Did you know that ferries are part of Berlin’s public transportation system?
Around this time last year, just before COVID-19 shutdowns happened, J and I took a stroll in the Müggelsee area of Treptow-Köpenick. After reaching Berlin’s supposedly tallest peak in Müggelberg, we stumbled upon a ferry terminal and decided to take the ferry to cross the Dahme river to Grünau. It turned out to be a passenger ferry run by BVG, Berlin’s public transportation company, which means that you can hop onto it as long as you have an AB zone ticket.
The F12 ferry route between Müggelbergallee on the Köpenick side and Wassersportallee on the Grünau side is BVG’s oldest ferry route. These days you wouldn’t be able to tell, though, because the ferry looks modern and runs (partially or fully on a sunny day) on solar energy. You can also take your bikes on it.
Given how narrow the Dahme is, the F12 ferry ride took a grand total of two, max three minutes. Despite of how brief it is, I highly recommend it as a change from the mundane bus, tram and metro rides. The view is also pretty spectacular if you ride it at sunset.
Once you reach Grünau, take some time to explore the underrated neighbourhood. There are some beautiful villas there, and the regatta course was used for rowing and canoeing events at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Once the weather gets warmer, I would love to cycle to Grünau and take the F12 ferry in the opposite direction. Let me know your experience with it, too!
