Port information & tips for Brandenburg
Brandenburg an der Havel is one of Germany's most historic and water-rich cities and a true jewel for river cruisers in the heart of the Havelland. The historic city impresses with its idyllic location on several islands and a charming flair characterized by Gothic brick architecture and extensive parklands. Cultural highlights include the imposing Dom St. Peter und Paul, the magnificent St. Katharinenkirche, and the Archäologisches Landesmuseum in the Paulikloster. River cruise ships usually dock at the central pier at the Salzhofufer, from where passengers can walk directly into the lively city center and reach the historical sights comfortably in just a few minutes thanks to the excellent location.
Brandenburg an der Havel is a picturesque starting point for river cruises on the Havel and the surrounding waterways, idyllically situated west of Berlin. Embarkation usually takes place at various easily accessible moorings in the city area, such as at Alfred-Messel-Platz or at Wiesenweg.
Car
Arriving by car is very convenient thanks to the nearby A2 motorway, located west of Berlin. Various parking options are available in Brandenburg an der Havel. For example, you will find free long-term parking at the former BUGA car park, which is about an 8-minute walk from some moorings like the one at Wiesenweg. Alternatively, the car park at Neustädtischer Markt 3 (14776 Brandenburg an der Havel) is an option, located about 1.8 kilometres from the Alfred-Messel-Platz mooring.
Train
Brandenburg Central Station (Brandenburg Hbf) is an important hub on the Berlin–Magdeburg railway line and is excellently connected to the regional rail network. With the regional express RE1, you can reach Berlin Central Station comfortably in about 40 minutes. From Brandenburg Central Station, you can then reach your mooring by public transport or a short taxi transfer, for example, to the Kanalstraße stop near several ship moorings.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located about 90 kilometres driving distance from Brandenburg an der Havel. The journey time by car or private transfer is around 1 hour and 6 minutes. Various transfer options by taxi or private shuttle services are available directly from BER to Brandenburg an der Havel. For a relaxed embarkation, especially after a longer flight, we recommend arriving the day before and staying overnight in one of the charming hotels in Brandenburg an der Havel.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Brandenburg an der Havel is a picturesque starting point for river cruises on the Havel and the surrounding waterways, idyllically situated west of Berlin. Embarkation usually takes place at various easily accessible moorings in the city area, such as at Alfred-Messel-Platz or at Wiesenweg.
Car
Arriving by car is very convenient thanks to the nearby A2 motorway, located west of Berlin. Various parking options are available in Brandenburg an der Havel. For example, you will find free long-term parking at the former BUGA car park, which is about an 8-minute walk from some moorings like the one at Wiesenweg. Alternatively, the car park at Neustädtischer Markt 3 (14776 Brandenburg an der Havel) is an option, located about 1.8 kilometres from the Alfred-Messel-Platz mooring.
Train
Brandenburg Central Station (Brandenburg Hbf) is an important hub on the Berlin–Magdeburg railway line and is excellently connected to the regional rail network. With the regional express RE1, you can reach Berlin Central Station comfortably in about 40 minutes. From Brandenburg Central Station, you can then reach your mooring by public transport or a short taxi transfer, for example, to the Kanalstraße stop near several ship moorings.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located about 90 kilometres driving distance from Brandenburg an der Havel. The journey time by car or private transfer is around 1 hour and 6 minutes. Various transfer options by taxi or private shuttle services are available directly from BER to Brandenburg an der Havel. For a relaxed embarkation, especially after a longer flight, we recommend arriving the day before and staying overnight in one of the charming hotels in Brandenburg an der Havel.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The berths at Salzhofufer and Packhof are located in the immediate vicinity of the city center and allow for a comfortable start to your shore excursion.
On Foot
The historic Altstadt (Old Town) and the Neustadt (New Town) are easily reachable within 5 to 10 minutes thanks to the central location. The paths lead along the waterfront promenades and also offer direct access to the most important sights, such as the Kirche St. Katharinen.
Tram
The traditional tram network of the Verkehrsbetriebe Brandenburg quickly connects the port areas with the Brandenburger Dom and the Hauptbahnhof. The stops are located close to the piers and enable easy travel throughout the entire city area.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the nearby Hauptbahnhof or can be ordered directly to the ship's berth thanks to the short distances. This transport option offers a flexible connection to destinations in the surrounding area and ensures a comfortable return to the ship.
To make the most of your stay in the "Cradle of the Mark," we recommend exploring the three historic island centers directly on the water as well as the city's green lungs.
Dominsel
As the historical heart of the city, the island is home to the impressive Dom St. Peter und Paul and, thanks to its picturesque location on a branch of the Havel, offers an atmosphere full of tranquility and cultural depth.
Altstadt & Neustadt
These central quarters delight with their magnificent Brick Gothic architecture and the monumental Roland statue at the Town Hall; additionally, the riverside promenades are perfect for a leisurely stroll along the branching waterways.
Marienberg
The extensive park area offers a spectacular panoramic view over the entire Havel landscape thanks to the Friedenswarte and is also an ideal place for relaxation in the countryside after a short walk from the city center.
The Cathedral Island with the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
The historic Dominsel is easily reached on foot in about ten to fifteen minutes from the central moorings at Packhof or Salzhofufer and is considered the history-steeped "cradle of the Margraviate of Brandenburg". The imposing Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul impresses with its striking Romanesque and Gothic architecture and also offers a fascinating cathedral museum with valuable medieval textiles. The idyllic location directly on the Havel provides a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, which is perfectly complemented by a visit to the charming cafes of the Domkurien. Ideally, start your tour in the morning to enjoy the tranquility of the sacred buildings to the full, and plan a leisurely walk back along the waterfront promenades to be back on board in good time and relaxed.
The way back to the centrally located piers at Packhof or Salzhofufer is extremely comfortable and safe thanks to the short distances in the historic city center.
Taxi
Central taxi ranks are located at Neustädtischer Markt and at the main railway station, and staff at larger hotels such as the Sorat Hotel Brandenburg are also happy to call a vehicle for a direct transfer to the ship.
Public Transport
Tram lines 1, 2, and 6 take you comfortably to the Ritterstraße/Museum stop or to Neustädtischer Markt, from where you can reach the harbor area directly via level paths in a short time.
On Foot
From the Dominsel or the Altstadt, you can easily walk back to the pier along the banks of the Havel, following the clear signage to the Packhof area and the pedestrianized promenades, while enjoying the maritime atmosphere.
