Active on the Water in Saxony-Anhalt

The Elbe, Saale and Unstrut rivers are the major watercourses in Saxony-Anhalt. They shape the landscape as well as the way of life in many places. The Elbe - wide, calm, with space for nature - runs through floodplains, towns and quiet stretches. The Saale meanders through vineyards, old towns and castle landscapes, particularly impressive between Naumburg and Halle. And the Unstrut? Rather gentle, with sweeping views, ideal for enjoyable paddling and picnics on the banks.

Smaller rivers also contribute to this diversity: The Bode cuts deep into the rock of the Harz mountains, then becomes leisurely and peaceful. The Milde, Biese and Aland flow through the Altmark - narrow, slow, often accompanied by bird calls. The Havel, in the north of the state, flows leisurely through meadows and past Havelberg - a quiet waterway with a special atmosphere. The Helme and Fuhne are waters that seem made for family outings: not spectacular, but accessible, friendly and inviting.

The lakes in Saxony-Anhalt tell the story of change: many of them have emerged from former open-cast lignite mining and are now recreational areas with character. The Geiseltalsee, located south of Merseburg, is one of the largest artificial lakes in Germany. It offers a marina, circular paths, bathing areas, vineyards and even a passenger boat service - a successful combination of nature experience and infrastructure.
The Goitzsche near Bitterfeld is considered an active area: wakeboarding facilities, sailing boats, SUP hire and cycle paths around the water attract those who like to be active. Lake Arendsee in the Altmark, on the other hand, is a place of depth and clarity - ideal for diving, a boat trip or a day on the quiet shore.
Lake Muldestausee and Lake Bergwitzsee also have their charms: the former is located between Bitterfeld and Dessau, is well developed and offers picnic areas and bathing facilities. Bergwitzsee, on the edge of the Düben Heath, is a family-friendly lake with camping sites, play areas and plenty of space for easy breaks by the water.

Water Treks & Canoeing

Travelling on water in Saxony-Anhalt means being out and about in peace. The Saale meanders through castle landscapes - with views of castles, city walls and the surrounding nature. The Unstrut runs through the heart of the Saale-Unstrut wine region - past vineyards, historic villages and quiet riverside spots that invite you to take a break. The Bode is wild and inaccessible in the Harz Mountains - but from Wegeleben or Krottorf it becomes quieter and navigable, ideal for relaxed tours through open landscapes. The Milde, Biese and Aland rivers run through the Altmark - quietly and almost forgotten. Along many routes there are entry and exit points, rest areas - and well-marked places to transfer at weirs. Sometimes it's sporty, sometimes the water is just a backdrop.

Passenger Boat Trips & Excursions

Sometimes the water itself is the stage - with a change of perspective that slows you down. Excursion boats travel along the Saale between Weißenfels, Bad Kösen and Naumburg past vineyards, promenades and graduation towers. The Elbe, larger and wider, invites you to take longer trips: From Magdeburg, Dessau and Tangermünde, the route takes you through floodplain landscapes, past old Elbe embankments, towns and technical buildings. Lake Arendsee is particularly tranquil from the deck of the "Queen Arendsee": the circular route on one of the deepest lakes in northern Germany leaves room for contemplation and reflection. And on the Geiseltalsee, the MS Geiseltalsee combines landscape, viticulture and change - with explanations on board and space for a break with a view.