About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
From Zehdenick Marina
The newly built Zehdenick Marina am Prerauer Stich is the home port for EastWest Charter, which hires out Linssen motoryachts as a partner of Linssen Boating Holidays. The company describes itself as a new "old face": its team are long established in the charter business, and it promises well-maintained yachts that are fully prepared before each holiday. The company charters yachts on the Havel, the Müritz and the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte, and lists Zehdenick, Potsdam, Kröslin and Rechlin as its locations.
Lakes, rivers and the Stettiner Haff
From Zehdenick, the yachts can reach a wide spread of waters. These include the Müritz with its many lakes, the waters around Ruppin, Lake Wannsee, Berlin, the Potsdamer Havel, the Scharmützelsee, the Wehrbellinsee lakes and the Stettiner Haff. The operator calls the area Europe's largest uninterrupted water sports region. It has also put together a series of itineraries that take in its natural and cultural highlights, with a mix of city life, culture and unspoilt nature.
Boat lifts, rail ferries and wildlife
Fontane, Wallenstein, Schinkel and Humboldt are among the well-known figures who left their mark on the region. There are engineering landmarks along the way, such as the Niederfinow boat lift and the rail ferry at Fürstenberg, which is the only free-sailing rail ferry in Germany. The Finow canal is the country's oldest shipping route still in use, and the operator says it has a romantic feel. Between stops you can swim in untouched natural surroundings, or sit on the afterdeck and watch for beavers, herons and sea eagles.
Booked through Linssen Boating Holidays
EastWest Charter is one of the charter firms in the Linssen Boating Holidays network. Its page there has the booking and availability links.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in Germany. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
