The canoe trip from the Finowfurt waterway rest stop to the Messingwerkhafen in Eberswalde and back is a perfect experience for families, beginner paddlers, and culture enthusiasts. The roughly 6-kilometer round-trip on the historic Finowkanal offers picturesque views of the surrounding nature and the chance to experience the region’s history up close. A stop at the Messingwerk settlement is particularly exciting, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s industrial history.
Length / Duration: 6 km (round trip), approx. 2 hours without breaks
Start / Finish: Schorfheide Water Sports Rest Area in Finowfurt
Route: Schorfheide Water Sports Rest Area, Finowlanal, Messingwerk Harbor and back
Tour Description The tour begins at the Finowfurt Waterway Rest Area, where you can rent canoes and SUPs. From here, you’ll paddle leisurely eastward along the calm Finow Canal. After just under 3 kilometers, the Teufelsbrücke (Devil’s Bridge) rises up on the left, towering over the entrance to Messingwerkhafen. We recommend taking a break here to explore the Messingwerk settlement, one of the oldest industrial settlements in the Mark Brandenburg. In addition to the architecturally interesting buildings, you’ll also find a small replica of the Eberswalde Gold Treasure, which was discovered here in 1913 and remains Germany’s largest prehistoric gold find to this day. Another highlight is the Finow Water Tower, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the region. After the break, you’ll take the same route back to Finowfurt at a leisurely pace. This tour combines the enjoyment of nature with cultural highlights, making it an ideal destination for anyone wishing to explore the area around Eberswalde by water.
Tip: The water tower is only open on weekends; please check the opening hours online in advance. A public dry toilet is available during the season (May–October) at the Messingwerkhafen.
Getting There:
- Public Transport: From Berlin Hauptbahnhof, take the RE3 (Stralsund) to Eberswalde Bahnhof (approx. 30 minutes), then take bus 910 to Finowfurt Post (20 minutes)
- By car: From Berlin via the A11 to Exit 12 (Finowfurt), then take the B167 to the destination (approx. 45 minutes)
Boating information: At the Finowfurt Water Sports Rest Area, canoes can be launched below the lock. Therefore, passing through the lock is not necessary.
