Daily life can be fast-paced in European cities but luckily, getting back to nature doesn’t have to mean trekking far. With a Funwater inflatable paddle board in your suitcase or on your back, you’ll find easy access to tranquil lakes, winding rivers and even picturesque coastlines.
Whether you’re in Paris, Berlin, Barcelona or Amsterdam, you’ll find some easily accessible weekend paddle boarding destinations with stunning views.
Berlin, Germany: Wannsee and Spreewald
Wannsee, a local favourite, is just 40 minutes away by light rail from Berlin. The calm waters are perfect for beginners and families, and there are plenty of green banks perfect for a post-paddle picnic.
Want a more adventurous adventure? Head to the Spreewald, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve just an hour away. The natural maze of canals and forests here is like a fairytale.
Paris, France: Fontainebleau and the Seine
Escape Paris for the forests and waters of Fontainebleau, where the Louvain River and its calm tributaries are ideal for a quiet paddle.
Want to be closer to the city? The Seine, especially in the less-traveled areas upstream or downstream, offers stunning countryside and castle scenery, and is just an hour's drive from the capital.
Barcelona, Spain: Costa Brava and Panta de So
Barcelona is home to beautiful beaches, and a short drive north to the Costa Brava, where hidden coves, clear turquoise waters and rocky cliffs make every paddleboarding trip memorable.
Prefer fresh water? Try Panta de So, a breathtaking reservoir where the village's steeples loom above the water.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Loosdrecht Splassen
Amsterdam's canals are beautiful, but can get crowded at times. For a weekend getaway, head 30 minutes southeast to Loosdrechtsplatsen, a group of lakes perfect for paddleboarding. There are clear waters, islands to moor, and even floating restaurants.
Milan, Italy: Lake Como
Lake Como, less than 90 minutes from Milan, is as charming as it gets in the movies. Paddle along the shores, taking in elegant villas, colorful towns, and stunning mountain views along the way.
For calmer waters, explore the northern end of the lake near Colico, where winds are low and boats are scarce.
Funwater's compact inflatable SUP boards can fit in a small car trunk or train, making them ideal for an Italian vacation.
London, England: The Thames (outside the city) and Cotswold Waterpark
The Thames, west of London near the towns of Oxford or Henley, is a SUP paradise with no tidal restrictions. Paddling here means gliding past historic villages, stone bridges, and riverside pubs.
Or, head to the Cotswold Water Park, a collection of more than 150 lakes less than two hours away, for the perfect weekend of outdoor fun.
With so many amazing paddleboarding destinations around major European cities, your next adventure could be this weekend. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or exploration, Funwater paddleboarding makes it easy to turn an ordinary Saturday into an extraordinary experience.