Party boats and raft trips have long since become an integral part of Berlin's leisure programme. Local residents are now increasingly complaining about the massive noise, inconsiderate behaviour and uncontrolled music that reaches far beyond the banks. Equipped with professional loudspeakers, DJ consoles and bars, the party-happy groups regularly cruise the Spree, Landwehr Canal and Müggelsee.
Celebrating on the water
In recent years, a wide range of party boats and rafts has emerged in Berlin that now extends far beyond individual providers. Various hire companies offer a wide selection, from small party boats to larger event boats and open rafts, which are particularly popular in summer.
The most popular routes include city centre routes on the Spree as well as tours on the Müggelsee, Dahme and Havel. The offer thus covers very different sections of water - from densely frequented areas in the city centre to extensive nature and recreation areas.
Noise hotspot on the Spree
According to a recent Statement by the Berlin Senate the number of complaints about noise pollution increased significantly in the summer months of 2024 and 2025. The Treptow-Köpenick district in particular is at the centre of the current debate about party boats on the Spree.
There have been 37 reports of noise nuisance in the last two years, more than in any other neighbourhood in Berlin. In response to the recurring disturbances caused by party boats, the district authority has already imposed fines of between 350 and 4,500 euros in 28 cases.
Districts in comparison
In addition to fines, the district office in Treptow-Köpenick is also focussing on cooperation and is using the "You are not alone on the water" campaign to promote more consideration and greater awareness of the problem among operators and guests of party boats. The aim is to improve coexistence on the water and reduce the number of conflicts in the long term.
The picture is very different in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district. According to the local authority, the number of complaints last summer could be counted on two hands. For this reason, "a repressive approach within the framework of sanctions under the law on fines is not an effective option for action".
Loopholes on the water
The Senate's statement shows that the state regulations on music on boats leave little room for manoeuvre for the authorities. Larger loudspeaker systems on party boats could not be banned in principle, as the existing regulations only apply in certain individual cases. For the district authorities, this means that they can only take action in specific cases of disturbance.
This will make it more difficult for the police to carry out traditional checks on the water. According to the statement, water police patrol boats can be located in real time via various apps and platforms. This would make it possible to recognise where the patrol boats are at an early stage so that those affected could avoid them in a targeted manner. A quick solution to the conflict between operators, revellers and residents is therefore not in sight for the time being.
