First-Time Captain
New to barge work
Don’t let the large boats intimidate you: the KUHNLE-TOURS fleet is fully equipped, making it easy even for beginners to maneuver them. Thanks to state-of-the-art joystick technology and bow and stern thrusters, docking is a breeze. This way, even those new to houseboats can fully enjoy their vacation!
First-Time Captain
New to barge work
Don’t let the large boats intimidate you: the KUHNLE-TOURS fleet is fully equipped, making it easy even for beginners to maneuver them. Thanks to state-of-the-art joystick technology and bow and stern thrusters, docking is a breeze. This way, even those new to houseboats can fully enjoy their vacation!
Péniche
Can I do that too?
Can I rent a houseboat without a boat license?
Yes, you can rent a houseboat from us even if you don’t have a boat license. You’ll find all the information and details here.
A houseboat is large
In fact, our largest Kormoran is 15 meters long and 4.35 meters wide, yet it’s easy to maneuver and, thanks to its bow thruster, exceptionally agile. A lock is about 40 meters long and 5 meters wide. You’ve parked your car in smaller spaces before, haven’t you? So don’t worry—just enjoy the size of this boat!
Are there many other boats on the water?
Compared to road traffic, there’s virtually no activity on the water. Almost everyone is moving at the same pace as you. And it’s not uncommon to find yourself alone on a quiet canal, in the company of a few gray herons and beavers.
Do you need to be able to navigate?
No. You’ll receive detailed maps on board. So it’s practically impossible to get lost on the waterways of Mecklenburg and Brandenburg, or in Berlin and Brandenburg. Anyone who can find their way on a regular road can manage just fine on board. In fact, it’s often easier because everything moves much more slowly on the water.
What if I don’t react quickly enough?
Take your time; everything moves much more slowly on a houseboat than you’re used to. You’re traveling at ten kilometers per hour, so you always have time to think. And if you need a little more time? Just stop.
I don’t know the rules of navigation on the water!
Fortunately, recreational boating predates bureaucracy: boating rules are generally based on logic and common sense, and are therefore straightforward. It’s also helpful to take a quick look at the sticker on the helm. It shows all the navigation signs and briefly explains their meanings.
A houseboat can also be small
Of course, a houseboat is smaller than a house. But you’ll be surprised by how much space there is on board. Almost anywhere you can stand, there are plenty of easily accessible cabinets, large beds, a foredeck, an aft deck, and places to retreat to—even when the boat is full.
Can I prepare for a houseboat vacation?
Of course! We recommend the Quick Maritim boat rental guide for beginners. This little book, created in collaboration with our instructors, will introduce you to the world of recreational boating in a fun way—for just €7.80.
Entry-Level Boats
Which boats are right for my boating vacation?
All of our houseboats are perfectly suited for beginner boaters, as they are easy to maneuver and specially designed for rental. Almost all of our houseboats are equipped with a hydraulic bow thruster (some also have a stern thruster and joystick steering), making them ideal for beginners, even those without a boat license. This allows you to choose your houseboat based on your preferences.
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Our Recommendations
Areas for Beginners
Join us for a houseboat vacation in Germany and Alsace-Lorraine. The best part? You can cruise without a license in all of these regions!
In the Mecklenburg Lake District, most waterways are accessible without a license thanks to a rental certificate (provided by KUHNLE-TOURS). Mecklenburg, with its many lakes and rivers, is therefore ideal for a first houseboat experience.
In France, too, explore nature and enjoy the freedom of a license-free houseboat cruise. From our rental base in Niderviller, near the French-German border, discover fascinating structures such as the Arzviller boat lift or the tunnels of the Rhine-Marne Canal, which are nearly 2 km long.