Discover the hidden gems of Europe’s heartland.
Have you ever imagined gliding across pristine lakes or exploring ancient rivers?
Uncover the best places to paddle board in Germany as we embark on a waterborne adventure.
Auf geht’s — let’s dive into Germany’s enchanting waterways!
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Germany
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Berlin’s Müggelsee
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Müggelberge (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light breezes
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, swans, herons
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Müggel Forest, small sandy beaches
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, respect boating rules
Müggelsee, the largest lake in Berlin, is a popular destination for paddle boarding. The lake is surrounded by the scenic Müggel Forest and offers calm waters for an enjoyable paddling experience.
Paddle along the shoreline, or venture out to the small islands dotted throughout the lake for a serene and unforgettable adventure.
#2 Constance Lake
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Neue Messe (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, can be windy
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish, occasional ducks and swans
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Swiss Alps, historic towns along the shoreline
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, be cautious of boats and swimmers
Straddling the border of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, Constance Lake (Bodensee) is a stunning destination for paddle boarding. Its serene waters provide a picturesque backdrop for exploration, with the Swiss Alps in the distance and charming historic towns along the shoreline.
Enjoy paddling past vineyards, orchards, and beautiful landscapes, making it an idyllic European adventure.
#3 Alster Lake, Hamburg
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Jungfernstieg (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, swans, seagulls
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Hamburg skyline, historic buildings
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for other watercraft, respect local rules
Located in the heart of Hamburg, Alster Lake offers a unique cityscape to enjoy while paddle boarding. The calm waters of the lake and its two connecting canals provide the perfect setting to explore the city’s historic architecture and skyline from a different angle.
Cruise past beautiful villas, parks, and romantic bridges that create an urban paddleboarding paradise.
#4 Geierlay Suspension Bridge, Mörsdorf
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Mörsdorf (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light breezes
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Birds, trout
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Geierlay Suspension Bridge, lush green valleys
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Check local conditions, be cautious of river currents
Nestled in the picturesque Hunsrück region, paddleboarding near the Geierlay Suspension Bridge offers a unique and adventurous experience.
The calm waters beneath the Europe’s second-longest suspension bridge allow paddlers to take in the surrounding beauty of the lush green valleys and picturesque German countryside. This tranquil spot is ideal for those seeking a scenic and peaceful getaway.
#5 Spreewald
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Lübbenau or Lübben (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Traditional villages, picturesque canals
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect private properties, avoid disturbing wildlife
Just an hour south of Berlin, Spreewald is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, characterized by its maze of picturesque canals and rivers. Paddleboarding in this unique environment provides paddlers with the opportunity to explore traditional villages and lush, untouched nature.
Glide past weeping willows and charming bridges, immersing yourself in a tranquil and magical landscape.
#6 Lake Werbellin
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Eichhorst (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, forested shores
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, respect local rules
Lake Werbellin, situated in Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, offers paddlers a serene and peaceful experience. Surrounded by forested shores and clear waters, this lake provides the perfect environment to unwind and explore nature.
The calm waters and diverse surroundings make this location a delightful paddleboarding escape.
#7 Chiemsee, Bavaria
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Harras or Schützing beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Herrenchiemsee Palace, Frauenchiemsee Island, Alpine views
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats and swimmers, respect local rules
Chiemsee, also known as the Bavarian Sea, is the largest lake in Bavaria. This picturesque lake offers stunning views of the Alps and several islands, including Herrenchiemsee Palace on Herreninsel and the charming Frauenchiemsee Island.
Paddleboarding on these calm waters provides a relaxing and scenic experience, with unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape.
#8 Lake Schlachtensee, Berlin
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Sailing Club (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, light breezes
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, swans
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded shores, nearby parks
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, respect local rules
Located in southwest Berlin, Lake Schlachtensee is a serene oasis in the bustling city. Surrounded by lush greenery and wooded shores, this lake offers calm waters, perfect for paddleboarding.
Enjoy the tranquil environment and spot birds and other wildlife as you glide across the water.
#9 Lake Tegernsee, Bavaria
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Rottach-Egern beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, swans
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Alpine views, surrounding villages
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect local rules
Located in the Bavarian Alps, Lake Tegernsee is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Its crystal clear waters provide excellent conditions for paddleboarding, surrounded by picturesque mountains and charming villages.
Explore the shoreline, take in the breathtaking views, and enjoy a quintessential Bavarian experience on this beautiful lake.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Germany?
You can paddle board in many places in Germany including Lake Constance, the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, and the Hamburg urban waterways.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Germany?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Germany.
When is the best time to paddle board in Germany?
The best time for paddle boarding in Germany is during the summer months when the weather and water temperatures are warmer.
