Havelberg: every season a delight.
Havelberg has its own face at every time of year — from the resting geese in spring to the sauna in the snow-covered winter. What is worth doing, and when.
Always a reason to come back.
We're set in the heart of the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve, where the Elbe and Havel rivers meet the Straße der Romanik (Romanesque Road). Which means nature sets the rhythm here. Every season brings its own mood, its own experiences — and its own perfect reason to stay with us.
When everything returns.
Spring arrives on the Elbe and Havel on the wing. Thousands of wild geese set off northward, and in Rühstädt — the most stork-rich village in Germany — the storks return to their nests. The meadows turn green, the air grows clear, the days grow longer.
It is the time to head outdoors again: the first outing on the water, the first ride down still-empty trails, a stroll through the old town and along the Havel as the buds open.
- Experience the bird migration — wild geese on the Havel, storks in Rühstädt, cranes over the meadows.
- Season opener on the water — the first licence-free solar boat trip from our jetty.
- Cycling without the crowds — the Elbe and Havel Cycle Routes in spring light, before high season begins.
- Gardens & art — the sculpture park, the herb garden and the Japanese garden come to life.
Long, lazy days by the water.
In summer, the days revolve around the river. Out onto the Havel in the quiet solar boat, swimming at the bathing spot below the guesthouse, and in the evening, watching the sunset from our terrace over a glass of wine.
The whole region comes alive: fishermen's jousting, a boat parade, open-air concerts. And here at the Schmokenberg, the grill sizzles regularly at our „Grill & Chill".
- Solar boat & swimming — licence-free all day on the Havel, swimming right by the jetty.
- Grill & Chill — after-work grilling on the sun terrace of the Schmokenberg restaurant.
- Summer cycling — the Elbe and Havel Cycle Routes, picnics on the dykes, an e-bike charging station at the house.
- Town & water festivals — the Havelberg fishermen's jousting, boat parade with fireworks, full-moon tours through the island town.
Autumn magic in Havelberg.
Autumn may just be the most beautiful season here: soft light over the meadows, crisp air and, once again, the great bird migration — wild geese resting in their thousands in the river landscape. The Altmark shows its quiet, golden side.
At the same time it is festival season: the tradition-steeped Havelberg Horse Market draws hundreds of thousands, and around the house the Festival of Lights (Lichtblütenfest) glows. Then things turn cozy — harvest flavors on the plate, herbs from the garden.
- Bird migration, second act — wild geese and cranes rest in great numbers on the Elbe and Havel.
- Havelberg Horse Market — the largest in northern Germany, four days in September.
- Festival of Lights — a glowing autumn festival with light art and music around the ArtHotel.
- Nature with the ranger — a canoe trip through the softwood floodplain, a NABU boat tour, a herb workshop at the Haus der Flüsse.
Cozy warmth when the days turn cold.
When the river landscape settles into stillness, we retreat into the warm. Bio and Finnish sauna, the light-filled winter garden, the private sauna in the suite — and outdoors a bracing winter walk along the Havel that leaves you hungry and glad you came.
It's also our season of culture and celebration: Advent concerts and Christmas fairy-tale plays in the KunstQuartier, Christmas music in the cathedral, and for the turn of the year our grand New Year's Eve package.
- Sauna & wellness — bio and Finnish sauna in the house, free for hotel guests; private wellness in the suites.
- Advent in the KunstQuartier — Christmas concerts and family fairy-tale plays, plus Christmas music in Havelberg Cathedral.
- Winter kitchen — hearty, regional dishes in the Schmokenberg restaurant, a warm winter garden.
- New Year on the Havel — our New Year's Eve package with gala evening and New Year's brunch.
Not sure when to visit?
Tell us what you feel like doing — we'll help you pick the right time to come. Reach us directly at +49 39387 595151.