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Havel (Brandenburg)
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The Havel is one of the most important tributaries of the Elbe, stretching 334 kilometers and flowing mostly through Brandenburg. A distinctive feature of the Havel is its extremely low gradient, causing the river to frequently widen into lake-like expanses and form chains of lakes, notably near Potsdam and Brandenburg an der Havel. Originating in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the river traverses the region in a wide arc, nourishing numerous ecologically valuable floodplains. As a federal waterway, the Havel is of great economic significance for inland shipping between Berlin and the Elbe. The river landscape is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin,' providing the setting for historical landscape gardening. In its lower reaches near Rathenow, one of Europe's largest river renaturation projects was launched to restore the waterway's natural dynamics.
- Location: Brandenburg, Germany
- Top sights: Hasselberg · Burgwall Hohennauen-Witzke · Sternenpark Beobachtungsplatz
- Nearby: Premnitz (21 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 39 | 41 | 29 | 53 | 56 | 82 | 60 | 50 | 49 | 49 | 50 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching the river is easy via numerous regional train stations and well-maintained roads connecting the historical towns of Brandenburg. Regional cycle paths provide excellent, direct connections to the water from almost any direction.
Best season
The warmer months from May to September are the prime time for boating, cycling, and taking advantage of the many interconnected lakes. The quiet beauty of winter attracts nature walkers looking for peaceful, frosty landscapes.
Terrain & paths
The regional landscape is notably flat, characterized by wide river bends, agricultural plains, and serene wooded areas. The dedicated trails running along the riverbanks are mostly smooth, well-kept gravel or fully paved asphalt paths.
What to bring
A reliable bicycle is highly recommended to fully appreciate the extensive regional network of waterside paths.
Parking
Generous parking options are usually available at public marinas, designated local recreation sites, and the outskirts of the larger towns. Many starting points for cycle tours offer dedicated, long-term parking areas for convenience.
Safety
While the paths are highly safe, cyclists should maintain appropriate speeds and watch out for pedestrians, especially near popular tourist towns.
Time needed
Many people plan half-day cycling trips or relaxed afternoon strolls taking between two and four hours. The region's infrastructure is first-rate for multi-day boating or biking adventures navigating between the various historic settlements.
Geography
Facts
- Total length of 334 km, with an elevation drop of only 40 meters from source to mouth.
- Originates near Ankershagen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
- Empties into the Elbe river at Havelberg.
- Flows through Brandenburg's largest nature park, Westhavelland.
- The primary tributary is the Spree river in Berlin-Spandau.
- The Lower Havel Valley is the most significant inland delta in Central Europe.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Havel (Brandenburg) (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which towns are located on the Havel in Brandenburg?
Important stops include Potsdam, Werder, Brandenburg an der Havel, and Rathenow.
Is the Havel navigable?
Yes, the Havel is a popular waterway for houseboats, sailing boats, and excursion steamers.
What is special about the Westhavelland Nature Park?
It is Germany's first Dark Sky Park with minimal light pollution, first-rate for astrophotography.
Can you swim in the Havel?
Yes, there are numerous official swimming spots with very good water quality along the river course.
Does the Havel flow into the Elbe?
Yes, the Havel flows into the Elbe near Havelberg on the border with Saxony-Anhalt.
Havel (Brandenburg): where is it located?
Havel (Brandenburg) is located in Brandenburg, Germany.
Havel (Brandenburg): what is there to see?
Highlights include Hasselberg, Burgwall Hohennauen-Witzke, Sternenpark Beobachtungsplatz.
Havel (Brandenburg): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Havel (Brandenburg): why is it worth visiting?
The Havel is one of the most important tributaries of the Elbe, stretching 334 kilometers and flowing mostly through Brandenburg.
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