Schleuse Steinhavel, Navigation lock on Upper Havel Waterway in Fürstenberg/Havel, Germany

Schleuse Steinhavel is a navigation lock on the Upper Havel Waterway that lies between Menowsee and Röblinsee lakes, allowing boats to pass from one lake to the other. The structure connects these two adjacent waters and enables vessels to cross the different water levels between them.

The area around the lock was already a site of water mills by 1350 at a shallow point on the Havel, where grain and oil were processed. This medieval use of water power shaped the location for several centuries afterward.

The lock sits in the Steinhavel, a stretch of the Havel between Menowsee and Röblinsee that is barely built up. Since commercial barges stopped using the Upper Havel Waterway and only a few small passenger boats pass through, it has become a popular area for sport boats of all sizes and classes.

The lock is open daily for boats to pass through, but operating hours vary depending on the season and should be checked beforehand. It is helpful to confirm when the lock is active, especially if traveling with larger vessels.

The lock underwent a complete rebuild and enlargement a few years ago to accommodate modern boat traffic. This major overhaul demonstrates how the infrastructure adapts to current waterway demands.