If you want to paddle towards the sunset: off to Eichwalde! The Kayakomat offers you boats to rent 24/7. The concept comes from Sweden, where there are many lakes, and has slowly spread to Germany. I discovered the first one in beautiful Stralsund, but there are already two in Berlin. There’s one in Köpenick, but I tested the one in Eichwalde – right on the Berlin-Brandenburg border. Here, at a nice swimming spot on the Dahme, you can rent a bright red solo or tandem kayak. You book the whole thing using a smartphone and PIN code. Simply enter the code into the combination lock and take out the boat. Put the paddles together and off you go. Life jackets are also on board, of course. The kayaks here in Eichwalde are so-called sit-on-top kayaks, which are super comfortable, especially in warm temperatures. From the location in Eichwalde, if you have a whole day to spend on the water, you can go on real excursions and paddle into the next lake or do a small round trip to Lake Crossin and back via the canal. But if you are doing it for the first time, I recommend two to three hours. That’s enough to paddle around the small island and to cruise a bit along the green shores. There’s plenty to see. Tip: the boats are not exactly lightweight: so be prepared for a bit of a tow to the shore, but it’s not far. But they are easy to drive and steer and you feel super safe on them! Tip: it’s best to reserve your boat from home, because it takes a moment to get the PIN code to unlock it. So no more excuses: get on the water!
Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Nina Trippel & Kayakomat
Kayakomat, Eichwalde/Brandenburg; map
