The Old Elbe Skipper's House lies directly behind the Elbe dike in the easternmost corner of Brandenburg. Not much happens here – and that's just fine. On one side, the view stretches across the meadow to the nearby poplar grove, on the other, old oak trees stand beneath which sheep sometimes graze.
In the mornings, the sun rises behind the trees; in the evenings, you can watch the day slowly fade over the Elbe River. Sitting on the dike, you can see the river flowing by. In winter, you can sometimes hear the ice floes rubbing against each other; in autumn, thousands of migratory birds stop over in the area; and at night, the starry sky is often breathtakingly clear. In spring, you can hear nightingales and golden orioles. The Elbe Cycle Path runs right past the house; a bicycle and binoculars are practically essential equipment here.
Host Mechthild Kränzlin lives right next door and has a special connection to this house. The old half-timbered house likely dates back to the mid-19th century and was carefully renovated between 2019 and 2023. Originally, it was home to Elbe riverboatmen and their families. Later, the building was situated directly on the former inner-German border and stood empty for several years in the 1980s. When Mechthild and her husband discovered the house during a bicycle tour, it was in a state of severe disrepair. Nevertheless, they fell in love with the place and its unique location and decided to preserve the house. They documented the story of the renovation in two photo books; old shards and found objects still serve as reminders of the former inhabitants.
The renovation wasn't about simply making an old house beautiful, but about continuing its story. Many original elements, such as the timber framing, brickwork, tiled stove, and terrazzo floors, were preserved. Today, an open, modern living area on the ground floor meets cozy sleeping alcoves upstairs. It's a place for cooking together, enjoying leisurely breakfasts, reading, playing games, or simply spending a few days outdoors in nature.
Rooms + Rates
per night| Ganzes Haus | from190 € |
Characteristics
- Historic half-timbered house from the mid-19th century, originally inhabited by Elbe riverboatmen.
- Located directly on the Elbe dike with a wide view over meadows, poplar forest and the Elbe river in the Prignitz region.
- Host Mechthild Kränzlin lives right next door and is happy to greet guests personally.
- The Elbe Cycle Path runs right past the house – a perfect starting point for bike tours and hikes.
- Nature experiences in every season: nightingales and orioles in spring, migratory birds in autumn, ice floes in winter, sunrises and sunsets on the Elbe and a clear starry sky
- Well suited for families and small groups of friends
Sustainable
The preservation of the historic building fabric was the primary focus during the renovation of the listed Elbe Riverboatman's house. After the family acquired the house in 2013, numerous original elements were preserved and reused, including the timber framing, handmade bricks, the tiled stove, and terrazzo tiles. Existing items were also used in the furnishings: family heirlooms, finds from antique shops, flea markets, and even the trash lend the rooms their individual character. A particularly striking detail is the so-called "blender"—a wardrobe that, at first glance, resembles a writing desk. The entire renovation was carried out by local craftspeople. Wherever possible, existing materials were refurbished and reused. These were complemented by regional building materials such as clay plaster from a nearby quarry and timber for the timber framing sourced from the immediate vicinity.
Guests at the Old Elbe Boatman's House can cook for themselves in the well-equipped kitchen, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Herbs from the garden are available, and fresh eggs can be obtained directly from the neighbor. Food is used consciously, food waste is minimized, and vegetable scraps are composted. Nearby, regional producers offering game specialties, as well as seasonal dining options at partner establishments between May and October, invite guests to discover the region's culinary diversity.
The cleaning of the holiday home is carried out in partnership with a local company, thus supporting the local economy. Furthermore, host Mechthild volunteers with the Brandenburg Nature Watch and participates in various monitoring projects, including those for the breeding bird atlas and fire lilies. She is also a member of the local cultural association.
The accommodation's wastewater is treated in a fully biological wastewater treatment plant, which is why only carefully dosed and biodegradable cleaning agents are used. Laundry is dried outdoors whenever possible, rainwater is collected and used for drip irrigation of the raised beds, and waste is consistently separated. To help guests better understand the region's unique natural environment, extensive information and recommendations about the Elbe-Brandenburg Biosphere Reserve and the Green Belt are available.
Features
- Holiday home for up to 5 people on two levels
- 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, additional toilet
- Well-equipped open kitchen
- Tiled stove including firewood
- Garden with seating and fire bowl
- Parking space with wallbox including cable for electric cars on the premises
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