Port information & tips for Havelberg
Havelberg is the picturesque island and cathedral city at the confluence of the Havel and Elbe and is considered a jewel of the Hanseatic League in northern Saxony-Anhalt. The charming Hanseatic city impresses with its unique location on an island and offers a particularly idyllic flair thanks to its dreamy alleys and maritime river landscape. Outstanding sights include the majestic St. Mary’s Cathedral, which watches over the city, and the modern “Haus der Flüsse” information center, which provides fascinating insights into the biosphere reserve. River cruise ships dock at the central pier on the Havelpromenade near the Sandauer Brücke, from where the historic old town and the Domberg are easily accessible in just a few minutes' walk.
Havelberg, the picturesque Hanseatic city on the Havel and Elbe, is a popular starting point for river cruises and is easily accessible thanks to good road connections and integrated bus services. The embarkation points for river cruises are located centrally in the city, often near the Altstadtinsel.
Car
For arrival by car, Havelberg is well connected to the federal highway network. From the north, you can reach the city via the A24 to the Meyenburg exit, from where you follow the B103 and later the B107. From the south, the A2 leads to the Magdeburg Zentrum exit, followed by the B189 and B107. From Berlin, also use the A24 to Neuruppin or directly the B5 towards Friesack and follow the signs to Havelberg. Parking is available at the "Haus der Flüsse", in Uferstraße (P2 Zentrum), or directly at the Cathedral, with the latter offering two hours of free parking on weekdays and unlimited parking time on weekends.
Train
Havelberg itself does not have a direct train connection. The nearest station is Glöwen, about 9 kilometers away, which is connected to the Berlin-Hamburg railway line and can be reached by regional trains. Alternatively, Stendal station, located about 45 kilometers to the south, is easily accessible from various directions. Bus line 900 runs directly from Glöwen and Stendal to Havelberg. The journey from Glöwen takes about 10 minutes, while buses from Stendal usually run hourly and bring travelers reliably to their destination.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Berlin Brandenburg (BER), located about 100 to 110 kilometers from Havelberg. The drive from BER to Havelberg takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. For a relaxed arrival, a combination of train and bus can be used: from BER, regional trains run to Glöwen, from where bus line 900 continues directly to Havelberg. This option takes a total of about 2.5 to 3 hours. Due to the transfer times, an overnight stay the day before in Berlin or Havelberg is recommended when arriving by plane from the DACH region.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Havelberg, the picturesque Hanseatic city on the Havel and Elbe, is a popular starting point for river cruises and is easily accessible thanks to good road connections and integrated bus services. The embarkation points for river cruises are located centrally in the city, often near the Altstadtinsel.
Car
For arrival by car, Havelberg is well connected to the federal highway network. From the north, you can reach the city via the A24 to the Meyenburg exit, from where you follow the B103 and later the B107. From the south, the A2 leads to the Magdeburg Zentrum exit, followed by the B189 and B107. From Berlin, also use the A24 to Neuruppin or directly the B5 towards Friesack and follow the signs to Havelberg. Parking is available at the "Haus der Flüsse", in Uferstraße (P2 Zentrum), or directly at the Cathedral, with the latter offering two hours of free parking on weekdays and unlimited parking time on weekends.
Train
Havelberg itself does not have a direct train connection. The nearest station is Glöwen, about 9 kilometers away, which is connected to the Berlin-Hamburg railway line and can be reached by regional trains. Alternatively, Stendal station, located about 45 kilometers to the south, is easily accessible from various directions. Bus line 900 runs directly from Glöwen and Stendal to Havelberg. The journey from Glöwen takes about 10 minutes, while buses from Stendal usually run hourly and bring travelers reliably to their destination.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Berlin Brandenburg (BER), located about 100 to 110 kilometers from Havelberg. The drive from BER to Havelberg takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. For a relaxed arrival, a combination of train and bus can be used: from BER, regional trains run to Glöwen, from where bus line 900 continues directly to Havelberg. This option takes a total of about 2.5 to 3 hours. Due to the transfer times, an overnight stay the day before in Berlin or Havelberg is recommended when arriving by plane from the DACH region.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Havelberg is characterized by its excellent location, which allows you a direct and effortless start to exploring the Hanseatic town.
On Foot
You can reach the historic island town in just 5 to 10 minutes via well-maintained paths along the water. A walk also takes you comfortably up to the Dom St. Marien, from where you can enjoy a wide view over the Havel lowlands.
Taxi
Local taxi companies are based directly in the town and can be quickly organized for trips to destinations in the surrounding area. Thanks to the central location directly at the landing stages, pick-up takes place right there, so you can start your excursions into the region in a time-saving and comfortable manner.
Bicycle and Elbe Ferry
Thanks to the direct connection to the Elbe Cycle Route, you can explore the surroundings flexibly by bike and enjoy the idyllic nature of the Prignitz. A trip with the nearby Elbfähre Sandau also offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the river landscape in an authentic way.
To make the most of your stay in the historic Hanseatic city of Havelberg, we recommend a relaxed tour through the medieval core on the Stadtinsel as well as a visit to the architectural treasures on the Domberg.
Altstadtinsel & Kiez
The picturesque Old Town is located on an island in the middle of the Havel and invites you to a leisurely stroll directly by the water with its charming half-timbered houses and the historic Kiez.
Dom St. Marien
The landmark, visible from afar, towers majestically over the city and impresses visitors with its magnificent Romanesque-Gothic architecture and the wide view over the idyllic Havelland.
Haus der Flüsse
This modern information center is located in the immediate vicinity of the riverbank and, thanks to interactive exhibitions, offers fascinating insights into the nature of the Mittelelbe Biosphere Reserve and the river landscape of the region.
Havelberger Dom St. Marien
The imposing Havelberger Dom St. Marien towers majestically over the Hanseatic city and is easily accessible within a few minutes' walk from the ship's pier. This architectural masterpiece of North German Brick Gothic fascinates with its history spanning over a thousand years and, thanks to its prominent location on the Domberg, offers a fantastic panoramic view over the Havel meadows and the picturesque old town island. The well-maintained complex, featuring the idyllic monastery garden and the charming Dom-Café, invites you to linger and provides a wonderful atmosphere for an enjoyable break. Ideally, plan your visit for the morning to fully appreciate the peaceful silence inside the cathedral and then stroll back through the historic alleys of the island city to the ship at your leisure.
The way back to the moorings in the Hanseatic city of Havelberg is particularly relaxed and clear thanks to the compact size of the city island.
On Foot
From the historic city island, you can simply walk across the Havelbrücke back to your berth on the promenade or at the Wassertouristikzentrum. The flat paths are well-paved and, thanks to the striking line of sight to Havelberg Cathedral, can be used for orientation at any time.
Taxi
Central taxi ranks can be found directly at the Domberg and at the Marktplatz in the heart of the old town. In addition, the local cafes and restaurants are happy to arrange a local taxi, which will bring you safely and punctually to the ship within a few minutes.
Public Transport
The Havelberg-Uferstraße bus stop is located in the immediate vicinity of the river cruise ship piers and is regularly served by regional buses. This connection is particularly practical for excursionists returning from the surrounding area who wish to disembark directly at the port.
