hamburg, you cycle through the Vier- und Marschlande, a rural area known as the vegetable and flower garden of the city.
Wide fields, gardens and small villages shape the landscape. Along the way, the Rieck Haus open-air museum offers a look at traditional farmhouse life in northern Germany.
Following the Dove Elbe, you gradually approach Hamburg. Depending on the docking location, the route may lead through the historic Old Elbe Tunnel, an impressive piece of early 20th-century engineering.
After breakfast, a guided city tour introduces you to Hamburg, one of Germany’s great port cities. The city combines maritime history, international flair and modern architecture.
A highlight is the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest historic warehouse district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, the Elbphilharmonie rises above the river as one of Hamburg’s most recognizable modern landmarks.
The afternoon is free to explore. You might walk along the Alster, visit one of the city’s lively neighborhoods or spend time at Miniatur Wunderland in the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest model railway exhibition.
In the evening, enjoy a shared farewell dinner and look back on the experiences of the past two weeks.
After breakfast, your bike and boat tour comes to an end. Disembarkation takes place by 9:30 a.m. You then begin your individual journey home, with memories of northern Germany’s cities, quiet waterways, historic towns and relaxed days on board.
Your journey begins in Hamburg. After check-in and cabin access from 4:00 p.m., you’ll meet the captain, crew and tour leader during a welcome meeting. Then enjoy your first dinner on board and settle into the relaxed rhythm of the days ahead.
After breakfast, a guided city tour introduces you to Hamburg, one of Germany’s great port cities. The city combines maritime history, international flair and bold modern architecture.
A highlight is the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest historic warehouse district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, the striking Elbphilharmonie rises above the Elbe as one of Hamburg’s modern landmarks.
The afternoon is free to explore on your own. You might stroll along the Alster, discover one of the city’s lively neighborhoods or visit Miniatur Wunderland in the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest model railway exhibition.
Today you begin your first cycling day. Depending on where the ship is docked, your route may first lead through the historic Old Elbe Tunnel before you leave the city behind and follow the river into greener surroundings.
Then, you’ll see a surprisingly rural side of Hamburg, with wide fields, gardens and small villages. Along the way, the Rieck Haus open-air museum offers a look at traditional farmhouse life in northern Germany.
In the afternoon, you arrive in Geesthacht, where your ship is waiting.
During breakfast, your ship passes the impressive Scharnebeck ship lift, an engineering landmark that raises and lowers vessels by 125 feet.
Afterwards, you start cycling from Lüneburg through the Lüneburg Heath, a peaceful region of forests, meadows and gently rolling heathland south of Hamburg. A lookout tower offers wide views over the surrounding landscape.
In the afternoon, there is time to explore Lüneburg. This former salt-trading town is known for its brick architecture, narrow lanes and historic center. If you are interested in the story behind Lüneburg’s “white gold,” you can visit the German Salt Museum.
After breakfast, you cycle along the Ilmenau River while the ship continues toward Bad Bevensen. The route leads through a calm landscape of woods, meadows and small heathland villages.
In Bienenbüttel, you can pause at the historic St. Michael’s Church or along the sculpture trail by the river. Shortly before Bad Bevensen, Medingen Convent adds a cultural highlight to the day. This former Cistercian convent is one of the region’s notable historic sites.
In the afternoon, you reach Bad Bevensen, a relaxed spa town where you can end the day at an easy pace.
Today’s ride continues through the quiet landscapes of the Lüneburg Heath. The route leads via Uelzen, where the unusual Hundertwasser railway station makes for an interesting stop. The town’s historic center also offers a pleasant place for a break.
You then continue toward Alt Isenhagen, a small village surrounded by the Southern Heath. Along the way, a detour to Bodenteich Castle is worthwhile, with its medieval castle grounds and park.
In Alt Isenhagen, the former Isenhagen Convent is the main landmark. With more than 750 years of history and medieval art treasures, it gives this small place a sense of depth and quiet character.
In the morning, there may be time to visit Isenhagen Convent before you continue by bike. Today’s route follows quiet waterways through a calm and open landscape.
A natural highlight is the Weißes Moor nature reserve, a protected moorland area that provides habitat for rare plants and animals. The ride is peaceful and spacious, with long stretches that show a slower side of northern Germany.
In the afternoon, you arrive in Wolfsburg and return to the ship.
Today the bike stays on board, giving you time to experience Wolfsburg from a different perspective. In the morning, you visit the Autostadt, a unique look into Germany’s automotive culture. The visit also includes a tour of the Volkswagen factory.
Wolfsburg has more to offer beyond car culture. You may want to visit Wolfsburg Castle, one of the important Renaissance buildings in northern Germany, or the city’s art museum with changing exhibitions by international artists. If you prefer a walk outdoors, the spacious Allerpark is another option.
The afternoon is free. Enjoy the city center, relax in a café and choose a restaurant for dinner on your own tonight.
While your ship cruises toward Magdeburg in the morning, you enjoy breakfast on board. Afterwards, your bike ride follows one of Germany’s major inland waterways, passing quiet canal sections and small towns.
Your destination is Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt and one of Germany’s oldest cities. During a guided walk, you’ll see the city’s main sights. Magdeburg Cathedral, Germany’s first Gothic cathedral and the burial place of Emperor Otto the Great, is the city’s landmark.
Another striking sight is the Green Citadel by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, with colorful walls, curved forms and green courtyards. Together with the broad Elbe riverbanks and historic squares, it gives Magdeburg a varied and memorable character.
Today you ride through the broad landscapes of the Jerichower Land. The route is mostly flat and follows canals and waterways through rural scenery.
Along the way, you pass Burg, known for its historic towers and churches, as well as Parey, where you can see a Paltrock windmill and lock system.
In the afternoon, you reach Genthin. This small canal town is closely connected to inland shipping and has a relaxed waterfront atmosphere. A walk along the promenade is a pleasant way to end the day.
Today’s stage leads through a water-rich landscape toward Brandenburg an der Havel. Along the way, small towns and historic structures offer places to pause.
In Wusterwitz, you see a lock complex where older and newer water engineering meet. Continuing via Kirchmöser, with its distinctive industrial architecture, and past Plauer See, you arrive in Brandenburg an der Havel.
This is the oldest town in the state of Brandenburg and is closely tied to the origins of the wider Brandenburg region. Its historic center stretches across several islands connected by bridges. Brick churches, medieval lanes and waterside promenades give the town its charm.
In the evening, a guided walk introduces you to the main sights and the town’s long history. Dinner is on your own tonight.
During breakfast, enjoy a relaxed cruise through the lake landscape west of Berlin. Afterwards, your bike route follows rivers and lakes toward Potsdam.
A special stop along the way is Werder, a small island town in the Havel. Its historic center, narrow lanes, restored fishermen’s houses and cafés make it one of the most charming places on this part of the route. Werder is also known for its orchards and annual Baumblütenfest, one of Brandenburg’s largest local festivals.
Following Lake Templiner See, you reach Potsdam. The former royal residence is known for its palaces, landscaped parks and elegant atmosphere.
Your perhaps final bike ride leads through the lake and river landscape between Potsdam and Berlin. You cross the famous Glienicke Bridge, known during the Cold War as the “Bridge of Spies,” before continuing toward Peacock Island.
Peacock Island is part of a UNESCO World Heritage area and is named for the peacocks that still live there. After a short ferry crossing over the Großer Wannsee, you continue cycling along the Havel.
Along the way, you pass the House of the Wannsee Conference, an important memorial site connected to Germany’s 20th-century history. Finally, you reach Spandau, one of Berlin’s oldest districts. Its old town, cafés and imposing citadel offer a relaxed end to the day.
Today is dedicated to Berlin. If you would like to cycle once more, you can ride along the Havel and around Lake Tegel, or visit the Spandau Citadel.
Alternatively, you have time to explore Germany’s capital on your own. The Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, the government district and Berlin’s many neighborhoods all show a different side of the city. Walk along Unter den Linden, enjoy views over the Spree or simply take in the energy of one of Europe’s most layered capitals.
For a local classic, you may also want to try Berlin’s famous currywurst. It’s a simple, fitting way to mark your final full day of the journey.
After breakfast, your bike and boat tour comes to an end. Disembarkation takes place by 9:00 a.m. You then begin your individual journey home, with memories of varied cycling days, historic towns, quiet waterways and time on board.
The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.
Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.
Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.
Bicycle helmets
The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.
Other rental items
Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.
Taking your own bike or e-bike?
The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.
The E-bike is a Flyer Go Tour6 3.40 with Shimano Nexus 5 gears, 5 support modes and hand brakes. The Bosch PowerTube 500 battery is integrated into the frame. The E-Bike is also equipped with frame and seat suspension.
Bringing your own bike/e-bike is not possible, due to lack of space on deck. Exceptions will be made for special bikes, but only after they have been notified and confirmed in advance.
2027:
Explore our Loyalty Discount!
After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:
Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!
From the Rhine and Moselle to the Main and Saar, you’ll cycle through fairytale towns, medieval fortresses and rolling hills while enjoying authentic German hospitality. Savor world-class wines and hearty beer gardens along the way, and discover more tours in Germany.
Receive new tours and travelling inspiration
Real stories and experiences from guests and guides — weekly inspiration in your inbox.
Our Tour Advisors are here to assist you:
Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM
with Visa, Bancontact, American Express & Mastercard
About tours, cities and countries.
© 2026 Boat Bike Tours B.V. All information on this website is subject to change. Any typographical and/or graphical errors are unintentional but cannot be excluded; only your travel confirmation is legally binding. Our General Traveller Terms and Conditions for package tours apply to all trips, programs, offers and travel confirmations.
Boat Bike Tours B.V. does not participate in a dispute resolution procedure before a consumer arbitration board.
Texts and images: copyright owned by Boat Bike Tours B.V. Images: Intellectual property rights may be held by various organizations.
This website is owned and operated by Boat Bike Tours B.V. Our contact details (head office): Aambeeldstraat 20, 1021 KB Amsterdam, The Netherlands, info@boatbiketours.com, Chamber of Commerce number: 37147084, VAT number: NL8203.26.513.B01
Please fill out the form below to receive tailored offers according to your preferences and availability. After completing the form, you will receive your personalized offers via email. You can expect a response within 48 hours on business days. Please enter your information. The required fields are marked with an * .
"*" indicates required fields
