Our waterway cruises Germany
Hire a licence free boat in Germany
Cruise on a licence free boat through lakes, rivers and typical villages. From Berlin to Mecklenburg, enjoy a peaceful river trip with a change of scenery !
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Get a tailor made quoteDiscover Germany in licence free boat
Nature
With its landscapes of lakes, rivers, forests and villages, Germany is full of charming and relaxing places. In Wesenberg, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of Lake Woblitz, diving into the astonishingly pure water. Throughout your waterway holiday, you can choose your favourite lakes and take in remarkable sunsets aboard your licence-free boat. The many forests you travel through will provide you with hiking and cycling trails and you’ll surely come across some animals, such as sea eagles. If you prefer water sports, diving, kayaking and paddle boarding will give you a chance to discover the many fish, teals and cranes in these parts. A little further on, near the capital, you’ll be able to access the lake and park at Wannsee, filling up on fresh air as you stroll along the beach.
Monuments
Don’t miss the imposing Rheinsberg Castle, with its garden adjoining the lake — there’s no need to leave your houseboat to enjoy it ! Everyone knows the extent to which Germany was marked by the war, and a guided tour of Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Oranienburg will immerse you in the history of these sinister places of torture, leaving a lasting impression. In Berlin, medieval quarters, historic sites, museums, theatres, Gothic cathedrals and Baroque churches compete for your attention with modern buildings, the young city centre, street art and lively bars. Germany’s most dynamic city is also a place to experience memorable festivals at its lively ports. If you love shopping, head to Kurfürstendamm avenue in the chic neighbourhood of Charlottenburg. A trip to Berlin won’t be complete without a visit to the roof terrace and dome of the Reichstag Palace. The splendid Italian Renaissance-inspired Belvedere Pfingstberg in Potsdam, south-west of Berlin, is just one of the many stately buildings in the region.

Must-see places for a successful stay
Where to hire your boat
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Canalous customer reviews Your feedback counts, we pay attention to it!
Review posted on the : 2025-06-16
2 great weeks' charter. We chose a simple boat but it suited us perfectly. Easy...
2 great weeks' charter. We chose a simple boat but it suited us perfectly. Easy to handle and comfortable. The team at the base is very friendly and efficient. The Petite Saône is a wonderful river, with beautiful scenery, friendly little villages and not too many difficult locks.
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2025-04-19
very friendly and courteous staff, great boats and - because we were travelling at the...
very friendly and courteous staff, great boats and - because we were travelling at the beginning of the season - very affordable prices! The Saone is also a really idyllic river for houseboat holidays: natural course, wild banks and basically idyllic scenery.
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2025-04-07
A wonderful experience!!! Very pleasant stay, calm and rejuvenating.
Review posted on the : 2024-05-24
Nous avons passé un week-end de 3 jours sur 2 bateaux avec nos enfants et...
Nous avons passé un week-end de 3 jours sur 2 bateaux avec nos enfants et 7 petits enfants et ce fut un grand moment de bonheur, découverte et détente. C'était génial, tout ce petit monde (petits et grands) ont tellement adoré qu'ils veulent tous recommencer. Bravo les Canalous
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-05-20
We spent a 3-day weekend on 2 boats with our children and 7 grandchildren and...
We spent a 3-day weekend on 2 boats with our children and 7 grandchildren and it was a great time of happiness, discovery and relaxation. It was great, everyone (young and old) loved it so much that they all want to do it again. Well done, Canalous!
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-05-10
6 jours de rêve à bord d'un Tarpon 42TP sur le canal latéral à la...
6 jours de rêve à bord d'un Tarpon 42TP sur le canal latéral à la Loire. Nous avons dormis dans des endroits sauvage et magnifique, réveil tous les matins au chants des oiseaux dans de nouveaux jardins tous les jours différents... Nous espérons réitérer cette aventure un jour.
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-05-07
Mention particulière à la personne qui nettoie l'intérieur. Merci, propreté irréprochable
Review posted on the : 2024-04-29
A good impression for a first cruise.
Review posted on the : 2024-04-29
Bonne impression pour une première croisière
Review posted on the : 2024-04-26
Notre navigation à été modifiée en dernière minute suite aux problèmes météo, nous avons...
Notre navigation à été modifiée en dernière minute suite aux problèmes météo, nous avons apprécié notre nouvelle destination, briare au lieu du canal du nivernais avec un bateau surclassé.. merci à vous et à dimitry de nous avoir permis de naviguer sans supplément .. dimitry est très professionnel et s est montré disponible pour toutes la préparation à la navigation, c était notre 5eme navigation avec votre compagnie avec un bateau largement supérieur aux précédentes locations .. merci encore
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-04-21
Bravo à Jean-Pierre et son équipe pour la clarté des informations et de l'instruction aux...
Bravo à Jean-Pierre et son équipe pour la clarté des informations et de l'instruction aux manœuvre. Dans une ambiance conviviale mais très professionnelle On ne manquera pas d'en parler à notre entourage !
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-04-21
Well done to Jean-Pierre and his team for the clear information and instruction on the...
Well done to Jean-Pierre and his team for the clear information and instruction on the manoeuvres. The atmosphere was friendly but very professional. We'll be sure to tell our friends and family about it!
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-04-13
Le plus beau canal pour nous ça a été le canal de Digoin à Rouane....le...
Le plus beau canal pour nous ça a été le canal de Digoin à Rouane....le plus sauvage , il est magnifique et les endroits pour s'arrêter sont top._x000D_ Tous les éclusiers et éclusières ont été d'une extrême gentillesse et d'une grande aide_x000D_ Merci à vous pour votre rapidité et efficacité d'intervention en ce qui concerne notre chauffage._x000D_ A refaire avec plaisir
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-04-12
Dépaysement total. Un très bon moment de détente
Review posted on the : 2024-04-12
A total change of scenery. A great moment of relaxation.
Review posted on the : 2023-11-11
Our stay on the barge was brightened up by daily visits from swans that we'd...
Our stay on the barge was brightened up by daily visits from swans that we'd never had the chance to look into each other's eyes before... Another wonderful time shared between us, which could well lead to another river trip next spring!
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2023-10-17
Thanks again for this stay, we'll be back.
Review posted on the : 2023-09-01
Review posted on the : 2023-08-14
Review posted on the : 2023-06-20
Review posted on the : 2023-06-05
We had a wonderful stay on the Caligula boat (very comfortable!) from Digoin. Sailing all...
We had a wonderful stay on the Caligula boat (very comfortable!) from Digoin. Sailing all the way to Dompierre-sur-Besbre, we were amazed by the scenery, fascinated by the locks and touched by the kindness of the locals. We were lucky enough to be accompanied on part of our journey by several animals, including a beautiful heron. Thanks to the stops along the way, we discovered some typical villages. Last but not least, our little captain even had fun on the playgrounds we found along the way! We look forward to sailing with Les Canalous again.
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2023-05-25
Mini cruise very enjoyable to repeat!
Review posted on the : 2023-04-29
The whole PARENT family was delighted with this experience, and sailing on the canals was...
The whole PARENT family was delighted with this experience, and sailing on the canals was a great first which delighted young and old alike. The region is magnificent, the people are generally very kind and all the Canalous staff are SUPER, attentive and very caring. Many thanks to the whole team
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2023-03-24
I really appreciated the kindness, the professionalism and the human side of the person in...
I really appreciated the kindness, the professionalism and the human side of the person in charge of the Pontailler base. I have been using the canalous for several times for barge trips and I am fully satisfied and ready to go back and advertise with you.
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2022-07-18
Review posted on the : 2022-06-29
Review posted on the : 2022-06-20
We will recommend you to others! :)
Review posted on the : 2022-06-17
Very good level of service. Service provider to be recommended.
Review posted on the : 2022-04-20
Review posted on the : 2021-08-18
Review posted on the : 2021-06-13
We had an unforgettable cruise in the Chablis, the teams are top notch, the lock...
We had an unforgettable cruise in the Chablis, the teams are top notch, the lock keepers too, everything was great! One small improvement: put a window that opens in the toilets. Thanks again for everything, we hope to be back soon!
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2021-05-13
Good welcome, friendly and attentive staff, we'll be back in September. Thank you for everything
Review posted on the : 2020-10-14
Review posted on the : 2025-06-16
2 great weeks' charter. We chose a simple boat but it suited us perfectly. Easy...
2 great weeks' charter. We chose a simple boat but it suited us perfectly. Easy to handle and comfortable. The team at the base is very friendly and efficient. The Petite Saône is a wonderful river, with beautiful scenery, friendly little villages and not too many difficult locks.
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2025-04-19
very friendly and courteous staff, great boats and - because we were travelling at the...
very friendly and courteous staff, great boats and - because we were travelling at the beginning of the season - very affordable prices! The Saone is also a really idyllic river for houseboat holidays: natural course, wild banks and basically idyllic scenery.
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2025-04-07
A wonderful experience!!! Very pleasant stay, calm and rejuvenating.
Review posted on the : 2024-05-24
Nous avons passé un week-end de 3 jours sur 2 bateaux avec nos enfants et...
Nous avons passé un week-end de 3 jours sur 2 bateaux avec nos enfants et 7 petits enfants et ce fut un grand moment de bonheur, découverte et détente. C'était génial, tout ce petit monde (petits et grands) ont tellement adoré qu'ils veulent tous recommencer. Bravo les Canalous
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-05-20
We spent a 3-day weekend on 2 boats with our children and 7 grandchildren and...
We spent a 3-day weekend on 2 boats with our children and 7 grandchildren and it was a great time of happiness, discovery and relaxation. It was great, everyone (young and old) loved it so much that they all want to do it again. Well done, Canalous!
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-05-10
6 jours de rêve à bord d'un Tarpon 42TP sur le canal latéral à la...
6 jours de rêve à bord d'un Tarpon 42TP sur le canal latéral à la Loire. Nous avons dormis dans des endroits sauvage et magnifique, réveil tous les matins au chants des oiseaux dans de nouveaux jardins tous les jours différents... Nous espérons réitérer cette aventure un jour.
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-05-07
Mention particulière à la personne qui nettoie l'intérieur. Merci, propreté irréprochable
Review posted on the : 2024-04-29
A good impression for a first cruise.
Review posted on the : 2024-04-29
Bonne impression pour une première croisière
Review posted on the : 2024-04-26
Notre navigation à été modifiée en dernière minute suite aux problèmes météo, nous avons...
Notre navigation à été modifiée en dernière minute suite aux problèmes météo, nous avons apprécié notre nouvelle destination, briare au lieu du canal du nivernais avec un bateau surclassé.. merci à vous et à dimitry de nous avoir permis de naviguer sans supplément .. dimitry est très professionnel et s est montré disponible pour toutes la préparation à la navigation, c était notre 5eme navigation avec votre compagnie avec un bateau largement supérieur aux précédentes locations .. merci encore
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-04-21
Bravo à Jean-Pierre et son équipe pour la clarté des informations et de l'instruction aux...
Bravo à Jean-Pierre et son équipe pour la clarté des informations et de l'instruction aux manœuvre. Dans une ambiance conviviale mais très professionnelle On ne manquera pas d'en parler à notre entourage !
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-04-21
Well done to Jean-Pierre and his team for the clear information and instruction on the...
Well done to Jean-Pierre and his team for the clear information and instruction on the manoeuvres. The atmosphere was friendly but very professional. We'll be sure to tell our friends and family about it!
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-04-13
Le plus beau canal pour nous ça a été le canal de Digoin à Rouane....le...
Le plus beau canal pour nous ça a été le canal de Digoin à Rouane....le plus sauvage , il est magnifique et les endroits pour s'arrêter sont top._x000D_ Tous les éclusiers et éclusières ont été d'une extrême gentillesse et d'une grande aide_x000D_ Merci à vous pour votre rapidité et efficacité d'intervention en ce qui concerne notre chauffage._x000D_ A refaire avec plaisir
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2024-04-12
Dépaysement total. Un très bon moment de détente
Review posted on the : 2024-04-12
A total change of scenery. A great moment of relaxation.
Review posted on the : 2023-11-11
Our stay on the barge was brightened up by daily visits from swans that we'd...
Our stay on the barge was brightened up by daily visits from swans that we'd never had the chance to look into each other's eyes before... Another wonderful time shared between us, which could well lead to another river trip next spring!
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2023-10-17
Thanks again for this stay, we'll be back.
Review posted on the : 2023-09-01
Review posted on the : 2023-08-14
Review posted on the : 2023-06-20
Review posted on the : 2023-06-05
We had a wonderful stay on the Caligula boat (very comfortable!) from Digoin. Sailing all...
We had a wonderful stay on the Caligula boat (very comfortable!) from Digoin. Sailing all the way to Dompierre-sur-Besbre, we were amazed by the scenery, fascinated by the locks and touched by the kindness of the locals. We were lucky enough to be accompanied on part of our journey by several animals, including a beautiful heron. Thanks to the stops along the way, we discovered some typical villages. Last but not least, our little captain even had fun on the playgrounds we found along the way! We look forward to sailing with Les Canalous again.
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2023-05-25
Mini cruise very enjoyable to repeat!
Review posted on the : 2023-04-29
The whole PARENT family was delighted with this experience, and sailing on the canals was...
The whole PARENT family was delighted with this experience, and sailing on the canals was a great first which delighted young and old alike. The region is magnificent, the people are generally very kind and all the Canalous staff are SUPER, attentive and very caring. Many thanks to the whole team
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2023-03-24
I really appreciated the kindness, the professionalism and the human side of the person in...
I really appreciated the kindness, the professionalism and the human side of the person in charge of the Pontailler base. I have been using the canalous for several times for barge trips and I am fully satisfied and ready to go back and advertise with you.
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2022-07-18
Review posted on the : 2022-06-29
Review posted on the : 2022-06-20
We will recommend you to others! :)
Review posted on the : 2022-06-17
Very good level of service. Service provider to be recommended.
Review posted on the : 2022-04-20
Review posted on the : 2021-08-18
Review posted on the : 2021-06-13
We had an unforgettable cruise in the Chablis, the teams are top notch, the lock...
We had an unforgettable cruise in the Chablis, the teams are top notch, the lock keepers too, everything was great! One small improvement: put a window that opens in the toilets. Thanks again for everything, we hope to be back soon!
Read more Read lessReview posted on the : 2021-05-13
Good welcome, friendly and attentive staff, we'll be back in September. Thank you for everything
Review posted on the : 2020-10-14