A few weeks ago, I had the chance to go on a canoe ride in Treptower Park, and it turned out to be an experience I’ll remember for a long time. The day itself was beautiful, and we chose to start in the evening, which was perfect—the sun was lower in the sky, the light softer, and the weather calm. It created just the right atmosphere for an adventure on the water.
We were quite a large group, about 30 people in total, and since each canoe could hold two to three people, we ended up taking several boats. There was something exciting about seeing all of us spread out on the river, each in our own canoe but sharing the same journey. Before setting off, we were handed a map showing three different routes we could explore. What I loved most was the freedom it gave us: rather than being restricted to a guided path, we could choose our own direction and pace, turning the outing into a little adventure of discovery.
At the beginning, I wasn’t sure how it would go—this was actually my first time canoeing, and I thought it might be physically exhausting or hard to coordinate. But I was with two friends in my boat, and we quickly found our rhythm. The teamwork made it not only manageable but really enjoyable. There were moments when we laughed at our clumsy paddling or when the boat wobbled unexpectedly, but that only added to the fun. By the time we settled into the flow, I realized how relaxing it actually was, especially with the gentle motion of the water and the fresh breeze around us.
During the two hours we had, we managed to explore all three directions marked on the map. Each one offered something different. One route led us toward a small island filled with greenery, where we could admire the flora and fauna in their natural setting. Another took us closer to the city, where the contrast between nature and urban life was fascinating. The most striking part of the ride, however, was paddling under the Stralauer Brücke and passing right by the famous Molecule Man sculpture. Seeing such landmarks from the water gave them a whole new perspective—they felt grander, more striking, and more alive than when seen from land.
By the end of the ride, we were pleasantly tired but also full of joy. What I had expected to be a challenging and maybe stressful task had turned into two hours of pure fun, laughter, and exploration. It was the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation—working together as a team, enjoying the open water, and taking in different sides of Berlin all in one journey.
Looking back, I truly believe activities like this are worth doing regularly. They allow us to step away from routine, spend quality time with friends, and reconnect with both nature and the city in a refreshing way. For me, this canoe ride wasn’t just a one-off adventure, but a reminder of how valuable it is to make space for such experiences.
I would highly recommend the canoeing trip at Treptower Park to anyone, whether you’re a local or just visiting Berlin. It’s a unique way to explore the city, discover hidden perspectives, and create memories that last far beyond the two hours you spend on the water.
