Schleuse Spandau

The Schleuse Spandau is a lock in Berlin that joins two sections of the Havel waterway. It features two chambers, each about 115 meters long and 12.5 meters wide, allowing vessels to navigate changing water levels.

A water channel has existed at this location since the 1300s, and the first lock structure was built around 1572 to manage water level changes. The facility was expanded and improved over centuries to handle growing boat traffic.

The lock is woven into the fabric of Spandau's daily life, linking the district to Berlin's waterway network. Passersby can watch boats navigating through the narrow chambers.

Commercial vessels have priority for passage, with each operation lasting about 30 minutes. There are viewpoints along the banks where visitors can watch the process unfold.

This lock handles more cargo vessels than any other in Berlin, managing water level differences between 1.8 and 2.4 meters. The difference may seem small, but it is crucial for ships navigating this system.

Location: Berlin

Location: Spandau

GPS coordinates: 52.53940,13.20890

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:58