This year's IFoRR touring trip took 13 rowers and their three accompanying partners to picturesque Brandenburg an der Havel – a city steeped in history, Gothic brick architecture, medieval monasteries, and idyllic waterways. From a centrally located hotel, we rowed daily on the surrounding rivers, lakes, and canals – always accompanied by the ambitious shore team, who provided transfers and an exciting cultural program. What was planned as a sunny summer week turned into a minor adventure due to the weather. But the wind and storm didn't stop us – they only made this trip all the more memorable.
We borrowed the rowing boats from the Rowing Club Havel Brandenburg.
Sunday, June 22 – Arrival
On Sunday evening, all participants arrived individually in Brandenburg an der Havel. Most arrived by car to the Hotel Brandenburger Dom—a charming accommodation located in the Domhof, just a 10-minute walk from the Havel Brandenburg Rowing Club.
At 7:00 p.m. we met for dinner at the "Remise" restaurant. The mood was expectant—and the weather was (still) good.
Monday, June 23 – First trip in strong westerly winds
We picked up the boats from the Havel Rowing Club early in the morning. But the weather forecast was no longer promising: storm warnings. Nevertheless, we set off, highly motivated, and set off on the planned route via the city canal, the city lock, the Havel, and the Emster Canal.
After a trip through the narrow canal past idyllic nature with countless water lilies on the water, we reached Lake Rietz. However, an approaching storm forced us to turn back. The crew demonstrated their skills when docking at the Emster Canal Bridge. Because of the storm, it was impossible to use the bench and table there for a meal, so our break was extremely short. The return trip, against very strong westerly winds and waves, was strenuous but uneventful.
Since we were unable to reach the planned destination at Lake Netzen, the three rowers who had participated in the land program in the morning were unfortunately unable to transfer to the boats as planned and also took part in the cultural program for the afternoon.
The accompanying program included a visit to Lehnin Monastery in the morning. The afternoon included a tour of the Beelitz-Heilstätten Treetop Walk. Both program items were met with enthusiastic responses. The group returned to the hotel late in the evening. The day ended with a fun and boozy evening in the "Weidelounge."
Tuesday, June 24 – Severe storm forces rescheduling
Strong gusts of wind prevented our planned trip across Lake Breitlingsee to the rowing club in Plaue. After only 6 km, we had to land at a campsite near the Neuendorf cable ferry – a maneuver that again required skill and was mastered brilliantly. The 6 km return trip to the boathouse of the Havel Brandenburg Rowing Club was quickly completed, and the boats were stowed away shortly after 12 p.m. Afterwards, everyone drove together in four cars to Plaue, where, after refreshments at the "Lago die Garda" restaurant, we hiked the "Fontaneweg" in windy but dry weather and in good spirits.
In the morning, the Land team was scheduled to take a city tour of Brandenburg. Loriot and his pugs followed them every step of the way.
Dinner in the “Boathouse” in the rowing club building rounded off the day.
Wednesday, June 25 – Waves too high on Breitlingsee
The day began promisingly, but the Breitlingsee lake proved unforgiving once again. In the morning, all seemed well: no storm warning, just strong gusts were forecast. The crew cheerfully set off again through the Brandenburg Niederhavel river toward the Breitlingsee lake. Once there, waves a good 50 cm high hit us from the broadside of the boats, so there was only one sensible decision: to turn back. In the Brandenburg Niederhavel lake, we looked for a sandy landing spot to discuss our next steps. Unfortunately, mosquitoes had also gathered there, which the participants considered welcome prey. Perhaps for this reason, it was quickly agreed to row to the regatta course on the Großer Beetzsee.
The participants in the land program, who were already on their way to Wusterwitz, were informed of the new destination and thankfully headed in the opposite direction so that the three rowers who had remained on land could transfer to the boats. Unfortunately, this meant that the planned boat trip was canceled, but it was rescheduled the following day at noon.
After the lunch break, we rowed another lap of the Großer Breitlingsee before returning to the rowing club's boathouse. In total, we rowed 13 km that day.
The country team had visited the bishop's residence in Ziesar in the morning – an impressive testimony to medieval church power.
Our dinner together took place in the restaurant “An der Dominsel”.
Thursday, June 26 – Rowing across the Beetzsee
Finally, the weather cooperated! In pleasant conditions, we were able to enjoy a wonderful trip across Lake Beetz to Bollmannsruh, as planned. The route led through calm waters, past sandy swimming spots, reed-covered shores, and picturesque villages set against gently rolling hills.
The lunch break took place at a kiosk next to the Hotel Bollmannsruh.
Meanwhile, the land team visited Ribbeck Castle in the morning—a historical highlight with a connection to Fontane. In the afternoon, they boarded a ship for a tour of Brandenburg to catch up on the tour planned for the previous day.
The “Remise” was also our meeting point for dinner that evening.
Friday, June 27 – Conciliatory conclusion and farewell
After our experience, we didn't want to fail at Breitlingsee again. Instead, we took a short city tour by boat and looked around the Kleiner Breitlingsee, the Domstreng, and the Näthewinde (approx. 6 km). Afterwards, everyone met up for a farewell meeting at the restaurant "An der Dominsel."
Conclusion
This trip was a real challenge for everyone due to the persistently strong westerly wind. With an exceptional degree of flexibility and mutual consideration, the rowing and shore teams mastered it brilliantly. The rowing and cultural program offered, the dedication of the shore team, and the adaptability of everyone involved nevertheless turned this short week into an unforgettable shared experience. Despite the many tours that weren't completed, we were able to explore many scenic routes and visit places as mysterious as they are steeped in history.
The unrealized tour plans are enough for another hiking trip in and around Brandenburg an der Havel. After this unusual hiking trip, one can only conclude with Blaise Pascal (1623–1662): "If you want to make [the weather] god laugh, tell him about your plans!"
But even rowing kilometres not covered can be so beautiful!
Overview of rowed routes
| Day | Route | Kilometres rowed |
| Monday | Emsterkanal - Rietzer See and back | 31 km |
| Tuesday | Brandenburger Niederhavel to the Neuendorff cable ferry and back | 12 km |
| Wednesday | Brandenburger Niederhavel - Buhnenhaus - Brandenburger Niederhavel - Beetzsee and back | 13 km |
| Thursday | Beetzsee - Bollmannsruh and back | 36 km |
| Friday | City transit | 6 km |
Total kilometres: 98 km