weekend trips from berlin

17 Fun Weekend Trips From Berlin

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Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Do

Berlin is wonderful, but it’s so different from the rest of Germany. Since there are many places to visit in Germany that deserve at least a few days, it’s worth planning one of these weekend trips from Berlin .

Include one of these weekend getaways from Berlin on your itinerary to see another part of the country and experience more of what Germany has to offer. Berlin has so many great things to do , but it can be quite rewarding to get a change of scenery.

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin has lots of great neighborhoods for you to stay in and explore. If you’re visiting Berlin for the first time, it might be best for you stay somewhere central.

Many of the attractions are in Mitte or easily connected to Mitte by Berlin’s public transport , so you should stay somewhere in that region. Here are a few hotels we recommend.

BUDGET: Circus Hostel Popular hostel with a bar/brewery downstairs

MIDRANGE: Circus Hotel Centrally located near restaurants & transport

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Centrally located, can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Luxury hotel where you can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

APARTMENT: Adina Apartment Hotel Kitchenette; near grocery stores, shopping, Museum Island

For a more detailed look at the different neighborhoods and our hotel recommendations, check out our guide to where to stay in Berlin .

Or read my full review of the 25Hours Hotel in Charlottenburg with fantastic views of the Zoo and Tiergarten.

What you'll find here

Best weekend trips from Berlin

Here are some of my favorite options for weekend trips from Berlin . Whether you’re looking for big cities, small towns, or nature escapes, there’s bound to be something here that works well for you.

Some of the destinations included here are also on my list of day trips from Berlin . I included them here as well either because there’s enough to do for more than one day, or the distance might be a bit far for a day trip for some people.

I also tried to stick to destinations that were no more than about 5 hours from Berlin because you don’t want to lose too much of your weekend in transit. Also, these can easily be done as weekend train trips from Berlin , so you don’t need a car.

>>Read: What to Wear & What to Pack for Germany: Ultimate Germany Travel Packing List

After Berlin, Hamburg is one of my favorite German cities. It’s one of my top choices for weekend trips in Germany, and it’s only about 2 hours from Berlin. If you don’t know much about the city, it’s very different from Berlin, and you can learn more from my article about Hamburg vs Berlin .

As a former Hanseatic League city and once a major international port, the architecture here is vastly different from cities like Berlin or Munich. It’s located between the North and Baltic seas, and Hamburg is Germany’s top cultural city.

Hamburg’s maritime history is an important part of its identity. The city was an important trade city with far-reaching trade routes across the globe and was a major port of departure for immigrants.

Today you can learn about this history in many places, including the UNESCO Speicherstadt region of the city where you can see the canals and warehouses that were once an important part of the shipping and trading. Speicherstadt is also one of Germany’s most famous landmarks .

For more about the maritime history and culture of Hamburg, visit the Speicherstadt Museum, the International Maritime Museum, and the Rickmer Rickmers ship museum.

One of my favorite things to do in Hamburg is Miniatur Wunderland – I’ve been there three times (update: now it’s four times!) and I’d happily go again! It’s a fantastic model railway museum with entire cities recreated in miniature with unbelievable detail.

It’s definitely a kid friendly activity, but adults will love it too. Book tickets ahead to avoid the long wait, and leave yourself several hours to really enjoy it.

Another great option for your weekend trip to Hamburg is the Elbphilharmonie, home to Hamburg’s philharmonic. This impressive building is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks , and it has a great viewing platform where you can get views of the city, even if you don’t see a show there.

The Beatles played in Hamburg in the early 1960s, and it was where the world started to really notice them. Visit Beatles Platz, a square that honors the band, and then wander through the Reuperbahn red light district to see some of the clubs where they played.

Hamburg boasts dozens of theaters and museums, and it’s known as a wonderful place for people who love shopping. There is never a shortage of fun things to do on a weekend trip.

Read more about what to do in Hamburg and how to get to Hamburg from Berlin .

Time from Berlin: 1 hour 43 minutes – 2 hours 6 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Where to stay in Hamburg

Here are my recommendations for hotels in Hamburg.

Book a tour for your weekend trip to Hamburg

If you’re only visiting Hamburg for a weekend, a tour can help you make the most of your time. Here are a few to check out.

• Guided Hamburg City Bike Tour
• Discover Hamburg Walking Tour
• Hamburg Harbor & Speicherstadt 1.5 Hour Cruise

Dresden’s location along the Elbe River, a couple hours south of Berlin, makes it one of Germany’s prettiest cities. If you plan a weekend here, you won’t be disappointed.

Wander through the Old Town to admire the stunning architecture. Don’t miss Brühl’s Terrace, a long promenade along the river where the old city ramparts were, which now makes for a nice stroll with views of the river and impressive buildings.

On your weekend trip from Berlin to Dresden, be sure to check out Frauenkirche, an important church that was badly damaged during World War II . Its restoration was one of the most impressive rebuilding projects in the world and used nearly 4,000 of the original stones.

At Zwinger Palace, an impressive 18th century Baroque palace, you’ll find an extensive art museum. The grounds surrounding the palace are just as gorgeous, featuring gardens, fountains, and statues.

Also worth seeing is the Dresden Castle, the Fürstenzug, the Semperoper, and the hip Neustadt area on the opposite side of the river from the Old Town. And if you happen to be in Dresden in December, check out the Striezelmarkt, the oldest Christmas market in the world.

With many more museums, palaces, and fun activities, you could easily spend a weekend in Dresden.

Read more about what to do in Dresden and how to get to Dresden from Berlin .

Time from Berlin: 1 hour 51 minutes – 2 hours 14 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus or FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Where to stay in Dresden

Here are some hotels in Dresden I recommend.

Book a tour for your weekend trip to Dresden

If you’re only visiting Dresden for a few days, a tour can help you make the most of your time. Here are a few to check out.

• Dresden Walking Tour
• Dresden: River 1.5 Hour Sightseeing Boat Cruise
• Dresden Combo Ticket: Semperoper & Old Town Tour

Leipzig is another city I love for a weekend getaway. Known for its rich cultural heritage, you could easily spend several days exploring here.

Start in the old town at the main square, Leipziger Markt, which houses the farmer’s market and the Old City Hall, one of Germany’s most beautiful Renaissance buildings. From here, wander through the charming old town and admire its well-preserved passages.

Leipzig has a lot of important historical connections to Bach and Martin Luther, among others. Check out St Thomas Church where Martin Luther was a preacher, and where Bach was a choirmaster two centuries later.

It’s also worth visiting Nikolaikirche, another church where Bach served as a choirmaster. Nikolaikirche was also an important part of the nonviolent protests that eventually helped bring an end to the East German communist rule.

Check out Volkerschlachtdenkmal, the Battle of the Nations Monument, which was built to honor the 100th Anniversary of Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig in 1813. This impressive monument is also the largest war memorial in Europe.

Read more about things to do in Leipzig and how to get to Leipzig from Berlin .

Time from Berlin: 1 hour 12 minutes – 1 hour 21 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus or FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Where to stay in Leipzig

Here are some hotels we recommend for an overnight trip from Berlin to Leipzig.

Book a tour for your weekend getaway to Leipzig

If you’re looking for a nature weekend escape from Berlin, the Spreewald forest is a wonderful choice. There are several towns in this forest region, but one of the more popular ones is Lübbenau, which is about an hour from Berlin.

It is a quiet town filled with meadows and waterways. A popular means of transportation here is the punt, a flat-bottomed boat, and you can take a guided punt tour of the town.

Explore the historic town center and see the Lübbenau Castle. You can also visit the Spreewald Museum to learn more about the history of this area, which is a protected biosphere reserve.

The Spreewald is also known for pickles, so be sure to try a few while visiting Lübbenau. I even had Schnitzel with pickles on it for dinner while we were there.

A trip here gives you a glimpse at the gorgeous nature in the region and a change of scenery from the big city. Since it’s also a popular day trip destination, things close early and the town is pretty sleepy even early in the evening.

But if you want a couple of days in nature for hiking, boating, and cycling, you might want to go to bed early anyway.

There are other towns in the Spreewald, but if you’re spending a weekend here, this is your best option for finding hotels and restaurants.

Read more about what to do in the Spreewald with details about how to get to Lübbenau.

Time from Berlin: 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 24 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus for prices and schedules

Where to stay in Spreewald Lübbenau

Here are some suggestions for hotels in Lübbenau in the Spreewald. And in case you were wondering, Hotel Mini Übernachten im Gurkenfass is a quirky budget option where you can stay in a giant pickle barrel.

Saxon Switzerland National Park

For another option to spend a weekend enjoying some stunning nature, travel south from Berlin to Saxon Switzerland National Park. This is one of Germany’s 16 national parks, and it covers an area of 274 square miles.

If you’re looking for nature getaways from Berlin, look no further. You can easily spend a few days exploring the park on foot or rent a bike to experience untamed beauty.

Bad Schandau is on of the easiest towns to travel to by train from Berlin and use as a base for hiking in the park. From here you can take the Kirnitzschtalbahn (Kirnitzschtal Tramway) up into the forest to explore.

For an easy hike, I recommend getting out at the Kirnitzschtal Beuthenfall stop and hiking south along the trail near the stop until you get to the gorgeous Bloßstock rocks.

If you’re an avid hiker, check out Basteibrücke, one of the most beautiful natural bridges in Germany.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 19 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus for prices and schedules

Known for its stunning historic architecture, Görlitz is possible to visit as a day trip from Berlin, but it’s really worth visiting for a full weekend.

It’s located in eastern Germany on the border with Poland, and it’s easy to walk to the town of Zgorzelec on the Polish side. The two towns were actually one until after WWII.

This city is home to several filming locations for movies such as Inglorious Basterds, The Book Thief, and The Reader. The Grand Budapest Hotel was also shot in one of Görlitz’s top shopping malls.

The town wasn’t damaged during WWII, and film makers love Görlitz because its well preserved buildings make for amazing scenery.

This means it’s a gorgeous city to wander though. Admire the city hall building, the centuries-old churches, and the quaint cobbled streets.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 39 minutes using Deutsche Bahn

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Quedlinburg

We recently spent a weekend in this cute town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it really does ooze charm. It’s one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany and features beautiful cobbled streets and rustic timber-framed houses.

To explore the town’s historic architecture, explore the old town and check out the Schloss Quedlinburg (Quedlinburg Castle) and Church of St. Servatius. Also pay a visit to Marktkirche St. Benedikti, which houses artworks and an ancient Gothic alter of St. Mary.

You should also stop by Fachwerkmuseum in Ständerbau. Built around 1310, this ancient half-timbered house is one of the oldest in Germany.

And don’t miss the gorgeous ivy-covered Rathaus (town hall) building in the Marktplatz. It’s definitely picture worthy.

If you like views from high points, you’ll have plenty of choices here. We enjoyed the view from the castle and also climbed 120 stairs to the top of the Sternkiekerturm.

For more nostalgia, take a ride on the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen, a historical steam engine train that is said to be one of the most scenic railway journeys in the country.

Read more about things to do in Quedlinburg including how to get there and more.

Time from Berlin: 3 to 4 hours; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus or FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Where to stay in Quedlinburg

Check out these recommendations for hotels in Quedlinburg. Keep in mind that summer prices can be much higher than off season prices.

If you are interested in learning about the Hanseatic League, this is the place to visit. It is home to the European Hansemuseum, which is focused on telling stories of piracy, trade boycotts and the likes via its fascinating exhibitions.

Lübeck features rich brick Gothic architecture filled with idyllic courtyards and lots of maritime attractions. It really is a beautiful city to spend a weekend in.

Explore the old town and its pedestrian-friendly streets. Soak up the city’s charm while taking a stroll through the town center.

Check out the old city gates. If you’re coming in from the train station, you’ll see the famous Holstentor Gate. On the north side of the old town, the Burgtor Gate is also impressive.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 46 minutes – 3 hours 13 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus for prices and schedules

Located in North Germany, Rostock is a fantastic tourist hub that boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in Germany. It’s a favorite among beach lovers, especially if you still want a bit of an urban atmosphere for your weekend beach trip.

In the Rostock old town, admire the medieval gates and historical buildings. Check out Saint Mary’s Church and the Cultural History Museum, where you will be astounded by their intricate architecture.

For a wonderful shopping and dining experience, visit Am Strom Promenade and the Kröpeliner Straße.

It’s easy to have a relaxing weekend here, and you can also combine a trip to Rostock with nearby Warnemünde.

Time from Berlin: 2-3 hours; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus for prices and schedules

Located on the Baltic Sea, this seaside town makes for a great weekend trip from Berlin. It’s best known for its historic lighthouse and teapot house, but once you’ve had a quick glance, keep wandering to experience more of the town.

Visitors typically enjoy strolling along the seaside promenade and enjoying refreshing drinks in the beer gardens. Be sure to try some of the delicious local food.

Since Warnemünde is on the sea, you can also spend your whole weekend on the beautiful beach soaking up the sun. Warnemünde is also an easy town to combine with Rostock.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 25 minutes – 3 hours 30 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus for prices and schedules

Stralsund is another wonderful Hanseatic city on the Baltic coast north of Berlin. The old town is a lovely place to wander and admire the red brick Gothic architecture.

During your weekend in Stralsund, you can visit museums such as the Stralsund Museum and Stralsund in Miniature, or you can visit the aquarium. Another great attraction is the Gorch Foch, a historic ship with a museum inside.

There are also several gorgeous churches in Stralsund, and you can check out a few remaining old city gates and sections of the old city walls. Stralsund is also a popular base for beach trips.

Time from Berlin: 3 to 5 hours; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Located in northern Germany, Bremen was another important city in the Hanseatic League. It’s a beautiful city and a wonderful place to spend a weekend, especially if you want to visit a city not as many tourists go to.

Take a stroll through the old town admiring the Market Square, Roland statue, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Rathaus (town hall). Both the Roland statue and the Rathaus are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

You’ll also find many shops, restaurants, and museums in the old town. This is a great area to soak up the culture and learn about the city’s history.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 50 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes using Deutsche Bahn

Rügen is an island in northern Germany that’s popular for beach trips and spending time in nature. You can stay in a resort town like Binz, or opt for even smaller places where you can camp or be closer to hiking trails.

I highly recommend visiting Jasmund National Park in the northeast section of the island. There are several hiking trails, and the dramatic white cliffs are worth the effort to get there.

Sellin is another cute town worth visiting to see its famous pier. You can take a steam train here from Binz and stop off at various places along the way, including one stop that is close to the Jagdschloss Granitz, a hunting castle with a view.

Overall Rügen is the perfect weekend getaway for those of you who are looking for some nature close to the sea.

Time from Berlin: 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes using Deutsche Bahn

Nuremberg/Nürnberg

Nuremberg (Nürnberg in German) is an interesting city to visit in Bavaria, and it’s only a few hours southwest of Berlin.

The city is packed with WWII history. Nuremberg was an important city for Nazi rallies, and a visit to the Dokumentation will teach you about the city’s dark history.

You should also visit the Nuremberg Palace of Justice. This is the location where the famous Nuremberg Trials took place when Nazi war criminals were prosecuted.

Wander through the old town to admire the half-timbered buildings. Check out the Hauptmarkt (main square), St Lorenz Church, and the Frauenkirche church. These gorgeous icons are a must for a trip to Nuremberg.

Don’t miss the Nuremberg Castle and climb the castle tower for for views of Nuremberg from above. The castle sustained quite a lot of damage during WWII, but luckily has been restored.

You’ll find some delicious local specialties here, like the famous Nuremberg sausages. Try them in a bun or with a side of sauerkraut.

And if you happen to be in Nuremberg in December, the old town hosts one of the most well known Christmas markets in Germany.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes using Deutsche Bahn

Lüneburg flies under the radar a bit, but it’s a charming and beautiful city. It’s located a little south of Hamburg, so it’s not hard to reach from Berlin.

The medieval town center has red brick Gothic buildings that actually lean a bit due to many years of salt mining. Lüneburg is home to the German Salt Museum, where you can learn about the history and importance of salt mining here.

Explore the Am Sande market square, where you will enjoy sights of gabled houses and the merchant hub of the city. Here you’ll also find the well-preserved Rathaus (town hall) which was spared from war damage.

Be sure to make a stop at the Water Tower and the Stintmarkt, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink from the numerous pubs, bars and beer gardens. Lüneburg is a university town and actually has the second highest density of bars in all of Europe!

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 25 minutes to 3 hours using Deutsche Bahn

Berlin is actually not too far from the Polish border, so if you want to spend a weekend in another country, Poznan is a great choice. We’ve escaped to this small city several times, and I’d definitely go back again.

Check out the market square in the center of the old town. It’s lined with colorful buildings, and in the square itself, you’ll find different fountains and statues.

The Old Town Hall building is also located here. Get there by noon, and you can watch the mechanical goats pop out, dance, and butt heads.

Another great place to visit is Citadel Park. This urban park is home to the Museum of Armaments and the Army Museum.

For something a little quirky, visit the Croissant Museum. Poznan and the surrounding region is known for a version of the croissant called a St. Martin’s croissant, and you can learn about them – and taste one – at this museum.

Poznan is such a cute town for a stroll. Be sure to try some local Polish food while you’re there. Perogi and bigos are both fantastic, and finish off your meal with a shot of Polish vodka.

Time from Berlin: 3 to 4 hours; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Another fantastic city to visit for a weekend outside of Germany is Prague. Not only is it one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit, but it’s a reasonable distance from Berlin to go for a weekend, or if you’re trying to decide where to go after Berlin.

Start in the charming old town. The Old Town Square (Staromestska namesti) is where you find the iconic picture of the town with the Church of Our Lady of St Tyn across from the Astronomical Tower.

Check out Charles Bridge, a pedestrian-only bridge that crosses the Vltava River. This gorgeous bridge can be quite crowded in high season, but if you can manage to get up early, there will be fewer people.

Castle Hill is where you’ll find the Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral. This is an impressive area to explore.

Prague is home to several quirky creations from David Cerny, such as a pair of bronze statues in the courtyard of the Kafka center. They’re peeing into a pool in the shape of the Czech Republic.

Do you like views? Go to the top of Petrin Hill using the funicular, and then climb up the stairs if you want the view from the tower looks like a mini Eiffel Tower.

Prague is also a great place for a food tour or craft beer tour. We’ve taken the this food tour in Prague and definitely recommend it.

Read my guide on How to Get From Berlin to Prague: Train and Bus Options or my guide on How to Get from Prague to Berlin: Train and Bus Options .

Time from Berlin: 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Book a tour for your trip to Berlin

• Third Reich Berlin Walking Tour – Hitler and WWII
• Berlin TV Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip, and hopefully this list of weekend trips from Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

Related Posts

What to do in Berlin on Monday: 25+ Museums & More

What to do in Berlin on Sunday: 15+ Ideas

Best Berlin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

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The top 6 weekend city trips from Berlin

If you’re looking to whisk yourself away on holiday but find it hard to fit anything into a busy schedule, there are a number of incredible city trips from Berlin that can easily fit into a weekend.

Ranging from one-hour train journeys to four-hour road trips, the following destinations were the most popular from Berlin, according to global travellers.*

Neuruppin, Germany

Known as the birthplace of poet and writer, Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin is a lovely little town with Prussian roots found about 60km northwest of Berlin. It sits on the shores of Ruppiner See, a lake backed a natural reserve of rolling, forest-covered hills known as the Ruppiner Schweiz. There’s swimming, sailing and canoeing available on the water, or hiking and cycling in surrounding forest and canyons if you prefer adventures on dry land; follow the 14km-long promenade around the swan-dotted lake and keep your eyes peeled for a wellness resort on its shores called Mark Brandenburg & Fontane Therme – spend the night here to make the most of the resort's mineral-rich waters, saunas and steam rooms galore. And before you leave Neuruppin, check out the old East German Trabi standing on an old metal mast in the middle of a field just outside of town – intended as a place for local storks to lay their eggs, it's become an eccentric but somewhat charming attraction.

Lübbenau, Germany

The town of Lübbenau is famous for its pickles, exporting thousands of this briny Brandenburg treat each year. But it’s also a gateway to the Spreewald Biosphere Resever, making it a popular day trip destination from Berlin. It’s fairly touristy but well-worth the hour-and-a-half drive from the capital, thanks to dense surrounding birch and pine woodland, a network of canals for punting and the potential for peaceful bike rides through the trees. You can hop on a punt tour ranging from two to nine hours, or hire your own bicycle, kayak or canoe to explore the landscape of meadows and meandering waterways yourself. Check into Hotel Ebusch , the highest-rated accommodation in Lübbenau.

Dresden, Germany

Despite being utterly devastated during Allied bomb raids in 1945, Dresden is still one of Germany’s most culturally and architecturally exciting cities. Many of its baroque palaces, churches and magnificent monuments like the Semperoper (opera house of the Sächsische Staatsoper Dresden) have been rebuilt. While in the Neustadt (which – confusingly – is older than the Altstadt because the bombings honed in on the city centre), you’ll discover an alternative scene of craft beer, cafés with industrial, poured concrete floors, graffiti murals adorning the buildings around Alaunstrasse and hybrid venues like Katy’s Garage, where you can grab a drink, a meal, catch a film or a gig and more. Book a night or two at Strohhutmanufaktur , where apartments feature exposed brick walls and carved wood and velvet sofas.

Rostock, Germany

Standing on the coast facing the Baltic Sea, the 800-year-old Hanseatic City of Rostock makes for a refreshing break from Berlin. Especially when combined with a stroll into the neighbouring fishing village of Warnemünde, where the River Warnow meets the sparkling sea and the skyline is defined by a lighthouse, a solitary Gothic church steeple and a collection of fishermen’s cottages. After a walk along the village’s pale sandy beach and past boats bobbing quayside in the harbour (Alter Strom), head back to the beautiful main square, Neuer Markt, in Rostock itself. Grab a beer and a pretzel from a cafe and relax while admiring the gabled, Renaissance-era merchants’ houses and monuments like the red brick, Gothic church of Marienkirche. Stay at Stadtperle Rostock , an art nouveau-style villa hotel in the centre of the city.

Prague, Czech Republic

If you fancy more of an adventure, just hop on the train or in the car and a few hours later, you’ll find yourself in Prague . The Czech capital is something of a pilgrimage for beer-lovers, with breweries, beer halls and beer gardens like the gorgeous Biergarten Letna-Schlösschen. Perched atop a hill above the Old Town and the Vltava River – with its grand, medieval stone bridges – this beloved watering hole is great for fueling up with snacks of klobása (a type of sausage) washed down with Czech beer. But Prague is much more than delicious beer. It has hilltop fortresses, hidden gardens and fine food featuring spicy sausages, hearty soups and a lot of sauerkraut, as well as historic cafés with vaulted ceilings that have been frequented by famous figures like Franz Kafka. Check into Hotel Clement , just across the Vltava River from Biergarten Letna-Schlösschen.

Poznań, Poland

The magic of Poznań is that it possesses all the beauty and history of Krakow but without nearly as many tourists. First things first, head to the cobbled main square. Like the rest of the Old Town, it’s marked by incredibly photogenic architecture; note the narrow gabled houses with a colonnade containing shops and cafés beneath. And the 16th-century town hall, a fantastical Renaissance creation known for its clock display of mechanical goats, who appear through a pair of small doors to butt horns every day at noon. For added culture, Poznań’s Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski) is just a half-hour walk from the Old Town and is home to a number of museums and churches. And along the waterfront of the city’s Warta River, you'll find pop-ups like urban beaches and bars during the warmer months. Stay in a stylish, spacious and central Poznań apartment at Projekt Piekary .

**The analysts at Booking.com used internal data to find the most-booked destinations within a certain radius of Berlin. This was done three times for three distance options, with the radii determined by average transportation times.

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• The Best Weekend Getaways From...

The Best Weekend Getaways from Berlin

If you feel you’ve been in Berlin too long and you’re tired of walking up and down the same familiar streets every day, or riding your habitual bike path, it might be time to plan your great escape. There are plenty of accessible destinations just a train ride away. Sometimes just being on a train might do the trick, but other times we need some fresh reboot time, with a day or two to see and do something new. Luckily for Berlin locals, there are plenty of great places just an hour or two away from this culturally wild city. We’ve narrowed down the list to some of our very favorite destinations.

1. sächsische schweiz (saxon switzerland).

Don’t be fooled by the name, this heavenly abode is one of Germany’s most beautiful natural landscapes and does not belong to Switzerland. Saxon Switzerland is a national park that shares the border with the Czech Republic. Here you can go hiking for days on end and still only see a small portion of this grand park. In the summer you can go wild camping, what the region calls Boofen , which means camping without a tent in the rocks. They also have designated camping grounds for the less adventurous camper. The landscape in Saxon Switzerland will truly change your perspective of what you used to think was the German landscape. In each small town, close to the Elbe, there are also plenty of bed and breakfasts for the light and easy traveler. From Berlin, it’s a three-hour drive, or about 4.5 hours by train. A beautiful location all year round.

Elbe sandstone mountains | © Momonator / Pixabay

You can easily get to Dresden by train or bus for as little as five euros (or so they claim), but you can find bus tickets for sure for around 12 euros fairly easily. Even though most of the city was destroyed during WWII, there are still plenty of historical sites that have either been rebuilt or have survived the bombing raids . There are plenty of museums to visit, great graffiti to check out, surviving squats, and, of course, bars and restaurants. Discovering Dresden is an authentic way to get to know Germany outside of the multicultural city of Berlin. Dresden might be your best weekend getaway trip this year.

They’ve been saying Leipzig is the next Berlin just as long as they’ve been saying Lisbon is the next Berlin, or Wedding is the new Neukölln, but there must be something to it, or else why would they be saying it, right? You can get from Berlin to Leipzig in a little over two hours by bus, for sometimes as little as 7 euros. Rumors have been flying around for years that rent is cheap, and that there are plenty of empty and abandoned studios and buildings and a booming art scene in this little city. There are lots of cafés, bars, parties , and students looking to set up their own studio or art space. However, they say, the population is the biggest it’s ever been since before the War, but it’s still a great place for a weekend getaway so you can check it out for yourself.

Szczecin, Poland

A train ride to Szczecin, Poland can cost anywhere from 20-30 euros and is an easy Berlin escape plan. If you need a break from Germany as a whole, here is your easiest and best destination. You can still get by with your German since it is a border city, but you can enjoy the pleasure of being in a new culture and cuisine . If you thought Berlin was cheap, well, there are parts of Eastern Europe that are even cheaper. Many come here for the duty-free alcohol and cigarettes, but we think there is plenty more to Szczecin than that.

If you are looking for an opportunity to take out your camera and capture the perfect setting, Spreewald is a great option for you. Spreewald is made up of many towns that are tied together one after the next. You can start in Burg, enjoy the canals, and have a picnic with whomever you have chosen to spend some little getaway time. You can go kayaking one day, and hiking the next day. Bring your bikes along if you’re keen on exploring the groovy bike trails. You may see other tourists along the way, but that shouldn’t deter you from having a relaxing time. You should check out their motor-free boat tours. There is also an option to order your own private tour, which gives you the freedom to choose your locations and destinations around the peaceful green-scene waters.

The Baltic Sea is an affordable 48-hour escape. There will always be something charming and soothing about simply sitting and watching the calmness of the sea. You can visit the harbor to watch the sailboats and then take a walk around Ahrenshoop which is a well-known artist colony, with galleries and ongoing exhibitions. Another well-known artist colony is in Schwaan. Don’t forget to enjoy the fresh smoked fish, and Baerenfang for dessert (a honey-based liquor, yum).

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5 Great Weekend Trips from Berlin: Unmissable Nearby Destinations

March 10, 2024

Berlin, with its vibrant cultural scene and dynamic urban life, is a hub for those looking to immerse in modern German history and contemporary entertainment. That said, the city’s accessibility to a plethora of distinct surrounding areas offers the perfect opportunity for weekend exploration. Whether you’re an expat residing in the metropolis, a student on a semester abroad, or a visitor looking to capitalize on your stay, short trips from Berlin can significantly enhance your experience.

We have the luxury of choosing from serene nature escapes, seaside resorts, and towns steeped in historical significance, all within a few hours’ journey. The diverse array of destinations ensures there’s something to suit every preference, whether it’s hiking through the rugged landscapes of Saxon Switzerland National Park, diving into the cultural offerings at Dresden, or unwinding by the picturesque beaches of the Baltic Sea. Each location promises a unique glimpse into the regions that together stitch the fabric of Germany’s identity.

Key Takeaways

• We can venture from Berlin to a variety of destinations, suitable for different interests.
• Short trips offer the chance to enjoy natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and historic sites.
• A weekend away provides a refreshing contrast to the energy of Berlin’s city life.

Cultural Escapades in Dresden

When we consider Dresden for a weekend getaway from Berlin, we’re met with an array of artistic and historical treasures. The city offers an enriching experience with its renowned art collections, Baroque architecture, and significant museums along the banks of the Elbe River.

Exploring the Art and Architecture

Dresden has long been celebrated for its architectural wonders and rich artistic heritage. At the heart of this is the Semperoper , an opera house designed by Gottfried Semper, a pinnacle of 19th-century architecture renowned for its sumptuous interior and grand acoustic quality. Just a short walk away, the Zwinger , a Rococo palace, embodies Dresden’s commitment to artistic and cultural display, with gardens and galleries that house numerous masterpieces.

Our journey into Dresden’s architecture would be incomplete without mentioning the Frauenkirche , a symbol of resilience and rebirth. This Lutheran church, with its distinctive dome, was destroyed in World War II and later meticulously reconstructed. It’s not only an architectural marvel but also a testament to Dresden’s Renaissance spirit.

Dresden’s Historical Museums

Dresden’s museums give us a deep dive into not only regional but also European history and art. Dresden Castle , one of the oldest buildings in Dresden, houses a complex of museums such as the Historic Green Vault and the Numismatic Cabinet, giving us insights into the grandeur of past Electors and Kings of Saxony.

Additionally, a visit to the Dresden Transport Museum or the museums housed within the Zwinger provides a comprehensive look into the scientific, artistic, and cultural achievements that shaped modern Germany. From Renaissance artworks to insights into the evolution of transportation, Dresden’s museums cater to a wide array of interests, making our day trip from Berlin both enlightening and memorable.

During this culturally rich exploration, Dresden’s array of bars and restaurants offer us culinary delights that complement the artistic and historic experiences. A train ride from Berlin to Dresden, which typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, allows us to traverse contemporary landscapes and arrive ready to immerse ourselves in the cultural offerings these museums provide.

Beach and Relaxation at the Baltic Sea

For those of us seeking a serene escape by the water, the Baltic Sea offers charming destinations perfect for a weekend getaway. With pristine beaches and historical towns, it provides a blend of relaxation and culture.

Warnemünde: The Seaside Resort

Warnemünde is an idyllic seaside resort where we can indulge in the soft sands of its wide beach. The resort town is famed for its Warnemünde Lighthouse and the Teepott , an iconic building with a curved roof. Here’s how we can optimize our weekend at Warnemünde:

• Beach Time : Bask in the sun and enjoy water activities in the Baltic Sea.
• Spa Services : Relax with a variety of spa services available in the local hotels.

The promenade is lined with retailers and eateries, making it easy to sample local cuisine and shop for souvenirs.

Maritime Charm in Rostock

Just a short distance from Warnemünde, Rostock resonates with maritime history and Hanseatic architecture. Here’s what makes it special:

• Old Town : Wander through the Old Town Square and marvel at the historic cityscape.
• Bars and Restaurants : Experience northern Germany’s hospitality in cozy bars and restaurants.

Rostock’s blend of cultural landmarks and seaside amenities makes it a perfect balance for our weekend.

Our time at the Baltic Sea is an ideal way to combine leisure with the atmospheric charm of northern Germany’s towns. Whether we’re lounging on the beach at Warnemünde or exploring the Hanseatic heritage of Rostock, a weekend by the sea is certainly rejuvenating.

Adventure in Saxon Switzerland National Park

We discover the tranquil beauty and rugged terrain of Saxon Switzerland National Park, a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated just a short journey from Berlin, this park offers stunning views of the Elbe River and an array of trails and camping spots.

Hiking the Bastei Bridge Trails

The Bastei Bridge stands as an iconic landmark within the park, offering a series of well-marked hiking trails. Here’s how we can maximize our hiking experience:

• Route Selection : Choose from various trails that range from easy to challenging, based on our fitness level.
• Scenic Views : The bridge provides a panoramic vista of the Elbe River and the surrounding sandstone formations.
• Historical Context : This area is steeped in history, and we can admire the remnants of Neurathen Castle, near the bridge.

Camping Amidst Nature

Embracing the park’s natural beauty overnight is an experience unlike any other. Our camping adventure includes:

• Camping Locations : Find designated spots or choose a campsite for a more structured stay.
• Proximity to Landmarks : Many campsites are conveniently located near major attractions, such as the Königstein Fortress and the border with the Czech Republic.
• Respecting Nature : We must follow park rules to preserve its pristine condition.

Remember, Saxon Switzerland is not just for hiking and camping; it’s a weekend trip that refreshes our spirit with the majesty of parks and the legacy of time-tested fortresses.

Historic Journeys in Brandenburg and Potsdam

We’re exploring the wealth of history that Brandenburg and Potsdam offer. We uncover the opulent palaces and charming towns that stand as testaments to Germany’s past.

Walking Through Potsdam’s Palaces

Potsdam is a UNESCO World Heritage site, noted for its remarkable ensemble of palaces and parks. The crown jewel is Sanssouci, a Baroque palace constructed for Frederick the Great. Sanssouci Palace , reflecting the personal influence of the king, signals a preference for the intimate over the immense, setting it apart from other European royal structures. When visiting, we can stroll through the exquisite gardens, which evoke an 18th-century ambiance, making it a perfect weekend trip back in time.

• Sanssouci Palace : Open year-round, ticket prices vary.
• New Palace : Showcasing grand Baroque architecture.
• Orangery Palace : Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, complete with an exotic plant collection.

Potsdam’s historic district also features the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) , which is a striking landmark worth our attention, with its impressive architecture and prominent location on the Old Market Square (Alter Markt).

Discovering Brandenburg’s Towns

Moving beyond Potsdam, Brandenburg’s towns are steeped in history. We find Cottbus , with its remarkable Altstadt, offering a glimpse into traditional German culture. Its well-preserved town hall stands as a beautiful example of classic architecture that has withstood the ages.

For those of us interested in medieval history, the industrial heritage of Rüdersdorf is unmissable. Quarries and old factories are historically significant, making it an unconventional yet fascinating weekend destination. Moreover, towns like Schwaan and Ahrenshoop further showcase Brandenburg’s artistic and natural beauty, and they can be tranquil rural escapes. These towns often provide serene waterfronts and captivating galleries.

• Cottbus Town Hall : Visit the heart of Cottbus.
• Rüdersdorf Museum Park : Explore industrial history.
• Ahrenshoop Art Studios : Experience art in a coastal setting.

Brandenburg’s history also includes darker chapters, such as the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, which is now a memorial. While this aspect has a profound impact on our understanding of historical events, it’s essential to approach with respect and reflection.

Exploring the Outdoors in Spreewald

In Spreewald, we’re treated to a unique blend of natural beauty and leisurely adventure. Known as the “Venice of the North,” its extensive network of canals offers an immersive way to appreciate the picturesque countryside, while nearby Rüdersdorf combines natural splendor with historical intrigue.

Canoeing through Lübbenau Canals

As we paddle through the tranquil waterways of Lübbenau, the sound of our canoes slicing through the clear waters pairs with the gentle rustle of leaves. This experience isn’t just serene—it allows us to appreciate why Spreewald’s canals are likened to the famed waterways of Venice. While kayaking, we often pause to savor the region’s famous pickles—crisp, tangy, and bursting with flavor, straight from the local farmers’ markets.

• Paddle Route : Choose from numerous marked trails.
• Rental Options : Kayaks and canoes are available for hire.
• Must-Try : Local pickles, available at canal-side stands.

Rüdersdorf: Nature and History

A bit further afield lies Rüdersdorf, a place where history and the outdoors converge. Here, we find the Museumspark Rüdersdorf, a unique open-air museum detailing the area’s limestone mining heritage, surrounded by lush nature perfect for a leisurely weekend trip. For those of us who enjoy cycling, the region’s well-maintained trails offer another way to take in the scenic views and discover Germany’s rich cultural tapestry.

• Trails : Extensive networks for both cycling and walking.
• Historical Sites : Explore the limestone quarries and historical buildings.
• Accessibility : Easily reached from Cottbus or Berlin, ideal for a weekend trip.

International Excursions

When we consider stepping out of Germany for the weekend, our gaze often turns towards our neighbours. With the allure of new cultures and landscapes within a few hours’ reach, Berlin serves as an excellent launchpad for international excursions. Whether it’s a brief foray into Poland or a full Bohemian weekend in the Czech Republic, these getaways promise enriching experiences steeped in history and vibrant local scenes.

Day Trip to Szczecin, Poland

Just a short jump over the border from Germany, Szczecin is a hidden gem within Poland’s roster of cities. Known for its Gothic and baroque architectural marvels, visitors can immerse in a tranquil yet culturally rich milieu. A must-visit is the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle , a historical highlight standing proudly in the city. For culinary explorers, the local restaurants and bars present an opportunity to savor authentic Polish cuisine.

• Distance from Berlin : Approx. 150 kilometers
• Travel Time : About 2 hours by car or train
• Key Attractions : Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, Philharmonic, Chrobry Embankment
• Culinary Stops : Traditional Polish restaurants and bars

Weekend in Prague: A Bohemian Experience

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic , enchants visitors with its well-preserved Old Town Square , the iconic Charles Bridge , and the historical Prague Castle complex . We can roam through cobblestone streets under the watch of towering spires, or perhaps catch the chime of the Astronomical Clock . The city’s numerous beer gardens and a craft beer tour are wonderful options for those keen on sampling the Czech’s storied brewing heritage.

• Distance from Berlin : Approximately 350 kilometers
• Travel Time : Roughly 4 hours by train or bus
• Cultural Insights : Gothic architecture, bohemian art, and historic sites
• Leisurely Stops : Beer gardens, craft beer tours, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle

By turning our sights to Berlin’s surrounding countries, we’re privy to an array of remarkable cultures and histories just a weekend away.

Exploring Urban Life and Culture in Hamburg

As we turn our attention to the bustling city of Hamburg for an unforgettable weekend trip, let’s immerse ourselves in its vibrant urban life and rich cultural tapestry. From music and nightlife to maritime traditions, Hamburg offers an array of experiences that captivate and entertain.

Musical Landmarks and Nightlife

In Hamburg, music echoes through the streets and fills the night with energy. Elbphilharmonie , the city’s crowning glory, isn’t just an architectural marvel but also a hotspot for outstanding acoustics and global performances. Attending a concert here should be high on our list. As the day fades, Hamburg’s nightlife warms up with an eclectic mix of bars and venues. We can explore a range of sounds and scenes, from live music performances to the thrum of electronica. Craft beer aficionados will also find solace in the city’s burgeoning scene, with local bars serving up both traditional German brews and innovative new flavors.

• Famous Venues : Elbphilharmonie
• Nightlife : Variety of bars with live music and craft beer options

Maritime Adventures at the Harbor

Our maritime journey in Hamburg is not to be missed. The harbor, one of the largest ports in Europe, offers fascinating sights of massive container ships and historical vessels. A visit to the International Maritime Museum provides us with a deep dive into seafaring heritage and oceanic conquests. Meanwhile, a harbor tour grants an up-close perspective of the port’s bustling activity. And no maritime excursion in Hamburg would be complete without sampling the local seafood at riverside restaurants, where the catch of the day comes in fresh off the boats.

• Maritime Attractions : International Maritime Museum, harbor tours
• Dining by the Water : Fresh seafood at harbor-side restaurants

In Hamburg, the nexus of tradition and modernity, our weekend unfolds as we navigate through historical gates and wander past the iconic City Hall – the ‘city of seven spires’.

Leisure and Gastronomy in Northern Cities

When we plan weekend trips from Berlin, the northern cities of Lübeck and Leipzig stand out as havens for leisure and gastronomy. These destinations offer a perfect blend of historical landmarks, such as the iconic Holstentor in Lübeck and Gothic structures in Leipzig, alongside a thriving culinary and craft beer scene that promises a full sensory immersion.

Culinary Delights in Lübeck

Lübeck, renowned for its stunning Holstentor and the enchanting Marienkirche, also presents a feast for the taste buds. Restaurants in Lübeck specialize in North German cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood and a wide selection of marzipan desserts—a nod to the city’s sweet heritage.

• Must-Try Dish : The Lübecker Rotspon, a local wine with a unique taste.
• Food Tour : Immerse yourself in the culinary landscape with a guided food tour through Lübeck’s historic streets.

Eating in Lübeck is not just about traditional dishes; modern eateries offer innovative twists on classics, ensuring every meal is a delightful experience.

Gothic Architecture and Craft Beer in Leipzig

Leipzig intrigues us with its Gothic architecture, such as the Thomaskirche, and its vibrant craft beer scene. Bars and breweries in Leipzig take pride in their artisanal approach, providing us with an extensive selection of beers that are as rich in flavor as the city’s history.

• Popular Bar : Try unique brews at some of Leipzig’s popular bars, which also offer cozy settings for a relaxing evening.
• Free Walking Tours : Engage in free walking tours that can often include glimpses into Leipzig’s beer culture, often ending with a refreshing pint at a local establishment.

Whether we’re exploring ancient churches or savoring a cold craft beer, Leipzig ensures a memorable weekend trip with its fascinating blend of old and new.

Frequently Asked Questions

In planning weekend excursions from Berlin, we receive numerous inquiries about destinations. Here, we address the most common questions, guiding you to make the most of your limited time for travel.

What are some budget-friendly weekend destinations near Berlin?

If you’re looking for cost-effective weekend trips, consider stays at places like the Circus Hotel, which offers a central location without breaking the bank. Apartment options such as Adina Apartment Hotel provide kitchenettes, allowing savings on dining out by preparing your own meals.

Which nature retreats are easily accessible from Berlin for a weekend trip?

Saxon Switzerland National Park, though not in Switzerland, is a prime nature escape within Germany. Easily accessible for a weekend adventure, it boasts remarkable landscapes ideal for hiking and reconnecting with the outdoors.

Can you suggest some countries close to Berlin that are perfect for a short getaway?

Cities in neighboring countries such as Prague in Czechia and Warsaw in Poland can be reached relatively quickly for a weekend trip. These locales offer different cultures and historical experiences just a short journey from Berlin.

What cities near Berlin are ideal for a day trip by train?

Munich, albeit a longer train ride, can be an exciting day trip if you start early. Closer destinations for day trips by train include Potsdam, with its palaces and gardens, and Leipzig, known for its cultural vibrancy.

How can someone maximize a weekend trip departing from Berlin?

To make the most of a weekend getaway, start your journey early on Friday or after work hours to capitalize on the full weekend. Select destinations with direct train connectivity or short flight duration and plan a concise itinerary focusing on key attractions.

What are the best historical cities to visit near Berlin for a weekend?

Munich stands out for its rich history and cultural treasures, encapsulating Bavaria’s past. Similarly, Dresden, which is closer, showcases architectural wonders and historical significance, making it an ideal weekend trip for history enthusiasts.

15 Coolest Day Trips from Berlin in 2024

Who else is guilty of making the same New Years Resolutions every year? My resolutions come down to just a few things in essence: try to like running, consume less cheese, and finally become a grown-up. The fact that none of these things seem to ever happen is somehow reassuring (#foreveryoung).

This year I did try another resolution though: travel more within Germany .

For the past three years I’ve been feasting on this European buffet of fantastic countries, going to every place I had ever imagined. I’ve hit the big ones: France, Spain, Italy, England. I’ve hit some smaller ones too: Croatia, Denmark, Czech Republic. But the number of cities I’ve been to in Germany? I could count those on one lonely hand.

Luckily for anyone coming to Berlin and perusing this list, I didn’t get too ambitious with my Germany travel and instead have a bunch of amazing day trips from Berlin – most of which are within 2-3 hours of the city where you can go to unwind and take a break from the pervasive smell of Döner kebap.

You’ll find both Berlin excursions that get you into nature, as well as cities close to Berlin you can just enjoy for a different pace. I absolutely recommend adding a few day trips to your Berlin itinerary .

Are you sold? Let’s get started.

Best Berlin day trips

The easiest way to reach all of these places is by renting a car. Driving in Germany is much more straightforward than a lot of other European countries.

If you’re able to drive in Germany, I highly recommend DiscoverCars as someone who takes a lot of road trips in Europe.

Without further ado, here are the absolute best Berlin day trips I personally recommend, based on my experience living in the city for nearly 7 years.

1. Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace (The Versailles of Germany)

• Distance: 36 kilometers (22 miles)
• Travel time: 1 hour each way
• Reach by: Tour or public transit

Potsdam is a posh town right outside of Berlin, charming and worth strolling through, however the main draw is undoubtedly the Schloss Sanssouci (Sanssouci Palace).

If you’ve been to Versailles during a trip to Paris, you might notice some similarities right away. Sanssouci has large, dedicated gardens, as well as smaller buildings along the grounds that you can go up into. The interior isn’t as vast, but the design of the palace rooms is just as elaborate and showy.

A stop in Potsdam and Sanssouci is easily the most popular Berlin day trip for first-time visitors to the city, and for a good reason. It’s beautiful, affordable, and easy to reach.

Especially if you’ve been to Versailles you’ll appreciate when I say this: comparatively few tourists visit Sanssouci. You don’t have to push your way through to see everything or fight people for a photo. Instead, it’s possible to just walk through, do some reading, and learn some history!

That said, buying tickets in advance is highly recommend during the high Summer tourism season to avoid waiting in a long line. Tips on that below.

How to reach Potsdam from Berlin

To reach Potsdam, take the S-Bahn (S7) to the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (Postdam Main Station). Directly in front of the stations are busses that will connect you to the palace.

But as with most historical areas, it can be 10x more interesting when you have someone to explain the history to you. Personally, I’m so much more likely to actually remember things from a tour as opposed to passively reading signs inside the palace. This particular Potsdam + Sanssouci tour includes an English-speaking guide, tickets to the palace, and 1,000+ positive reviews.

2. Harz Mountains

• Distance: 239 kilometers to Wernigerode (142 miles)
• Travel time: 2.5 hours each way
• Reach by: Car

Germany’s Harz Mountains is a stunning forest region located 2.5-3 hours west of Berlin. Here you’ll find some of the best-preserved medieval towns in the entire country. But if you love nature, then waterfalls, forest hikes, traditional German food, and blissfully poor cell phone reception all await you in Harz .

But there’s something even more incredible about Harz you might not expect…

The absolute lack of foreign tourists. German travelers flock to Harz to get a taste of traditional Germany, see famous locations from Goethe’s Faust , and to fulfill the stereotype of being obsessed with hiking.

But apart from a healthy dose of Danes, Harz has completely flown under the international tourism radar. Which is a little surprising given how Instagram-worthy its towns full of Fachwerkhäuser (half-timbered houses) are.

Take, for example, a look at this sinister-looking Rathaus (town hall) in Wernigerode .

We spent an entire week in Harz and still ran out of time to do everything. In a leisurely day trip, you could definitely make it to Wernigerode to see the town hall (above), hike to the castle (first photo), and visit a traditional brewery. If you wake up early with a car, you could probably also add Goslar and Quedlinburg to your trip and visit all three major in a super packed day.

Read my dedicated Harz Mountains guide for details on the Harz National Park, the best towns to visit, where to stay in Harz, and how to extend your trip for a week or weekend.

The Harz Mountains in Germany are a gorgeous highland area famous for forests, medieval towns, and witches of yore. Find out the best things to in Harz in this detailed travel guide.

How to get to Harz from Berlin

It’s best and fastest to get to Harz by car, which will shave 45 minutes off your arrival and departure trips. Plus, trains and busses in this region leave infrequently so this gives you much more flexibility.

It is possible to reach some of the main towns in Harz like Wernigerode , Goslar , and Quedlinburg by train in roughly 3 hours.

3. Saxon Switzerland

• Distance: 230 kilometers (142 miles)
• Travel time: 3 hours each way

Saxon Switzerland is a stunning national park and hilly region near the Elbe Valley, located about 230 kilometers southeast of Berlin. It’s one of the most beautiful places in East Germany, especially overlooking the Bastion Bridge ( Basteibrücke , shown above).

From Saxon Switzerland, you can also get sweeping views of the River Elbe . The most popular things to do in Saxon Switzerland include hiking, climbing, cycling, and visiting rock formations and vantage points beloved by landscape photographers. Perfect for either a single day or a weekend escape.

If you want to experience nature in Germany and take a break from the city, this is the best day trip from Berlin I can recommend to you. Here’s how to get there from Berlin.

How to reach Saxon Switzerland from Berlin

Reaching Saxon Switzerland from Berlin takes about 3 hours of travel each way, and is best done by car. Again, my recommended car rental company for Europe roadtrips is DiscoverCars .

Since Saxon Switzerland is a popular day trip for Berlin locals (especially during school holidays and weekends) visit during the week when possible.

4. Spreewald

• Distance: 100 kilometers (62 miles)
• Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Reach by: Car or train

Spreewald is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve located just 100 kilometers outside of Berlin in the state of Brandenburg. It features over 200 canals you can navigate by kayak, canoe, or a traditional punting boat (called Spreewaldkahn ) for a total of 276 kilometers.

Besides being able to paddle around, you’ll also get a glimpse into the traditional Sorbian village of Lehde . This region was originally settled by the Sorbs and Wends, who came here over 1,400 years ago from the Carpathian mountains. In fact, the word “Berlin” originally comes from the Slavic word for “swamp”!

Spreewald is a gorgeous day trip from Berlin in any season, but Summer and Autumn are especially beautiful. It’s also a great example of local tourism, as you’ll find very few other foreigners here.

How to reach Spreewald from Berlin

The most efficient way to reach Spreewald from Berlin is by renting a car. Again, DiscoverCars is my go-to. Otherwise, it is possible to reach Spreewald by train from Berlin by disembarking at the Lübbenau/Spreewald stop.

Read my dedicated guide to Spreewald, Germany for more details on visiting this gorgeous forest in Brandenburg, and things to do in the area.

• Distance: 55 kilometers (34 miles)
• Travel time: 1 hour by car or train

Are you into so-called “Dark Tourism”? Beelitz is a former Sanatorium, now completely dilapidated and overgrown with trees. Today, you can walk through the canopy on a treetop walk, called the Beelitz Baumkronenpfad (“Beelitz Canopy Path”).

Some say the hospital ruins are haunted, and when you take a tour through the parts of it that are still accessible, you might get an idea why. It was originally built to treat tuberculosis patients en mass , before being repurposed as a military hospital to treat Nazis during World War II and Soviet soldiers until the 1990s. You can go inside some parts of the former hospital today on a guided tour:

Most famously, some World War II-era scenes from The Pianist were shot at Beelitz. It was also featured in a Rammstein music video. If you like visiting abandoned places and learning about their history — or just think the treetop walk looks awesome — make your way to Beelitz.

How to reach Beelitz Sanatorium

The easiest way to reach Beelitz is by car, and takes just one hour of driving. There’s a lot of parking at Beelitz, as the Sanatorium and Treetop Walk has been converted into a proper attraction with tours (including in English) and food stalls. Car is how we reached Beelitz ourselves.

It’s also possible to reach Beelitz by train, as there is a train station right at Beelitz-Heilstätten . From Alexanderplatz, it takes about 1 hour to get there.

• Distance: 190 kilometers (118 miles)
• Travel time: 90 minutes by express train, 2.5 hours by car
• Best reached by: Car or train, but bus is also possible

Looking for an off-beat city trip? Leipzig is your answer. Just a 90-minute train ride from Berlin, and you’re in a place that the New York Times won’t stop calling “The New Berlin”.

As someone who used to live in Leipzig, I disagree. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a great city.

Leipzig is hip, it’s cheap, and it’s a little bit like what Berlin must’ve been like 15-20 years ago. Leipzig used to be one of the biggest cities in East Germany before the wall came down, but saw a mass exodus of people when the country was reunited. That’s why real estate prices are low, there are a lot of abandoned buildings, and the city has struggled to recover to its former glory.

That said, Leipzig has a lot to offer in a small, concentrated package, so it makes for a wonderful Berlin day trip.

What makes Leipzig unique? Leipzig, in some ways, is like a time capsule. Although the city is modernizing, demolishing, and rebuilding, the city’s architecture is distinctly East German. Combine that with the youth and university culture, Leipzig is a place where you can have a good time on little money without having to go far.

Best things to do in Leipzig

Of course I have to turn this into a blog post at some point, but here’s a quick rundown of the things I would say are essential for having a city trip in Leipzig.

• Visit the Christmas market – Leipzig has one of the most charming Christmas markets I’ve ever visited, and it happens right in the middle of the car-free city center.
• Go for a walk through Clara-Zetkin Park – If you look on a map, you might be shocked to see exactly what the relative size of this park is to the rest of the city. In the summer, people gather on the Sachsenbrücke to drink beer al fresco and create live music.
• Check if you’re in town for the Bier Börse , an annual beer festival. You’ll get to try a variety of German beers (and beers from the Czech Republic, Belgium, pretty much anywhere in Europe that’s known for beer).
• Take a walk through the city center and absorb the main sights : Augustusplatz, Leipzig Opera, Thomaskirche (where Bach is NOT buried, but they say he is). There’s a local brewery near the Thomaskirche which always has a different seasonal beer on tap.
• Spend an afternoon in trendy Plagwitz, a neighborhood west of the center. Here you’ll find the Baumwollespinnerei , a former textile factory turned into art exhibits. There’s a lovely beer garden, as well as an fabulous art store (where only university students and “unknowing tourists” can shop), great for gifts.
• Visit the Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of Nations), which is pictured above. It celebrates the fact that Napoleon was defeated at Leipzig in a big way. Fun fact: This is where the Backstreet Boys performed when they visited Leipzig.
• Go for a beer my favorite beer garden in all of Germany : Substanz in Reudnitz, the district best known for student life. The best time to go is when the beer garden is open from late Spring through early Autumn. If you can’t make it, there’s still the piano bar. The burgers are divine.

Restaurant recommendation in the city center: Imperii

How to reach Leipzig from Berlin

There’s a train between the two cities that runs every hour between main stations – you can decide between a fast train and a slow train. 1 hour 45 minutes). These trains are possible to book directly in the station, although you will save some money by booking in advance. Booking the same day means the trip costs about 50 EUR, and in advance can bring it down to half that.

Besides trains, you can take a bus between Berlin and Leipzig , which will run you between 10-20 EUR. The most comfortable option of all would be booking the express train (ICE) far enough in advance.

7. Bad Muskau

• Distance: 163 kilometers (101 miles)
• Travel time: 2 hours by car

Bad Muskau is home to the Muskau Park, officially called the Fürst-Pückler-Park Bad Muskau . It’s one Central Europe’s largest and most famous gardens. This town is right on the border to Poland if you want to easily add another country to your own personal count. The Muskau Park was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004.

Today you can go to the Museum, walk around the gardens, go to the cafe, and have a picnic. Bad Muskau is just down the street from Kromlau Park (listed below) so if you’re going to one, it makes sense to combine them for a day trip.

How to reach Bad Muskau

Drive southeast from Berlin for about 2 hours along the A13 and then the A15. You’ll basically follow the signs to Cottbus for most of the way, and will drive right through Spreewald as you do. Trying to do this trip by train would take 12+ hours, so if you want to see this area, coming by car is virtually your only option.

8. Germany’s Devil’s Bridge in Kromlau

Kromlau is a small town on the border between Germany and Poland, and Kromlauer Park is a hidden gem, visited by a very small number of foreign tourists.

This 200-acre park is home to the Rakotzbrücke, also called Germany’s Devil’s Bridge for the legend behind it that the devil helped build it in exchange for the first living soul to cross it once completed. In Autumn, this park is absolutely breathtaking, although lacking a lot of the flowers and ponds that would otherwise be there in Spring.

What makes Kromlau unique? It’s not a city, it’s not on any major tourism website – it’s a local sanctuary that few find out about. If you want to see something in Germany that few others have, Kromlau is waiting for you!

How to reach Germany’s Devil’s Bridge from Berlin

The trip can be a half-day trip if you’re going by car, but will most likely require a full day if you’re going to take public transit. By car, you’ll start driving towards Dresden, and then towards Cottbus as soon as you see signs for it. By public transit, you’ll take the train to Cottbus and then transfer to an old steam train to make it into Kromlau.

This legendary bridge in Saxony, Germany will make you feel like you've fallen into a fairytale. It's one of those places where it's just as magical in photos as it is in real life.

• Distance: 26 kilometers (16 miles)
• Travel time: 50 minutes
• Reach by: Car or S-Bahn

Wannsee has a dark history behind it, but nonetheless is a beautiful area to visit from Berlin. Nowadays, people mostly come to Wannsee to visit the lake, which is one of the most popular sandy beaches surrounding the city. On a hot day it can get crowded, but there’s plenty of beer and beach food to keep you comfortable.

Wannsee is most famous for being the site of the Wannsee Conference, where senior Nazi officials met to plan the Final Solution to the “Jewish Question”. The location of this meeting, the Wannsee Villa, has been converted into a free exhibition where you can read real clipping from the newspapers and internal documents alike, demonstrating how the Jews were targeted and blamed for Germany’s problems. Honestly it’s unsettling to be in the same building where this happened, but seeing the original words of the people involved is eye-opening nonetheless.

What makes Wannsee unique? I’d say the fact that you can have a really balance day of learning about history, and then relaxing on the lake. Neither has to be a full-day activity, so there’s some real variety to this day trip.

Quick tips for visiting Wannsee:

• The Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz (House of the Wannsee Conference) is a free exhibit, where you’ll pass through several rooms, all overlooking the beautiful Wannsee .
• Another villa, the Liebermann Villa , hosts artist Max Libermann’s paintings of his home and garden. Unlike the Wannsee villa, it is not free to enter.
• Pfaueninsel is a nearby nature reserve, which tops numerous other lists of best day trips from Berlin. I went last Summer and it was a really nice trip to enjoy some of the nature around Berlin.

Pfaueninsel, as it's called in German, is home to a charming Prussian castle and only a short S-bahn ride outside of Berlin. Here are things to do on Pfaueninsel and how to get here!

How to reach Wannsee

You’ll take the S-Bahn S1 line, which passes through major stations throughout Berlin such as Potsdamer Platz, Brandenburger Tor, and Friedrichstraße. The S7 line is also an option, which passes through Alexanderplatz, Hackescher Markt, and Hauptbahnhof (Berlin main station).

10. Britzer Garten (in Spring)

• Distance: 12 kilometers (7.4 miles)
• Travel time: 45-60 minutes

Germans love nature, and nature loves the Germans – nowhere is it clearer than Britzer Garten, a large park featuring a lake, rose, tulip, and dahlia gardens, a functioning windmill, and a Liebesinsel (Love Island). Both dogs and bicycles are banned in this park, so it’s guaranteed to be peaceful. There’s a cafe overlooking the lake, as well as convenient spot for ice cream.

Come here if you’re looking for an early taste of Spring – when everything else is still waking up from their winter’s sleep, the cherry blossoms at Britzer Garten are already showing off how pretty they are.

You don't have to go to Japan to experience cherry blossom season. Berlin has over two kilometers of cherry blossoms waiting to be wandered through, admired, and photographed! Here are the best places in Berlin to enjoy cherry blossoms.

When we came to Britzer Garten, we packed for a picnic and ate right across from the Love Island. Everything was fine and dandy until a swan decided he wanted to share our meal! I pretty much thought he was going to fight us, but somehow we managed to defend our food.

What makes Britzer Garten unique? Like Kromlauer Park, Britzer Garten is a place enjoyed mostly by locals who are looking for some time out of the city. You’re unlikely to get stuck behind hoards of tourists trying to snap an identical photo – you can just come here to wind down in the middle of a busy tour through Germany.

How to get to Britzer Garten. You can take the U6 U-Bahn south in the direction of Alt-Mariendorf. From there, transfer to the 179 Bus towards Gerlinger Str. and disembark at Sangerhauser Weg. A short walk (6 min, 550 meter) down the same road and you’re there!

11. Müggelsee

• Distance: 21 kilometers (13 miles)
• Travel time: 50 minutes by S-bahn from Alexanderplatz
• Reach by: S-bahn

Berlin is surrounded by countless lakes, and if you come in Summer on a weekend, you’ll see the public transit full of people who are clearly heading for a day at the beach. Müggelsee is one of the most popular lakes in Berlin, given its shallow waters make it one of the warmer options. You can bring your family or set up solo. There are some snacks available at the lake (for a premium) or bring your own food and drinks.

How to get to Müggelsee. The easiest way to get to Müggelsee is to take the S-bahn (S3) to Köpenick and then ride your bicycle around the lake. Otherwise at Köpenick you can connect to a bus that will take you closer to the lake. All in all the trip takes between 50-80 minutes depending on where you’re starting in the city.

12. Wittenberg

• Distance: 112 kilometers (69 miles)
• Travel time: 90 minutes by car, 1 hour 40 minutes by train

If you learned about the Protestant Reformation in school, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Wittenberg’s most famous resident: Martin Luther. It was in Wittenberg that he nailed the 95 theses to the door of the church, and if you come here you can see the exact door that he nailed it on.

The city isn’t huge but you can come by and explore some small shops, get an ice cream, and give yourself a small historical tour. Near the church there is also a museum about Martin Luther and the protestant reformation.

How to get to Wittenberg

You can simply book a train directly from Berlin to Wittenberg, or opt for renting a car if you prefer. You can book a train on the Deutsche Bahn English website .

• Distance: 349 kilometers (216 miles)
• Travel time: 4 hours by car, 4.5 hours by train

It’s arguably a stretch to call Prague a day trip, but if you really want to see Prague from Berlin it’s doable. You need to get up early, and you need to come back late, but it can be done! I’ve done it as a day trip from Leipzig before.

Plus, the Czech Republic is probably the easiest of all the countries near Berlin, Germany to visit.

Prague may be one of the most popular cities with tourists coming to Europe and it’s no surprise why – the architecture is beautiful, the prices are still rather low, and there is a ton of things to do in this historic city.

How to reach Prague from Berlin

In the interest of time, the best way to get here is by car. It’s also possible to take a train which will add an hour on to your travel time, or even to take a six hour bus. At six hours I would argue it’s easier (and probably costs just as much) to take a plane!

14. Hamburg

• Distance: 289 kilometers (179 miles)
• Travel time: 2 hours by express train, 4 hours by car

I’ve only been to Hamburg once in the dead of Winter and it was cold and dreadful. But in the Summer, Hamburg is known to be one of the prettiest cities to visit in Germany. It’s a port town, with nautical vibes up and down. You can take a walk along the sea, participate in its famous nightclub scene, or infamous Reeperbahn.

How to get to Hamburg. Trains run regularly from Berlin to Hamburg, so you’ll have no issue booking one with Deutsche Bahn. If you prefer you can also go by bus via Flixbus, but it will take much longer.

15. Dresden

• Distance: 193 kilometers (119 miles)
• Travel time: 2 hours 25 minutes by car or train

I have to admit – I’ve never been to Dresden! I’ve always wanted to go but never quite made the time. Which is a shame because it’s so close to Berlin and is meant to be very beautiful. You can spend a weekend here and enjoy the history of the city, which came under heavy fire during the second world war. Today you can visit the reconstructed version of Dresden’s most famous sight, the Frauenkirche (Church of our Dear Lady).

How to get to Dresden. Similarly to Hamburg, there are plenty of regular trains at your disposal as well as bus service. Dresden is close to Saxon Switzerland so if you’d like, you can combine these trips into one.

Have you ever been to these cities and towns outside of Berlin?

What’s your favorite daytrip you’ve even taken outside of a major city? For me, Kromlau is my absolute favorite out of Berlin (although Leipzig might contend if I were truly a first-time visitor). Versailles was also cool, but way too crowded! Let me know what your favorites are in the comments!

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About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 15 Best Day Trips from Berlin

15 Best Day Trips from Berlin

Berlin is a cosmopolitan, hipster-cool capital, with historic sites and modern attractions in equal measure. Here lies the Berlin Wall, with its epic street art; here stand some of the most exclusive and elusive clubs in Europe; here is World War II history in the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie; here is modern art and spectacular art galleries.

Berlin is a great place to spend some time on a European adventure, if you’re looking for a place with diverse appeal, great food and epic nightlife.

But if you want to explore further afield, then there’s plenty to do in its surrounds as well.

Here are fifteen fantastic day trips that you should make from the German capital.

1. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

A visit to Sachsenhausen is certainly a worthwhile, if sobering, addition to your Berlin itinerary.

The closest camp to the capital, at Sachsenhausen you can take a tour of the premises, and learn more about the horrific reality of life at a Nazi concentration camp.

It might leave you feeling sad rather than uplifted, but this day trip certainly provides a worthwhile history lesson, and the poignant memorial displays are well worth a visit.

‘Arbeit macht frei’ (work will set you free) still hangs imposingly above the entrance.

Just a short hop from Berlin lies pretty Potsdam, with its intriguing Dutch Quarter, the Russian-influenced Alexandrovka, and the main attraction: Sanssouci palace.

The city as a whole is beautiful, but the palace really takes the biscuit, with its beautiful Chinese teahouse, extensive gardens, and the New Palace in pride of place.

Sanssouci certainly gives the Palace of Versailles in France a run for its money.

Spend as much time as possible wandering round and soaking up the atmosphere, before heading back on a coach to Berlin.

Just two hours from Berlin sits the pretty riverside city of Dresden.

Theatres, castles, and beautiful buildings a-plenty characterise this southwest German gem.

Take some time to stroll through the main squares – Theaterplatz and Schlossplatz – and cross the Augustus Bridge to get a view out along the river.

A visit to the Old Town won’t go amiss, either: don’t neglect to visit the old market square and the new market.

Dresden is eminently walkable, so make sure you’ve grabbed your comfiest trainers for this fantastic day trip.

4. Lehnitz Sea

From Tegel, you can take a boat trip all the way out to Lehnitz Sea, passing through the calm waters of Berlin’s surrounds.

You’ll float on down through the Tegel Sea, the Oberhavel and pass through the Lehnitz Lock on the Oder-Havel Canal.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as you explore Berlin’s extensive waterways, finally getting a glimpse of Friedrichsthal and Malz at the trip’s furthest point before making your way back to the capital.

It’s a great choice if you need a break: the calm waters of the canals will soothe your soul.

5. Rüdersdorf

By boat, you can make it all the way to Rüdersdorf from Berlin in a day – a great chance to explore its famous Museum Park.

En route you could also choose to stop off at the cute historic towns of Köpenick and Friedrichshagen, whose rustic buildings and laid back pace of life are sure to appeal.

The riverside journey is a fantastic way to discover more of rural Germany, from the extensive waterways of the Müggelsee to the quaint habitations that fringe the water.

Get your camera out and keep it handy, for you’ll certainly want to get snap-happy on this cruise.

Wannsee often finds itself a spot on lists of best day trips from Berlin, and it’s easy to see why.

The largest European inland beach is ever-popular among tourists and locals alike, and sometimes it can be hard to find yourself a spot to lay your towel.

Even still, it’s a great day trip – especially in summer when you can soak up the sunshine, swim and simply relax.

Insider tip: just a little distance from Wannsee is the quieter spot of Kladow.

Just hop on a ferry and you’ll escape the crowds but still score the benefits of the sandy-shored lakes and tranquil grasslands.

Under two hours by train from the capital, if you feel like a change of scenery but don’t want to stray beyond the city life, perhaps Hamburg is a good option for you.

It’s very different from Berlin, as a port city, but it’s got more than enough to field an entertaining trip out from the capital.

Hamburg certainly has atmosphere to be soaked up as you meander among the boats tied up in the harbour, or explore the famous fish market.

The UNESCO World Heritage status earned by Germany’s second-largest city in 2015 is well-deserved.

And, for something more thrilling, you can check out Heide Park to experience the twists and turns of its rollercoasters – both wooden and steel.

Saxony’s largest city is surprisingly cool: more chilled out and much cheaper than the capital, it has begun to attract Germany’s young creatives, and this certainly shows.

The Altstadt (old town) is well worth a look round, with its impressive Saxon architecture.

Leipzig also holds a lot of cultural appeal in its museum offerings: with options from Bach to fine art, most will be able to find something to tempt them.

There are also lots of great restaurants in the city, and some excellent street art.

9. Pfaueninsel

Pfaueninsel, or Peacock Island, provides something a little different for a diverting day trip.

Just 1.5km in length, and a mere 0.5km wide, Peacock Island makes for easy exploration, yet it still provides plenty to do.

Spend time marvelling at its historic buildings such as the Kavaliershaus, and of course, pointing out the island’s many peacocks.

Peacock Island Castle is another key draw, built in the late 18th century by Frederick William II. It’s amazing how much is packed into this tiny stretch of land.

10. Spreewald

This picturesque forest is a real steal of a day trip – you’ll likely encounter more locals than tourists among the trees.

There’s hardly a better place to get back to nature so close to Berlin, and Spreewald has trails a-plenty for walking, cycling and exploring by water.

Hiring kayaks is a fun, unusual option for discovering the UNESCO-protected nature reserve, if you feel like a change from endless wandering by foot.

Stop off at the lagoon village of Lehde, or the cute fishing village of Leipe, for a peek at rural German life at its most peaceful.

11. Tropical islands resort

A strange concept for a resort, perhaps, but Tropical Islands is a fantastic place to spend the day with the family, once you’ve exhausted all the manifold cultural attractions around the capital.

Make this a day to relax, and splash about in the largest indoor pool in Europe.

Housed inside an old aircraft hangar, the Tropical Islands resort has plenty to keep kids and adults alike occupied for the day – waterfalls, lagoons and a tempting array of waterslides.

12. Wandlitzsee

The lido in Wandlitzsee is a bit of a hidden spot – but it’s so close to Berlin that you wouldn’t believe it.

It’s certainly a relaxing place to spend a day out: simply pack a picnic and soak in the tranquillity of the lakeside area.

If you feel like doing something more active, there are rowing boats available for hire, and of course there are plenty of swimming options – as well as diving boards if that floats your boat.

There are different areas to set up camp, so if you’d prefer a bit more of an escape, you can head further round the lake for more peace and quiet.

13. Brandenburg an der Havel

Brandenburg an der Havel is just the thing for outdoor lovers, with its lakes, nature and myriad walkable attractions.

The town centre is worth having a look around, and for a thrilling ride visitors should hop on the small tram that hurtles around the streets.

Check out the old market square, marvel at the stilted constructions on the riverside – and if you’re still looking for things to do, then browse the local wine shop, Belmondo.

Take yourself up to the highest point of the city for spectacular views of greenery interspersed with red roofs peeking through.

14. Saxon Switzerland National Park

On the fringes of the Elbe River lies Saxon Switzerland National Park – a popular spot for German locals, but lesser known by the tourist masses.

Densely forested paths trickle throughout the park, but one of the key highlights of the place is the Bastei Bridge.

Crafted among the limestone pillars that the park is famous for, the bridge forms an imposing and impressive mark on the landscape.

There are great views from the bridge itself, too: panoramic vistas of the tree-carpeted Elbe Valley.

15. Devil’s Bridge

As the name might suggest, the Devil’s bridge (Rackotzbrücke in German) is another place where the main attraction is a bridge.

Arching attractively over the water, if you see it from just the right spot in calm waters you can get a great picture of a perfectly circular reflection – and in autumn, the red and gold of the trees show the place in a gorgeous backdrop.

It’s housed in the Azalea and Rhododendron park, was commissioned in 1860 – and has been delighting visitors ever since.

15 Best Day Trips from Berlin:

• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
• Lehnitz Sea
• Pfaueninsel
• Tropical islands resort
• Wandlitzsee
• Brandenburg an der Havel
• Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Devil’s Bridge

Escape the city: Weekend trips from Berlin

Need to get out of the city for a bit? Here are some places you should know about.

Berlin has a lot to offer, but sometimes you just need a break from the breakneck pace of urban life, and an afternoon at the park or by the water isn’t always enough. 

🛥 BVG ferries: Berlin public transport by water

🛤 the best excursions from berlin with the €49 ticket, 🫐 foraging in berlin: a seasonal guide.

Luckily, the area surrounding the city provides plenty of opportunities for day trips and weekend getaways, whether you’re looking to unwind in nature or experience local culture. So sit back, relax, and read over our list of insider tips for where to spend your next minibreak. You’re worth it!

Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve 

North of the city lies what some Berliners consider the region’s equivalent to Yellowstone National Park in the U.S.: The Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve. Virtually untouched, the more than 300 acre area is home to murky marshlands, deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, and vast forests that take up about half of the reserve. One of them is known as the age-old Buchenwald Grumsin – a certified world heritage site.  

To see this one of a kind natural landscape for yourself, we recommend taking a bike. If you split the journey between two days, not only does it reduce your travel time to roughly two hours a day, but it also gives you the opportunity to spend the night in Biesenthal and admire the beautiful Biesenthaler Becken – another scenic natural landscape.

Donkey day trips

Want a furry friend to come with you on your hike? Those looking to tour the beautiful Schorfeide-Chorin reserve have the chance to take along some unlikely companions on their trip: Donkeys. Though they’re known for being unpredictably stubborn, they make for good company on long hikes – and not just because they can carry your bags. 

• Donkey hiking tours details . 

Bike tour through Naturpark Hoher Fläming

In addition to beautiful castles such as Schmerwitz and Wiesburg, Naturpark Hoher Fläming boasts a 20km international art hiking trail. It also surrounds the resort town Bad Belzig, where visitors can take a relaxing dip in a thermal salt bath or a tour of the 13th-century mediaeval castle Eisenhardt. It’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway.

Our recommended bike route will lead you right through the town, with a travel time of two and a half hours on the first day and three and a half hours on the second. At the half-way point in Werder (Havel), there are plenty of hotels and inns to spend the night at, including the lovely Pension zum Birnbaum. 

Snacking and backpacking through Bad Saarow

Pack your swimsuit, but leave your snacks at home, because the rich natural landscape is home to beautiful forests and lakes as well as some of the tastiest cheese, crackers, and fresh bread in the region. Here’s a possible itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Coming from Bad Saarow, pack for a picnic with goodies from farm shop Marienhöhe before hiking the path through forests and fields to the outskirts of Storkow. A slice of desert in the middle of a pine forest, the Waltersberge inland dune rises about 36 metres high amongst the trees of the Kiefernwald. End the first leg of your trip with a dip in the Greater Storkower Lake.

The second leg of the trip is a hike from Wendisch Rietz along the chain of lakes to the South. With plenty of bathing spots and lots of shade from the Kiefernwald, this route is especially good for a midsummer getaway. 

Wander from the Greater Glubigsee to the Springsee, then head South through villages and meadows until you reach the sandy beaches of the Godnasee. Head back North via the Grubensee with its cosy campsite. While the nearby Melangsee isn’t swimmable, the Southern tip of the Springsee is a popular destination for a refreshing dip. 

• Bad-Saarow – Wendisch Rietz – Godnasee Day 1: Route 23km (along the 66-lake hiking trail). Arrival: RE1 + RE 35 to Bad Saarow; Day 2: 26km. Arrival: regular bus connections Bad Saarow – Wendisch Rietz.

Prignitz: Reserve and spa

Combine immersion in nature with some good old-fashioned pampering in Prignitz, whether you’re on a day trip or a full-on minibreak.

This massive nature reserve is home to vibrant flora and fauna of a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and species. Fire-bellied toads, otters, beavers, storks, white-tailed eagles, geese, cranes, swans, and more all call this luscious landscape home – and you can watch livestreams of faculty nurturing their young at the visitor’s centre. Spend the night in a spacious room with a view at the lovely castle-hotel Rühstädt.

• Visitor’s Centre Rühstädt Neuhausstr. 9, Rühstädt, details .
• Schlosshotel Rühstädt Am Schloss 3, Rühstädt, details .

On the second day of your trip, treat your mind and body to a spa day in Kristalltherme Bad Wilsnack. Enjoy relaxing thermal baths with up to 12% salt content, hamam, salt steam baths, and different types of saunas from eucalyptus to hay. The half-covered, 32-degree salt lake (24% salt content) is also perfect for floating under the sun and letting all your worries drift away.

• Kristalltherme Bad Wilsnack Am Kähling 1, Bad Wilsnack, details .

Glamping in Biohof Ihlow

Want to enjoy the beauty of nature without all the hassle of camping? Surrounded by the meadows, fields, and pretty ponds in Märkische Schweiz, Biohof Ihlow is a little slice of paradise. 

With a cafe restaurant serving fresh organic foods and a farm shop stocked with regional products, you can spend days in this idyllic plot of farmland, whether you opt to stay in a contemporary yet cosy cabin or you want to camp in a tent fit for a king. Either way, you’ll be able to take in some refreshing country air and beautiful natural landscapes in comfort and style. 

• Biohof Ihlow Ihlower Ring 14, details .

Family field trip to Gut Tornow

A few days at an ecofarm with a friendly innkeeper-family, surrounded by nature and cute barnyard animals? Sounds like the perfect family minibreak! Take field trips by bike or by horse (just remember to be back in time for an evening barbecue) and spend the night in a quaint vacation house on the property. There’s also a park with a huge vegetable garden and plenty of fruit trees to explore! 

• Gut Tornow Tornower Str. 24, Wusterhausen/Dosse, details . 

Kayaking through the Spreewald

Whether just for two hours or a whole week, Bootshaus am Leinweber offers kayak tours through the Spreewald. Not only will you be able to immerse yourself in the vibrant wilderness, you’ll also be able to take along a picnic basket courtesy of the Bootshaus. The route also leads past plenty of restaurants to choose from should you need a pause from all the paddling. 

• Bootshaus am Leinweber Hauptstr. 1, 03096 Burg (Spreewald), details . 

Regal respite at Castle Boitzenburg

Between Lychen and Prenzlau lies the former seat of the von Arnim family and the biggest castle in Brandenburg: Castle Boitzenburg. From 1838 to 1842, Friedrich August Stüler renovated the castle, with one of its many parks being designed by Peter Joseph Lenné. 

Now, the building functions as a family hotel with an expansive terrace, delicious food, and rooms fit for royalty. Between March and December, you can go on tours of the grounds. And not too far away, the ruins of an old cistercian monastery and a 13th-century water mill with a museum also constitute worthy field trip destinations. 

• Schloss Boitzenburg Templiner Str. 13, Boitzenburger Land, details .

Rustic charm in Lido Senftenberg

Did you know that Europe’s largest log house is nestled between a castle and lake in Lausitz? Surprising, but true: With its thick logs of arctic pine, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d landed somewhere in Finland rather than Brandenburg. And with hospitable faculty, generously sized rooms, and even a brewery guests can watch in action, it’s the perfect destination for a rustic holiday.

By the way, the beer isn’t just for drinking – you can bathe in it, too. Not only is it said to be relaxing, but it can also supposedly help with rheumatism, gout, and circulatory issues. But even if that’s a myth, how many of us can honestly say we’ve taken a bath in a vat of beer?

• Lido Senftenberg , Steindamm 26, Senftenberg, details .

Culture in Cottbus

Now one of the most popular day trip destinations in Spree-Neisse, the castle in Branitz used to be the permanent residence of Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau. He designed the attached park with a beautifully landscaped 19th-century garden, which includes the now-famous Pyramidensee and the prince’s burial site. In addition to the Pückler Museum, the grounds are also home to a memorial for Cottbus landscape painter Carl Blechen.

• Fürst-Pückler-Museum Robinienweg 5, Cottbus, details .

For the next leg of your minibreak in Cottbus, we recommend checking out the Brandenburg Museum for Modern Art. With three exhibition buildings featuring art from the DDR as well as from Polish artists, visitors can expect a rich collection of photography, painting, design, and sculpture. 

• Dieselkraftwerk – Brandenburgisches Landesmuseum für moderne Kunst Uferstr. 15, Am Amtsteich, Cottbus, details .

Design in Dessau

The Bauhaus is recognised worldwide as the birthplace of the avant garde of Modernism in art and architecture. Berlin itself is home to quite a few examples of this style, but Dessau is the real mecca for Bauhaus enthusiasts. 

And it makes for an interesting excursion for those who haven’t quite reached that level of expertise yet, too: A visit to the Törten estate on the Mulde River in southeast Dessau and the Kornhaus on the Elbe River in the Ziebigk district offers a comprehensive impression of Bauhaus architecture. 

But if you want to learn more, a trip to the Bauhaus Museum is always worthwhile. Among the style’s most well-known proponents were Walter Gropius, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Friedrich Karl Engemann – all names that are recognised around the world as pioneers of modern architecture to this day. 

Dessau is also home to some impressive pre-modern architecture, however, its castles and parks being deemed as UNESCO world heritage sites. And the surrounding floodplain landscapes are the perfect place for a picnic. 

• Bauhaus Museum Dessau Mies-van-der-Rohe-Platz 1, Dessau-Roßlau, details .

This article has been adapted from the German by Seraina Birdsey.

6 easy must-do weekend trips from Berlin

With rich cultural heritage, incredible nightlife, excellent food, and a lively atmosphere, Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is an amazing city to visit and has enough to keep you occupied indefinitely. That's what makes it one of the most fascinating towns in Europe, and a great reason to visit Germany all by itself.

Maybe you want to see more of Germany on your trip. Or maybe you live in Berlin and could do with a break from the teeming crowds of Alexanderplatz . Either way, there's no better way to recharge your batteries than with a day trip or weekend trip out of the city to see more of what Germany has to offer. Thanks to a truly excellent public transportation network, there are some amazing day trips and weekend trips from Berlin that will let you explore more of Germany. Whether you want to see UNESCO World Heritage sites, unspoiled wilderness areas, or relics from the Second World War, all you need to do is rent a car or hop on a train to find yourself in some new and fascinating locations.

Just don't forget to drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Berlin before you go. As Berlin locals know, traveling light is the key to getting the most out of this endlessly rewarding location.

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Peacock Island

Located near Potsdam just to the west of Berlin, this popular area is a great option for a day trip as well as a weekend trip. Easily reached by public transportation, it's nevertheless a great way to get a break from the busy city.

Distance from Berlin:

Only 30 km from central Berlin, Peacock Island can be reached by car in 30 minutes.

Our activity recommendations:

Peacock Island Castle: Known in German as the Schloss au der Pfauenisnel, this late 18th-century castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a romantic place to visit close to the city. Designed as a ruin and made of wood painted to look like marble, it's about as authentic as a Disney Castle and just as charming.

Explore the park: The beautifully landscaped park is a great place to stroll and enjoy the river views. It's also where you'll encounter the peacocks that give the island its name, along with the small herd of water buffalo whose job it is to keep the grass short.

Take a boat tour: The slow-moving Havel River is a great place to take a tourist boat tour and enjoy incredible views of the island and the surrounding countryside.

Best season to visit:

Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit Peacock Island and enjoy the great outdoors.

Saxon Switzerland National Park

Don't let the name fool you. This astounding national park is in Germany and lies on the border of Czechia, nowhere near Switzerland. However, it's a fantastic place to visit on a longer weekend trip and a must-visit for nature lovers.

It's around 250 kilometers from Berlin to Saxon Switzerland National Park, so it will take around three hours to drive by car, making it out of reach for day trips but ideal for longer weekend visits. It's also possible to reach the park by taking a train to Dresden and then bus 261 to the edge of the park. However, that will take hours longer. Besides, having a car is useful for exploring everything this park has to offer.

Bastei bridge: This is probably the most famous location in the entire park and is a must-see while you're in the area. The stunning stone bridge looks almost as though it has grown out of the craggy rock formations that support it, and the views from the bridge deck itself are absolutely stunning.

Visit the spa: Saxon Switzerland National Park has more to offer than unspoiled wilderness, and just because you're outside the city doesn't mean you can't enjoy some pampering. The park is full of spas that take advantage of the many natural springs in the area, so you can float in saltwater pools and enjoy rejuvenating treatments provided by expert staff.

Take a paddle steamer tour: Taking a ride on a historic paddle steamer is perhaps the most relaxing way to enjoy the unique rock formations and waterways of this iconic Park. A 1.5-hour tour will take you past some of the most impressive landscapes in Saxon Switzerland National Park and allow you to appreciate the beauty on a whole new level.

Spring and summer are great times to visit the park when the weather is at its warmest, and the plants and wildlife are at their most impressive.

Wernigerode

Something of a hidden gem, the historic town of Wernigerode , the Pearl of the Harz, is fantastically picturesque and will make you feel like you've taken a step back in time. Plus, it's the gateway to the Harz Mountains, one of Germany's most iconic landscapes.

240 km from Berlin, Wernigerode is reachable by car in around three hours. You can also take a train from Berlin to Wernigerode train station in around the same amount of time.

Explore the town square: As many tourists discover when they come here, the market square of Wernigerode is almost too pretty to be believed. The colorful half-timbered houses, combined with the iconic old town hall that dates back to 1420, will make you feel like you've stepped between the pages of a fairytale.

Wernigerode Castle: As you would expect from the rest of the town, the castle here is also a ridiculously beautiful place to see for yourself. You can reach it on a little motorized train that leaves from the city center, and once there, you can explore 40 rooms of this beautiful location that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Harz steam railway: To really complete the sensation of having traveled back in time on one of the best weekend trips from Berlin, take the steam train up to the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz mountains and a place with an unrivaled reputation in German folklore. You may not see the witches and phantoms the mountain is known for, but you will see some astonishing scenery as you relax and watch the world go by.

If you plan to explore the mountains, summer is possibly the best time to visit. Plus, the warm months let you spend more time outside enjoying the beautiful city. On the other hand, Wernigerode's old buildings are made even prettier with a dusting of snow, and the town's Christmas market makes the beautiful market square even more atmospheric than it normally is.

Hamburg isn't exactly a hidden gem. One of the largest cities in northern Germany, it has a huge range of cultural attractions and a completely different culture and atmosphere from Berlin. So if you're looking for a city break that will provide you with something very different from what you would get in the capital, don't hesitate to make your way here.

At 290 km from Berlin, it will take you right around three hours to reach Hamburg by car. However, thanks to high-speed intercity trains, you can make the same journey by train in less than two hours.

Catch a show at the Elbphilharmonie : This beautiful modern concert hall is one of the most famous buildings in Hamburg and a major point of municipal pride. More than 100 m tall, it rises out of the water dramatically and is worth visiting for its architecture alone. However, if you can get tickets to a show, you'll be enjoying the building at its very best.

Visit the International Maritime Museum: Hamburg owes its historical importance to its status as a port city, and you can learn more about this fascinating story at the Hamburg International Maritime Museum . This museum uses interactive exhibits to teach you more about the history of trade, navigation, and naval warfare that has shaped Hamburg to this day.

Reeperbahn: As port cities tend to do, Hamburg has a reputation for rowdy nightlife that goes back centuries. Historically, the sometimes seedy nightlife of Hamburg was centered on the Reeperbahn. These days, this famous street is more of a tourist attraction, but it's still a great place to enjoy a meal, a drink, or a rowdy night out if that's what you're after.

As a large city, there's really no bad time to visit Hamburg. Summer is more popular with tourists since winter can be cold and rainy, but there are enough indoor activities to keep you entertained no matter what time of year you go.

Quedlinburg

Berlin is an unbelievably historic city, but the events of World War II have left the German capital short on pre-20th century charm. Luckily, you can always visit one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany - Quedlinburg .

At just over 200 km from Berlin, Quedlinburg can be reached by car in around two hours and 45 minutes. It's also possible to reach by train, but that will take over three hours.

Schlossmuseum: Quedlinburg's history dates back to at least the 10th century, and you can learn more about the town's fascinating history at the museum. Located in a 16th-century villa, the museum explains the history of the town from its prehistoric beginnings up to the modern day.

Visit the old houses: Quedlinburg is known for its historic half-timbered houses, and you'll find plenty of them as you stroll around the town center. Keep an eye out for the Stock Exchange dating back to 1683, and the Gildehaus zur Rose, built in 1612.

You can visit Quedlinburg at any time, although the historic town is particularly charming in the spring when the first buds on the trees.

This historic Hanseatic city is not only a great place to learn more about German history, but it's also one of the few weekend trips from Berlin that can offer you a seaside resort.

230 km north of Berlin, Rostock sits close to the shores of the Baltic Sea. You can reach it by car in 2.5 hours or take the express train, which takes a little less than two hours.

Warnemünde Beach: This 15 km long beach is known for its fine sand, and the shallow waters are a great place to cool off in the height of summer. You'll also find lots of restaurants along the promenade, making this a perfect summer trip from Berlin.

Alter Strom: This canal was dug in 1423 to connect Rostock with the Baltic Sea, and for centuries, it was one of the main neighborhoods of the city. Now, the canal's commercial importance has been replaced by a more recent channel, and so Alter Strom is the place to come to dine with a view of the water and enjoy the old medieval buildings of the town. It's the perfect place for a walk and a great meal while you soak up the atmosphere of Rostock.

Summers in Rostock can be short, but they remain one of the best times to visit so that you can enjoy the beach and the other outdoor activities the city has to offer.

These trips from Berlin offer an impressive array of different things to do. Whether you're looking for the best day trips from Berlin or for longer weekend trips outside Germany's largest city, you won't be short of options.

If you're short of time and only have three days to spend in Berlin , it's better to focus on everything the city has to offer. But with a little more time to spend, you should definitely take advantage of these unforgettable trips from Berlin.

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Locals Recommend These 18 Day Trips From Berlin

by Cheryl Howard | Jun 23, 2023 | Berlin , Destinations , Europe , Germany | 10 comments

As much as we all love Berlin , there are times when it’s good for our physical and mental health to briefly escape the city and go on an adventure. One of the best ways to do this is to take a day trip somewhere. One of the reasons I moved abroad was for all of the travel opportunities. And after living in Berlin for 10+ years, I’ve hopped all over the continent and spent weekends in places like Budapest , Paris , and Amsterdam .

I’ve also done plenty of day trips to more nearby locations throughout both Germany and Poland . Day trips from Berlin have actually become one of my favorite things to do and with the new €49 ticket that started in May 2023, I can’t wait to visit even more of the country.

18 Exciting Day Trips From Berlin To Take In 202 3

To help you plan some fun trips for yourself, I put together this list of 18 exciting day trips from Berlin to take in 2023.

You’re going to find some typical day trip ideas on this list, but also some suggestions for places that you won’t find elsewhere. For example, I often travel for the weird and offbeat , so expect some trips just for unusual architecture alone. Of course, I also recommend picture-perfect old towns, places filled with half-timbered houses, and others with dreamlike castles. As usual, I dish out (pun intended) tips for good places to eat and drink . 

1) Bad Muskau, Germany

Why Bad Muskau? Most people come to spend time hanging out at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Muskauer Park with its luscious English gardens and the Neo-Renaissance castle surrounded by a small lake. Something special about this park is that its geography extends to both Germany and Poland, so a walk through the park includes a visit to two countries in one shot. There’s not really much to do aside from this, so a visit to Bad Muskau is best paired with other nearby attractions like the Devil’s Bridge (more on that below). ( 250 kilometers from Berlin )

2) Bad Saarow, Germany

Why Bad Saarow?  There are two solid reasons for visiting Bad Saarow. The number one attraction for almost everyone is the spas. If you need to get away from it all, head to Bad Saarow and visit one of their well-known spas like SaarowTherme , Hotel Esplanade Resort & Spa , and Villa Contessa – Luxury Spa Hotels . Alongside the spas, the town also boasts some incredible restaurants with my favorite being Freilich am See where they serve up super yummy Bavarian food with a lake view. ( 78 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Bad Saarow .

3) Braunschweig, Germany

Why Braunschweig?   I’ll admit that I went to Braunschweig for no other reason than to visit the Happy Rizzi House . This flamboyant office building isn’t open to the public, but there’s no need to explore the interior, as all of the action is outside. Dubbed the “happiest place on earth”, the Happy Rizzi House will likely leave you smiling and laughing out loud. Other things to do in Braunschweig include walking around the Burgplatz, touring Dankwarderode Castle , and St Blasii Cathedral . If you want to keep up with the weird and offbeat theme, stop for a beer at Mutter Habenicht . Read this post to learn more about my impressions of Braunschweig  back in 2012. ( 235 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Braunschweig or go on a guided tour:

4) Bremen, Germany

Why Bremen?   Yes, at 400 kilometers away, this is a bit of a stretch for day trip consideration, but as I did a quick 24 hours there years back, I couldn’t leave Bremen off my list. Things to do in Bremen include having dinner in a beer garden on a boat, hanging out in the gorgeous Schnoorviertel, walking the short distance of the 100-meter long  Böttcherstraße , and relaxing with coffee and cake at the base of a windmill . ( 400 kilometers from Berlin )

Book a hotel in Bremen or go on a guided tour:

5) Dresden, Germany

Why Dresden? If you’re a fan of absolutely stunning architecture, then Dresden is a good day trip choice, as the reconstructed old town alone will take your breath away. Highlights of Dresden include the Zwinger Palace (said to be inspired by Versailles), the domed Frauenkirche , and the opera house . A mere 13 kilometers outside the city center, you can visit Moritzburg Castle situated on a small man-made island. Adventurous (aka athletic) types can add further excitement to their day trip by taking a hike through the nearby  Saxon Switzerland National Park , just an hour outside of Dresden.  (195 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Dresden or go on a guided tour:

6) Görlitz, Germany

Why Görlitz? Görlitz is Germany’s Eastern most city. In fact, one of the more fun things to do when there is to walk across one of the city’s bridges to get in a quick visit to Zgorzelec, Poland. The city escaped damage during WWII with its historic buildings remaining largely intact and the architecture is a mix is Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. So beautiful, Görlitz has been the backdrop for a number of movies like The Reader, Grand Budapest Hotel, and even, Inglorious Basterds. Görlitz remains one of my favorite day trips from Berlin and you can see some of my  Görlitz photos  here.  (240 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Görlitz or go on a guided tour:

7) Hamburg, Germany

Why Hamburg? Hamburg deserves an entire weekend (at the very least), but if you’re short on time, it can also be done as a day trip from Berlin. Spend your day by wandering through the Speicherstadt, touring the new Elbphilharmonie, taking a quick river cruise, or indulging your inner child at Miniatur Wunderland. Be sure not to miss my guide to cool things to do around Hamburg’s Schanzenviertel . ( 290 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Hamburg  or go on a guided tour:

8) Kromlau, Germany

Why Kromlau? Thousands of people descend upon Kromlau every year to see the 19th-century Devil’s Bridge (Rakotzbrücke) with their very own eyes. The arched bridge is extraordinary, as it forms a perfect circle using the water’s reflection. The bridge is located in Kromlauer Park , a large landscaped park perfect for short strolls and checking out attractions like Kromlau Castle. Kromlau’s one of the best day trips from Berlin, as it can be combined with stops in the Spreewald , Lubbenau , and Bad Muskau . This particular combination of destinations is best done as a fun road trip with friends. Note, visitors aren’t permitted to walk over the bridge under any circumstances. Anything you see on Instagram was either Photoshopped or done by someone foolish enough to risk their personal safety and disregard their likely potential to damage the bridge. Give this place the respect it deserves and follow the rules. ( 160 kilometers from Berlin)

9) Leipzig, Germany

Why Leipzig?   Leipzig has long been one of the many favored day trips from Berlin. The New York Times once went so far as to deem Leipzig way cooler than Berlin . But let’s be real, no city in German compares to Berlin and that’s not a bad thing, as Leipzig stands on its own as a pretty cool city. Hang out at cozy cafés by day, dive bars by night, peruse the numerous art galleries , and more. A few spots I liked were  Meins Deins Unser ,  ELSTERARTIG , and Café Albert .  (190 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Leipzig or go on a guided tour:

10) Lübbenau, Germany

Why Lübbenau?   Lübbenau is a cute town well worth a day trip from Berlin. Famous for their Spreewald pickles, stopping somewhere for lunch or dinner to sample some of this delicious fare is a must – as is buying some pickles to bring back home with you. Hint – I have some fresh Spreewald pickles in my fridge right now! Another delight is canoeing through the Spreewald or for the lazier types, taking a punt trip with a guide and sipping beer while watching the world go by. (97 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Lübbenau .

11) Lüneburg, Germany

Why Lüneburg?   It’s one of the prettiest towns in Northern Germany. You can easily pass by much of the day just walking around the city’s beautiful Old Town. Other things to do in Lüneburg include climbing the water tower to see a panoramic view over the town, stopping for a drink or bite to eat beside the river, or visiting the  weird and offbeat, German Salt Museum  (which is way more interesting than you may think!). ( 285 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Lüneburg .

12) Magdeburg, Germany

Why Magdeburg? Other day trips from Berlin? You don’t really need more than a day in Magdeburg, but there are a handful of fun things to do like visit the Gothic Magdeburg Cathedral (the oldest of its kind in Germany), check out the wild architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser at the  Grüne Zitadelle , get educated at the  Museum of Cultural History , and observe one of the tallest wooden structures in the world at the  Millennium Tower . (155 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Magdeburg or go on a guided tour:

13) Poznan, Poland 

Why Poznan?   First and foremost, for the incredible food scene. Eat and drink your heart out at traditional Polish restaurants, hip cafes, and other high-end establishments. Experience the pristine old town, enjoy the street art, visit the quirky Croissant Museum , and take in the poignant June 1956 Monument . If you’re looking for some gastronomic inspiration, read my recommendations for  Poznan Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner . Book yourself a stay at one of the many hotels surrounding the main square (we recommend Brovaria ) to be treated to stunning views from your room. (275 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Poznan  or go on a guided tour:

14) Quedlinburg, Germany

Why Quedlinburg?   The better question is why not Quedlinburg ? This quaint medieval German town close to the Harz mountains is filled with historic half-timbered houses, a massive castle complex, and plenty of cute places to eat and drink. Wander aimlessly along the cobblestoned streets, observe the local action in the Market Square, and sip local brews at Brauhaus Ludde. I visited Quedlinburg in the summer but can imagine how lovely it must be in winter when the Christmas market season is in full swing.  (215 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Quedlinburg . 

15) Rostock, Germany 

Why Rostock?  More exciting day trips from Berlin? If you fancy a day breathing in the fresh sea air, head north to Rostock. Here you can walk along the picturesque Rostocker Stadthafen (harbor front), tour different cathedrals, and experience nautical-themed events like the Hanse Sail. Rostock will always hold a special place in my heart as it was one of the first day trips I took from Berlin after moving to Germany in 2011. Check out how Rostock transforms during the Hanse Sail and read,  Getting Medieval In Rostock, Germany .  (235 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Rostock or go on a guided tour:

16) Schwerin, Germany

Why Schwerin?  Around two hours from Berlin, Schwerin is another ideal day trip. With a population of 90,000 people, the crowning jewel of Schwerin is undoubtedly the majestic Schwerin Palace , also nicknamed the “Neuschwanstein of the North.” Come to tour the castle interior, stroll through its gardens, sip coffee at  Cafe & Konditorei Rothe  in the Market Square, and enjoy a stunning view over the town from the  Schwerin Cathedral . If you’re a castle fan like me, Schwerin is just the place for you. For a sneak peek of what’s in store for you, take a look at these  Schwerin photos . (215 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Schwerin or go on a guided tour:

17) Szczecin, Poland 

Why Szczecin?  Only two hours away from the capital, Szczecin’s an easy day trip from Berlin whether you go by train, bus, or car. Head to Szczecin to feast on tasty pirogies at  Harnaś  (I recommend the pork one stuffed with herbs), tour the  Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle , walk around  Solidarity Square , watch a performance at The Philharmonic , or take in the majestic architecture at  Wały Chrobrego . This is a city I’ve visited time and time again, as it’s one of the best places to take visiting friends who want to hit up a different country when they’re touring around Europe. See my personal travel tips about how to make the most of your time in Szczecin –  A Day Trip From Berlin to Visit Szczecin Poland . (150 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Szczecin or go on a guided tour:

18) Warnemünde, Germany

Why Warnemünde? If you’re looking for some “vitamin sea”, head north to Warnemünde for a day, or even longer time permitting. Here you can feast on fresh seafood, spend the day on the beach chilling out on a beach chair ( Strandkorb) , go on a boat tour, and hang out in a sauna overlooking the Baltic Sea. Check out my article, How To Spend A Wonderful 24 Hours In Warnemünde . ( 240 kilometers from Berlin)

Book a hotel in Warnemünde or go on a guided tour:

Have we missed out on any exciting day trips from Berlin? Tell us about your suggestions in the comment.

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10 Comments

Cheryl, time to discover Wroclaw on your daily trip to Poland!

It’s also on my list, but I’d want to spend an entire weekend there! 😉

We’re hoping to come to Berlin in autumn, we’ll be arriving by train from Greece so Leipzig and Dresden are possibilities here. Thanks for the other suggestions. I can’t believe I have never been to Germany. It is gorgeous!

Hey Alizon! Hope you make it to Berlin – I’m biased as I call it home, but there’s so much to see and do. I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Dresden and Leipzig are both fab options! 🙂

I’ve been to Hamburg and it was great. Would love to visit the 19th century Devil’s Bridge, I’m one of those instagrammers!

Hamburg’s my favourite city after Berlin. That bridge is so beautiful. Highly recommend a visit!

Such an amazing guide! Love your pics and recommendations!

Thanks Mary! Hope it provides insp for you and your travels. 🙂

Those are really nice places to visit. I totally agree that they are all worth a visit! I would like to add another tip: If you are going to Quedlinburg, you should also consider hiking and exploring the Harz region, which offers a lot of beautiful nature as well. 😉

Good tip. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

– Cheryl

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Founded in 2010, cherylhoward.com is a travel blog profiling some of the world’s most unusual places and things.

I’m a Canadian from Toronto who’s been living in Berlin for the better part of a decade. I like travelling Europe and writing about unusual places and things, as well as creating unique itineraries for various destinations. Read more.

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19 Best Day Trips from Berlin: Hidden Gems & Popular Routes

What Are the Best Day Trips from Berlin?

Day trips from Berlin can be a total lifesaver! Sometimes, all we need to refuel is a quick trip to another city. Or even another part of the city. I’m a huge fan of such short trips, as there is so much to discover just around the corner. In the blog post, you’ll discover 19 of the best day trips from Berlin easily accessible by train. Conveniently, all destinations are within 35 minutes to 3.5 hours of the Central Station. 

Save The Best Berlin Day Trips for Later

No time to read all about the top day trips from Berlin? Pin this post for later:

Best Berlin Day Trips An Hour Away Or Less

Brandenburg an der havel.

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 45 minutes by IC or 55 minutes with the RE1.

Why you should visit . There is lots of history in Brandenburg, the capital city of its eponymous region until Berlin took over in 1417. Today, you can get lost in the cobblestone lanes of the old town, with half-timbered houses left and right.

Although 70% of Brandenburg was bombed during the Second World War, some of the original fortifications, a stately cathedral, and many beautiful homes remain intact. What’s more, Brandenburg is set on the Havel River, where locals like to stroll or relax.

Königs Wusterhausen

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 35 minutes with the RE2.

Why you should visit.  This town is home to a 14th-century castle (remodelled in the 18th century as a hunting lodge) on the Notte Canal, only a few 100 meters from the Dahme River and several swimming lakes.

Königs Wusterhausen has a Tiergarten of its own, with waterways, walking trails and 250-year-old oak trees. This town was a favourite of several Prussian Kings.

Lübbenau (Spreewald)

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station:  1h05 with the RE2.

Why you should visit. Imagine Venice in Germany and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect in Lübbenau. Day trips from Berlin to the Spreewald typically include leisurely gondola rides along pristine canals – or kayak tours, if you’d rather be more active. The Spreewald’s canals do not look man-made, even if they are. When you get off the water, don’t forget to try a local delicacy: Spreewälder Gurken, or Spreewald Gherkins.

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 54 minutes (take the S3 to Friedrichshagen, then catch Tram 61 for 3 stops or walk 1.8 km.

Why you should visit.  Müggelsee is to East Berlin what Wannsee is to the West: a large lake surrounded by forested walking trails. Locals love spending the day here for the expansive beach and water sport offerings in the summer, and hiking year-round.

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 30 minutes with the RE1 or RE7.

Why you should visit.  Potsdam is officially referred to as “the city of castles and gardens”. Isn’t that a promising start? If you love history, culture or simply taking breathtaking pictures , do not skip out on this destination! And being so close, you can actually go on multiple day trips from Berlin to Potsdam, if you so choose.

Day Trips from Berlin to Other German Cities & Towns

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 3h05 hours with the ICE.

Why you should visit. It may take a bit longer to reach Bamberg, but the 3.5 hours train journey is well worth it. Bamberg is a stunning medieval town, designed over the centuries to resemble both Venice and Rome.

Like Rome, Bamberg has 7 hills providing sweeping views over the 13th century old town. Like Venice, you’ll find yourself crossing ornate bridges as you explore the Altstadt ‘s intricate laneways. Make sure you stop at at least one cafe to refuel – Bamberg arguably has the best selection between Munich and Berlin. And don’t forget a relaxing boat ride along the river!

With ICE trains running every hour, you can leave as early as you wish and return quite late to get up to a good 12 hours in the city. Of course, this applies to summer day trips. As we all know, the sun likes to disappear around 4 pm in the winter.

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 2 hours by train or 2.5 hours by bus.

Why you should visit.  Once the seat of Saxon royalty, the Dresden of today is one of Germany’s most visited destinations. Although much of the city was destroyed during World War II, Dresden was rebuilt to exactly replicate its former glory.

As you wander around the Old Dresden, you’ll have stunning cathedrals and palaces at every turn. Dresden is as captivating during the day as it is at night, with all the monuments and heritage buildings lit up after dark. 

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 2h40 with the ICE.

Why you should visit.  Erfurt is a great place to experience more “traditional Germany”. Day trips from Berlin to Erfurt consist of strolling alongside  rows and rows of half-timbered houses. In fact, Erfurt boasts the oldest merchant bridge in Europe, entirely covered by half-timbered homes. Today, people still live and work in the houses on the bridge. This instantly makes Erfurt one of my top day trips from Berlin!

The first time I visited Erfurt, I arrived at around 11 in the morning and the bridge was already crawling with tourists. The second time, I was able to get to the Old Town by 8 AM and had the medieval squares and Krämerbrücke all to myself.

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 3.5 hours

Why you should visit.  Freiberg is a great option if you’re looking for day trips from Berlin that change from the pace of big city life. The university town has existed for over 800 years, and today, the centre is a UNESCO heritage site. Freiberg has many cafes, a colourful, tidy town square and cobble stone streets, as well as a palace and several museums.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Tierpark Freiberg. This zoo is home to over 170 animals, ranging from local farm animals and pets to more exotic species. All the animals have plenty of space to roam. Entry and parking are free.

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 2h40 with the RE2, followed by the RB65.

Why you should visit. Görlitz will leave you dreaming! The old town is in perfect movie set condition, with ornate residences, a cathedral with white steeples and one of the most beautiful – and complete – libraries in the world. In fact, many famous movies were filmed in Görlitz: The Book Thie f and The Grand Budapest Hotel among them.

Plus, you can simply walk across a bridge and be in the Polish town of Zgorzelec. 

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 1h40 by ICE.

Why you should visit. The closest big city to Berlin, Hamburg has much for visitors to see. The famous Elbphilarmonie , Hamburg’s futuristic philharmonic orchestra, watches over water’s edge. Some of the world’s largest cargo and cruise ships dock in the port.

Plenty of lovely cafes and restaurants are tucked away off the main boulevards. And while you’re here, don’t forget to buy some fish and chips at eat them at the marina to soak up the Portside atmosphere.

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 2h30 with the ICE and local S-Bahn.

Why you should visit. This one is for lovers of the great outdoors. The village of Königstein is nestled in the mountains of Saxon Switzerland. You can easily combine a day of exploring the village with a hike up Pfaffenstein .

At the same time, you’ll be transported out of Germany to the Swiss Alps. This part of Saxony is aptly named; it really does feel as though you could run into Heidi at any moment.

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 2h20 via ICE and local S-Bahn.

Why you should visit.  Pirna is a lovely town on the Elbe River and the gateway to Saxon Switzerland and a local wine region. Visit the charming old town’s ivy clad buildings or make your way up to the Landschloss Zuschendorf – a palace surrounded by botanical gardens.

Quedlinburg

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 3h15 hours with the RE1, followed by the RE11.

Why you should visit.  Quedlinburg is another one of those day trips from Berlin that is well worth the 3-hour journey. All you have to do is see one photo of Quedlinburg, and you’ll most likely want to visit ASAP.  Or at least, that was my case!

The UNESCO World Heritage site is half-timbered heaven: a perfect introduction to this architectural style, especially for non-European visitors. You’ll find half-timbered homes from 5 different centuries here. The oldest building in town (and one of the oldest in Germany) dates back to the 1300s.

Escape to the Sea for the Day

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 2h40 via ICE

Why you should visit.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover this coastal suburb of Rostock. Warnemünde is a traditional German holiday destination and gateway to 15 km of sandy beaches.

If you’re ever in the mood for a beach day but cannot leave Germany (Corona, I’m looking at you), grab your sunscreen and hop aboard the ICE to Warnemünde. You’ll get all the coastal atmosphere you can absorb.

Now you know that day trips from Berlin include getting some Vitamin Sea!

International Day Trips from Berlin

Szczecin, poland.

Travel time from Berlin’s Gesundbrunnen Station: 1h50 with the RE66

Why you should visit.  If you love pretty squares, palaces that look a little bit like wedding cakes and delicious food, you should go to Szczecin. Even visiting on a cold February day did not dampen my joy at being in this lovely city.

For the perfect Instagram snap, do not miss Stare Miasto. In all fairness, you’ll likely stumble upon it as you amble around the old town.

Zgorzelec, Poland

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 3.5 hours transiting through Görlitz, where you can catch a local train for the rest of the journey. But you can also get off the train in Görlitz, walk through the Old Town and cross the border on foot (it takes about 20 minutes to walk from Görlitz’s train station to Zgorzelec).

Why you should visit.  If you’re looking for offbeat day trips from Berlin, I highly recommend Zgorzelec. Grittier than Szczecin but wielding its own charm. In fact, if you like the grungier side of Berlin, you’ll like Zgorzelec. The architecture is gorgeous and there are plenty of hideaways along the Neisse River where you can relax and unwind in nature. Not to mention cafes tucked away in basements serving delicious home-made pierogis. 

I wandered around a lot in areas where people did not speak German and loved every minute of truly being in a foreign country, even if I was just across the border.

Poznań, Poland

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: just under 3 hours via direct train (EC 59)

Why you should visit. The grand city of Poznań is one of the oldest in Poland, with a splendid Renaissance old town and a thriving business district. The sights are endless, with the Imperial Castle, the vibrant Old Market Square and a Gothic cathedral figuring prominently among them. While you can knock off the top sights in a day, it might be even better to spend the weekend in Poznań .

Děčín, Czech Republic

Travel time from Berlin’s Central Station: 2h40 via direct train (EC 379).

Why you should visit. Děčín’s castle on the cliffs is enough to get me on a train. If you’re an architecture lover, you’ll also appreciate the beauty of the Old Synagogue, or simply strolling around town. Undoubtedly one of the most romantic day trips from Berlin, Děčín is set on the Elbe River and surrounded by hills,.

Save Money on Day Trips from Berlin by Train

Best of all, day trips from Berlin do not have to be expensive! If you book a one-day train pass courtesy of Deutsche Bahn, you can travel all across Germany with up to 5 friends. Each additional person (up to 5) will only cost a fraction more of the price of a single ticket. Please note that the Quer-Durchs-Land-Ticket is only valid aboard region trains, however.

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Which Day Trips from Berlin Are Your Top Picks?

As you can see, there are so many day trips from Berlin easily accessible by train. There truly is something for every taste! From beautiful old cities to nature retreats, you’ll quickly be able to escape Berlin – even if you’re only free for the day. Let me know in the comments which excursion you’ll be going on first!

22 thoughts on “ 19 Best Day Trips from Berlin: Hidden Gems & Popular Routes ”

I am planning to visit Germany, France, and the UK in 2021. Hopefully, the pandemic will be over by then. Saving this informative post for the future. Thank you.

These are all beautiful countries! I hope you do make it over here post-pandemic and plan enough time in the Berlin area 🙂 So glad you found this post helpful!

Great list of day trips! I really wanted to visit Dresden, but just didn’t make it. Now I am really bummed I didn’t. Poznan is one of my favorite villages in Poland. Thanks for sharing!

I love Germany so much! Next time I’m there, I definitely want to get to Berlin and explore the surrounding area. All of these towns look so beautiful! 🙂

I was hoping to plan a trip to Berlin next year and was going to research some unique day trips. So this post has come in handy and I’ll be taking your tips on board!

I have been to Berlin 3 times but the only other cities I visited in this list is Hamburg. I really loved this city! Glad you shared a ton of inspiration!

I love all these day trip suggestions! Each place is so charming! You’ve given me so much inspiration for my Europe bucket list!

Great post. Will definitely come in handy when I get to Germany. Bamberg looks particularly beautiful. I’d love to visit Hamburg as we’ll pinned!

I love the details you put into this! I am from Berlin and these are some great tips. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Great post! Dresden looks stunning. Adding it to my bucket list ASAP!!

Super useful article for us as my boyfriend is from Berlin (we live in Paris) so we spend a lot of time there. We have done a few of your recommendations but it gives ideas for the next trips it’s great!

Great list, I loved the international ideas too. I’ve been to Berlin twice but I only did Potsdam as a day trip. I need to go back and do more.

I love Freiburg! I need to visit Germany again so I can visit some of these places! Thanks for all of these great ideas 🙂

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Wow so many things I wouldn’t have thought to do or go see! Thanks for all the great info!

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Quedlinburg can really be recommended 🙂

You shared some great day trips! I really like how you structured this post btw, it’s super easy to find day trips based on how much time you have. Hamburg and Potsdam are my two faves on this list!

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Your vivid descriptions and insightful tips make each place come alive, making it easier for readers like me to plan unforgettable day getaways. From charming castles to picturesque lakeshores, your suggestions offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Your passion for travel and exploration shines through in every word, inspiring us all to embark on these exciting journeys. Thank you for sharing these hidden gems and for giving us the ultimate guide to making the most of our time around Berlin!

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10 Great Day Trips From Berlin

Stb contributors share their favourite day trips out of the city…, bad saarow: spa, lakes & forest.

Bad Saarow is a spa town at the head of the Scharmützelsee lake , and has long been a favourite weekend retreat for Berliners, developing as a tourist resort during the period of rapid industrialisation following the arrival of the railway . To my mind it is the perfect bolthole for anyone who has had their fill of the noise, grime and bustle of the streets and is looking for something completely different, yet within a Friday-night train ride from the city.

The journey from Alexanderplatz takes about an hour, which means you can even head home again on a Monday morning and still make it to work without waking at some ungodly hour. Whilst you are there you can do… well, not that much really. And that’s the beauty of the place, for Bad Saarow is a destination where you can really take your time.

Follow the trails through the woods to find ice age rock formations; take a boat-ride across the lake; stroll past the villas and try and work out which once hosted Soviet generals, Maxim Gorki or the famous German boxer Max Schmeling. Or hit the Therme for some warm mineral bathing…

The last option is perhaps more suited to the colder months, but in the summer the whole of the lake is available for bathing—another reason this sleepy town at the end of the lake is my favourite escape from the city: it doesn’t matter what time of year you arrive, you will be sure to find the stresses and strains of everyday life evaporating within minutes. Paul Scraton

How to get there: Bad Saarow is roughly an hour by train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Take the regional express train to Fürstenwalde (Spree), from where you catch the local  train to Bad Saarow-Pieskow.  For more info visit www.bahn.de .

Briesetal: Along The 66-Lake Trail

The Briesetal offers a nice valley walk between S-Bahn stop Birkenwerder and Wensickendorf, where you can take the  Heidekrautbahn ( a local line north of Berlin ) back to S-Bahnhof Karow. Besides the dark forested river valley and a pleasant cemetery in Birkenwerder there’s really nothing in terms of sights, but I really like the almost primeval character of this part of the  66-lake-hike  – especially on rainy days when there are almost no other hikers around.

The track leads you on a boardwalk over a marsh, past swampy lakes almost completely covered with green water lilies and half-submerged tree stumps reaching out their knobbly arms. The trails hugs the Briese river all the way and only towards the end do you emerge among the flat fields of Brandenburg and near the 600-year old church in Wensickendorf, where you can get a beer and a Matjesbrötchen (herring roll) before boarding the train back to Berlin. Marcel Krüger

How to get there: From Berlin Hauptbahnhof you can take the RE3 to Gesundbrunnen, then the S1 to Birkenwerder. The whole trip takes around 45 mins.

Buckow & The Brecht-Weigel Haus

Part of the lovely Märkische Schweiz region, which has been a nature park since 1990, Buckow is well known as a Kneipp Spa town—meaning it follows the philosophy of the Bavarian priest Sebastian Kneipp , a proponent of hydrotherapy and herbalism. With its tiny population of 1,500, it’s also a small and pleasant spot in its own right, with a lovely central marketplace and a cultural highlight in the shape of the Brecht-Weigel House .

Located a twenty-minute walk from the bus stop, the former villa is where German poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht and his Austrian actress wife Helene Weigel lived, worked and entertained guests each summer from 1952. Built in 1910-1911 by the German sculptor Georg Roch, it features a bright five-meter high front room—used as a studio and salon—with Helene Weigel’s collection of German furniture from the eighteenth and nineteenth century. A wall of panelled windows look out onto the garden, a jetty and a shimmering lake.

There’s an elegant old breakfront containing Weigel’s porcelain collection and a bridal chair that heads the low table, while Georg Roch’s sculptures still adorn the house – not only on the inside, but also in the shade of the silver poplar and birch trees in the front garden. The salon was primarily the working space of Helene Weigel, while Brecht withdrew to the simply-furnished garden house to work on his plays and poetry, exhibits of which can be seen there. You can read more about my trip to the Brecht-Weigel Haus here . Rhea Boyden

How to get there: The Brecht-Weigel-Haus is at Bertolt-Brecht-Straße 30, 15377 Buckow (T: 033 433 467, www.brechtweigelhaus.de). To reach it take the Oderlandbahn NE 26 from Berlin Lichtenberg towards Küstrin – Kietz  – Kostrzyn (PL) over the Müncheberg (Mark). From there take the Buckower Kleinbahn to Buckow (Märkische Schweiz) and then the Bus 928 towards Strausberg, getting out at Buckow (Märkische Schweiz). The whole trip takes around 90 minutes one way.

Haus am Waldsee: Art, Architecture & Nature

This small, private museum and sculpture garden at the edge of the Grunewald was one of the first museums in West Berlin to open its doors after World War II—as early as January 1946, when much of the city was still in ruins—and the list of artists whose works came through here in the 1940s and 50s reads like a Who’s Who of the great names in London, Paris and Berlin: among them, Karl Schmidt-Rotluff, Pablo Picasso, Oskar Schlemmer , Max Ernst, Ernst-Ludwig Kirchner and Henry Moore.

The villa was built by architect Max Werner in 1922 on a 10,000 square meter stretch of land between the lakes Krumme Lanke and Waldsee. Hermann Knobloch, a Jewish businessman who had made his fortune by producing raincoats, had commissioned Werner to build a villa where he and his large family could retreat from urban life. Werner’s idea was to combine the natural beauty of the woods and lakes in this part of Berlin with the architecture of British country homes.

Like the Liebermann Villa by the Wannsee or the Villa Schöningen on the Havel, the Haus am Waldsee is as much about nature as art and sculpture. The “Shy Fountain,” an installation in the lake by British conceptual artist Simon Faithfull, spurts upward only when nobody is paying attention, and the grassy rushes at the edge of the lake have actually been planted there by Austrian composer Peter Ablinger as a sound installation.

Fans of architecture will adore the concentration of Modernist homes near the Waldsee, which includes homes designed by great Bauhaus architects such as Hermann Muthesius, Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe. In fact the museum provides an audio-guide tour by bike through the villa quarter, beginning and ending with the Haus am Waldsee. You can read more about the Haus am Waldsee here . Lily Philipose

How to get there: The Haus am Waldsee is at Argentinische Allee 30, a short walk from U Bahn Krumme Lanke. See their website for details and calendar of events, including concerts, guided tours with the curator and vernissages for children. Normal entrance is 8 Euro, 5 Euro reduced.

Liepnitzsee: Lakes & Bike Rides

Considered to be one of the cleanest and prettiest lakes in Brandenburg , Liepnitzsee was once the preferred spot of GDR luminaries and their families, whose  Waldsiedlung (summer house colony) was located nearby.

There’s still something quaintly old-fashioned about the lake, with its manicured lawns, small benches and traditional  Imbiss (snack bar) hawking  pommes and ice cream. There’s a small pool for younger kids, while grown-ups can swim across to the island in the middle of the lake (Großer Werder). If you can’t be bothered to swim, there’s always “Frieda”, the only engine-powered boat on the lake, or you can rent a boat next to the lido entrance.

It’s also a great place to go by bike thanks to an eight-kilometre asphalt road that circles the lake and passes through pleasantly shaded woods, offering more opportunities for some wild swimming. Paul Sullivan

How to get there: S2 to Bernau or a regional train to Wandlitz, then by bus or by bike to Waldsiedlung Bernau and from here down to the lake across the forest (15 min. on foot – the road is marked). 

Ruppiner Land: Huskies & Wolves

Located in the tiny village of Frankendorf, the farmhouse Freizeit mit Huskies is a wonderful place to visit come rain or shine. Run by Elmar and Sabine Kühn, who began offering sled tours on her grandparents’ farm, the couple quit their day jobs to develop a full-time business in 2007, and now offer a comprehensive program of husky hikes on wheeled carts (or sleds in winter), kids’ camps, day tours and longer trips.

Our half-day tour started with a briefing on Siberian huskies some practice with the carts (which resembled Roman chariots), and then a ride through the lovely countrside nearby. Close by is another great reason to visit: the Tierpark Kunsterspring , which was developed organically in the 1960s, when students from the adjacent forestry school rescued an abandoned boar piglet. One animal followed another, and soon the city of Neuruppin had its own animal park in the woods.

The park is now home to various native and local animals. You can watch river otters being fed, and check out the petting zoo. Deeper into the woods of the park are raccoons, deer, wolves and, housed in underground chambers with Plexiglas ceilings, badgers. You can read more about the experience here . Leslie Kuo

Pfauneninsel: Peacocks & Palaces

Whether you are with your parents, your kids, on a romantic first date or a group of friends, the Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island) makes for a dreamy and do-able day trip from Berlin. The very idea of an adventuring on an island, complete with an idosyncratic castle and free-roaming peacocks stirs up all kinds of fairytalesque nostalgia – and the reality is almost as good as the fantasy.

Pack a book, some tasty treats and a cooler bag of your favourite drop and brace yourself for some serious downtime coupled with a healthy helping of whimsy. A desginated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is no surprise to learn that Pfaueninsel has a colourful past . Today it is one of Berlin’s prime designated nature reserves, a perfect place to stroll hand in hand with a loved one or enjoy some wildlife spotting; along with peacocks, you can hear a whole range of exotic bird song, frogs and if you’re lucky in the summer months you can even spot some water buffalo.

Stay for golden hour—the sunsets are spectacular—and there is a pretty beer garden (with restaurant) as soon as you disembark from the ferry, where you can enjoy a beverage whilst you wait for the (hourly) bus back to Wannsee . Oh and do the un-Berlin thing and leave both the bike and the dogs at home—they are strictly verboten. Fiona Laughton

How to get there: Take the S7 towards Potsdam. Get off at Wannsee and transfer to Bus 218 which terminates at the Pfaueninsel. The ferry crossing takes a couple of minutes and costs two euros. For more information on the Pfaueninsel click here .

Potsdam: Palaces & Gardens

Well known for its impressive baroque and rococo palaces, parks and gardens, Potsdam is a former Prussian playground that also played an important role during the WW2 and was at the forefront of the city’s division during the Cold War. My favourite way to explore the city is by bike, since it’s easier to get beneath the skin of the place.

During my last visit I explored the Holländische Viertel and found an old, almost destroyed area right next to two beautifully restored buildings, which showed me there are still some interesting things to be found despite it being a very touristy place. After some cycling around, I like to take a rest in my favourite garden in the Park Sanssouci area—the small one behind the Schloss Charlottenhof, which you can reach via a little canal near the Römanische Bäde.

Also nearby is the Brandenburg Tower, constructed to commemorate the Seven Years’ War, and my favourite church in the city, the Friedenskirche, whose Romanesque architectural style is unexpected in this Baroque-heavy area, and reminds me of the small churches in the north of Catalonia. Don’t forget to visit the cloister: it’s simply wonderful. Raquel Olivas

Sachsenhausen: Heartbreak & History

While some might regard it as sinister tourism—and it certainly won’t be on every person’s list of sites to see in Berlin— Sachsenhausen is equally as important as the Berlin Wall or TV Tower. Designed as a kind of prototype for other concentration camps, it was one of the first to be built by the Nazis and has all the major features of such institutions: a semi circular roll call area, prisoner barracks, an infirmary, remains of the gas chambers and other execution blocks. The infirmary, whose tiled tables witnessed all kinds of inhumane experiments, is just one of the places that sends chills through the body.

As well as an execution trench used for Russian POWs, there is also a Soviet Liberation Memorial; a reminder that the Soviets used the camp for years afterwards for their own purposes. The reason it’s important? It left me with the palpable feeling that the events we read about in the history textbooks are nowhere near as removed from today as we might think—or like. James Driscoll

How to get there: The camp address is Straße der Nationen 22, D-16515 Oranienburg ( Tel. +49-03301-200-0, www.stiftung-bg.de). To reach it take the S1 to Oranienburg station from Friedrichstraße station. Trains leave every 20 minutes and the journey takes around 45 minutes.

Templin: Spas, Lakes & Churches

Perhaps best-known as chancellor Angie Merkel’s hometown (she was born in Hamburg, but moved shortly after so that her father could become pastor of the local church), Templin first appeared on my own personal radar as the location of very good, very expansive, and reasonably priced Natur Therme or natural thermal baths.

The spring waters that boil up from underneath Templin come from a distance of 1,650 meters below the surface and have a salt content of 15%. Just a short walk out of the town center (or even a shorter walk from one of Templin’s train stations), a squat and not at all attractive building hides wonders inside: indoor and outdoor bathing pools of different temperatures, a number of saunas from the comfortably warm to the nearly scalding, steam rooms and relaxation areas.

In warmer months, the area is still wonderful to visit thanks to a charming old town centre, which is surrounded by complete city wall adorned with three impressive, brick and stone city gates. The Marktplatz , or central square, is ringed by Fachwerkhäuser (half-timbered houses) and there’s a beautiful Baroque-style Alte Rathaus or Old Town Hall, though it’s sadly no longer in use. A weekly outdoor market takes over the square on Tuesdays and Fridays; a great place to get a roast chicken or a beer (even in the morning), and test how far your knowledge of German will help you decipher the local dialect.

Templin is also surrounded by various shimmering lakes (Templiner See and Fährsee are the two biggest) and soaring forests, but since I usually come by car, I can take advantage of a local secret: the tiny village of Alt Placht. Little more than a cluster of single-story, half-timbered houses on a single street, with colorful shutters and garden elves out front, this Dorf holds a secret: the so-called “ Kirchlein im Grünen ” or “little church in the green.”

This tiny church is more like a one-room chapel and looks like something out of a fairytale, its moss-covered roof gently caressed by hundred-year-old linden trees. Like many other buildings of note, it stood in partial ruins up until the Wende, and was rescued by a team of dedicated preservationists—including Horst Kasner, Angela Merkel’s father. Giulia Pines

How to get there: Various RE and RB trains leave Berlin Hauptbahnhof for Templin Markt and Templin HBF and take around 90 minutes with one change. Visit www.bahn.com for more info,

By Paul Sullivan on June 5, 2014, in Art & Culture , Brandenburg , Day Trips & Weekends Away , Family , Historical Berlin , Off The Beaten Track Updated on: August 16, 2023 More Paul Sullivan 14 minutes

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12 UNMISSABLE Day Trips from Berlin

Published October 6, 2019

// By Margherita

Planning to visit Berlin? The city offers a lot to see and do, but we also highly recommend planning some day trips from Berlin – to nearby towns like Hamburg or Dresden, nature day trips to the lakes, or even day trips from Berlin to Poland.

After visiting the German capital over 10 times, here are our 12 favourite, unmissable day trips from Berlin!

As German author Karl Scheffler wrote in 1910, Berlin is “a city condemned forever to becoming and never to being”. This quote can still be applied today to describe this unique city in constant development. A city that, despite the never-ending construction sites, proves to be alive, dynamic and revolutionary.

Many people like to describe Berlin as one of those cities that either you love or you hate – you know we love Berlin, right?

We love the vibe of alternative Berlin , its crazy street art and quirky museums, and all the different neighbourhoods – we never get bored, even when we visit Berlin in winter and the weather is just horrible. 

It is very different from other European capital cities and in order to really appreciate it, you must forget all expectations and be prepared to find non-conformist city, definitely out of the ordinary.

From monuments and museums, to shops, breweries, restaurants and night clubs, Berlin is full of things to do and see during your stay , but, as it often happens, after some time in a big city, there are times when you feel like escaping the chaos and embarking on a little adventure.

So, if you have an extra day to fill or you want to get out of the city, there are many day trips from Berlin that you can do.

Where to Stay in Berlin

Here are some options for cool design and boutique hotels to choose as your Berlin base!

• SO/Berlin Das Stue – with interiors by celebrity designer Patricia Urquiola and a great restaurant!
• nhow Berlin – Europe’s first music hotel with themed decor!
• Provocateur Berlin – quirky, whimsical interiors with lots of red velvet and playful details, perfect for a couple getaway
• Henri Hotel – around the corner from the Ku’damm, this hotel screams #AccidentallyWesAnderson!
• Hotel Zoo Berlin – with a mix of industrial and classic style, and a speakeasy style bar
• 25Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin – funky, colourful hotel with a fun rooftop bar 

Day Trips from Berlin to Nearby Cities

1) berlin to dresden day trip.

Dresden is the perfect day trip from Berlin if you like strolling around and admiring Baroque architecture – the reconstructed Altstadt (Old Town) is the perfect place to do that.

This city is often called the ‘Florence on the Elbe’ thanks to its beautiful location on the banks of the river, its elegant architecture, interesting museums and – naturally –  lots of biergartens (beer gardens).

Among the best things to do in Dresden to enjoy on a day trip, we recommend:

– a visit at the Zwinger Palace, inspired by Versailles and now home to museums such as the Old Masters Picture Gallery, the Dresden Porcelain Collection and the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments;

– the ascent to the dome at the Frauenkirche , the reconstructed Lutheran church

– attend a show at the Semperoper

– wandering around Neustadt , to discover street art and quirky bars

Just outside of the city you can also visit Moritzburg Castle , which is situated on a small artificial island, or take a hike through the nearby Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Getting to Dresden: by train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Travel time 2 hours each way.

Best Dresden Tours from Berlin

• Florence on the Elbe: Tour of Dresden from Berlin
• From Berlin: Guided Day Trip to Dresden
• Dresden: Round-Trip Guided-Tour from Berlin
• Bohemian Saxon Switzerland Tour

2) Berlin to Leipzig Day Trip

Despite not being as well known as other German cities, Leipzig has become one of the most liveable cities in the region , and a cheaper alternative to the capital.

This upcoming city attracts young artists, design-lovers and businesspeople from all over the world.

The perfect itinerary for a day trip to Leipzig from Berlin begins with a walk around Altstadt , the old town with its rich architectural heritage dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, and around the Market Square (Markt).

Afterwards, music and art lovers pick a museum to visit – some options are the Leipzig Museum of Fine Arts , the three-in-one Grassi Museum (home to the Etnography Museum, the Musical Instruments and Applied Arts Museum), or to the Bach Museum.

For a complete culinary experience, before heading back to Berlin make your way south of the centre along Karl-Liebknecht-Straße and explore the Zentrum-Süd and Südvorstadt districts, admiring the colourful street art and choosing your meal between numerous bars and restaurants.

Getting to Leipzig: by train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Travel time 1 hour 15 hours each way.

Best Leipzig Tours

• FREE Leipzig Walking Tour
• Leipzig: 90-Minute Trabi City Tour
• Combo Tour in Leipzig: Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing
• Gruseltour Leipzig: A Haunted Guided Tour
• Leipzig: Mulled Wine Motorboat Tour

3) Berlin to Hamburg Day Trip

Hamburg is one of Germany’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities . It is also the main German port even though the city does not directly face the sea, but it develops along the Elbe river and its estuary.

Severely bombed during the Second World War , you will not find many monuments to visit or historical architecture to admire, therefore it is often described as a city that needs to be experienced to be appreciated – spend one night enjoying nightlife in St.Pauli and the Reeperbahn to know what I mean.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t many things to do and see in Hamburg – actually, quite the opposite. 

If you only have one day to explore the city, you can choose between wandering through the Speicherstadt , taking a river cruise, touring the new Elbphilharmonie , or indulging your inner child at Miniatur Wunderland .

Getting to Hamburg: by train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Travel time 1 hour 40 hours each way.

Best Hamburg Tours

• FREE Hamburg Walking Tour
• 2-Hour Hamburg Port Tour: Maritime Flair
• Hamburg Dungeon: Savings Ticket
• Hamburg: Guided Tour Elbphilharmonie  
• Sex and Crime in St. Pauli – Adults Only Tour

4) Berlin to Potsdam Day Trip

Potsdam is one of the most popular destinations for a  day trip from Berlin. Only 30 minutes away from the city, this is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a complete change of scenery.

In contrast with gritty Berlin, Potsdam is known for its beautiful gardens and palaces , its picturesque centre with its historic architecture and one of the best cheesecakes you’ll ever taste – just head to Café Guam to know what I mean!

We also recommend visiting the Old Dutch Quarter with its unique red-bricked Dutch-style architecture, and the city’s gates as the medieval Nauener Tor, Brandenburg Gate and Hunters’ Gate.

Naturally, you can’t return to Berlin without visiting Sanssouci Palace and its park , dreamed up by Frederick the Great as a place where he could spend his time ‘sans souci’  (without cares).

Getting to Potsdam: by S-Bahn from Alexanderplatz or any other station along the S7. Travel time approx 30 minutes each way.

Best Potsdam Tours

• Soviet Tour of Potsdam
• Berlin: Potsdam – Kings, Gardens & Palaces 6-Hour Tour
• Potsdam Half-Day Tour from Berlin – The Imperial City
• Segway Tour: Potsdam Highlights
• From Berlin: Day Trip to Potsdam – City of Emperors

With its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites , the impressive Market Square and its whimsical statues, Bremen is worth visiting during your time in Berlin , even though it’s 400 kilometres away.

If you can, plan Bremen as an overnight trip from Berlin , to explore this fascinating town after dark!

Bremen is a 1200 year old city filled with historical treasures and fun things to do. Head to the Old Town and take a stroll in the old Market Square with its Cathedral and, in December, its popular  Christmas Market , admire the old Town Hall and the five-and-a-half-meter-tall statue of Roland, Germany’s most famous knight, erected in 1404.

To experience a quirkier side of the city, head to the Viertel quarter to admire the street art and experience its laid back cafés and late-night entertainment.

Getting to Bremen: by train from Berlin Gesundbrunnen. Travel time about 3 hours each way.

Best Bremen Tours

• Bremen: Walking Tour in German with Night Guard
• Tour of Bremen’s Underworld
• Bremen: 3-Hour Beck’s Brewery Tour
• Bremen: Sightseeing Tour with a Historic Streetcar

6) Braunschweig 

Braunschweig , founded in 1895 by the Duke of Saxony, Henry the Lion, is the largest city between Berlin and Hanover.

A major trading hub in the Middle Ages and severely bombed during the Second World War, Braunschweig is filled with tourist attractions that combine the traditional and the modern: from buildings that go back to the days of the city’s foundation, up to the contemporary Happy RIZZI House, a collection of buildings covered in colourful cartoon-inspired street art.

When visiting Braunschweig don’t miss the Burgplatz and its Dom (Cathedral), the Burg (Castle) and the Landesmuseum .

Getting to Braunschweig: by train from Berlin Gesundbrunnen. Travel time about 3 hours each way.

Day Trips from Berlin to Poland

Berlin is also a great starting point for a day trip to Poland – Poznan is a great option, a town known for its laid-back attitude and its many sights, as well as its incredible food scene.

Among the best things to see and do in Poznan we can mention visiting the Old Town , watching the mechanical billy goats appear at noon on the clock on top of Town Hall, visiting the Croissant Museum, and walking the halls of the former Imperial Castle .

You can also have a stroll around the Citadel Park , Poznan’s largest urban park, or enjoy the street art and choose between the many traditional Polish restaurants and hip cafes.

Getting to Poznan: by train from Berlin Lichtenberg. Travel time about 2 hours 20 hours each way. Alternatively, you can reach Poznan more cheaply by Flixbus, but travel time is 4 hours each way. 

Best Poznan Tours

• Good Evening Poznań – Craft Beer and Food Walking Tour
• Poznań Bites & Sights – Food Walking Tour
• Poznan: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour
• Private Tour of Poznań

8) Szczecin

If you want to visit Poland on a day trip from Berlin but don’t want to make it all the way to Poznan, then Szczecin is a great option, being only two hours away from Berlin.

The city is filled with historical sites, interesting architecture, museums, trendy bars and traditional restaurants.

Among the best things to see in Szczecin , we recommend visiting the Pomeranian Ducal Castle and Tower of Seven Mantles , admiring the architecture at Wały Chrobrego (the city’s most representative embankment) and strolling around the Old Town and Solidarity Square.

Szczecin is also the best place to try the famous Polish pierogies and beers and to watch a performance at the Philharmonic.

Getting to Szczecin:  by Flixbus from Alexanderplatz. Travel time approx 2 hours each way. 

Nature Trips from Berlin

Did you know Berlin is surrounded by spectacular lakes? One of the best known is  Wannsee , also is home to one of Europe’s largest inland outdoor beaches.

Wannsee is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Berlin during the summer , so it might not be the best option if you’re looking for a day of peace and relaxation along the shores of the lake.

Despite the crowds, Wannsee, once a small village where the king rested and changed horses en route his palace in Potsdam, is now one of the most exclusive residential areas for the rich and famous.

The Strandbad is the perfect place for sunbathing and swimming and, on the opposite side of the lake, you can take a walk along Am Großen Wannsee  to look at some of the most impressive historical homes of the area.

Last but not least, Wannsee and Potsdam are only three stops away on the S7 from one another, so you can easily combine both in one – long – day trip from Berlin!

Getting to Wannsee: by S-Bahn from Alexanderplatz or any other station along the S7. Travel time about 20 minutes each way.

Best Wannsee Tours

• 2-Hour Seven Lakes Tour from Berlin’s Wannsee
• Berlin-Wannsee to Potsdam 3-Hour World Heritage Cruise
• Berlin: 2-Hour Lake Oberhavel Cruise from Tegel

10) Spreewald

Only one hour away from the city, Spreewald is the perfect getaway for a day trip to escape bustling Berlin , and immerse yourself in the quiet atmosphere of the small towns scattered around the region.

Spreewald is a swampy area extending about 100 km southwest of Berlin, famous for its intricate network of waterways. As a result, the best known activity to enjoy in Spreewald are definitely boat tours around the protected UNESCO biosphere.

There are many kinds of boat tours available – you can paddle yourself on a kayak or jump on one of the traditional Spreewald punts , where you can sit on wooden benches sipping (copious amounts of) beer, while a boatman manoeuvres the boat with a long stick. 

These tours are really good fun and a great way to spend your day trip. If you prefer hiking to boating, you can also hike along a trail in the forest that leads to Lehde , one of the oldest traditional villages.

We also recommend spending some time checking out Lübbenau , one of the prettiest town in Spreewald – don’t miss a stroll in the historic Town Center, and if you have time also check out the unique Gurkenmuseum , dedicated to the most famous Spreewald product – the legendary gherkins!

Getting to Spreewald: by train from Berlin Lichtenberg. Travel time about 1 hour each way.

11) Kromlau (Rakotzbrücke)

Kromlau is one of the most sought-after picture-perfect destinations you can reach with a day trip from Berlin.

The main feature of Kromlau is its Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge), located in the middle of Kromlauer Park, and the perfect circle that forms in combination with its reflection on the water. 

Its name comes the legend behind its construction, which is exactly the same as the many ‘Devil’s Bridges’ all over Europe – the bridge was so challenging to build that the Devil was asked for help, and he accepted in exchange for the first soul to cross it.

However, cunning locals managed to get a cat, or goat, or pig (some kind of animal basically) to cross first, preventing eternal damnation for another human being. 

This legend dates back to Medieval times, but the Rakotzbrücke was commissioned by a local knight back only in 1860.

The bridge is another Instagram eye-candy favourite , and countless ‘influencers’ have posed on it in recent years, damaging the ancient stonework and potentially endangering themselves, since the bridge has no railings or parapet.

This doesn’t stop people from trespassing, even though there are many Verboten signs – please don’t do it!

Kromlauer Park is also a great place to relax and explore the area’s attractions such as Kromlau Castle.

This place is perfect for a day trip also combined with a visit in Spreewald , Bad Muskau or Lubbenau.

**2019 UPDATE** 

Renovation of the bridge is currently ongoing and the lake bed is filled with machinery, meaning you’ll miss out on those Insta-perfect mirror images – it is uncertain when works will end, so if you want to plan a day trip from Berlin, make sure get some updated info!

Getting to Rakotzbrücke: if you can, we highly recommend hiring a car – driving time is approximately 2 hours from Berlin. 

If you’re set on travelling by public transport from Berlin, the best way is getting a train to Cottbus and another to Weißwasser, where you can hop on bus 257 to Kromlau. Travel time is about 3 and a half hours each way.

12) Sachsenhausen

Even though it’s not what you would call a fun day out from Berlin , a visit at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp it is without a doubt one of the most touching experiences you can make in your life.

Sachsenhausen was one of the largest concentration camps in Germany. It served as both a concentration camp and for the training of commanders and personnel that was then being sent to the other camps.

Between 1939 and 1945 about 200,000 people were deported to the camp of Sachsenhausen and many of these lost their lives due to starvation, exhaustion, medical experimentation or execution.

After the war, it fell into Soviet hands  – making Sachsenhausen the only concentration camp that to be used both by the Nazi and by the NKVD , the Soviet secret service, who imprisoned over 60,000 inmates over a five-year period. Over 12,000 ended up losing their lives. 

A visit at Sachsenhausen camp includes several museums and information sites, so be prepared for a lot of walking – or book a tour to get the historical background of the site. 

Getting to Sachsenhausen: by train from Berlin Gesundbrunnen to Oranienburg, travel time 35 minutes. From there, you can either walk for 20 minutes to Sachsenhausen, or take bus number 804.

Best Sachsenhausen Tours

• Berlin: Sachsenhausen Small Group Bus Tour
• Sachsenhausen Memorial: 6-Hour Tour
• Berlin: Half-Day Sachsenhausen Memorial Walking Tour
• From Berlin: Sachsenhausen Memorial Walking Tour

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20 day trips from Berlin - by regional train (0-1 change, 0.5-4 hours), tested by locals

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Looking for the best day trips from Berlin by train? We have personally tested the best places to visit near Berlin by regional train with a maximum of 4 hours ride and 1 change of train - including the best cities near Berlin as well as the best nature spots. Of course, you can always spend the night to turn your Berlin day trip into a weekend trip from Berlin.

We have used the 9 Euro Ticket extensively and have found great destinations for a day trip from Berlin. Whether you are looking for one day trips from Berlin or weekend trips from Berlin, our local travel guide has got you covered. We include how easy it is to get to our Berlin day trip destinations by local train, a map, as well as the best things to do on your day trip or weekend getaway from Berlin.

Check out bahn.de for the current schedules and make sure to check local transport only for the best rates.

The best day trips from Berlin, sorted by length

1. day trip from berlin to potsdam, 2. day trip from berlin to werder, 3. day trip from berlin to beelitz heilstädten, 4. day trip from berlin to strausberg, 5. day trip from berlin to bad saarow, 6. day trip from berlin to lübbenau, 7. day trip from berlin to wiesenburg and bad belzig, 8. day trip from berlin to wittenberg, 9. day trip from berlin to cottbus, 10. day trip from berlin to dessau, 11. day trip from berlin to waren (müritz), 12. day trip from berlin to ueckermünde, 13. day trip from berlin to tangermünde, 14. day trip from berlin to leipzig, 15. day trip from berlin to greifswald, 16. day trip from berlin to warnemünde, 17. day trip from berlin to stralsund, 18. day trip from berlin to goslar, 19. day trip from berlin to usedom (heringsdorf), 20. day trip from berlin to breslau / wrocław, less than 1 hour train ride from berlin, berlin to potsdam by train: 23 min, no change of trains.

Only 30 km (18 mi) away from Berlin central station, you can find the capital German  state of Brandenburg. The city of Potsdam is with around 183,000 inhabitants largest city in Brandenburg as well. There are enough things for you to do to easily spend two days here.

Best things to do on a day trip to Potsdam

• Visit all the castles . Of course, Sanssouci is the highlight but if you’re really into castles, you can visit around 30 in the area. One of our personal favourites is the Belvedere .
• For movie enthusiasts, Filmpark Babelsberg is a must-visit. It’s a film-themed amusement with over 20 film-specific attractions, shows, a 4D theatre, and original sets.
• Take a stroll through the city centre with the pedestrian street , Potsdam’s very own Brandenburg Gate , the St. Nikola church , as well as one of our favourite museums in the Berlin area, the Barberini museum .
• Go on a boat tour on the Havel or one of the many lakes.
• Visit the Russian Colony for traditional wooden houses and authentic Russian food.
• Explore the dutch quarter with its 134 brick houses and the best cheesecake you’ll have in your life.

Berlin to Werder by train: 45 min, no change of trains

The best time to visit Werder is during the tree blossoms in spring. The small town is most famous for hosting the Baumblütenfest (tree blossom celebration), the biggest folk festival in eastern Germany.

Best things to do on a day trip to Werder

• Visit the Baumblütenfest (tree blossom celebration). Every year in spring, you can enjoy the beauty of the blossoms, taste local fruit wines, and try different rides.
• Explore the old town , which is located on an island! Stroll the cobblestone streets, visit the market square or walk around the island on the lakefront promenade.
• Go on a boat tour on the Havel and beyond. You can either choose a cruise or rent your own small boat to explore.
• Enjoy the view from the Bismarckhöhe , which also features a beer garden.
• Enjoy fresh fish either on a budget at Mai Wilhelm Fischerei or seated with a view at Fischrestaurant Arielle
• Go on a hike . In spring, the Panoramaweg Werderobst i s lovely. If you have the fitness, you can also hike the Glindower Alps - don’t worry they are not nearly as high as their southern German counterpart 😉

Berlin to Beelitz by train: 48 min, no change of trains

The workers' pulmonary sanatoriums Beelitz-Heilstätten, built between 1898 and 1930, form one of the largest hospital complexes in the Berlin area. It is an ensemble of 60 buildings on a total area of around 200 hectares that you can nowadays visit as a lost place on guided tours.

Beware that the sanatorium, the tree top path, and the barefoot park come with three different entrance fees.

Best things to do on a day trip to Beelitz Heilstädten

• The main attraction of Beelitz Heilstädten is a guided tour through the sanatorium. You used to be able to visit on your own but nowadays a guided tour is necessary. You cannot prebook the regular tours online and English tours are available on request only.
• The second highlight is the treetop path leading through (and over) the ruined buildings of the sanatorium.
• The barefoot park is the largest nature adventure park in Brandenburg. You can experience barefoot walking on the 15-hectare site in the middle of the forest with a total of 3 km (1.8 mi) of trails and 68 nature experience stations.
• Beelitz town is just a short bus ride away. While this cute town might not be worth a day trip on its own it’s a great addition to the sanatorium to stroll the cobblestone streets. Make sure to visit my favourite piece of art: human-size asparagus.
• Speaking of asparagus : Beelitz is famous for this vegetable. Make sure to have some when you visit in season!
• Beelitz is the location of the 2022 Landesgartenschau (State Horticultural Show) which is particularly interesting if you’re into flowers and gardening.

Berlin to Strausberg by train: 52 min, no change of trains

You can reach this day trip destination with the S-Bahn! It’s a perfect combination of small-town charm and nature’s delights. It’s a great place to visit especially in summer when you can swim in the lakes.

Best things to do on a day trip to Strausberg

• Take the S-Bahn to Strausberg Stadt and stroll through the cute town centre. You can even follow a self-guided city tour .
• Take the ferry over to the other side of the Straussee .
• Go on a hike . The easiest hike takes you around the Straussee. You can prolong the tour by adding the Fängersee , Bötzsee , and Herrensee .
• Go for a swim . There are plenty of beaches around the Strausberg lakes that are less crowded than the Berlin lakes in summer.
• Go scuba diving . Yes, you can scuba dive in Brandenburg!
• Stay in a castle . Well maybe it’s not a real castle but it looks like one and comes with a nice spa.

1 - 2 hours train ride from Berlin

Berlin to bad saarow by train: 1h, 1 change of trains.

Bad Saarow is all about the spa (Bad meaning bath or spa in English). In summer, you can also enjoy the beautiful Scharmützelsee.

Best things to do on a day trip to Bad Saarow

• By far the main reason for a day trip to Bad Saarow is to visit a spa. The Therme Bad Saarow is the most famous but there are also more spa hotels than you can count.
• Enjoy one of the many beer gardens and beaches around the Scharmützelsee .
• Rent a boat on the Scharmützelsee. You can either rent your own motorised or motorised boat or go on a cruise.
• Enjoy the bath architecture in Bad Saarow as many famous inhabitants like Maxim Gorki, Theodor Fontane, and Max Schmeling did. There’s even a guided tour on Sundays.
• Go on a hike . The most straightforward route is around the Scharmützelsee but you can also hike towards the Rauener Berge with their 24/7 view tower.
• If you’re into escape rooms, the Kletterwald Bad Saarow has something special to offer: an outdoor escape game.

Berlin to Lübbenau by train: 1h 5min, no change of trains

Lübbenau is located in the heart of the Spreewald, a biosphere reserve full of canals.

Best things to do on a day trip to Lübbenau

• The single best thing to do in Lübbenau is to rent a kayak and explore the canals on your own. There are even some restaurants with kayak docks along the way.
• The second best thing to do is go on a guided barge tour. There is no motor, the guide will push you forward with a stick. You’ll also have the possibility to snack some gherkins.
• The Spreewald is famous for its gherkins or pickled cucumbers. Don’t leave without having tried one. You can also try some unique cucumber specialities like cucumber soda, ice cream or shakes. There’s even a gherkin museum.
• Relax in the Spreewelten Bad Lübbenau spa. Where else can you swim with penguins?
• Visit the Open Air Museum Lehde . It’s the oldest open-air museum in Brandenburg offering a view into the lives of the residents of the Spreewald more than 100 years ago. Houses were brought together from various regions of the Spreewald and rebuilt here to form a whole village.
• Stroll through the cobblestone streets, eat in one of the many restaurants and explore the castle. You can even spend a night in the castle .

Berlin to Wiesenburg and Bad Belzig by train: 1h 10 min, no change of trains

Wiesenburg was already featured in our blog post highlighting the best things to do all over Germany and we reconfirm that the town and the beautiful castle are worth a visit. It’s easily combined with Bad Belzig, be it on foot or by train.

Best things to do on a day trip to Wiesenburg and Bad Belzig

• The Wiesenburg Castle with the beautiful lake and observation tower is easily worth a day trip itself.
• You can comfortably combine a visit to Wiesenburg with a visit to Bad Belzig - be it by train or by hike. We totally recommend you to hike if you’re able to as a Kunstwanderweg (art trail) with 10 different objects connects the two villages. The whole loop is 21 km (13 mi) but you can easily cut it in half by deciding on the north or the south route.
• The charming town centre of Bad Belzig i tself is worth exploring.
• The Landmark of Bad Belzig is Burg Eisenhardt . You can climb the castle walls and the observation tower. Don’t miss the amazing chocolate at the Chocolaterie .
• To be honest, we have not done this ourselves and the reviews online are mixed but there’s a 9 km (5.5 mi) Barefoot Hike around Bad Belzig which is on our bucketlist.
• While this is not strictly the material for a touristy day trip, we still wanted to mention the amazing Coconat coworking space. After all, you could leave the city to work in the beautiful Brandenburg countryside for one day.

Berlin to Wittenberg by train: 1h 21 min, no change of trains

Wittenberg’s claim to fame is that it was the city of the revolution - namely the reformation that led to the protestant religion splitting from the Catholics. Hence also the name Lutherstadt Wittenberg after the reformer Martin Luther. It’s also part of the world heritage region Dessau-Wittenberg.

Tip: As the town is quite touristy many of the sights, including the churches, come with an entrance fee.

Best things to do on a day trip to Wittenberg

• Do some revolution sightseeing. You can visit the Lutherhaus , the Schlosskirche where Luther posted the Ninety-five Theses, the St. Marien church where the first German service ever took place, and the house of the reformer Melanchthon .
• • Follow the well-marked sightseeing trail through the city centre with bilingual descriptions of all the major sights including the old city wall, the town hall, and the historic university.
• There are countless cute cafes and restaurants in Wittenberg, many of them in picturesque backyards. Just to mention a few there’s the von Bora i nside the courtyard of the Lutherhaus, the Hofwirtschaft in the Cranachhof, and Café Klatschmohn .
• A hidden gem of a museum is the Museum of City History in the historic building of the Zeughaus. It features 700 years of the history of Lutherstadt Wittenberg.
• If you’re a sucker for views like we are, you can summit the tower of the Schlosskirche . You can purchase a chip at the entrance of the church and let yourself in.
• If you’re a nature enthusiast, we recommend you to cycle along the Elberadweg .

Berlin to Cottbus by train: 1h 24min, no change of trains

To be honest, there’s a bit of prejudice against visiting Cottbus. So we were even more surprised to encounter a charming city with loads of greenery on our day trip.

Best things to do on a day trip to Cottbus

• Get an overview from the Spremberger Tower . It does not cost much and the people who work there will be able to give you many recommendations.
• Do some sightseeing in the old town. Some of our highlights are the old market, the monastery , the city castle , the city wall , and the oldest building of Cottbus, the Gerberhäuser . You can even go on a guided tour on some weekdays.
• Stroll the walking street with its many shops and enjoy Cottbuss's many restaurants. Don’t miss the Stadtwächter for some traditional cuisine next to the medieval city wall.
• Check out the pyramids . Yes, you heard right, there are pyramids in Cottbus. They are part of the super cool Fürst-Pückler-Park Branitz , which is free to visit and super interesting.
• Enjoy the river Spree be it walking or cycling.
• Visit the old Cottbus-Nord opencast mine . It was flooded in 2019 and is now called Cottbusser Ostsee (The Baltic Sea of Cottbus). To be honest, it was still a mine when we last visited but there seem to be observation towers nowadays and it does look super interesting. There’s still an active mine in Welzow .

Berlin to Dessau by train: 1h 38min, no change of trains

Like Wittenberg, Dessau is part of the world heritage region Dessau-Wittenberg. It’s famous for its Bauhaus architecture.

Tip: You can save some serious money if you buy the WelterbeCard .

Best things to do on a day trip to Dessau

Get an overview of Bauhaus architecture by doing a self-guided Bauhaus tour. You can either walk or take the Bauhaus Bus ( Line 10 ) that will bring you to the most important Bauhaus buildings like Törten Settlement, Historical Arbeitsamt, Bauhausmuseum, Meisterhäuser, and Kornhaus.

Bauhaus is important in Dessau so you shouldn’t miss visiting the museum Bauhaus Dessau , Bauhaus Museum Dessau , and the Meisterhäuser .

The Räucherturm might look a bit sketchy but it offers great views over Dessau for free.

While Bauhaus is the main focus, the old city centre is also worth a visit. Highlights include the city castle , the Marienkirche , and of course the Georgium . You can follow a well-marked trail with bilingual explanations to do a self-guided tour.

Beware that the main walking street does not really have historic charm in Dessau.

Dessau is close to the UNESCO World Heritage Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve . You can best explore the old trees and branched arms of the river by bike.

Probably a day trip in itself, the Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz with its gardens, palaces and avenues is worth a visit. You can reach it by train from Dessau.

Berlin to Waren (Müritz) by train: 1h 40min, no change of trains

Waren (Müritz) is located in the heart of the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte (Mecklenburg Lake District) yet easy to reach from Berlin by train.

Best things to do on a day trip to Waren (Müritz)

• The highlight of the region is the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte (Mecklenburg Lake District). Don’t skip exploring it by boat - either on your own with a rental kayak or on a cruise. You can opt for a three, five, or seven lakes cruise.
• With more than 2000 km (1250 mi) of cycle paths and mostly flat terrain, the area of the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte is a cyclists’ paradise ! While not strictly a bike, you can rent a trolley and paddle on a railway through the Nature Park Mecklenburg Switzerland.
• Don’t miss out on the city centre with its churches, market square, and town hall. The harbour is also worth a visit.
• Since 2021, Waren is a state-approved spa . The Waren thermal brine has a high iodine content and is supposed to have healing properties. Anyways you can never go wrong with a relaxing spa treatment in the Waren Spa Centre.
• The Müritzeum is an interactive adventure world that exhibits the nature around the Müritz and the Mecklenburg Lake District. It features the largest freshwater aquarium in Germany with over 40 species of fish. Like with all museums/aquariums you have to make the decision yourself.
• With an area of over 320 square kilometres (120 square miles), the Müritz National Park is the largest terrestrial national park in Germany. Three quarters are covered by forest and it features around 100 lakes and many smaller bodies of water. The national park is named after the Müritz, Germany's largest inland lake.

2 - 3 hours train ride from Berlin

Berlin to ueckermünde by train: 2h 20min, 1 change of trains.

While Ueckermünde is not nearly as famous as its counterpart on the other side of the Stettiner Haff Usedom, it’s nonetheless worth a visit, significantly less crowded and much cheaper.

Best things to do on a day trip to Ueckermünde

• If it’s the right temperature, go and hit the beach. The Haffbad with its beach chairs to rent is super nice.
• If it’s not the right weather to hit the beach, check out the charming Haffmuseum in the old castle. Here you’ll learn about the history of Ueckermünde. Additionally, you have a great view from the tower.
• Stroll through the city centre and along the Uecker promenade .
• Check out the Klappbrücke (bascule bridge). The Sir Henry Fischbistro is a great place to have a drink and a fish roll while you wait for ships to pass the bridge. If you’re really into bascule bridges, there’s also a wooden one across the Köhnischer Kanal.
• Take a boat to Poland ! We really loved Swinemünde / Świnoujście and we love boat tours so this is a win-win. Of course, you can also cruise the Stettiner Haff.
• Explore the area by bike. If you make it all the way to Altwarp (17 km or 10 mi), you’ll be rewarded with a historic windmill and shifting dunes. Additionally, you can hop on a quick little ferry to Neuwarp / Nowe Warpno in Poland on a charming cutter. Of course, you can also take the bus.

Berlin to Tangermünde by train: 2h 30min, 1 change of trains

Honestly, we probably would have never heard about Tangermünde if our friends had not had their wedding in this beautiful historic Hanseatic town. We would have missed out…

Best things to do on a day trip to Tangermünde

• Stroll through the historic city centre. The half-timbered houses are as cute as they can be, the brick churches are impressive, the towers imposing, and the city wall is like nothing we’ve ever seen. There’s even a small local history museum.
• Don’t forget to visit the castle . They have a restaurant and a hotel with a spa . The view from the Kapitel Tower is the best in the city.
• Not one but two rivers float through Tangermünde: the Tanger and the Elbe. Tangermünde is located along the Elbe bike path with a total length of 1270 km (790 mi) - but don’t worry, you don’t have to cycle it all. The Nature Observation Tower Bölsdorfer Haken is an easy 5 km (3 mi) hike or bike ride away. Of course, you can also ride further towards Buch.
• Try a local Kuhschwanzbier (cow tail beer). You can get it at the Zecherei , a restaurant in an old church with a very medieval atmosphere which is totally worth a visit.
• Sleep in a brewery. Schulzens Brauerei is not only a hotel but also a restaurant and a bar. You can have tastings, guided tours, and even brew your own beer - a beer lovers’ paradise.
• To reach Tangermünde, you have to change trains in Stendal . If you have the time, don’t skip this historic Hanseatic city.

Berlin to Beelitz by train: 2h 40min, 1 change of trains

With more than 600000 inhabitants, Leipzig is the biggest city in Saxony. Of course, you’ll find plenty of cultural events, restaurants, and museums here.

Best things to do on a day trip to Leipzig

• Visit the Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of the Nations). The monument was erected in memory of the Battle of the Nations in 1813 and, at 91 meters high, is one of the tallest monuments in Europe. Climb to the top and enjoy the view over Leipzig.
• Enjoy the view from the Panorama Tower . The MDR television high-rise building is the tallest building in Leipzig. When it was completed in 1972, it was the tallest building in Germany. Located in the city centre, it offers a great view of the city and the surrounding area of Leipzig.
• The Haus der Geschichte - Zeitgeschichtliches Forum teaches you about the history of the GDR - completely for free!
• We normally don’t recommend visiting zoos but in Leipzig, you can find Gondwanaland - Germany’s biggest jungle. We’re just suckers for tropical houses, especially in German winter. Here, we saw tapirs and comodo dragons before we saw them in the wild. They even have a section featuring living fossils!
• Eat and drink to your heart’s content in the Barfußgäßchen also called Drallewatsch which means going out in Saxonian.
• Explore the beautiful city centre. You can go on a free walking tour or do a self-guided tour. If you want to learn about Leipzig’s role in the German reunification, we recommend the English App "Leipzig '89" .

Berlin to Greifswald by train: 2h 48min, no change of trains

In between the popular islands of Rügen and Usedom, Greifswald often gets overlooked. A shame because the university city and the city with the youngest inhabitants in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is well worth a visit.

Best things to do on a day trip to Greifswald

• Greifswald is famous for its Backsteingotik (brick gothic) buildings. The market square is especially beautiful. The historic university from 1456 is well worth a visit.
• Climb the tower of the St Nikolaus church for the best view in town.
• With more than 50 ships, the museum port is the biggest in Germany. There’s a lot of information about each ship - all completely free!
• The famous romantik painter Caspar David Friedrich was born in Greifswald. Of course, he painted many pictures of his home town. You can follow the Bildweg (picture path) with 15 stations, see his paintings in the Pommersches Landesmuseum , and visit the Caspar David Friedrich-Centre .
• The Fischerdorf Wieck (fishing village Wieck) is well worth a visit. You can bike, walk, take a bus, or even a boat along the Ryck river. It’s famous for its bascule bridge which is still drawn manually. Strengthen yourself with a fish roll before you cross the bascule bridge to reach
• Eldena . This part of Greifswald is famous for its brick gothic monastery ruin - Klosterruine Eldena . Additionally, you can visit one of the oldest windmills  in the Baltic Sea. If the weather allows for it, you can have a relaxed day at the beach at the Strandbad Eldena (lido Eldena).

3 - 4 hours train ride from Berlin

Berlin to warnemünde by train: 3h 11min, 1 change of trains.

We all know the main event when visiting Warnemünde is going to the beach. Here are some other things you can do as well.

Best things to do on a day trip to Warnemünde

• Walk along the seafront promenade - this also secures you a more remote spot on the beach.
• Eating a fish roll is a must.
• Check out the lighthouse . You can climb it for a view.
• There’s a local museum but to be honest, we’ve never been.
• Do some boat-watching . You can see small boats on the Alter Strom, cruise ships and ferries along the Warnow, and there’s even a Maritime Museum in between Rostock and Warnemünde.
• To go to Warnemünde, you have to change trains in Rostock which is quite a nice city. Don’t miss the Stadthafen (city port) with its many restaurants when you go.

Berlin to Stralsund by train: 3h 14min, no change of trains

Stralsund is the jumping-off point to the German island of Rugen as you have to change trains here to cross the Rügen bridge. The city is definitely worth a stopover on your way and can even make for a nice day trip.

Best things to do on a day trip to Stralsund

• The main draw of Stralsund is its lovely old town with highlights like the St Nikolai church , the old market and city hall , and the old city wall with its gates . There’s even a free walking tour although it seems to be available only in German.
• The culinary highlight is the Störtebeker Brauquartier with amazing beers and food.
• The museum ship Gorch Fock I is a must-visit. The famous sailing training ship of the German Navy, Gorch Fock I, is moored in Stralsund's city harbour.
• Go on a boat tour. You can either choose a harbour cruise or take a ferry to many different destinations for example on the island of Rügen.
• If you don’t want to go all the way to Rügen, you can walk along the Sundpromenade to reach a nice sandy beach .
• The Ozeaneum (like every kind of zoo) is a debatable tourist attraction. Here, you can visit exhibitions featuring the Baltic Sea, North Sea and the open Atlantic. There are many aquariums with fish, coral and crabs. They collaborate with Greenpeace so they seem to be as animal friendly as aquariums get.

Berlin to Goslar by train: 3h 42min, 1 change of trains

Being born in Lower Saxony , we could not have not included the beautiful Harz mountains. Goslar is one of the destinations in the Harz mountains easiest reached by train. Most of the day trips on this list are geared toward warmer weather whereas the Harz mountains are amazing in winter as well.

Best things to do on a day trip to Goslar

• Go skiing . There are some ski schools in town for beginners and plenty of ski lifts around, for example at Bocksberg.
• Bocksberg can be reached by bus. It’s great in winter for skiing and tobogganing but also amazing in summer. There’s a summer toboggan run , you can zip line , hike the Liebesbankweg (love bench path), and of course visit the Instagram-famous stave church in Hahnenklee.
• Speaking of winter, the Christmas market in Goslar is one of our favourites in Germany. It comes with a Christmas Forest full of beautifully lit firs. The backdrop of the historic houses is just the cutest.
• Our favourite thing to do in Goslar is visiting the Cultural Heritage For All Humanity: The Rammelsberg mine . You can ride the mine train into the mountain, just like the miners did. You can even inquire about English tours via email.
• Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Kaiserpfalz (Imperial Palace). Erected between 1040 and 1050 under Henry III, the imperial palace is a unique monument of secular architecture. For more than 200 years, German and European history was written here at numerous Reichs- und Hoftage .
• Speaking of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The whole old town of Goslar is part of it! Make sure to stroll the cobblestone streets with their half-timbered houses, visit the market square, and enjoy the view from the tower of the Marktkirche . The only thing we did not enjoy was the pewter figures museum, which is mostly interesting for the pewter figure enthusiast and less for the regular tourist.

Berlin to Usedom (Heringsdorf) by train: 3h 52min, 1 change of trains

The German island of Usedom is undoubtedly touristy. Like many touristy places, rightly so. Beware that it can get crowded and prices are higher. Also, you should be aware that you have to pay a tourist tax of currently 2.70€ when you visit.

Best things to do on a day trip to Heringsdorf

• dog beaches
• nudist beaches (eastern Germany is famous for them)
• family-friendly beaches with beach chairs to rent
• Speaking of beaches: The beach is incredibly long. In fact, you can walk all the way to Swinemünde / Świnoujście in Poland along the beach!
• Heringsdorf is part of the three Kaiserbäder Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf und Bansin . They are connected by one of Europe’s longest beachfront promenades. The three towns are famous for their architectural style called Bäderarchitektur (bath architecture).
• All three Kaiserbäder feature impressive Seebrücken (piers). While the pier in Bansin is not very spectacular, the piers in Heringsdorf and Bansin have buildings on top with a restaurant inside.
• A small train called the Kaiserbäder-Express connects the three towns. It runs roughly every 40 minutes and is a lot of fun.
• If you have enough of the beach, you can visit the Healing Forest . Here, you can exercise, meditate, or check out different viewpoints.

Bonus: day trip from Berlin to Poland (over 4 hours train ride from Berlin)

Berlin to breslau / wrocław by train: 4h 18min ec or kulturzug (culture train).

You can reach Wrocław within 4h and 18min with an EC from Berlin making it a day trip destination. What we recommend you do though is take the amazing Kulturzug (culture train) for 19€ and spend a night. The train runs from Berlin to Wrocław Saturday morning and back Sunday evening. And the best? You’ll be entertained throughout the ride!

Best things to do on a day trip to Breslau / Wrocław

• Climb the roof of the Renoma shopping centre for a great free view.
• Stroll through the beautiful old town with the Rynek (Market Square). Like everywhere, we recommend you take a free walking tour .
• Don’t miss out on Cathedral Island which is the oldest part of Wrocław from the 10th century. It’s super pretty with a church at almost every turn.
• Hunt for the many little dwarfs which are the symbols of Wrocław. Rumour has it that there are around 500.
• Indulge in some delicious Polish food in the market hall . We recommend Pierogi and Bigos.
• Explore the alternative Nadodrze district to find street art and German signs.

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12 Awesome Day Trips from Berlin, Germany

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From walking over Rakotzbrücke Bridge to exploring Potsdam, these are some of the best day trips from Berlin for your next trip to Germany!

Berlin is an awesome city. The art, food, history, nightlife and overall cool urban vibes makes it one of my favourite cities in Europe. For a travel blogger that’s quite a big claim!

But with loads of cool day trips from Berlin on offer, it’s also a great idea getting out of the city and seeing some more of Germany . Getting a taste of other towns like Potsdam and Dresden is a sometimes welcome break from Berlin’s edgy culture and gritty character.

There’s a real mix of experiences available too.From hiking in Saxony to wandering around the streets of Lipzig to relaxing at the Tropical Islands Resort, there really is something for everyone here.

These places can all be reached within a few hours of Berlin, so they are proper day trips. You can be back in Berlin in time for dinner in Kreuzberg and a night out at the techno clubs, no problem.

So, here are my recommendations for the best Berlin day tours, ready for whenever you’re next in the city. Go on one of these and I guarantee you’re in for an amazing time.

If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, then make sure you check out my Berlin itinerary , my guide to Berlin in spring , and the coolest hotels in Berlin . All of these should help plan that amazing weekend away.

Are you planning an amazing weekend in Berlin? If so, you may want to book your hotels and tours asap to ensure availability. Here are some links to quickly help plan your trip!

Best hotels and apartments in Berlin:

• The Mandala Hotel (top rated 5* hotel)
• Urban Loft Berlin (top rated 4* hotel)
• Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz (top rated 3* hotel)

Best activities and tours in Berlin :

• Discover Berlin Walking Tour (top rated tour!)
• 3-Hour Secret Food Tour (this one is super yummy)
• TV Tower Fast View Ticket (best views in the city)

Berlin Day Trips

You might hear Leipzig described as Berlin’s little brother. While it’s true that it shares a similar carefree spirit, don’t write off a visit to Leipzig thinking it’s just a smaller, quieter Berlin. I promise you it’s not.

I was stunned at how beautiful the architecture is here. Just go for a stroll around Altsandt, the Old Town, and you’ll see what I mean. It’s lined with buildings in Saxon style and it’s more classical than other cities in Germany.

There’s a stand-out art scene in Leipzig too. Happy browsing galleries and sniffing out your next coffee in cosy cafes all day long? If that’s a yes, then out of all the Berlin day trips, this might be the one for you.

A 2 and a half hour tour of Leipzig costs £16/US$20 taking in the best sights around the city.

2. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Berlin itself is packed full of ways to learn about the country’s World War II history. None of it really compares, or prepares you, for visiting Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp .

The former Nazi concentration camp stands in Oranienburg, just outside of Berlin. Here, over 30,000 inmates died in the horrendous conditions, subjected to all kinds of evil. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and share the story of Sachsenhausen, as well as giving you wider context.

I understand why people might be reluctant to visit. However, choosing to learn about what happened and remember the people who lost their lives is an important act. I always feel that learning about man’s inhumanity to man is one of the best ways of atrocities like this ever occurring again. I would really encourage you to think about taking a Berlin tour here. 

A 6-hour tour of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp from Berlin costs £16/US$20 and goes into the history of the area. This tour includes a train ride through the forests too.

3. Saxon Switzerland National Park

One word comes to mind when I think of hiking in the Saxon Switzerland National Park: magical. This rock national park is made up of sandstone cliffs, valleys and gorges, and some amazing wildlife.

Among the atmospheric forest lies the Bastei Bridge – the park’s star attraction. Almost blending into the sandstone rock towers, it feels like it’s come straight from a forgotten fairy-tale.

I was amazed to find out that the bridge, as we see it today, was rebuilt for tourists in 1851. Travellers like me have been walking the same steps for over 160 years – so cool!

By the way, despite confusingly having Switzerland in its name, Saxon Switzerland is definitely in Germany and a doable distance from Berlin. It takes roughly three hours by car or train to deliver you from the bustle of the city into this natural paradise.

You can learn more about the hiking the Bastei Bridge in my blog post. It’s up there with my of the best things I’ve done in Germany!

4. Rakotzbrücke Bridge (The Devil’s Bridge)

Speaking of bridges, this one is an absolute showstopper. Rakotzbrücke gets its nickname ‘The Devil’s Bridge’ because its precarious stone structure was seen as so dangerous, people thought it must have been the work of Satan.

What actually makes this 19th-century bridge special though is its reflection. When the light hits the river, it forms a perfect circle.

I’ve always been bowled over by how beautiful this bridge is – I mean, just look at it!? The best time to visit is in autumn when the surrounding trees and colours make it all the more stunning.

You can’t walk across it but that really doesn’t matter. The experience is all about admiring it from afar. Just don’t forget your camera.

Visiting Rakotzbrücke Bridge is without a doubt one of the most popular day trips from Berlin so make sure you add it to your list.

Since Potsdam can be reached in as little as 25 minutes from Berlin, it’s a top a choice if you’re short on time. Best of all, its a really spectacular place well worth visiting on any trip to Germany.

You’ve got the striking architecture in the Old Dutch Quarter, which is one-of-a-kind in Europe. Then there’s the Sanssouci Park, where you can see not one but three major palaces. This is everyone’s favourite spot in the city.

Film and history buffs like me should come here just to see Filmpark Babelsberg . It’s one of the oldest and largest film studios in the world, with a massive place in the movie history of Germany. 

A full-day tour of Potsdam from Berlin costs £42/US$53 and includes transport with live commentary on the history of the city, a beautiful tour of Sanssouci’s garden and discovering more of the city.

You might wonder whether another big city should be one of your Berlin day tours. Well, I can’t decide for you but I can tell you Hamburg’s character feels a million miles from the capital’s.

With limited time, I’d suggest sticking to a handful of highlights instead of rushing around trying to cram more in. See the historic Speicherstadt district, tuck into some food at the Fish Market and wander down the infamous red light district (it’s a major tourist attraction today).

You can ride the city’s RiverBus too – this is one of the most unique modes of transport I’ve ever come across. When you see it you’ll understand.

One of the most famous tours in Hamburg is a sex and crime tour where you learn all about the history of the red light district (where the Beatles first made a name for themselves). This is genuinely such a good tour.

Hamburg is one of those places where you’ve just got to soak up the atmosphere – it is such a cool city and I always recommend it to people.

7. Tropical Islands Resort

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t totally convinced by the idea of a Berlin day trip to a semi-summer resort. Then I heard it housed Europe’s largest indoor pool and I started to come around to the idea.

The setting is super cool – it’s inside a converted aircraft hangar which makes it feel like you’re in the middle on a film set. And the tropical theme makes it a fun place to chill out for the afternoon. Think artificial waterfalls and waterslides galore. I mean, who doesn’t like the sound of that?

It can be just what you need after a jam-packed schedule of sightseeing and travelling. This is definitely one of the best family friendly activities from Berlin.

8. Spreewald

Spreewald in summer is bliss. This forest is a UNESCO protected nature reserve, which serves as a picturesque and peaceful escape from the city.

The reserve is best explored by bike, on foot or actually on the river Spree. There are canoes and kayaks to rent in Lübbenau or Burg. I chose to kayak and enjoyed a little leisurely adventure after a lot of eating, drinking and indoor activities in Berlin.

If you’re sticking on solid ground, there are nice trails that you can follow to Lehde or Leipe. The first is a lagoon village, while the second is a quaint fishing village. The hiking is really nice here and it’s well worth spending an afternoon exploring the area.

Another great place for kicking back in summer and one of the most popular day trips from Berlin is Wannsee. The suburb is most famous for its lakeside lido. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly a well-kept secret and any sunny day will be busy. But that’s part of the fun, right?

If you do manage to save yourself and your beach towel a spot on Strandbad then you’ll be sorted for a day. Swim, sunbathe, repeat. It’s amazing how popular this place is during summer, but it does quieten down during week days.

There is more to Wannsee than the lido, though. I checked out the House of the Wannsee Conference, which anyone who’s interested in WWII history will find interesting. 

A 2-hour tour of the idyllic Havel Lakes costs £12/US$15 per person and takes you to some of the most beautiful places in the area.

10. Dresden

Dresden was one of the Berlin tours that won me over immediately, thanks to its awesome architecture. Everywhere from The Church of our Lady to the Stallhof, where they once hosted jousting tournaments, is spellbinding to look at.

It’s hard to believe that that this city was flattened by Allied bombings in 1945. Thankfully, the blueprints of the city and the buildings remained, and ever since the war Dresden has been meticulously rebuilt to its former glory.

Dresden was immortalised as a ‘Florence on the Elbe’ by the Italian master Canaletto and I think that tagline is still fitting today. I really hope I can squeeze in a return visit soon. You can find out more about Dresden and why I love it some much in this blog post .

One of the best tours of Dresden is the Taste of Dresden food tour . Then you get to eat your way around the city while learning all about it’s history too.

11. Peacock Island

One of the most popular day tours from Berlin is to Peacock Island.

Called Pfaueninsel in German, Peacock Island is a compact little nature reserve covering an area of just 1.5km by 0.5km.

True to its name, plenty of magnificent peacocks call the island home. I spent a good deal of my time here just watching them strut their stuff and admiring those opulent feathers. They’re kind of mesmerising!

When you do pull yourself away from the birdwatching, there are some nice walks to do and historic architecture to look at. The neo-gothic Kavalierhaus is probably the most photographed. That’s not surprising as the white design is particularly striking.

12. Britzer Garten

Britzer Garden is a beauty of a green space near Berlin. It’s a modern landscape park where you can stumble across a host of themed gardens, all boasting eye-catching flowers and designs.

And it doesn’t stop at pretty flowers. Check out Europe’s largest sundial, ride on the park train, spot the sculptures that are dotted around and more.

The garden was founded as a place to enjoy the outdoors by inhabitants of West Berlin, who were cut off from countryside at the time. I love the idea that it remains a place for locals and travellers alike to enjoy a piece of nature close to the city. This is just another of those Germany day tours that’ll surprise you – this is why I love travelling here so much!

Will you be heading on any of these tours from Berlin? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

If you’re travelling around Germany, then make sure you check out my guides to Dresden , Dusseldorf , Munich , Nuremberg and Stuttgart .

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About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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4 thoughts on “12 Awesome Day Trips from Berlin, Germany”

Great post and collection of quirky places to see in Berlin!

Thank you so much! I have so much time for Berlin – love that city so much.

Wow!! So many great things and amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing this.

No worries! There are so many amazing things to do in Berlin!

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The 8 best day trips from Berlin

Jul 24, 2023 • 6 min read

You won’t leave the city limits on a day trip that includes a stop at Treptower Park, but it'll feel like you did © Bojan Brecelj / Getty Images

Berlin is surrounded by the forest-filled, lake-spotted state of Brandenburg , which offers year-round respite from the streets of the capital. Forest walks, cycling routes, dips in the lake, historic sites and much more are all within easy reach, sometimes still within the city’s boundaries.

Just know that you’re unlikely to be exploring alone – Berliners themselves love nothing more than a day out, especially when the weather is schön , and booking ahead for popular sights or tours is often your only option.

1. Paddle along the canals of Spreewald

Travel time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Spreewald is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, occasionally referred to as Germany’s Little Venice. Well, forget about that, and instead go for the chance to take a peaceful paddle along the extensive network of forest-lined waterways. The gentle waters are easy to navigate, even for paddling novices, and you might be able to pull up at a little snack stop, restaurant (where excellent Spreewald gherkins are guaranteed) or beer garden along your chosen watery route. All stops are delightfully quaint and wholesome. 

Lübbenau is one of the best towns from which to explore Spreewald. From Lübbenau’s Altstadt, it’s a short walk to Bootshaus Kaupen , where you can hire wooden kayaks and canoes and get information on suggested routes of up to 20km (12.4 miles). The old town itself is worthy of a wander, with a small market (for more Spreewald gherkin sampling), Brauhaus Babben (for post-paddling brews) and plenty of gherkin-inspired kitsch around town.

How to get to Spreewald from Berlin:  Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is located approximately 100km (62 miles) southeast of Berlin in the state of Brandenburg. It’s easily reached by taking the RE2 train from Berlin to Lübbenau. You can also hire boats in nearby Lübben, for a similar experience.

2. Admire the grandeur of Potsdam

Travel time: less than 1 hour

The classic day-trip destination from Berlin is Potsdam , the capital of Brandenburg, Berlin’s surrounding state.

Nothing in Potsdam screams for your attention more than yellow-hued Schloss Sanssouci  – the rococo summer palace of the Prussian King Frederick the Great, today a Unesco World Heritage Site. The palace grounds are also wonderfully impressive, and you'll find a number of other ornate buildings, such as the Chinese House and the New Palace, to gawk over. Book tour tickets in advance, lest you miss out. 

If the palace and its grounds don’t keep you all day, Museum Barberini is another fixed Potsdam highlight, featuring international art exhibitions with a focus on impressionism. Since opening in 2017, headline exhibits have featured the likes of Monet and Van Gogh.

Before or after undertaking your sightseeing itinerary, take a wander around the historic Dutch Quarter and stop for a coffee at the locally beloved Buena Vida Coffee Roasters – it just might end up being one of your favorite coffee stops on your trip. 

How to get to Potsdam from Berlin:  Potsdam is approximately 35km (22 miles) southwest of Berlin. It can be reached in less than an hour from central Berlin, on the S-Bahn (S1 or S7). The city lies within Berlin’s C fare zone, so you’ll need an ABC ticket.

3. Swim in the clear waters of Liepnitzsee

Travel time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Plenty of swimmable lakes lie within easy enough reach of the city – there are approximately 3000 in Berlin and Brandenburg, after all – but Liepnitzsee is a standout for its clean, clear water and lush forest surroundings.

Hardly a secret among Berliners, the banks of Liepnitzsee are filled with city escapees on warm summer weekends, and you may have to search a while to find the perfect spot to lay down your towel, either on a secluded spot nestled between trees or on one of several sandy beaches. 

Pack a picnic and spend your day dipping in and out of the refreshing water that appears, from a distance, to be a mesmerising emerald green. If that’s too sedate for you, hire a paddle boat, walk or ride around the lake, or ferry to the island plonk in the middle, Großer Werder.

Not swimming weather? Go anyway. The lake and surrounding forest is picturesque at any time of year, even when covered in snow, and you may still see people swimming when others wouldn’t dare take off their scarves. 

How to get to Liepnitzsee from Berlin: Driving the 40km (25 miles) northeast from Berlin to Liepnitzsee is your easiest option, but getting there with a combination of train and bike is the most fun. Take the S2 to Bernau and then ride the final 12km leg through the forest. If you don’t want to cycle, take the regional train all the way to Wandlitz; you'll need to walk from there.

4. Celebrate asparagus season in Beelitz

Travel time: 45 minutes

Germans are serious devotees of seasonal produce, whether it’s bärlauch (wild garlic), strawberries or Federweißer (a young, bubbly wine).

An absolute favorite arrives in Berlin in early spring : spargelzeit (asparagus season). During the short season, starting in mid-April and ending, punctually, on 24 June (St John the Baptist Day), Spargel is celebrated on menus across city, both the white and green varieties, and you won’t have to look long to find Spargel served as soup, with hollandaise sauce or something more inventive.

Deepen your own appreciation of this vegetable with cult status by heading to the regional center of production, Beelitz, where you can visit local farms to see how the regional variety is grown and, if you time it right, attend the annual Spargelfest.

While you’re in the area, you should dedicate part of your day to the Baumkronenpfad Beelitz-Heilstätten , a treetop walkway above the sprawling grounds of an abandoned (and crumbling) sanitarium, once used to treat tuberculosis patients and later soldiers (including Adolf Hitler) in both World Wars. You must join a guided tour to visit the buildings.

How to get to Beelitz from Berlin:  Beelitz is approximately 50km (TK miles) southwest of Berlin. Beelitz-Heilstätten train station is connected to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) by the RE3. From the train station, you can reach the town by bus.

5. Cycle along the Spree in Treptower Park and Plänterwald

Travel time: 30 minutes

You won’t leave the city limits on this day trip – but it will feel like you have. From the Treptower Park S-Bahn station, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to the Treptower Hafen, from where you can ride (or walk) along the shared bike and pedestrian path as it follows the Spree. The riverside path will take you through Treptower Park and then Plänterwald, passing the Zenner beer garden , Insel der Jugend, playgrounds, the infamous Spreepark and the newly opened Zum Anleger beer garden along the way – all worthy stops if you have the time or are in need of a drink, bratwurst or an ice cream. 

Otherwise, keep on riding until you reach a tiny ferry dock. From here you can take the Fähre F11 across to the other side of the river in just one or two throttles of the engine (you will need a BGV ticket for you and your bike). Once on the other bank, find your way to the Funkhaus Berlin , a former East German broadcasting complex which now hosts curated concerts and music festivals. Here you can grab a coffee or eat a wood-fired pizza from Zola while looking out over the water and summoning the energy for your return journey. It’s the perfect day out and a good one with kids.

How to get to Treptower Park: Treptower Park is easily reached by S-Bahn or bus from almost anywhere in Berlin.

This article was first published June 2019 and updated July 2023

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Weekend Getaways near Berlin

5 Weekend Road Trips From Berlin

It’s hard to get bored in Berlin. With its rich historical monuments, unique neighborhoods teeming with international markets, and notorious nightlife, most people find it hard to leave!

But even the biggest city slicker needs an escape from all the chaos every now and then, and you don’t need to go far to find a little reprieve—even a weekend camping trip is a great way to recharge.

How we travel has certainly changed in recent years. If you like freedom and a flexible itinerary, one of the best ways to get out and explore is by  renting an RV  and hitting the road.

If you have some extra time to explore, check out my  2 week Germany itinerary . Until then, here are five weekend road trips from Berlin.

Saxon Switzerland National Park

Don’t get confused:  Saxon Switzerland National Park  is actually nowhere near Switzerland. It’s in the eastern part of Germany, near Dresden, and is home to some of the most unique craggy rocks and sandstone pillar formations in Europe.

The River Elbe runs straight through the park, and you’ll get unparalleled views over the area from the famous Bastei Bridge. It rises 194 meters above the river, and appears to be surreally embedded in the rock.

Dresden, Germany

You can easily pair your trip to Saxon Switzerland with some time in Dresden, one of Germany’s most beautiful cities filled with Baroque architecture, historic sites, and plenty of museums.  The Green Vault  is my favorite: it contains the largest treasure hoard in Europe.

Head to the Old Town to see the Georgenbau, a palace built in the 1500s, or explore the impressive Dresden Cathedral. The streets around the Old Town are lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. When it’s time to park your RV, you’ll find plenty of campgrounds on the outskirts of town.

The Baltic Sea

When summer rolls around, Berliners flock to the Baltic Sea on the weekends for a relaxing beach-filled getaway.

Towns like Ahrenshoop and Schwaan are beloved artist colonies, and they’re full of galleries and exhibits. Creative types hang out here working on their art or enjoying the beach, lending to the upbeat vibes that make these towns so enjoyable. You’ll definitely want to stay awhile.

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg is a short trip from Berlin, but it often gets overlooked by its older, louder big brother. This bustling port city is not only beautiful, but it’s also home to some of Germany’s best restaurants and nightlife options.

The Old Town is fun to explore, and you’ll find some historic churches around here as well as the huge City Hall which retains all its original architecture. Park your RV at a campsite and spend some time exploring this city on foot.

Prague, Czech Republic

If you’ve got a campervan, head over to the country next door. Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, is only a few hours of driving but you might as well be in a different world. Virtually untouched during WWII, Prague is awash with colorful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture and plenty of historical monuments to boot. The castle and Wenceslas Square are two must-sees.

Don’t leave town without checking out the beer gardens or taking a food tour around town.

One of the best things about being based in a central city like Berlin is the fact that you can explore so many diverse places just within a day trip or weekend visit, and  it’s perfectly safe  to do so.

Berlin Road Trip FAQs

Which city to combine with berlin.

Dresden is just a 2 hour drive from Berlin, and is a great city to combine with a roadtrip from Berlin.

Can you do Berlin in a weekend?

A weekend is the minimum amount of time I’d recommend staying in Berlin. There is so much to see and experience!

Is 3 nights in Berlin enough?

3 nights in Berlin is enough to see the major sites of the city. I’d recommend staying longer though.

What American city is Berlin like?

Chicago is the American city most like Berlin.

Can you do a day trip from Berlin to Prague?

One day isn’t really enough time for a trip from Berlin to Prague.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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The Best Road Trips from Berlin

12/07/2017 by Kristin Addis 2 Comments

Lately I’ve been spending more time in Berlin and it’s been so lovely, but since I can’t sit still I have been ardently searching for little road trips as well.

You know, ones that don’t take you away for too long but that give you a completely different experience and environment?

I find that most people when visiting Berlin forget that there are amazing things outside of the city, too, so I urge you to leave enough time to visit some of the surrounding places in Brandenburg and Saxony. It’s totally worth it and far less crowded than the other parts of the country!

I’m sure you’ve already heard of Dresden and Leipzig, so I’ll focus on some of the under-the-radar gems that you might not have known about.

I’m all about the curious, the quirky, and the beautiful.

Compare prices and rent your car here!

Let’s hit the road:

Table of Contents

Even though Berlin is an incredibly green city, with half of the city devoted to parks , no park can compare with getting fully into nature.

The nice thing about Berlin’s location in rural Brandenburg is that it doesn’t take long to be in quiet, natural areas.

Spreewald is a popular weekend getaway for locals, but I find that by going during the week and especially during the shoulder or off seasons, and by heading away from the main tourist areas, I can kayak down the rivers in peace and silence. Bonus: The kayak rental only costs €10 for two hours.

It’s only an hour away from Berlin and with a car, you can access the more remote areas. It’s also easy to reach on public transport.  Check out my guide here.

Rakotzbrücke

Maybe you’ve seen this dreamy bridge on Instagram and  Pinterest . It’s been making the rounds as of late.

Its name translates to Devil’s Bridge thanks to its strangely round shape and sharp, jagged rocks. From almost any direction, it forms a perfect circle reflecting on the water below.

It’s just a 2-hour drive away from Berlin and though it’s in the middle of nowhere, it’s a perfect stop on your way to or from Saxon Switzerland (more on that below).

I should warn you that you can’t walk on the bridge anymore, but it is still quite striking to see in person and I highly recommend it for those who love all things artsy and quirky. Read my full guide here. 

Kulturinsel Einsiedel

While we are on the topic of quirky, if you dig that kind of thing, you absolutely must stop by this curious amusement park.

I saw a photo of these painted trees on Instagram and wanted to stop by purely for that, unaware that it was actually a full-on cultural “fun” park.

When my friend and I first pulled up, we walked in and inquired about exploring. The girl behind the desk said that we could have 90 minutes for free and if we wanted to stay any longer, she would keep a €15 deposit (€9 during low season) from us. It sounded like some kind of test, can you possibly bear to leave this place after 90 minutes?

It turned out to our delight that we absolutely could not. I walked back in after 20 minutes and told her to keep the money.

Kulturinsel Einseidel is a labyrinth, with tree houses and mazes that take you underground into the dark and back out into the light, through tunnels and up chain links, down slides, on trampolines, and through secret passageways. It felt like I was in a 24/7 Halloween, though the real inspiration is drawn from the myths and stories from the people of Turisede. It’s not just a fun park, but an homage to the people who used to live there and their culture.

This place is also a hotel of sorts. You can book one of the little cabins to stay in, and request that they do a boiling cauldron bath “spa” for you. I would love to go back and rent this whole place out with a bunch of friends and just see what kind of mischief we can get up to with glow sticks and walkie-talkies. You can find more on their website. 

Saxon Switzerland

Further south, on the border with the Czech Republic, Saxon Switzerland is about three hours from Berlin and worth at least two days.

The sandstone rocks that rise dramatically upwards out of the trees are amazing for hiking, rock climbing, and free climbing.

Hikes range from the five-minute walk from the parking lot to the famous Bastei Bridge to upwards of a week for the Painter’s Way. I have all the details here .

Moritzburg Castle

Full disclosure: I didn’t go inside the castle, I just flew around it with the drone, but if you’re heading back up north to Berlin from Saxon Switzerland anyways, via Dresden, you might as well see this castle surrounded by a moat.

It’s a tiny little detour but I love castles and couldn’t help myself. Could you?

This university town about an hour outside of Berlin is famous for its castle and many lovely, tree-lined walkways. Since most of Germany’s more famous castles are down south, it’s nice to have such gorgeous gardens and buildings nearby.

I honestly found the inside of the schloss to be gaudy, but lots of gold and clashing marble colors was just the style for the times! It’s worth going inside if you’re a castle lover and want to see what it was like to live there back in the day. Otherwise, walking around the gardens and town are free to enjoy. It’s an easy drive or train ride from Berlin on the S-Bahn.

Do it yourself

To do this trip justice, I’d give it a minimum of four days, three nights.

Here’s the map:

These are just a few awesome stops, but there are many quaint towns along the way, like Gorlitz, where Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel was filmed.

Brandenburg and Saxony both have a long list of curious little places that are worth checking out – these are just a few that I’ve been to myself. I loved them all, and highly recommend each stop.

However as long as I’m a resident of Berlin my search is never-ending. If you have some favorites, let me know in the comments!

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Berlin Guide: What to Do, Where to Stay, and What to Eat

About kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Renuka says

12/08/2017 at 4:36 am

I love road trips! Nice to know about so many road trip options from Berlin. Will make a note of it and visit one of these places when I’m in Berlin. Thanks 🙂

patrick says

12/14/2017 at 4:29 am

Looks like a nice extension to a trip to berlin