Travelling on the water
In the past, sand, gravel and stones were transported from the Rüdersdorf quarries to the nascent German capital on barges - the Krienhafen harbour is still an active industrial port. Today, the waterways are mainly used by recreational captains. But paddlers and SUP riders also get their money's worth in the municipality. Water plays a major role in the municipality of Rüdersdorf near Berlin - so it's no wonder that we celebrate the water every year. You can even get married on the water.
The most important rules
If you want to go on a boat trip, you should find out about the most important rules and signs in advance. These include
- Boats up to 15 hp (7.5 kW for electric motors) may be used without a pleasure craft licence. Our lakes are navigable for all types of boats.
- Red signs are prohibition or information signs and must be observed. The Brandenburg police brochure provides an overview.
- The right-hand drive rule applies on waterways.
- Please note: Commercial shipping has priority over leisure shipping, sails and muscle power over motor power.
- Suction and waves should be avoided, especially when passing rowing boats and canoes.
- From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., recreational craft with internal combustion engines are not permitted on the waters.
- The same blood alcohol limits apply as in road traffic.
- Stands of aquatic plants in the bank area, such as reeds, bulrushes, rushes and water lilies, may not be driven over. A minimum distance of one metre must be maintained from these overgrown bank zones, insofar as the size of the watercourse permits.
The maximum speed depends on the body of water:
- on the waters of Rüdersdorf (federal waterway) it is 10 km/h,
- on Lake Stienitz for vehicles and convoys 12 km/h, for small vessels 15 km/h, from a distance of 100 metres from the shore for vehicles and convoys 15 kilometres per hour, for small vessels 25 kilometres per hour,
- 7 kilometres per hour at a distance of up to 5 metres from the shore.
Service instructions
- You will find slipways in Rüdersdorf and Hennickendorf. There is one provider at Stienitzsee and two options in Rüdersdorf: One is at the Rüdersdorf water sports centre and the other is at Motorsportclub Kalksee e. V.
- The Rüdersdorf water sports centre also has a faeces pump-out station. During the season, faeces can be disposed of there for a fee of 2 euros.
- Guest moorings with water and power supply can be found at the sports boat landing stage at the museum park (24 hours free of charge), at MC Stienitzsee e. V., the Rüdersdorf water sports centre and the Kalksee motor sports club.
- Rowing and pedal boats, canoes and SUPs can be hired at Strandbad Stienitzsee for a fee. You can hire inflatable boats, SUPs and licence-free boats from Rüdersdorf boat hire.
Tour tips
- Water Compass: The brochure shows the most beautiful water destinations for the region around Erkner, Grünheide (Mark), Woltersdorf, Schöneiche bei Berlin and Rüdersdorf bei Berlin - with a map, tour tips and contact details for local providers. The Water Compass is available in the town hall and at the Tourist Information Centre at the Museum Park or can be downloaded here as a PDF.
- Guided canoe tours such as the Lost Place Kayak Tour or the Discovery Tour "When Woltersdorf was still Hollywood" start at the Rüdersdorf Museum Park. Further information can be found on the museum park website.
- The traditional shipping company Kutzker runs twice a month during the season from Köpenick via Friedrichshagen, Erkner, Woltersdorf to Stienitzsee and back. You can find the timetable here.
- The passenger ships "Emster" and "Ursel" can be used to organise individual charter trips for groups from Rüdersdorf. All information can be obtained from the provider Kalksee Charter.
What else is there to do with water?
- Every year in August, the district of Rüdersdorf celebrates its traditional water festival on the grounds of the Rüdersdorf rowing club. With music, a children's programme and, of course, the famous Neptune baptism. You will find the dates in good time in our events calendar.
- You can get married in Rüdersdorf near Berlin not only on the water, e.g. at the Stienitzsee lido or the wedding meadow at the museum park, but also on the water - on the passenger ship "Emster". You can find all our wedding venues here.
- Whether it's a rowing club with a long tradition or sailing - being active on the water in a club is fun and keeps you fit.
- Every year in August, the district of Rüdersdorf celebrates its traditional water festival on the grounds of the Rüdersdorf rowing club. With music, a children's programme and, of course, the famous Neptune baptism. You will find the dates in good time in our events calendar.