Do you feel drawn to the water as soon as temperatures rise? Instead of spending the summer sitting on the banks of the Spree watching boats pass by, why not take the wheel yourself? With GoBoat, set off on the water without a boat licence or any previous experience. Founded in Copenhagen in 2014, GoBoat has been part of Berlin’s waterscape since 2022. The concept is simple: boating should be accessible, uncomplicated, and sustainable. That’s exactly what makes a trip with GoBoat one of the city’s most relaxing summer activities, and a chance to experience Berlin from a new perspective. The electric boats accommodate up to eight people and are ready to go within minutes. After a brief introduction, take the helm and cruise along the Spree at a leisurely five to seven kilometers per hour. Departures are possible from Osthafen, right next to the nhow Hotel, or from Köpenick on the Dahme and Müggelsee. Even the walk from Warschauer Straße S-Bahn station creates a little harbour atmosphere. Once I arrived among the boats, I briefly wondered whether I could really navigate one myself, but after the introduction, my concern quickly disappeared. The best part is that these boats are less about sightseeing and more about spending quality time together. In the center of the boat, there is a large wooden table surrounded by comfortable cushions, perfect for a picnic. If the weather changes or the sun gets too intense, the roof provides shade. And if you set off spontaneously and forget your provisions at home, you can also pick up drinks and small snacks directly on site.
Suddenly, Berlin reveals a side you rarely get to experience: you glide past houseboats, pass Treptower Park, and leave the city’s hustle and bustle behind. At the same time, GoBoat is about more than just a boat trip. Through initiatives such as BerlinPay, visitors are rewarded for collecting rubbish from Berlin’s waterways along the way. The idea behind it is to make access to the water possible for as many people as possible and to show that boating doesn’t have to be an exclusive experience. And you notice exactly that the moment you set off. As the sun reflects on the Spree and a gentle breeze meets you on the water, the city suddenly feels surprisingly far away.
Text: Isabelle Marten / Photos: Adi Christian
GoBoat, Stralauer Allee 3, 10245 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map
@goboatberlin
