In addition to their diverse cultural and historical offerings, Munich and Berlin share an often overlooked common feature: a magnificent river running through the heart of each city – the Isar in Munich and the Spree in Berlin. The late summer and early autumn is the perfect time to avoid crowded European coastlines and benefit from the magical urban waterways that connect each city’s landmarks.

Rocco Forte Hotels’ Hotel de Rome in Berlin and The Charles Hotel in Munich provide the perfect starting points to discover a range of recreational activities, from private boat tours to wild swimming, kayaking and riverside dining. Rocco Forte Hotels’ City to City experience invites guests to combine a visit to the trendy German capital with a stay in the Bavarian metropolis over the course of five nights. The high-speed trains of Deutsche Bahn connect the cities in less than four hours – so guests can move swiftly from rail to river, seeing each city from a new perspective.

Munich by The River Isar

Flowing through Munich from south to north over a stretch of 14 kilometers, the River Isar offers idyllic locations for every occasion: the Flaucher is popular for barbecues or after-work beers from a nearby kiosk, while the steps at the Wittelsbacher Bridge provide a quieter place to sit, and the best spot for sunbathing is the Isar Beach in front of the Müller’sches Volksbad. For adventurous guests, the concierge team at The Charles Hotel can loan bicycles to ride over the Großhesselohe Bridge or book a raft trip down the river, including a cool ‘Maß’ of beer and a selection of Bavarian delicacies. The river is an ideal location for wild swimming, after the early 2000’s saw the river re-naturalised and restored to a natural state with accessible banks, gravel bars and islands.  The Charles Hotel offers easy access to the best riverside locations, from city beaches to beer gardens, live music at the Praterinsel’s Paradise Beach Club and beautiful views from the terrace of the reopened Alpine Museum café.

Berlin by The River Spree

The River Spree is approximately 400 kilometers long and winds through the heart of Berlin, offering visitors a unique opportunity to discover the capital by water. It connects the city’s most significant landmarks, including the Berlin Cathedral, the historic Nikolaiviertel and the Reichstag building and flows around one of Germany’s greatest cultural treasures: Museum Island. The concierge team at Hotel de Rome can organise a private boat tour, complete with a picnic basket of delectable treats or assist guests in hiring a canoe, kayak or paddle board to discover the hidden corners of the Spree on their own. The concierge team suggests a trip to The Spreewald in southeastern Brandenburg. Part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is a beautiful area for hiking along the river, passing mills, Spreewald houses and charming canals.

The banks of the river Spree invite visitors to enjoy relaxing walks and bike rides, with particularly beautiful routes passing through the Tiergarten or along the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall. After a busy day exploring the city by river, there are numerous riverbank bars to enjoy a drink in the warm evening light. Guests of Hotel de Rome can chase the sun back to the hotel rooftop and wind down with a birds eye view of the city below.