Europe’s Waterways

Berlin is the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. With its rich history and modern significance, the city offers countless fascinating sights to explore. Among its most famous landmarks are the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and the Victory Column. Berlin is also home to all major government buildings – most notably the Reichstag, with its striking glass dome, which is well worth a visit. You can also discover sites of great historical importance such as Checkpoint Charlie or the East Side Gallery, a preserved section of the Berlin Wall. And for shopping enthusiasts, the Kurfürstendamm – one of Berlin’s most iconic boulevards – offers a perfect mix of boutiques, cafés, and lively city flair.

Berlin is the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. With its rich history and modern significance, the city offers countless fascinating sights to explore. Among its most famous landmarks are the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and the Victory Column. Berlin is also home to all major government buildings – most notably the Reichstag, with its striking glass dome, which is well worth a visit. You can also discover sites of great historical importance such as Checkpoint Charlie or the East Side Gallery, a preserved section of the Berlin Wall. And for shopping enthusiasts, the Kurfürstendamm – one of Berlin’s most iconic boulevards – offers a perfect mix of boutiques, cafés, and lively city flair.

The capital of Brandenburg, Potsdam, is the most populous city in Brandenburg with about 180,000 inhabitants. However, Potsdam convinces primarily by a whole number of worthwhile sights, which even count to the UNESCO world cultural heritage. After all, the city was already in 1990 included in the so-called list of world cultural and natural heritage of mankind, because there is the largest German collection of world heritage sites. Since 2019, the Brandenburg city may also call itself a UNESCO film city. However, the most famous and important sights are definitely the famous Sanssouci Palace with its beautiful palace park, as well as the Potsdam Film Museum and the Mill Museum in the Historic Mill.

The capital of Brandenburg, Potsdam, is the most populous city in Brandenburg with about 180,000 inhabitants. However, Potsdam convinces primarily by a whole number of worthwhile sights, which even count to the UNESCO world cultural heritage. After all, the city was already in 1990 included in the so-called list of world cultural and natural heritage of mankind, because there is the largest German collection of world heritage sites. Since 2019, the Brandenburg city may also call itself a UNESCO film city. However, the most famous and important sights are definitely the famous Sanssouci Palace with its beautiful palace park, as well as the Potsdam Film Museum and the Mill Museum in the Historic Mill.

Brandenburg Stadt or Brandenburg an der Havel is a city in the north-east of Germany. It is especially known for its Gothic buildings. Among others, the old town hall or the Brandenburg Cathedral can be mentioned here. In addition, you can visit several other churches in Brandenburg city, such as St. Catherine's Church, St. Gotthard's Church or St. Nicholas Church. In addition, the city still the Industry Museum Brandenburg an der Havel, the archaeological museum Brandenburg, as well as the Psychiatry Museum of the Asklepios to offer.

Burg near Magdeburg is the self-proclaimed city of towers. Northeast of the state capital, the Elbe River marks the city area with its course. The medieval walls and towers can be seen from afar. For more than 300 years, the Witches' Tower has towered over the town. It is cozy in the old town quarter, where small cafés invite you to take a break after a walk through the old town alleys. Tuesdays and Fridays are market days in the streets of the city center. In addition to the regional vendors, the stores and boutiques also attract visitors - and restaurants and cafés in the lively center of the tower city take care of hunger. The churches, above all the Romanesque church of St. Nicolai or St. Peter's from the 13th century, are an exciting destination not only for churchgoers. After a short stroll through the city, the shady giant trees in Goethepark provide welcome cooling.

The city of Magdeburg on the Elbe is the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt. Among the prominent sights is the Gothic Cathedral of Magdeburg in the center. Next to it is the Hundertwasser House with the Green Citadel, in whose courtyard the typical architecture and colorful columns of the artist can be admired. The millennium tower, built of wood, is the highest wooden building in the world with a height of 60 meters and can be walked and climbed by visitors. Also worth seeing is the beautifully landscaped Elbauenpark.

Haldensleben is a historic town in the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany, serving as the administrative seat of the Börde district. Situated along the Ohre River and the Mittelland Canal, it is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, extensive Neolithic history, and scenic natural surroundings.

Anderten is a tranquil, historic district in the eastern part of Hannover, Lower Saxony, that officially became part of the city in 1974. Known for its village-like charm despite being an urban suburb, it is most famous for housing the Anderten Lock (Hindenburgschleuse), which was once the largest inland waterway lock in Europe.

Our insider tip: Hanover! Let yourself be enchanted by the charm and the chilled atmosphere of Hanover! Stroll over markets and through the alleys of the old town, recharge your batteries in the greenery, for example around the Maschsee or in the city forest Eilenriede. Hanover is a city of short distances - maybe rent a bike and let yourself drift relaxed from one district to the next. Along the Ihme, an idyllic bike path connects the Maschsee and the trendy district of Linden with its popular Saturday market, many small individual stores, boutiques, restaurants and cafés.

Our insider tip: Hanover! Let yourself be enchanted by the charm and the chilled atmosphere of Hanover! Stroll over markets and through the alleys of the old town, recharge your batteries in the greenery, for example around the Maschsee or in the city forest Eilenriede. Hanover is a city of short distances - maybe rent a bike and let yourself drift relaxed from one district to the next. Along the Ihme, an idyllic bike path connects the Maschsee and the trendy district of Linden with its popular Saturday market, many small individual stores, boutiques, restaurants and cafés.

In Nienburg in Lower Saxony, 1,000-year-old urban history and modernity meet. The cityscape is characterized by half-timbered houses and brick walls, but the approximately 32,000 inhabitants live here in the economic and cultural center of the region. The historic old town invites visitors to stroll and explore. History buffs and gourmets alike get their money's worth. Nienburg is known for asparagus, which is given its place in the city by the asparagus fountain as well as the Lower Saxony Asparagus Museum.   Another tourist highlight is the weekly market, which takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In 2008, it was named "Europe's most beautiful weekly market" by the "Lebendige Stadt" foundation. The Nienburg Bear Trail is a city tour that leads to 32 sights. These include the historic town hall, parts of which date back to the 14th century, the 18th-century Stadtkontor, and the parish church of St. Martin with its 72-meter tower. Incidentally, the painted bear paws that mark the tour are part of the town's coat of arms.

In Nienburg in Lower Saxony, 1,000-year-old urban history and modernity meet. The cityscape is characterized by half-timbered houses and brick walls, but the approximately 32,000 inhabitants live here in the economic and cultural center of the region. The historic old town invites visitors to stroll and explore. History buffs and gourmets alike get their money's worth. Nienburg is known for asparagus, which is given its place in the city by the asparagus fountain as well as the Lower Saxony Asparagus Museum.   Another tourist highlight is the weekly market, which takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In 2008, it was named "Europe's most beautiful weekly market" by the "Lebendige Stadt" foundation. The Nienburg Bear Trail is a city tour that leads to 32 sights. These include the historic town hall, parts of which date back to the 14th century, the 18th-century Stadtkontor, and the parish church of St. Martin with its 72-meter tower. Incidentally, the painted bear paws that mark the tour are part of the town's coat of arms.

The town of Hoya in Lower Saxony, first mentioned in a document in 1150, impresses today with around 4,000 inhabitants and as the seat of the joint municipality of Grafschaft Hoya. The town, which is part of the German Fairytale Route, lives from its sagas and legends, including the stories surrounding Hoya Castle, the central building of which dates back to the 19th century. The 900-year-old church of St. Martinus, once the burial place of the counts and now a cultural center, as well as the historic town hall and the von Behr manor with its Brazilian wallpaper, are further sights. Near the official center of Lower Saxony, visitors can also receive a certificate at the stone erected there.

The town of Hoya in Lower Saxony, first mentioned in a document in 1150, impresses today with around 4,000 inhabitants and as the seat of the joint municipality of Grafschaft Hoya. The town, which is part of the German Fairytale Route, lives from its sagas and legends, including the stories surrounding Hoya Castle, the central building of which dates back to the 19th century. The 900-year-old church of St. Martinus, once the burial place of the counts and now a cultural center, as well as the historic town hall and the von Behr manor with its Brazilian wallpaper, are further sights. Near the official center of Lower Saxony, visitors can also receive a certificate at the stone erected there.

state. The focal point and landmark of Germany's eleventh-largest city is Bremen's Roland, a statue of Roland on the central market square, which was erected in 1404. The Roland stands directly in front of the Gothic-style Bremen Town Hall, together with which it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. At the town hall, visitors will also find the Bremen Town Musicians, who are famous far beyond the city limits and are not just a great photo opportunity. Touching the donkey's front legs is said to make a wish come true. On the Schlachte, the historic waterfront promenade on the Weser, guests can end their visit with a leisurely stroll or in one of the many bars, cafés and restaurants.

The city of Bremen, together with its northern offshoot Bremerhaven, forms the smallest German federal state. The focal point and landmark of Germany's eleventh-largest city is Bremen's Roland, a statue of Roland on the central market square, which was erected in 1404. The Roland stands directly in front of the Gothic-style Bremen Town Hall, together with which it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. At the town hall, visitors will also find the Bremen Town Musicians, who are famous far beyond the city limits and are not just a great photo opportunity. Touching the donkey's front legs is said to make a wish come true. On the Schlachte, the historic waterfront promenade on the Weser, guests can end their visit with a leisurely stroll or in one of the many bars, cafés and restaurants.

With about 170,000 inhabitants, Oldenburg, located on the Weser tributary Hunte and about 50 kilometers east of Bremen, is the largest city in northwestern Lower Saxony. The charming urban area is embedded in a landscape defined by moderately hilly Geest, moors and marshlands. As a residential city and government metropolis of sovereign and semi-sovereign state entities such as the Grand Duchy (1814 - 1918) or the Free State (1918 - 1946), the Hunte port city was and is of great historical importance for its region. A significance that visitors to Oldenburg can trace on a tour of the city center. At the top of the list of historically significant sights is Oldenburg Castle. Built in the Middle Ages and rebuilt several times, it is now a museum that invites visitors to stroll through the history of the monarchy, cultural history and art. But also the old bell tower Lappan (15th century), one of the landmarks of the university town, and the oldest town house, the Schlaue Haus (16th century), which today serves on the Schlossplatz as a state-of-the-art event center for technology knowledge, are definitely worth a visit.

With about 170,000 inhabitants, Oldenburg, located on the Weser tributary Hunte and about 50 kilometers east of Bremen, is the largest city in northwestern Lower Saxony. The charming urban area is embedded in a landscape defined by moderately hilly Geest, moors and marshlands. As a residential city and government metropolis of sovereign and semi-sovereign state entities such as the Grand Duchy (1814 - 1918) or the Free State (1918 - 1946), the Hunte port city was and is of great historical importance for its region. A significance that visitors to Oldenburg can trace on a tour of the city center. At the top of the list of historically significant sights is Oldenburg Castle. Built in the Middle Ages and rebuilt several times, it is now a museum that invites visitors to stroll through the history of the monarchy, cultural history and art. But also the old bell tower Lappan (15th century), one of the landmarks of the university town, and the oldest town house, the Schlaue Haus (16th century), which today serves on the Schlossplatz as a state-of-the-art event center for technology knowledge, are definitely worth a visit.

Bollingerfähr refers primarily to the Schleuse Bollingerfähr (Bollingerfähr Lock), a shipping lock on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. It is located in the municipality of Heede, in the Emsland district of Lower Saxony, Germany.

Papenburg is located in the Emsland region of Lower Saxony and is home to around 35,000 people. The German city is best known for its well-preserved old town area. Numerous canals run through it, which have led to the nickname "Venice of the North". Around the main canal located here, there are stores with souvenirs, decorative items, clothing and much more. Also the gastronomic offer at the popular promenade leaves nothing to be desired. If you have enough time, you can explore the city from the water and take part in a harbor tour. It offers special insights into the architecture and history of the city. One of the oldest buildings in Papenburg is the Bockwindmühle. It was built in 1709 and is one of the most visited sights in the city area. Also exciting is a visit to the Meyer Werft shipyard located here with its own exhibition on shipbuilding.

Papenburg is located in the Emsland region of Lower Saxony and is home to around 35,000 people. The German city is best known for its well-preserved old town area. Numerous canals run through it, which have led to the nickname "Venice of the North". Around the main canal located here, there are stores with souvenirs, decorative items, clothing and much more. Also the gastronomic offer at the popular promenade leaves nothing to be desired. If you have enough time, you can explore the city from the water and take part in a harbor tour. It offers special insights into the architecture and history of the city. One of the oldest buildings in Papenburg is the Bockwindmühle. It was built in 1709 and is one of the most visited sights in the city area. Also exciting is a visit to the Meyer Werft shipyard located here with its own exhibition on shipbuilding.

The university city of Groningen in the Netherlands is the largest city in the north of the country with over 200,000 inhabitants. Its streets and squares invite you to stroll with buildings worth seeing such as the grain exchange, the city hall, the synagogue or some old town houses. Along canal A in the old harbor district you can also still find many well-preserved warehouses. During a visit to a café, the hustle and bustle on the water and on the shore can be observed here in a relaxed manner..   For those who want to enjoy a view over the city, a climb up the Martinitoren is recommended. The associated Martinikerk on the market square Grote Markt is the oldest and also the largest house of worship in Groningen. Museum lovers also get their money's worth in the city. The Groninger Museum impresses not only with the extensive collection of exhibits, but also with its exceptional architecture.

The university city of Groningen in the Netherlands is the largest city in the north of the country with over 200,000 inhabitants. Its streets and squares invite you to stroll with buildings worth seeing such as the grain exchange, the city hall, the synagogue or some old town houses. Along canal A in the old harbor district you can also still find many well-preserved warehouses. During a visit to a café, the hustle and bustle on the water and on the shore can be observed here in a relaxed manner..   For those who want to enjoy a view over the city, a climb up the Martinitoren is recommended. The associated Martinikerk on the market square Grote Markt is the oldest and also the largest house of worship in Groningen. Museum lovers also get their money's worth in the city. The Groninger Museum impresses not only with the extensive collection of exhibits, but also with its exceptional architecture.

Franeker (West Frisian: Frjentsjer) is a historic city in the province of Friesland, Netherlands, renowned for its rich academic history and the world's oldest working planetarium. It is one of the eleven historical Frisian cities and serves as the capital of the Waadhoeke municipality.

Amsterdam is one of those cities that every traveler should have visited at least once in his life. No wonder, millions and millions of tourists flock to the city on the canals every year to enjoy the flood of sights and cultural offerings. The best way to discover Amsterdam is by taking a boat ride along the canals or a walk along the unique canals. Art lovers will be immediately drawn to one of the world-famous museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum or the Van Gogh Museum. Party people will find their happiness in the nightlife and red light district De Wallen. And beer drinkers should by no means miss the Heineken Experience.

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.