Boating holidays in Germany
In Germany, boating holidays mean watching the lakes slowly unfold from the deck of your boat. There’s no better way to enjoy these immense landscapes than by taking the helm of a self-drive boat, with no license required, and becoming a skipper.
From Berlin to the Baltic Sea, head north on Germany’s waterways
Mecklenburg or Brandenburg… struggling to make up your mind? Wherever you start from in Germany, boating holidays are relaxing and stunning. Go where the waterways take you.
Boating holidays on Germany’s great lakes: something to try at least once in your life
Germany is a country of lakes and home to one of most famous in the world, Lake Constance. Here, fishing, boating and swimming are the basis of a whole culture and way of life, with thousands of lakes for families to explore on a self-drive boat. For many years now, all the equipment and infrastructure has been in place, from resorts to simple pontoons, to meet the needs of boat crews without spoiling the character of these wild areas or reducing the incredible purity of the water. It’s an experience that gives you an all-round view of the country, including its history and art. If you rent a boat here, you’ll have the chance to discover famous towns such as Potsdam, with its famous Sanssouci Palace, Schwerin or Berlin, where traces of the past meet futuristic architecture. And Germany knows how to treat its guests: whether you’re crazy about the sausages in the local bar or prefer dried fish to smoke yourself, you’ll enjoy the food. Everywhere you go, there are enormous panoramas and wonderful sunsets. Relaxing on your Pénichette®, which couldn’t be easier to handle and requires no licence to drive, you could spend your days rocked by the gentle water and humming along to classic German pop tunes: you could easily forget what year it is.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing and Availability
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France
Welcome to the home of waterways tourism. If you’re looking for a canal cruise, France is the obvious destination. Its canals and rivers form a vast network of routes, offering fantastic opportunities for boating holidays.
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Hungary
Explore Hungary in complete freedom aboard a license-free boat, along the Tisza River and up to the lake of the same name. Between wild landscapes, authentic villages, and the vineyards of Tokaj, enjoy a peaceful cruise that is accessible to all.
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Ireland
In Ireland, boat hire holidays are not just a good idea – they’re the obvious way to see the country. Reinvent yourself while you steer your self-drive boat, with the sound of U2 or the Cranberries in the background. Rent a boat from one of our bases and set off on a waterways cruise through a land that’s greener than green.
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Italy
When it comes to boat hire holidays, Italy offers some spectacular waterways for exploring this fascinating, surprising country that you’re bound to fall in love with. There’s nothing cooler than cruising along, your hair flying in the wind, as if you’re in a film. It’s going to be La Dolce Vita afloat!
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Netherlands
The Dutch are just as passionate about boats as they are about cycling – and it’s no wonder. The Netherlands has hundreds of kilometres of waterways, perfect for boating holidays, giving you dozens of options for your Holland cruise.
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Portugal
Cruise Lago Alqueva in southern Portugal on a license-free boat. Enjoy easy sailing, sunny weather, and stops in traditional villages in the heart of Alentejo. Accessible to all, even beginners.
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European Cities
What if your next city break… was by boat? No license needed—just the desire to discover cities from a new perspective. On board, there’s no stress, no schedule to follow: you move at your own pace, enjoying the scenery and stopovers as they come.
From our base in Bram, you can reach Toulouse via the Canal du Midi in just half a day of cruising. Once moored, landmarks like the Basilica of Saint-Sernin or the Capitole are just a short walk away. Further north, set off from Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune and follow the Saône River to Lyon: stroll along the riverbanks, enjoy a drink in the Old Town, then return to your boat for a peaceful night on board.
And it’s not just in France. Take Venice, for example, you can arrive by boat, moor near St. Mark’s Square, and experience *la dolce vita* with your feet practically in the water. In Amsterdam too, everything feels different when you’re navigating through the heart of the canals.
With Riverly, big cities become intimate stopovers, accessible without a car, free from constraints, and always offering the freedom to pause whenever you feel like it.
Golf
Want to learn or improve your golf skills? Choose a river cruise and combine the joy of a boating holiday with your favourite sport. Discover our getaway ideas for a golf-filled weekend.
Fishing
What a joy it is to fish from the deck of your boat as you cruise along! Whether you’re an experienced angler or simply curious to enjoy fishing with your family, explore our getaway ideas for a fishing weekend.
Bicycle
In addition to your boat, Riverly offers bike rentals you can take on board. Use them to stretch your legs along the towpaths, ride on dedicated cycling trails to explore nearby villages and attractions, or simply run errands during your cruise. Here are some getaway ideas for a cycling-themed holiday or weekend.
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