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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

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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Home » Europe » 12 Most Incredible Day Trips In Berlin [2024 GUIDE]

12 Most Incredible Day Trips In Berlin [2024 GUIDE]

Berlin is a hip and captivating city. Once you’ve thoroughly explored the vibrant culture, incredible food and historic landmarks of the enigmatic capital city, you might want to spread your wings a little and see more of Germany.

Luckily there are many incredible day trips from Berlin in the pursuit of adventure and new experiences. There are also heaps of half-day trips if you’re short on time too.

If you find yourself in love with Berlin, then you’d enjoy spending a day in Leipzig, a city that exudes a similar coolness and charm but with a much more local vibe. You can also opt to take a half-day trip to the beautiful Potsdam and rejoice in the views of Dutch Quarters, Sanssouci Palace.

When in Berlin, there’s a lot to see and do both in the city itself as well as within a few hours travel. You can not only take in the gritty streets of Berlin on your trip but you can see magnificent castles, charming lakeside villages, stunning palaces and some of the darker history of Germany too.

Here are 11 of the best tours and destinations just a few hours from the city.

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Half-Day Trips in Berlin

Full-day trips in berlin, final thoughts.

When you’re in Berlin, no time goes to waste! Even if you’ve only got a weekend or a few days on your hands to explore there are many memorable trips that are just an hour away from the city. 

These short Berlin day trips are fun, unforgettable, and best of all, they only take half a day! So you’ve got plenty of time to explore all the great things to do in Berlin as well as the surroundings.

Day Trip to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp 

On July 12, 1936, the Third Reich transferred 50 prisoners to a location near Oranienburg to begin the construction of one of the first concentration camps in Germany. This became the infamous Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp which served as the primary death camp for the Berlin area. 

For all those visiting Berlin , this grim national memorial is a sorrowful sight not to be missed. Just a short 45-minute train ride from the city centre, the camp is a brutal and hard-hitting reminder of the worst time in human history. 

A sombre visit offers a glimpse of the sickening living conditions experienced by more than 200,000 people imprisoned here. See the grim reality of the gas chambers, Station Z and the punishment cells in an experience that will surely never leave your memory. Learn stories of both tragedy and heroism as you not only leave here moved in sorrow but inspiration too. 

For a more detailed and historic insight, you can also take a guided tour and learn more deeply about the dark past and all the horrific events that went down in the very place you stand. Whether you are a history buff or just someone visiting with family, this camp is a sobering reminder of what should never be repeated.

Suggested trips – Private Tour to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial , Small-Group Sachsenhausen Memorial Walking Tour

Day Trip to Muskau Park, Bad Muskau

Bad Muskau is a spa town in Germany just two hours away from Berlin. One of its top attractions is the legendary Muskau Park, a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its landscaped gardens and classic Neo-Renaissance German castle make the magical site feel more like a fairytale. 

Muskau Park is kingly, magnificent, and breathtaking. Much of the credit for creating this masterpiece goes to the horticulture designer, Prince Pueckler. He designed the park after being influenced by landscape paintings and used only local plants to enhance and merge with the surrounding landscape.

Muskau Park offers such a different ambience and scenery than urban Berlin. The quiet and serene grounds, with their tranquil landscape and lush English Garden, are a perfect escape. Meander the paths that criss-cross this idyllic park before coming across the striking Schloss Muskau dating back to 1815.   While this makes for a perfect half-day trip if you find yourself enamoured by Bad Muskau and need another day to explore the town, stay at the highly-rated Am Schloßbrunnen, located just minutes away from the park.

Day Trip to the Tropical Islands

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of visiting Berlin ? The wall, checkpoint charlie, The Brandenburg Gate… or what about flamingos and palm trees?! Yeah, you read that right! Whatever time of year you’re visiting, pack your budgie smugglers because you’re in for a tropical treat! 

Just an hour from the city, there’s a whole other world to discover, one that seems out of place in Northern Europe! Here is the world’s largest indoor waterpark where you can take a Caribbean-style mini-vacation in the Tropical Islands Resort in Krausnick and be back in your bed before bedtime! 

The tropical resort came to life when a former Soviet aircraft hangar was transformed into a resort where it’s summer all year round. Once you walk through the doors you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the depths of the rainforest. With a constant balmy temperature, it’s no wonder the Tropical Islands are a popular place to escape the brutal Berlin winter.  

You’ll find 13 different bars and restaurants at your service for after your adventure. That’s not all. If you end up changing your mind about heading back home, you can also choose accommodation in the Tropical Island Resort with themes such as South America, Africa, or Asia-Pacific. 

Day Trip to Spreewald 

Berlin is one of the coolest cities in the world and is well known for its energetic character. The lively ambience of the city is certainly one of its charms, but now and then there comes a time when you want to escape the concrete, tall buildings and noise. Thankfully less than two hours from the city you can unwind amidst an ancient forest and explore the many peaceful waterways. 

Spreewald is a picturesque biosphere reserve with breathtaking views and endless opportunities for adventure. This day trip from Berlin promises pure relaxation and serenity amongst nature, it’s the perfect escape after a few days exploring the exhilarating but often exhausting capital. 

One of the most popular ways of exploring the canals and waterways of Spreewald is on Kahn – a punt-like boat. You can also go kayaking or explore the beautiful location while on the many incredible bike trails. There are also many opportunities for hiking and camping here should you want to indulge more in the natural surroundings. 

There’s a lot to do in this quaint retreat, you can spend half a day here and still have so much more to see. If you end up extending your stay, we would highly recommend choosing quality accommodations such as Hotel Ebusch for the night.

Day Trip to Neuruppin, Germany

One of the loveliest little towns in Germany, it’s located just an hour northwest of Berlin. It might be little, but this town was the birthplace of one of the biggest German poets and writers in Theodor Fontane whose work often spoke of the beauty of his hometown. 

What makes this town even more beautiful is its lakeside location. The best way to enjoy this town is to take a stroll along its old town centre and behold the well-preserved historic architecture. Along your stroll, you’ll also find local markets and food stalls as well as the historic St. Trinity Church, which dates back to 1246, along the waterfront promenade. 

Finish your trip with an easy and relaxed afternoon by the lake, you can even take a dip in the waters depending on the time of the year or your levels of bravery! The town also offers hiking and cycling in forests surrounding the idyllic ‘Ruppiner See’. If the history buff in you couldn’t help wanting to stay in one of these historic houses, we suggest booking this cosy city apartment near Lake Neuruppin for an unmatched experience.

Berlin is a magnificent city to visit , but it’s also buzzing and unrepentantly lively. If you want a break from the beautiful chaos of the German capital, we’ve got you covered. Escape from the city and find yourself amidst the serene lakes and scenic forests of Germany, all within a few hours’ drive from Berlin. 

Day Trip to Potsdam

When busy Berlin makes you crave quietness and solitude, the best place to run away is just 30 minutes by train. Potsdam has so much to offer its visitors so you’ll need an entire day to explore the World Heritage city with its palaces and parks belonging to the Prussia kings. 

While this city has its place in the history books as the home to some of the most significant historical events. It also has a serenity and stillness about it which makes visiting here all the more special.  

On your trip to Potsdam, you must visit Sanssouci, the summer home of Frederick the Great, former King of Prussia. From there, continue to explore the enormous Sanssouci Park, surrounding the palace. Not to be missed in Potsdam are the Dutch Quarters – an entire neighbourhood of beautiful Dutch-style homes. Another point of interest in the city is Cecilienhof, the final palace of the House of Hohenzollern. 

Every step of the city tells a story that took place centuries ago. If you are especially tickled by history and the old sovereign rulers, Potsdam is an excellent choice for one of your Berlin day trips.

Suggested trips – Discover Potsdam

Day Trip to Dresden

Dresden often doesn’t get its due credit, it is in fact one of the greatest Baroque cities in the world. If you are especially a fan of stunning old-world European architecture then you’ll love it. There’s a good reason behind it being nicknamed “the Florence on the Elbe”. 

It would be a shame not to visit the charming city of Dresden when you are just a little over two hours away in Berlin. A stroll along the vibrant riverfront and into the Old Town takes you back to the grand past of this magnificent city. It really does make for an excellent weekend day trip from Berlin.

In Dresden, the biggest point of interest is the Zwinger Palace, which is believed to be inspired by Versailles with its ornate gardens, courtyards and houses. 

Another highlight is the magnificent Frauenkirche with its impressive stone dome and 67-metre-tall viewing platform. Some of the most majestic buildings in Germany are located in the city square of Schloßplatz. It is here that you’d stumble across the famous Dresden Cathedral. If you still have time, don’t miss out on the Semperoper opera house and the Brühl’s Terrace promenade by the Elbe River.

Suggested trips – Dresden Highlight – Big City Tour with Bike ,  Dresden Private Walking Tour , Dresden City Tour with Hotel Pick up and Drop off

With a Berlin City Pass , you can experience the best of Berlin at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Day Trip to the Azalea and Rhododendron Park, Kromlau

If off the beaten path adventures and hidden gems are something you crave on your travels, then this is the day trip from Berlin for you. This spot is the perfect place to de-stress and unwind. The serenity and beauty it offers make it a hard place to part from! 

To reach the famed Devil’s Bridge in Azalea and Rhododendron Park, you’d need to drive or take a train to the small town of Kromlau – located on the border of Germany and Poland. The distance is easily covered in just over two hours.  

From there, make your way to the 200-acre park, and behold the sight of Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge). The bridge is shaped in a semicircle, the other half being completed by the reflection in the water. Legend has it that this bridge was built by the devil himself!

The best thing about this trip is that it’s not actually all that popular despite how magnificent it is. This means that the peace and tranquillity you come here to experience is unlikely to be spoiled by hordes of tourists.

If you get the chance, be sure to visit in Spring as the park is in full bloom with red, yellow and purple hues. While you’re visiting this magical place, enjoy comfortable accommodations in the Grüne Villa , which is only 8 minutes away from the infamous Devil’s bridge.

Day Trip to Magdeburg

The lesser-known city of Magdeburg is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbouring cities. Make no mistake though because though it might be less popular, Magdeburg is by no means boring. If anything, it is the complete opposite! 

This humble city is just a short train ride away from Berlin and is one of the oldest cities in Germany – 1200 years old to be exact. The entire city is steeped in history and anyone would feel revered strolling down its streets. 

This is a day trip from Berlin that will forever be stamped on your memory. In the past, Magdeburg held a special position in the ancient Holy Roman Empire. You’ll find evidence of this in all the cathedrals dotted around the city and the large numbers of Emperors buried there.   

The best way to explore this remarkable city is by biking or strolling down the streets and observing all the gothic medieval architecture from up-close. All the modern additions in the city serve as a reminder of the bombings of World War II that partially destroyed it. The past and present are interwoven on the streets of Magdeburg. 

You need a whole day to explore this amazing city, so make sure your accommodation for the night is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing like a Condo in Helles Apartment .

Day Trip to Leipzig 

A trip south to the city of Leipzig is a classic day trip from Berlin. Leipzig is a lot like the capital, but it has a character and charm of its own that makes it stand out. For all those who fall head over heels in love with Berlin (and who doesn’t), a visit to Leipzig is sure to be a roaring success! 

You can take an express train from Berlin and reach Leipzig in just 90 minutes. The first thing you’ll notice once you jump off the train is the distinct architecture of the old East German style. That, combined with the university culture, youth population, cheap cafes and markets, guarantees good times even on a budget.   

This city has everything to entertain the adventurous traveller with the touch of the past and an alternative look at Germany beyond the palaces and castles. Here it’s all about cutting-edge attitudes combined with that Eastern Bloc aesthetic. There’s lots to explore and enjoy in Leipzig beyond the cold war, the city is also famous for the timeless music of Bach, Mendelssohn and Wagner.  

Suggested trips – Leipzig Private Walking Tour , Leipzig: 70-Minute Motorboat Canal Sightseeing Cruise

Day Trip to Rüdersdorf

How about taking a unique day trip from Berlin on a boat rather than by train or road. You can make a memorable trip to Rüdersdorf from Berlin through the waterways. 

This mode of travel brings a whole new level of adventure, and the trip becomes just as exciting as the destination itself. Located on the outskirts of the city the journey gives you an alternative look at many areas you might have otherwise missed.    

Make your first stop at the Museum Park and watch firsthand how limestone is extracted from the largest deposit in Germany. Go back in time and see the industrial heritage of the town and marvel at the historic architecture here used over centuries by hard-working miners. Limestone has been mined and processed here for over 765 years and it was from here the materials that make the Brandenburg gate came from. 

Rüdersdorf is also just the place for outdoorsy people and you can spend some time by the lake at Flakensee or visit Woltersdorfer Schleuse, the historic water lock, and the pedestrian bridge along the scenic canal. 

Once you reach Rüdersdorf, book into a snug little room in Gästehaus am Kleinen Stienitzse . Once you are well-rested, get ready to explore this diverse district.

Day Trip to Brandenburg an der Havel 

If you are fond of nature, have a desire to explore new places or fernweh as Germans’ would call it, then we suggest planning a trip to Brandenburg An Der Havel. This federal state of Germany is less than two hours away from Berlin and is flanked by the stunning Westhavelland Nature Park.

Here you’d find picturesque lakes, historic charm and an off the beaten track city to explore away from large groups of tourists. It’s a perfect spot for those backpacking through Germany .

Begin your weekend in Brandenburg An Der Havel by visiting the famed gothic Brandenburg Cathedral and behold the architecture of the 11 th century. Another stunning piece of historical architecture is the Old Town Hall that dates back to 1470. You can also explore the remains of the medieval fortifications of Brandenburg, four towers still remain, the most impressive is the 17-metre cylindrical Plauer Torturm.

Suggested Trips –  Walking tour of Brandenburg an der Havel

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Don’t Forget your Berlin Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

With such a vast array of choices on offer to explore both within and around Berlin, you’ll have some tough decisions to make. It’s one of the reasons Berlin is a city you just seem to be drawn back to time and time again whether you come to Berlin for a weekend or much longer.  

Berlin has not only so much to take in but it’s situated so close to some of Germany’s ultimate attractions. If you’re visiting during the cold Berlin winter you might be tempted to head straight for the Tropical Islands Resort after exploring the city’s streets. It’s a great escape and a fun way to recharge and combine a city break with a more conventional holiday!  

However, if you want to explore the wonders of Germany out in the open air then take the revitalising journey to Azalea and Rhododendron Park. This mesmerizing retreat in nature, with few souls around, allows you to truly escape somewhere magical. 

But we’ll be honest, there’s no place on this list that you will regret going to, whichever you end up choosing! When planning your day trips, be sure to pick an area of Berlin close to public transport so you can maximise your time.  

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Home » Europe » Germany » 12 Awesome Day Trips from Berlin, Germany

12 Awesome Day Trips from Berlin, Germany

By Author Macca Sherifi

Posted on Last updated: February 29, 2024

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

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 .

Like this blog post? Then make sure you Pin it for the future!

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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Wherelocated.net

Wednesday 29th of June 2022

Great post and collection of quirky places to see in Berlin!

Macca Sherifi

Wednesday 20th of July 2022

Thank you so much! I have so much time for Berlin - love that city so much.

Friday 5th of July 2019

Wow!! So many great things and amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing this.

Thursday 11th of July 2019

No worries! There are so many amazing things to do in Berlin!

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.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

While there are certainly enough great attractions in Berlin to keep tourists to Germany's capital occupied for days, a trip to one or more of the neighboring towns or into the surrounding countryside can offer an excellent respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

From the lovely palaces and pristine parks of Potsdam to the natural splendor of the Havel and Spree rivers, Berlin's surroundings offer plenty of attractions, distractions, and fun things to do. Best of all, the city's excellent rail and public transport networks make it extremely easy to get out and about, and organized tours make it easy to travel further afield.

To learn more about these and other great places to visit near the nation's capital, be sure to read our list of the top day trips from Berlin, Germany.

1. Visit Potsdam's Beautiful Parks and Palaces

2. dresden: europe's baroque city, 3. walking around peacock island, 4. take a drive to spandau citadel, 5. sachsenhausen concentration camp, 6. river havel highlights, 7. visit köpenick's parks & green spaces, 8. see the river spree, 9. grosser and kleiner wannsee, 10. klein glienicke & schlossgarten glienicke, 11. the museum village of düppel, 12. the military history museum, map of day trips from berlin.

The historic city of Potsdam, the capital of the state of Brandenburg, is located just 40 kilometers southwest of Berlin. As one of Germany's most famous former imperial cities, this beautiful travel destination makes for a splendid day trip from the capital.

Easily accessible by train and public transport, Potsdam is famous not only for its beautiful parks and lakes, but also for its old Prussian Rococo palaces. In fact, a large portion of this beautiful city is protected under its UNESCO Palaces and Parks of Berlin and Potsdam World Heritage Site status.

Its most famous royal estate is Sanssouci Park , home to many exquisite gardens, impressive buildings, artworks, and walking trails. Established in 1744, the park's highlights include Neptune's Grotto and the Picture Gallery . Housed in the Orangery, this impressive art collection, with its collection of 17th-century paintings, including works by Rubens, van Dyck, and Caravaggio, is a must-see.

Also of note in the palace grounds is the Great Fountain . Look out for its representations of the four elements and mythological figures.

Inside the park are two palaces: Sanssouci Palace , a single-story, domed Rococo building built in 1745 based on sketches by Frederick the Great; and the New Palace (Neues Palais), built in 1769 and known for its sumptuous interior.

A good way to learn about the fascinating history of these and other top Potsdam attractions is on a six-hour Discover Potsdam Walking Tour . Your professional guide will join you in Berlin for the brief trip to Potsdam, where you will walk past the palaces, through the old the Dutch quarter, and through the UNESCO-listed Sanssouci Palace Gardens as you hear stories of their fabled past.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Potsdam

Located about two hours south of Berlin, Dresden is the dazzling capital of Saxony and stretches along both sides of the Elbe River. Painstakingly restored from destruction in World War II and years of neglect when it was behind the Iron Curtain as part of the GDR, Dresden is once again one of Europe's greatest Baroque cities.

Filled with elegant riverside palaces and beautiful churches built by the Saxon kings who chose it as their capital, Dresden is also heir to the collections these kings amassed and treasured. Along with rare historic artifacts, these collections include examples of fine and decorative arts.

Some of the most important collections are brilliantly displayed in the Dresden State Art Collection (Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden), which is housed inside the Dresden Royal Palace . This palace, along with the magnificently restored Frauenkirche (it's hard to believe that this soaring church was once reduced to a pile of rubble), are two must-see highlights of Dresden .

But be sure to schedule time to explore other nearby attractions, too. These include the Zwinger palace and Semperoper (Semper Opera House). Both of these popular tourist attractions can be visited with the services of a professional guide on the 10-hour Dresden Day Trip from Berlin .

After a comfortable two-hour coach ride from Berlin, the tour explores these and the Frauenkirche during a walking tour. You'll then have the afternoon for independent visits to museums or just to enjoy the charming city and its riverside promenades.

A 45-minute drive from Berlin (and on the way to Potsdam), Peacock Island (Pfaueninsel) has long been a favorite place for excursions for Berliners and visitors to the city seeking a fun, easy day trip. And yes, it does have a population of peacocks.

Although just 1.5 kilometers long and 500 meters wide, you can easily spend half a day exploring this picturesque island. Accessible by ferry along the River Havel and covering an area of 242 acres, the entire island was laid out in the style of an English landscaped park and is now home to many rare plants and numerous trees.

Scattered amid the luxuriant vegetation are a number of buildings, including a memorial temple for Queen Luise, built in 1829. There's also a sandstone portico from the Mausoleum in the park of the Charlottenburg Palace .

Farther north is the Dairy Farm (Meierei). Built in 1795 in the style of a mock ruin, it's a delight to explore. In the center of the island lies the 19th-century Kavaliershaus with its Gothic façade. Other highlights include the Schweizerhaus, or Swiss Cottage, built in 1830. You'll also want to see the Russian Slide and the Frigate Harbor, all reached via winding footpaths.

The most important building, though, is Peacock Island Castle . Built in the late 1790s, it resembles a romantic ruin, with its twin towers linked by an iron footbridge. The castle's now home to a small museum.

Address: Nikolskoer Weg, 14109 Berlin, Germany

Official site: www.spsg.de/en/palaces-gardens/object/peacock-island-house/

The old fortress town of Spandau lies at the confluence of the Rivers Spree and Havel just 30 minutes' drive from Berlin's city center. Easily accessible by public transit, it was until 1920 an independent trading town due to its position along the main west-to-east trade routes connecting Magdeburg and Berlin.

Granted its town charter in 1232, Spandau's two major settlements, the town on the Altstadt Insel (Old Town Island) and the castle on the Zitadelle-Insel (Citadel Island), became increasingly important commercial and cultural centers.

Today, the focus of a visit should be Spandau Citadel (Zitadelle Spandau). This imposing high-walled fortress remains largely unchanged since its construction in the 16th century. Entirely surrounded by water, the citadel is square in plan with a bastion at each corner, making it virtually impregnable. A narrow bridge leads from the citadel to the Gatehouse, home to a local museum.

Other highlights include the Prince's Room, a splendid old courtyard, and the 14th-century Palas, which served as the castle's residential quarters. A recent addition is a permanent display of important historic statues and monuments gathered from across Berlin.

Be sure to climb the 145-step Julius Tower with its magnificent views over the Old Town and Spandau Lock. There's also an impressive collection of 17th-century weapons, including rare canons. English language audio guides are available, and admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.

Address: Am Juliusturm 64, 13599 Berlin, Germany

Official site: www.zitadelle-berlin.de/en/

Notorious as one of the first concentration camps established by the Third Reich, Sachsenhausen began in 1933 as Oranienburg Concentration Camp, where more than 3,000 people were imprisoned. It was later closed, and the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was built in its place by prisoners in 1936. It was designed by SS architects as an example of "the ideal concentration camp."

More than 200,000 people were imprisoned here between 1936 and 1945, including political opponents, groups defined by the Nazis as racially or biologically inferior, and citizens from occupied countries. Tens of thousands of people died of disease, starvation, exhaustion and mistreatment, or were victims of the SS extermination program.

As if this grisly history were not enough, after the few remaining prisoners were liberated in 1945, the camp was taken over by the Soviets to confine political and other prisoners. At least 12,000 of these Soviet prisoners died here of malnutrition and disease before the camp was finally closed in 1950.

There are English language tours of this sobering camp, now a national memorial. You can also visit the camp on the six-hour Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour from Berlin . Led by a knowledgeable historian, you'll learn about the camp's story and hear true accounts of some of those who were held here by its various operators.

Address: Str. der Nationen 22, 16515 Oranienburg, Germany

Official site: www.sachsenhausen-sbg.de/en/

The River Havel flows through Berlin for 30 kilometers of its 340-kilometer length, traversing the city north to south before joining the River Elbe near Havelberg. The most beautiful stretches of this river in the city are around Schildhorn, Lindwerder, Schwanenwerder, and the Pfaueninsel. And on the left bank, the Grunewald , Berlin's large forested parkland, is worth a visit.

A good way to enjoy the scenery is by driving along the Havelchaussee . This leafy stretch of road winds through the Grunewald and along the river's eastern bank. Alternatively, regular tourist buses travel this route, and it's also popular with cyclists.

The best way to see the Havel, though, is aboard a riverboat. Numerous options are available, from pleasant private excursions to large state-run ships that ply the river and its adjoining canals.

A good plan is to start at the Freybrücke landing stage in Spandau and take a boat downstream. You'll pass Schildhorn, the Grunewald Tower, Lindwerder, and Breitehorn to Kladow, returning by boat via the Wannsee and Potsdam before jumping on a bus or S-Bahn back to Berlin's city center.

Like Spandau, Berlin's Köpenick district is the site of a very old settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. Today, Köpenick is not only Berlin's largest district, it's the richest in terms of woodland and lakes. In fact, its 14,700 acres of heather-carpeted woods boast numerous birch, oak, beech, pine, and lime trees.

Come summer, walkers and water sports enthusiasts are attracted by this abundance of nature. Indeed, an estimated 80 percent of the district's surface is covered by water, woodland, and grassland, making it the main recreation area in eastern Berlin.

A highlight of a visit should be Köpenick Palace . This 17th-century mansion standing on an island on the Dahme River was once home to Prussian royalty and now houses Berlin's Museum of Decorative Arts .

Afterwards, be sure to take a walk around the pedestrian-friendly Old Town area of Köpenick (Köpenicker Altstadt). Here, you'll find many fine old examples of historic architecture. Particularly noteworthy is the Old Town Hall, or " Alte Rathaus ." Afterwards, be sure to walk over Long Bridge (Lange Brücke) for its splendid views of the old moat and river.

Address: Alt-Köpenick 1, Berlin, Germany

At 382 kilometers in length, some 150 kilometers of which is navigable, the River Spree is the most important tributary of the River Havel, which it joins in Spandau. Visitors looking for a fun day trip should venture into the Spreewald , a lowland area unique both in landscape and culture that lies 100 kilometers southeast of Berlin.

The area is popular for its sandy flats and dunes crossed by numerous watercourses known as the Fliessen, which in turn are well-known for punting and rowing. The region is also notable for its population of Sorbs, a Slavic minority known for their rich cultural customs and colorful traditional costumes.

One of the best ways to explore the waterway is a roundtrip on the Spree and the Landwehrkanal . This pleasant circular tour lasts three hours and begins at the Charlottenburg Palace Bridge (Charlottenburger Schlossbrücke) before traveling along the Landwehrkanal through Kreuzberg . From here, it's back to the Spree in the district of Friedrichshain, finally returning to Charlottenburg via Old Berlin (Alt-Berlin).

Wannsee means two things to Berliners: it refers to the ritzy district with its fine old villas, as well as its two lakes, the Grosser and Kleiner (Great and Little) Wannsee. The lakes are the big draw and rank as one of the top recreation areas for Berliners thanks to their beaches, sailing, and rowing clubs. There are also numerous cafés and restaurants with terraces overlooking the water, as well as many attractive footpaths.

The Grosse Wannsee, which covers some 640 acres, is part of a basin gouged out during the Ice Age that runs into the River Havel. From the southern end with the Wannsee bridge, which carries the Königstrasse from Berlin to Potsdam, a string of small connected lakes runs southwest in a long trough. These include the Kleiner Wannsee, the Pohlesee, the Prinz-Friedrich-Leopold-Kanal, and the Griebnitzsee.

If driving, take Am Grossen Wannsee , a scenic road on the lake's western bank. Another option is to take one of the Wannsee tourist boats that run to and from Spandau and Potsdam.

The village of Klein (Little) Glienicke, on the lake of the same name between Potsdam and Berlin, makes for a splendid day trip. It's most famous for its iron Glienicke Bridge, with its spectacular views over the River Havel.

It's also a popular place to visit for Glienicke Palace (Schloss Glienicke). This attractive Neoclassical country house was built in 1826 as a summer residence for Prince Karl of Prussia.

Its renovated park is also worth including in your sightseeing trip to the area. Covering 287 acres, Schlossgarten Glienicke was laid out in 1816 and opened to the public in 1934. Also known as Volkspark Glienicke, or the People's Park, it affords fine views over the Havel towards Potsdam, as well as beautiful riverside and lakeside walks from the Glienicke Bridge to popular Peacock Island (Pfaueninsel).

Also of note is the Klosterhof . This former monastery was built to a Venetian design in 1850 and is a delight to explore. So, too, is the Nikolskoe viewpoint, site of a former royal summer home. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul, with its Russian-style onion dome, built in 1837, is also worth a visit.

Address: Königstraße 36, 14109 Berlin, Germany

Official site: www.spsg.de/en/palaces-gardens/object/glienicke-park/

A popular day trip for families, the Museum Village of Düppel (Museumsdorf Düppel) lies in the southwest corner of Berlin in Zehlendorf , near the original archaeological site at Machnower Fenn.

This educational reconstruction of an early 13th-century medieval settlement consists of numerous old houses, as well as barns and workshops. Some of these buildings host traditional trades such as a blacksmith shop, a cobbler's shop, and pottery. These buildings were also constructed using the methods available during this period.

Highlights of a visit include interacting with costumed staff members playing the roles of traditional villagers and trades people. There are also interesting demonstrations of such skills as bread making, pottery, weaving, and carving. The village is also notable for the rare animals it has bred back from extinction, including the Düppel pig.

Also of interest is the attraction's use of long-forgotten herbs and vegetables, grown using traditional farming techniques. Guided tours are available on Sundays, and a program of Market Days and Medieval Festivals offers insights into early medieval life.

Address: Clauertstraße 11, 14163 Berlin, Germany

Southwest of the village of Gatow, on the outskirts of Berlin between the Gross Glienicker See and Wannsee, Gatow Airfield was used by the British RAF for military purposes. It was also used from time to time to airlift supplies into the city.

Now home to the Military History Museum: Berlin-Gatow Airfield (Militärhistorisches Museum: Flugplatz Berlin-Gatow), it boasts a large number of German military aircraft dating from WWI to the NATO period. There's also a collection of more than 200,000 artifacts, including engine parts and uniforms.

All told, the site has more than 150 original and replica aircraft. These include everything from WWII props to more modern jet-fighters, as well as a number of rare machines in various stages of restoration.

Address: Am Flugplatz Gatow 33, Berlin, Germany

More on Germany

The Train Diaries

20 BEST Day Trips From Berlin By Train

If you’re paying a visit to Germany’s capital, you’re perfectly poised for some fantastic day trips from Berlin by train.

This city is not just a cultural and historical hotspot itself, but it’s also a central hub from which you can explore the rich and diverse regions of Germany.

Traveling by train from Berlin is not only efficient and comfortable but it also gives you the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the beautiful landscapes that you’ll pass by. Remember, the journey can be just as exciting as the destination!

In this post, we’re going to dive into the 20 best day trips from Berlin by train. From stunning palaces and historic cities to serene nature reserves, there’s something to tempt all kinds of travellers. Let’s get started, shall we?

Want to compare train times and ticket prices? Head straight down to the comparison table.

Table of Contents

T he Magic of Potsdam

First on our list is the magnificent Potsdam, just a 35 minute train ride away from Berlin.

If you’re a fan of history or architecture, or simply love immersing yourself in a bit of royal luxury, Potsdam is a must-visit. It’s known for its collection of stunning palaces, each with its own charm and story to tell.

The star of the show, undoubtedly, is the Sanssouci Palace. Think of it as the German equivalent to Versailles, but on a slightly more intimate scale.

Frederick the Great’s former summer palace is a beautiful rococo gem, surrounded by intricately manicured gardens and a vineyard – yes, a vineyard right here in the heart of the city!

The rooms inside the palace are just as impressive, filled with art and historic artifacts that transport you straight back to the 18th century.

And don’t forget to explore the park around Sanssouci Palace. This sprawling green space is home to several other palaces and historic buildings, including the Chinese Tea House and the New Palace.

The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you can imagine its significance and beauty.

Prefer to join a tour? Check out this 4 hour guided trip from Berlin

Dresden: A Historic Gem

Another incredible place that you can visit from Berlin by train is the historic city of Dresden.

Picture a skyline pierced with elegant domes and spires, intricate palaces and a river gracefully flowing through it all – that’s Dresden for you. This city, with its stunning baroque architecture and rich artistic heritage, is like a step into a classic painting.

At the heart of Dresden is the Frauenkirche, a stunning Lutheran church with a monumental dome. The church was almost completely destroyed during World War II and was painstakingly restored to its original grandeur after the reunification of Germany.

Stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by the mesmerizing beauty of its interior. And if you’re up for it, a climb to the top of the church offers a panoramic view of the city that’s absolutely breathtaking.

Not far from the Frauenkirche is another highlight, the Zwinger Palace. It’s an impressive baroque complex with grand galleries and lush gardens.

Don’t miss the Old Masters Gallery, which hosts an incredible collection of art, including Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna”.

Leipzig: The City of Music

When you think of cities pulsating with the rhythm of music, Leipzig definitely comes to mind. Just around an hour by train from Berlin, this city’s deep ties to musical geniuses like Bach and Mendelssohn make it a haven for music lovers.

First off, there’s St. Thomas Church, where Bach served as a cantor for many years. The church still echoes with his music during the weekly performances by the St. Thomas Boys Choir.

A short walk from the church, you’ll find the Bach Museum, dedicated to the life and works of the great composer. There, you can literally walk in the footsteps of the great composer, and trust me, it’s quite the experience.

Not to be outdone, Mendelssohn’s legacy is also celebrated here. His former residence is now a museum where you can learn about his life, work, and contribution to Leipzig’s music scene.

But Leipzig isn’t just about music. The city’s old town, with its Renaissance-style buildings, is a delight to explore.

Don’t forget to check out the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, a towering tribute to one of the most significant battles in European history. And if you’re a fan of contemporary art, the Spinnerei, a former cotton mill turned art space, is a must-see.

The Bustling Hamburg

If you’re craving a change of pace and an exciting urban adventure, then hop on a train from Berlin to the bustling city of Hamburg.

As Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg is a big deal. It’s not just its size that’s impressive, though – the city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, its maritime charm, and its welcoming, cosmopolitan vibe.

One place you absolutely can’t miss in Hamburg is the harbor district. The Port of Hamburg is one of the busiest in the world, and the harbor area is teeming with life.

You can take a boat tour to see the impressive shipping docks and the historic Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s the largest warehouse district in the world. At night, it’s beautifully lit and offers a mesmerizing view.

Another key spot in the harbor district is the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s stunning concert hall. The building’s modern architecture is quite a sight, and the view from the Plaza, a public viewing area, is absolutely breathtaking.

Beyond the harbor district, there’s so much more to explore in Hamburg. There’s the bustling Reeperbahn, the city’s entertainment and nightlife district, the beautiful Alster Lake right in the city center, and the historic Town Hall.

Reflection at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

A day trip that is undoubtedly poignant and thought-provoking, but one I highly recommend, is to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. It’s a stark reminder of a dark chapter in our history that should never be forgotten.

Sachsenhausen, located in the town of Oranienburg, just north of Berlin, was one of the first concentration camps established by the Nazi regime. Thousands of people were imprisoned here, suffering unimaginable conditions and brutality.

Visiting the site gives you a sense of the scale of the atrocities that took place, and it’s a place that really puts our history into perspective.

Today, the camp serves as a museum and a memorial. You’ll see several exhibitions that document the history of the camp and the lives of those who were imprisoned there.

It’s a chilling, sobering experience, but it’s important to remember and reflect upon these events to ensure they never happen again.

Going to Sachsenhausen is not about sightseeing, it’s about paying respect and learning from the past. It’s an emotional journey, but one that is incredibly worthwhile.

To get even more out of your visit, you might want to take a look at this half-day guided walking tour

Relaxation at Wannsee

You might be looking for a place to relax and recharge, and Wannsee is just the spot for that. Just a short train ride from Berlin, Wannsee is like a breath of fresh air – quite literally!

Wannsee is most famous for its lake – the Grosser Wannsee. It’s actually one of the largest inland lidos in Europe!

On a sunny day, it’s a popular spot for Berliners and tourists alike to take a refreshing dip, relax on the sandy beaches, or even try their hand at some water sports like sailing or paddleboarding.

You can also take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, enjoy a picnic in one of the lakeside parks, or even rent a rowboat for a little adventure on the water.

There’s also a lovely bike path around the lake if you fancy a two-wheeled exploration.

Nearby, there’s the Wannsee Villa, a place with a complex history, as it’s where the infamous Wannsee Conference was held during World War II. Today, it houses a thought-provoking museum.

Hanover’s Architectural Blend

If architecture is your thing, you’ll be in for a treat with a day trip from Berlin to Hanover. While it’s a bit longer journey compared to the other trips, the architectural charm of Hanover is absolutely worth it.

Hanover presents an intriguing mix of old and new. The city was heavily damaged during World War II but has since been rebuilt with a careful blend of historical preservation and modern design. One place where you’ll see this striking juxtaposition is the old town, or Altstadt. Here, half-timbered houses dating back to the Middle Ages rub shoulders with sleek modern buildings, creating a fascinating architectural landscape.

One of the highlights in Hanover is the New Town Hall, or Neues Rathaus. With its grand dome and intricate details, it’s a masterpiece of eclectic style. You can even take an elevator to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of the city – it’s a sight to behold!

Then there’s the Herrenhausen Gardens, a stunning baroque-style garden that’s often compared to the Gardens of Versailles. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst beautiful landscapes and historic structures.

And let’s not forget the Sprengel Museum, home to an impressive collection of modern art. The building itself, with its sleek lines and modern design, is a testament to Hanover’s architectural prowess.

The Charm of Lübeck

Fancy a taste of some delicious marzipan and a stroll through a charming old town? If your answer is a resounding yes, then Lübeck is the place for you. This quaint, picturesque city is just a train ride away from Berlin and is a perfect destination for a relaxing day trip.

Lübeck is famously known as the “Marzipan City”. This delicious almond-sugar treat has been crafted here for centuries, and you’ll find some of the best marzipan in the world at the renowned Niederegger Café. You can even visit their marzipan salon and learn about the history of this sweet delicacy.

After treating your taste buds, it’s time to feast your eyes on the historic charm of Lübeck. The city’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with medieval buildings, quaint cobblestone streets, and charming courtyards. You’ll find the iconic Holsten Gate at the entrance of the old town, a towering symbol of Lübeck’s rich history.

The centerpiece of the old town is the stunning Lübeck Cathedral and the Market Square, both of which are a testament to the city’s architectural grandeur. And don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the unique “Gänge und Höfe”, the small alleyways and courtyards hidden between the buildings in the old town.

Erfurt’s Medieval Beauty

If you’re in the mood for a journey back in time, consider a day trip from Berlin to the charming city of Erfurt. It’s an enchanting place, with one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Germany. Just stepping into the old town is like stepping into a storybook.

The heart of Erfurt’s old town is the magnificent Cathedral of St. Mary, which sits majestically on a hill overlooking the city. Right next to it, you’ll find the Church of St. Severus, another stunning example of Gothic architecture. And between these two landmarks is the Cathedral Square, host to the famous Erfurt Christmas Market during the holiday season.

Another noteworthy site in Erfurt is the Krämerbrücke, or Merchants’ Bridge. It’s not just any old bridge – it’s lined with half-timbered houses on both sides, which today are filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafés. It’s a unique experience to walk across a bridge that feels more like a charming village street!

You should also check out the Erfurt Synagogue, which is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe and now houses a museum showcasing a remarkable medieval Jewish treasure found in the city.

Rostock: A Hanseatic Delight

Are you ready for a little maritime adventure? If so, a day trip from Berlin to the Hanseatic city of Rostock is right up your alley. This vibrant, port city has a rich history that dates back to the Hanseatic League, and it’s just waiting to be explored.

As a key member of the Hanseatic League, Rostock was once a major center for trade in Northern Europe. Its rich past is evident in the city’s stunning architecture, particularly the beautiful gabled houses and brick Gothic buildings in the city center. The centerpiece of the city is the Rostock Cathedral, an imposing church with a richly decorated interior that’s definitely worth a visit.

But Rostock’s charm doesn’t stop at its historical buildings. The city is also home to a bustling port area. The Warnemünde district, at the mouth of the Warnow river, is a vibrant seaside resort with a large sandy beach and a lighthouse offering panoramic views of the area. A walk along the Alter Strom, the old channel, lined with fisherman’s houses, boutiques, and seafood restaurants, is a must-do.

Another unique aspect of Rostock is its historic shipyard, which is still active today. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a ship being built!

The Biosphere Reserve: Spreewald

Looking for a day trip that takes you away from the city’s hustle and bustle and closer to nature? Then pack your bag and hop on a train from Berlin to the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve. This unique destination is a breath of fresh air – quite literally!

Spreewald, or “Spree Forest”, is a lush, green haven recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. It’s a world away from the urban landscapes of Berlin, filled with meadows, forests, and an intricate network of over 200 small canals called “Fließe”. This network of waterways is the lifeblood of Spreewald, supporting a rich biodiversity and a unique cultural landscape.

One of the best ways to explore Spreewald is by canoe. You can paddle through the serene waterways, surrounded by unspoiled nature, observing the local wildlife and enjoying the peaceful silence. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced paddler, as there are guided canoe tours available that cater to all levels of experience.

Apart from canoeing, you can also explore Spreewald on foot or by bike. There are numerous trails that weave through the reserve, taking you past charming old farmhouses and fields full of wildflowers. And don’t miss the chance to try some local delicacies like Spreewald gherkins and fresh fish dishes.

Magdeburg’s Gothic Inspiration

Feel like exploring a city with a striking blend of history and modernity? Then, let’s hop on a train from Berlin to Magdeburg, a city brimming with fascinating landmarks, from Gothic cathedrals to contemporary architecture.

Magdeburg’s most iconic structure is undoubtedly the Magdeburg Cathedral, which towers over the city. As one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in Germany, it’s a sight to behold with its soaring spires and intricate carvings. The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive, housing several important art pieces, including the famous Magdeburg Rider statue.

But the historical allure of Magdeburg doesn’t stop at its cathedral. The city’s Old Market Square, surrounded by beautifully restored buildings, is a bustling hub of activity. Be sure to check out the Magdeburg Horseman, a bronze copy of the statue in the cathedral.

In stark contrast to the city’s historical sites, the Green Citadel is a testament to Magdeburg’s embrace of modernity. This quirky, pink building designed by the famous architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser is a must-visit. It’s a lively complex housing apartments, offices, cafes, shops, and even a hotel!

And let’s not forget the Elbauenpark, a vast recreational area with walking trails, playgrounds, and the impressive Jahrtausendturm, one of the tallest wooden towers in the world, housing exhibits related to science and technology.

A Day in Frankfurt (Oder)

If you’re up for an adventure that takes you to the edge of Germany, then Frankfurt (Oder) is your ticket. Just a quick train ride from Berlin, this intriguing city sits on the border with Poland, offering a unique blend of German and Polish influences.

First off, let’s clear up any potential confusion. This isn’t Frankfurt am Main, the city that’s famous for skyscrapers and stock exchanges. No, Frankfurt (Oder) is a quieter, more laid-back city that’s rich in history and surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

In the heart of the city, you’ll find the St. Mary’s Church, a striking brick Gothic structure with a history dating back several centuries. The church’s stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings are sure to leave you awestruck.

Right next to it is the Friedenskirche, a classic 18th-century baroque church known for its beautiful organ concerts. Don’t miss the chance to wander through its peaceful gardens.

One of Frankfurt (Oder)’s unique features is its location right on the Oder River, which forms the border with Poland. Take a stroll on the Oderpromenade, a scenic riverside path that offers great views of the city skyline and the river. You can even cross the iconic Oder Bridge to the Polish town of Słubice for a bit of cross-border exploration!

Before you head back to Berlin, be sure to visit the Kleist Museum, dedicated to the renowned writer Heinrich von Kleist, a native of Frankfurt (Oder). It’s a fascinating insight into the life and works of this important literary figure.

Rheinsberg: Castle Among Water

If a picturesque castle nestled among serene lakes and lush forests sounds like your kind of escape, then Rheinsberg is calling your name. Just a short train ride away from Berlin, this charming town boasts one of the most beautiful castles in Brandenburg.

Rheinsberg Castle is indeed the crown jewel of the town. Overlooking the Grienerick Lake, this stunning rococo palace is sure to leave you spellbound with its ornate facades, elegant interiors, and sprawling gardens. Once the residence of Frederick the Great, the castle now hosts a museum that offers fascinating insights into its royal past.

Take a leisurely stroll around the castle gardens, which extend all the way to the lakeshore, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The gardens are beautifully designed, featuring fountains, sculptures, and a lovely orangery.

Beyond the castle, Rheinsberg offers a multitude of activities for visitors. You can rent a boat and explore the intricate network of lakes and waterways that surround the town. The serene waters and abundant wildlife create a tranquil setting that’s perfect for a leisurely day out.

For those who prefer land-based exploration, the surrounding forest offers numerous walking and cycling trails. And when you’re done exploring, be sure to pop into one of the town’s cozy cafes or restaurants for a bite to eat.

Cultural Journey to Weimar

Weimar is, in many ways, the heart of German Enlightenment and classical literature. Its streets have been graced by the likes of Goethe and Schiller, two of Germany’s most revered writers. These literary giants lived, worked, and left their mark in Weimar, turning it into a mecca for lovers of literature and philosophy.

A visit to the Goethe National Museum, housed in the very building where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe lived for almost 50 years, is an absolute must. Here, you can step back in time and get a feel for the life and works of this literary titan. Not far away, you can visit the Schiller House, where Friedrich Schiller spent the last years of his life and penned some of his greatest works.

But Weimar’s cultural and historical significance goes beyond these two figures. The city is also home to the Bauhaus Museum, dedicated to the famous design school that was founded here, influencing modern design principles around the world.

And let’s not forget the Duchess Anna Amalia Library, a stunning rococo library that houses a vast collection of books, including an impressive number of rare editions. This is a real treat for any book lover!

Natural Wonders of Peacock Island (Pfaueninsel)

If you’re a nature lover and want a bit of a break from the city’s hustle, then let’s take a day trip to a true gem of Berlin’s surroundings: Peacock Island, or Pfaueninsel. A train ride to Wannsee and a short ferry trip will take you to this enchanting oasis right on the Havel River.

Pfaueninsel is a nature reserve and part of the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin UNESCO World Heritage site. As the name suggests, yes, there are indeed peacocks freely roaming the island! These colorful birds, along with other wildlife and diverse plant life, add to the island’s unique charm.

The island’s landscape is characterized by beautiful meadows, woods, and trails. Walking around, you’ll discover a tiny, white fairy-tale castle which used to be a royal summer retreat. Now it’s open to the public, offering a glimpse into the romantic era of the 19th century.

Aside from leisurely walks, birdwatching is a favorite activity among visitors. With a bit of patience, you can spot a variety of birds, not just the resident peacocks. If you’re into photography, the island offers countless picturesque spots, so make sure your camera is fully charged!

Also, don’t forget to bring a picnic – there are plenty of perfect spots to lay your blanket and enjoy a meal amidst nature. Just remember, the island is a protected area, so be respectful, don’t leave any trash behind, and keep a safe distance from the wildlife.

Brandenburg an der Havel: Triple Medieval Town

When you think about day trips from Berlin, perhaps Brandenburg an der Havel might not be the first name that pops up, but let me tell you, this city has plenty to offer. Just a quick train ride away from Berlin, Brandenburg an der Havel, known as the cradle of the mark, is a town full of history and charm.

A unique feature of Brandenburg an der Havel is its triple medieval town structure. Yes, you heard that right! The town is made up of three distinct parts – the New Town, the Old Town, and the Cathedral Island – each with its own town center, market square, church, and unique character. These parts were once individual towns that eventually merged, creating a unique city layout.

Start your tour in the Old Town, where you can explore St. Gotthardt’s Church with its remarkable 56-bell carillon. Don’t miss the Mühlentor, one of the city’s original gatehouses, and the impressive City Hall, a splendid example of brick Gothic architecture.

Next, head over to the New Town. Stroll down the Hauptstraße, filled with quaint shops and cafes. Visit St. Katharinen Church, known for its beautifully restored organ and its unique blend of Gothic and Baroque styles.

Finally, make your way to the Cathedral Island, home to St. Peter and Paul Cathedral. It’s the oldest church in the city, featuring a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The island is also a great spot for a leisurely walk, with peaceful paths along the river.

Bautzen: City of Towers

Let’s talk about another great day trip from Berlin that takes you straight into the heart of history – Bautzen, affectionately known as the “City of Towers”. About two and a half hours by train from Berlin, Bautzen greets visitors with a picturesque skyline dotted with over 17 towers, each telling its own tale of the past.

Bautzen has been a significant site through various eras, from the Slavic settlement in the 9th century to being a hub of Sorbian culture today. Its rich history is manifested in its well-preserved medieval town center, cobblestone streets, and, of course, the iconic towers.

Your first order of business in Bautzen should be to climb one (or more!) of these towers. Trust me, the steps are worth it. The views from up top are simply stunning – the red roofs of the city stretching out before you, the Spree River winding its way around the town, and rolling green hills in the distance.

The Reichenturm, or the Leaning Tower, is a popular choice. As the name suggests, it leans even more than the famous Tower of Pisa! Don’t miss the Alte Wasserkunst, an old water tower, now serving as a viewing point. The views of the Old Town and the Spree River from here are magnificent.

Strolling through the old town, you can’t miss the Bautzen Cathedral, an impressive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and the Ortenburg Castle, now home to several museums.

The Border Town: Görlitz

Pack a bag for Görlitz, a charming border town about 3 hours by train from Berlin. Its unique location, straddling Germany and Poland, means that a stroll across a bridge can take you between two countries!

Görlitz, or “Görliwood” as it’s affectionately known due to its popularity as a filming location, is arguably one of Germany’s most beautiful towns. Untouched by the wars, the town has maintained its architectural integrity over the centuries, boasting an array of styles from Gothic to Renaissance to Art Nouveau.

Start your day at the Upper Market Square, the heart of the town, surrounded by colorful and ornately decorated buildings. Do take a moment to marvel at the stunning façade of the Town Hall and the historic trading houses around the square.

Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find the Lower Market Square with its beautiful Neptune Fountain and the Baroque Dreifaltigkeitskirche (Holy Trinity Church). Don’t miss the chance to visit St. Peter and Paul Church, the only church in Germany with a sun organ, a unique instrument that symbolizes the sun’s path across the sky.

But the charm of Görlitz isn’t confined to its German side. Take a walk across the pedestrian bridge over the Lusatian Neisse River, and you’ll find yourself in Zgorzelec, the Polish side of the town. Enjoy a meal at one of the riverside restaurants, savoring the view back across to Görlitz.

Cottbus: A Green City

Do you feel like escaping the bustling city life and immersing yourself in greenery without compromising on culture? If so, Cottbus might just be your next day trip destination from Berlin. Nestled between the Spree River and pine forests, Cottbus is just an hour and a half by train from Berlin and is often hailed as the “Green City.”

Upon arriving in Cottbus, the city’s architectural allure will immediately capture your attention. The city center boasts beautiful buildings that encapsulate the charm of the Wilhelminian era. Don’t miss the Art Nouveau Staatstheater, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most beautiful theaters in Germany. Also, take a stroll around the Altmarkt, the old market square, surrounded by historic buildings and buzzing with cafes and shops.

But the real charm of Cottbus lies in its lush parks. The Branitz Park, designed by the eccentric landscape artist Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, is a must-visit. The park is a mesmerizing blend of English and French garden styles with two unique pyramids, yes pyramids – one on land and one in the middle of a lake. The walking trails throughout the park provide stunning views and make for a perfect leisurely stroll.

Moreover, if you’re a fan of exotic flora and fauna, then the Cottbus Zoo is a must-visit. It hosts a diverse range of species and is an enjoyable spot for both kids and adults.

Train Times and Tickets: 20 BEST day trips from Berlin by train

💡Tip: Particularly if you’re travelling in a group, Deutsche Bahn’s regional tickets can be a great way to save money. For valid destinations I’ve linked to the page where you can buy a regional ticket. However it’s always worth entering your journey on the Deutsche Bahn website to see if it’s the cheapest option .

Conclusion : 20 BEST day trips from Berlin by train

There you have it – 20 of the best day trips from Berlin by train. From the opulent palaces of Potsdam to the quaint border town of Görlitz, from the bustling streets of Hamburg to the lush green parks of Cottbus, each destination offers a unique slice of Germany’s rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty.

These day trips take you beyond the familiar sights and sounds of Berlin and introduce you to the lesser-known, but equally fascinating, corners of this beautiful country. Each destination, being just a train ride away, offers the convenience of exploring new places without the hassle of long-distance travel. So, whether you’re a history buff, a culture vulture, a nature enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, there’s a day trip that’s just perfect for you.

Remember, every journey, no matter how short, leaves you with new experiences and memories. So, get ready to board the train, and let’s start exploring the charms of Germany, one day trip at a time! And who knows? You might just discover your new favorite spot!

Safe travels, and until next time, auf Wiedersehen!

P.S. Don’t forget to share your day trip experiences and discoveries with me. I’d love to hear your stories!

Beth is a freelance writer and creator of The Train Diaries. When she's not writing, she can usually be found petting dogs, watching horror films or creating her true crime podcast, Case Remains.

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19 Incredible Day Trips from Berlin, Germany (2024)

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here .

Planning a trip to Berlin? Keep reading for a guide to 19 of the best day trips from Berlin, Germany!

Berlin is an incredible city full of historic sights, insane street art, delicious food, and world-class nightlife.

It’s easy to spend a few days in Berlin without getting bored. However, when I’m visiting a city, I like to spend at least one day taking a day trip to a surrounding city to explore a bit further afield.

A few years ago, I spent a full week in Berlin and made sure to take advantage of a couple of the wonderful day trips in the area.

And thanks to the help of some of my fellow travelers, I put together this guide with all of the best day trips from Berlin!

In this post, you’ll find everything from cities, historic sites, and some of the most idyllic small towns in Germany. You can even take a day trip from Berlin to a different country – there are day trips from Berlin to Poland!

Most of the day trips in this guide can be accessed by public transportation and all of the trips take less than 3 hours to reach from Berlin, making them perfect to visit on a day trip.

Many of the spots are also accessible via a guided tour, which makes taking a day trip from Berlin super easy if you’re not yet comfortable navigating the train and bus system.

If you’d prefer to rent a car, I recommend checking Discover Cars for the best price on Berlin car rentals.

Are you ready to plan an incredible day trip from Berlin? Keep reading for a guide to 19 of the best day trips from Berlin, including how to get there, what to do, where to eat, and more!

Table of Contents

Berlin Day Trips: How to Get to Your Day Trip Destination from Berlin

Below each day trip destination, you’ll find helpful information on the distance of the destination from Berlin, the approximate travel time, and the best way to get there (usually public transportation or a guided tour).

You’ll also find some general directions from popular Berlin city center stations to the destination and suggestions for highly-rated guided tours, if available.

There are several options for day trips from Berlin by train or bus, as well as some that are better to take by car.

Traveling to your day trip destination from Berlin is often easiest and cheapest when taking public transportation. For closer destinations, you might be able to take the S Bahn , which is Berlin’s rapid transit railway system. The S Bahn website is helpful when planning your route.

For day trip destinations further afield, you may take a Deutsche Bahn InterCity train or a similar long-distance train. These trains are more comfortable than the S Bahn but they cost a bit more.

Rail Europe is a great resource to check train times and book affordable train tickets between Berlin and other destinations.

Note: In Germany, the word for central/main train stations is Hauptbahnhof , abbreviated “Hbf” – you’ll see this abbreviation a lot in this post as well as when you’re traveling throughout Germany.

Some Berlin day trips are best reached by car. If you’re planning on renting a car during your Berlin trip, I highly recommend using Discover Cars to search for the best price and to book your rental.

Keep in mind that while all of the directions given in this post have been verified, routes can change at a moment’s notice. Make sure to check directions on Google Maps or another map app before heading out on your day trip.

Map of the Day Trips from Berlin

In the map above, you can see the distance of the various day trip locations (numbered with the numbers matching the location’s number in this post) from Berlin (the orange star).

For an interactive version of this map, click on the map above or on this link .

Best Day Trips from Berlin

1. sachsenhausen memorial & museum.

• Distance from Berlin: 24.4 miles (36 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 1 hour via train, 33 minutes via car
• Best Way to Get There: Train or Guided Tour

Located just 45 minutes from Berlin in Oranienburg is Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum , a haunting reminder of the horrors that occurred during the Holocaust.

Sachsenhausen was a Nazi Concentration Camp that was used to hold more than 200,000 prisoners from 1936 to May 1945, the end of the Third Reich.

Visiting Sachsenhausen is an extremely sobering experience. During your visit, you will see and learn about the horrific acts committed by the Nazis within the walls of the camp.

Remember that you are walking in an area where innocent prisoners were tortured and murdered. Be respectful during your visit – avoid speaking loudly, taking disrespectful photos, or behaving otherwise inappropriately.

At Sachsenhausen, there are numerous exhibits detailing the history of the camp and the horrors that occurred, including exhibits on the camp’s origins, the lives of camp prisoners, the “everyday life” of the prisoners in the camp, medical experiments that were conducted at the camp, and more. There is also a memorial dedicated to the political prisoners held at the camp.

Admission to Sachsenhausen is free; guided tours and audio guides are also available for a small fee. I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the site so that you can learn as much as possible about the history of the camp during your visit.

Getting to Sachsenhausen from Berlin

Take the S Bahn S1 Line from Berlin to Oranienburg Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) (30 minutes, runs hourly). You can board the train from several different stations in Berlin including Potsdamer Platz and Brandenburger Tor. Once you arrive in Oranienburg, you can either take the bus (Bus #804 or #821; 8 minutes) or a taxi (taxis can be found outside the train station) to the memorial.

Alternatively, you can take the Deutsche Bahn Intercity train from Berlin Hbf to Oranienburg Hbf. You can check departure times and book your tickets via Rail Europe.

You can also take a guided tour of Sachsenhausen from Berlin . You’ll meet the guide in Berlin, and they’ll help you navigate to Sachsenhausen via public transportation and then take you around the site, teaching you about the history and telling stories about the former prisoners.

This is the best educational Sachsenhausen guided tour from Berlin

2. Potsdam and Sansoucci Palace

Contributed by Soumya Gayatri from Stories by Soumya

• Distance from Berlin: 21.8 miles (35.1 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: around 30 minutes via train, bus, or car

The beautiful historical city of Potsdam is one of the best day trips from Berlin.

Potsdam is not only the capital and the largest city of Brandenburg but is also home to some of the most fascinating historical buildings in Europe.

For starters, the city houses the gorgeous Palaces and Parks of Potsdam that have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This includes over 150 historical buildings that were constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries and lots of beautiful, landscaped gardens that cover almost 1200 acres.

The most magnificent among them is the Sanssouci Palace with the huge Sanssouci Park.

Sanssouci Palace was the summer retreat of King Friedrich. It was here that the stunning Friedrichian Rococo architecture was born. You can view this style in abundance inside the palace.

Once done, I would suggest taking a walk through the carefully manicured lawns of Sanssouci Park . Also, spend some time at the Neues Palais , another impressive Rococo mansion.

Apart from Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam also houses an old market square , the remarkable St. Nicholas Church , and a Film Museum . The red brick houses of Potsdam’s Dutch Quarter and a quaint Russian village called Alexandrowka right in the middle of the city are equally appealing.

You can even take a Potsdam hop-on hop-off tour that takes you around the city to all of the top sights.

There is so much to do here that you will want to spend more than just one day in Potsdam .

Potsdam is located just about 22 miles away from Berlin. You can either drive or take a bus and it takes less than an hour to get there, making it one of the best day trips from Berlin.

The best time to visit Potsdam is between April and October when the weather is warm and you can enjoy the gardens.

Getting to Potsdam from Berlin

From Berlin, you can either take the S-Bahn or the Deutsche Bahn Regional or InterCity train from Berlin Hbf to Potsdam Hbf.

You can also take a guided tour of Potsdam from Berlin .

⭐️ This is the best guided tour of Potsdam and Sansoucci Palace from Berlin !

3. Teufelsberg

Contributed by Hanna Thomas from Solar Powered Blonde

• Distance from Berlin: 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 15 minutes via train + around 30 minutes walking to Teufelsberg

Berlin is an incredible city, but if you like hidden gems venture over to Teufelsberg to experience another side of history.

Teufelsberg, German for “Devil’s Mountain,” is a huge old listening station in the Grunewald forest, a short train ride away from Berlin. It isn’t the easiest place to find, so make sure to have Google Maps on your phone.

This American listening station from the Cold War is now home to artists and creatives. The entire place has been transformed into one huge piece of art. As you wander through the various levels, there are huge murals, sculptures, and graffiti along the way.

There is a small fee to pay for entry, and there is also the option of a guided tour, which is led by one of the people that reside here.

It doesn’t look very inviting on the way in due to all the fencing, but don’t be shy! Also, remember that you may not be allowed to take photos – just double-check as you enter.

Another amazing thing about Teufelsberg is the view. From the top of the listening tower, there is the most incredible view over Berlin.

In the evening, this is also a great spot to see the sunset, but remember you then still have to walk around 30 minutes through the forest back to the train station.

The closest train station to Teufelsberg is Grunewald and the journey from the center of Berlin takes around 30 minutes. After visiting Teufelsberg, head to the restaurant right by the station for dinner. It is delicious and very cheap – make sure to try the apple strudel!

Getting to Teufelsberg from Berlin

Teufelsberg is located in Berlin, making it a very easy day trip. Simply take the S-Bahn (S5 or S7 when coming from Central Berlin) to Grunewald.

From there, you will need to walk through the forest to get to Teufelsberg.

Make sure to have Google Maps downloaded and ready to help you navigate, and grab an Airalo eSIM so that you have phone service during your trip!

There’s also a guided tour of Teufelsberg from Berlin that includes round-trip transportation from Berlin to Teufelsberg and a guide who knows all about the site’s history.

⭐️ Learn more about Teufelsberg on this guided tour from Berlin

Contributed by Sydney from Sydney to Anywhere

• Distance from Berlin: 13.4 miles (21.7 kilometers)
• Best Way to Get There: Public Transportation

Wannsee is an easy and unique day trip from Berlin.

Germany isn’t really known for its beaches, but Lake Wannsee is the country’s exception. The Strandbad Wannsee is actually Europe’s largest inland swimming area!

This sandy beach area is a great spot where locals and tourists alike love to enjoy the beautiful scenery at the edge of the Grunewald Forest.

Come enjoy a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming in calm waters. Or you can rent a paddleboat or take a boat tour to explore more of the lake.

The sandy shoreline, crystal-clear waters, and scenic surroundings offer the perfect place to decompress from the hustle and bustle of Berlin.

There are plenty of interesting historical sights in Wannsee as well.

One of the most notable attractions is the House of the Wannsee Conference .

This historic villa played a significant role in World War II as the site of the infamous Wannsee Conference. This 1942 conference is where high-ranking Nazi officials came up with their “Final Solution.”

While in Wannsee, you can also check out Peacock Island , easily reachable by ferry .

Once a royal playground, today this small island in the Havel River is a gorgeous park surrounded by lush forests, meadows, and a fairytale-like palace.

Stroll along the island’s paths to meet the peacocks who roam the island freely. Make sure you pay a visit to the beautiful Palace of Pfaueninsel to admire its neoclassical architecture.

Getting to Wannsee

To get to Wannsee, take the S-Bahn from Berlin. The journey is an easy 30 minutes with frequent trains going between the two locations.

⭐️ This boat tour is a must-do when visiting Wannsee!

Contributed by Elle from Only in Germany

• Distance from Berlin: 34 miles (55 kilometers) 
• Travel time from Berlin: 1 hour by train
• Best way to get there: Train or Car

After visiting  the best places in Berlin , escape to Beelitz, a captivating town just under one hour away from Berlin, known for its haunting sanatoriums and dark tourism experiences.

The Beelitz Heilstätten , a former sanatorium complex, is the main attraction.

Originally built to treat tuberculosis patients en masse, it later served as a military hospital during World War II, treating Nazis, and Soviet soldiers until the 1990s.

Beelitz Sanatorium has also left an indelible mark on popular culture. It served as the backdrop for World War II-era scenes in the renowned film The Pianist and even made a memorable appearance in a music video by the acclaimed band Rammstein.

Whether you are drawn to abandoned places and their historical significance or simply captivated by the allure of the treetop walk, Beelitz holds a mysterious charm waiting to be explored.

Today, guided tours take visitors through its historic buildings, including the intriguing “Alpenhaus.” Don’t miss the Baumkronenpfad, a treetop walkway offering stunning forest views and a unique perspective on the sanatorium.

While the sanatorium steals the spotlight, there is more to explore in Beelitz.

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming old town with its beautiful brick houses and elegant mansions. Indulge in a delightful breakfast at Café Alte Wache 1903 , a former fire station turned café, offering homemade cakes and a recommended breakfast menu.

For a taste of Beelitz’s culinary specialties, visit during the asparagus season.

Local farms like Spargelhof Klaistow, Spargelhof Karl-Ludwig Syring, and Josef Jakobs Spargelhöfe offer fresh and delectable asparagus.

Immerse yourself in Beelitz’s history and culture by exploring its museums. The Alte Posthalterei showcases the city’s postal service history, while the Spargelmuseum provides insights into the region’s asparagus heritage.

Beelitz’s dark allure and captivating sanatoriums make it a must-visit destination for dark tourism enthusiasts. Uncover the secrets of the Beelitz Heilstätten, walk the treetop path, and delve into the town’s intriguing past.

Getting to Beelitz from Berlin

Typically, you can take the Deutsche Bahn Regional Express (RE) train from Alexanderplatz directly to Beelitz-Heilstätten Bahnhof in about 45 minutes.

However, as of June 2023, that route isn’t running due to station construction. So, the easiest way to get to Beelitz from Berlin via train is to take the S Bahn to Berlin-Wannsee.

From there, get on the Deutsche Bahn RE which will take you to Beelitz-Heilstätten.

This journey takes around an hour. You can book tickets from Berlin-Wannsee to Beelitz on Rail Europe .

6. Spreewald

Contributed by Astrid Thornton from Seek Scandinavia

• Distance from Berlin: 60 miles (97 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 1 hour 10 minutes via train

Spreewald, also known as ‘Green Venice’ to locals, is a UNESCO-protected reserve that’s just over an hour from Berlin by train. Who knew we could swap concrete for canals so quickly, right?

And once you’re there, Spreewald’s labyrinth of streams and canals is best explored by punting boat.

Channel your inner gondolier and paddle through the winding waterways, or, better yet, let a seasoned Spreewald punt guide do the work while you feast your eyes on the lush surroundings.

Whichever you choose, keep an eye out for those fabulous white storks as you make your way around!

Once you’re done, there’s plenty to satisfy those hunger pangs. The biosphere’s unique marshy landscape gives birth to local specialties like the Spreewald gherkin, so make sure you get your fill at the Gurkenmeile, a row of stalls selling pickles in every conceivable way.

For a heartier meal, tuck into a plate of traditional Sorbian potato pancakes at the Restaurant Zum Grünen Strand der Spree. The cozy setting perfectly matches the warm, rustic flavors of their food.

To wrap up your day, why not take a gentle hike or bike ride along the Gurkenradweg, a trail themed around the famous Spreewald gherkin? Because if you’re going to dedicate a trail to something, why not make it a local specialty like this?!

Getting to Spreewald from Berlin

The quickest way to get to Spreewald from Berlin is by taking a Deutsche Bahn Regional train from Alexanderplatz to Lübbenau (Spreewald). Trains depart every 30 minutes and the trip takes a little over an hour.

The easiest way to get to Spreewald is by taking a guided tour. This Spreewald tour from Berlin includes bus transportation to and from Spreewald, a local snack (including gherkins, of course!), a punting tour, and more.

⭐️ This is the best Spreewald tour from Berlin !

7. Brandenburg

Contributed by Jakub from tymrazem.pl

• Distance from Berlin: 56 miles (90 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 50 minutes via train
• Best Way to Get There: Train

Brandenburg is an amazing city that is perfect for a day trip from Berlin.

A lot of interesting objects and over 1000 years of history await you in Brandenburg. The easiest way to get to Brandenburg from Berlin is by train, and you can use public transport or walk around the city itself.

Brandenburg has an interesting old town, actually two. There you will also find the remains of the city walls and interesting churches.

You’ll also find interesting sculptures of wild forest pugs (a cross between a pug and an elk), which you will find in various locations in the center.

Brandenburg is a city inextricably linked to water. It lies on the Havel River, but there are many more water reservoirs in the area.

If you have enough energy, you can even sail to Berlin from Brandenburg. Or, if you’re looking for something different to do, you can rent a floating barge on the spot and organize a picnic or a party.

On the way to or from Berlin, you can also visit Potsdam, where you will find Cecilienhof Palace .

A 50-minute train ride separates Brandenburg from Berlin and this distance is enough to find yourself in a completely different world.

Getting to Brandenburg from Berlin

Brandenburg is an easy train ride away from Berlin. You can take the Intercity train from Berlin Hbf to Brandenburg in about an hour, or the DPN train from Berlin-Charlottenburg to Brandenburg in about 45 minutes.

Rail Europe can help with planning your travel and booking tickets to Brandenburg from Berlin.

Contributed by Inma from A World to Travel

• Distance from Berlin: 118 miles (190 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 1 hour 15 minutes via train, around 2 hours via car

Less than two hours from Berlin, Leipzig is one of the most interesting cities surrounding the German capital and is perfect to visit on a day trip from Berlin.

Along with Hamburg , Leipzig is one of the cities that architecture lovers will enjoy the most in Germany.

Some of the highlights of Leipzig that you can’t miss during your day trip to Leipzig include:

Monument to the Battle of the Nations: If you can, start the day by visiting this memorial. It will make you see the city with different eyes. The monument commemorates Napoleon’s defeat at Leipzig, an important part of the country’s history.

Paulinum : Standing at the site of the old university church, the Paulinerkirche, destroyed during East Germany’s communist regime in 1968, the Paulinum is an interesting piece of architecture that belongs to the University of Leipzig.

Gewandhaus : After undergoing numerous renovations, this concert hall – which mainly hosts classical music – has perfected its acoustics in such a way that it well deserves to enjoy a show inside.

Panorama Restaurant : There is no better place to have lunch and enjoy Leipzig from above. With a daily menu at a good price, this place is a winner. It is located next to the Gewandhaus.

Förderverein Versöhnungskirche: Architecture aficionados will enjoy a visit to this quiet church, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei: One of the most ‘edgy’ areas of the city. Here, artists have taken industrial warehouses and filled them with galleries and craft workshops.

Auerbachs Keller : Considered the second oldest restaurant in Leipzig, this restaurant’s extensive menu will delight everyone in the mood for properly tasting some of Saxony cuisine’s best dishes.

To easily see the best of Leipzig in one day, book the Leipzig Hop-On Hop Off bus which takes you all over the city.

Getting to Leipzig from Berlin

Take the Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express train from Berlin Hbf to Leipzig Hbf. Several different lines will take you direct from Berlin to Leipzig. You can check departure times and book tickets on Rail Europe .

The journey should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes; trains depart hourly from Berlin.

⭐️ See all of Leipzig on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

9. Saxon Switzerland National Park

Contributed by Soujanya from The Spicy Journey

• Distance from Berlin: 150 miles (240 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: around 3 hours
• Best Way to Get There: Car

Saxon Switzerland, also known as the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, is a picturesque region located in Germany near the border with the Czech Republic.

It is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, deep canyons, and stunning landscapes along with many impressive sights to see.

Saxon Switzerland is a bit further than some of the other day trip spots, but the area’s beauty makes it one of the most popular day trips from Berlin. Visiting and enjoying the nature is a great way to escape the city for a day.

Paying a visit to the Bastei Bridge is one of the top activities to do in this region. The bridge is located about 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Berlin, making it a feasible day trip by car or by public transport.

While the stone bridge, overlooking a canyon and the Elbe River, is impressive by itself, the hike around the enormous and humbling rock formations is worth doing and a nice way to get great shots of the bridge from afar.

In fact, the hike from the nearby town of Rathen to Bastei is both mildly challenging as well as a great way to discover the forests of Saxon Switzerland.

While you’re in the region, embark on a languid boat ride on the Elbe River or indulge in rejuvenating treatments at one of the wellness centers or spas in the region. Better yet, discover the hot springs hidden in the forests of Saxon Switzerland.

Another top thing to do here is to walk along the fortified walls of the nearby Königstein historical fortress, enjoy the panoramic views from the top and learn more of its fascinating history.

Getting to Saxon Switzerland from Berlin

The easiest way to get to Saxon Switzerland from Berlin is by car. If you’re going to be renting a car, I recommend using Discover Cars to search and book as it searches several car rentals at once.

You can take the train from Berlin to Saxon Switzerland, but the route is a bit complicated. Because of that, I recommend taking the train to Dresden and then taking a guided tour from there if you’re unable to rent a car.

First, you’ll have to take the train from Berlin to Dresden , which takes about 2 hours. Then, you can take this guided Saxon Switzerland tour that picks up in Dresden .

The tour starts at 8 AM, so you’ll need to arrive in Dresden very early.

If you don’t have access to a rental car for this day trip, it might be better as an overnight trip so that you can see everything in and around Saxon Switzerland on your own time.

10. Hamburg

Contributed by Wendy Werneth of The Nomadic Vegan

• Distance from Berlin: 179.6 miles (289.1 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 2 hours via train

Hamburg is a surprising city of contrasts, full of industrial history and beautiful nature. Sometimes you even get both at once, like the rows of red brick warehouses lining peaceful canals in the Speicherstadt district.

As Europe’s second-largest port, many of Hamburg’s attractions are centered around the water. But if you get unlucky with the weather, there are some good indoor attractions too that will keep you occupied.

One must-see is the Miniatur Wunderland , which is the largest model railway system in the world. It’s actually much more than just a model train.

Divided into various countries and continents, it includes miniature recreations of all kinds of landscapes and cityscapes from around the world, with incredible attention to detail.

Miniatur Wunderland is very popular and can get crowded, so check the website for expected wait times and go outside of peak hours.

Walking around the Inner Alster Lake or, better yet, exploring the lake on the St. Georg steamship , is the perfect way to round out your explorations of Hamburg.

Hamburg has some fantastic dining choices for all budgets and taste buds, including lots of great vegan and vegetarian restaurants . Try the burgers at Happenpappen (order the “bowl” version of any burger if you want something a bit healthier) and the Mad Mexican loaded fries at Fried Club .

Getting to Hamburg from Berlin

The quickest way to get from Berlin to Hamburg is by train, and this is definitely the most convenient option for a day trip. Take the Deutsche Bahn Intercity or Intercity Express from Berlin Hbf to Hamburg Hbf.

Buy train tickets well in advance to get the best price. You can check departure times and book tickets via Rail Europe .

Traveling by bus is cheaper but takes more than three hours each way, so it’s not so suitable for a day trip.

⭐️ Check out the best tours and activities in Hamburg !

11. Rostock

Contributed by Lee and Stacey from One Trip at a Time

• Distance from Berlin: 145.2 miles (233.7 kilometers)

Rostock in Northern Germany is a Hanseatic city that can be reached by ICE train in around two hours.

Many cruise passengers do the opposite trip, skipping past Rostock to go and see Berlin, but in so doing miss the many delights that Rostock has to offer.

A great place to start exploring is the Rostock Cultural History Museum , just a short walk from the picturesque Universitätsplatz. Here you can learn about the history and culture of Rostock within the setting of the 13th-century monastery of the Holy Cross.

The wealth of artifacts on display belies the initial impression of the museum and you can easily spend an hour or more learning a little about Rostock. Admission to the museum is free.

For a view across the city, you have Kröpeliner Tor to the east, a 13th-century gothic-style tower that also houses history exhibits. Or you can visit Sankt-Petri-Kirche to the west, a 14th-century Gothic brick church.

Both options provide great views across the town and best of all, you can get to the top of either by elevator.

Rostock was once a walled city, but only a small portion of the wall remains today, together with a few defensive towers that were built within it.

The section between Rostock Steintor and Kuhtor, also passing Stadtmauer, is a short but well-preserved section of the walls. A longer section, though without the towers can be found curving south-east of the Kropeliner Tor.

Finally, one of the best attractions to visit, especially if you can visit around noon, is Marienkirche . Just once a day, the astronomical clock within shows the apostles circling Jesus.

As well as the clock, the church contains a wealth of impressive things to see, including one of the largest stained-glass windows in Europe, the high altar, and the Baptismal font.

Getting to Rostock from Berlin

Take the Deutsche Bahn Intercity train (2 hours; runs every 4 hours) or the Deutsche Bahn Regional Express Train (2.5 hours; runs hourly) from Berlin Hbf towards Rostock Hbf, getting off at Rostock Hbf. Use Rail Europe to plan your trip and to book your tickets.

⭐️ This Rostock walking tour is a great way to see the city in a day.

12. Schwerin

Contributed by Ali from Berlin Travel Tips

• Distance from Berlin: 128 miles (207 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 2 to 2.5 hours via train

If you’re interested in visiting a fairy tale castle on a day trip from Berlin, Schwerin should be high on your list.

This town in northern Germany has a fantastic castle and several other attractions worth seeing.

Schwerin Castle has existed in some form for more than 1000 years, although it has been rebuilt several times. The palace you see today dates back to the mid-1800s and incorporates pieces from many time periods as far back as the Renaissance.

The regional parliament of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern meets at the castle. But it also has a museum you can visit for 8.50 euros. The surrounding gardens are gorgeous and open 24/7.

The castle is not open on Mondays, so if you want to go inside, plan your day trip for another day. But if you only want to see the outside, Monday is a good choice since there won’t be many people around.

Aside from the castle, check out the old town where you’ll see many charming buildings that are hundreds of years old.

In Marktplatz, the main square, you can see the old Rathaus (town hall) building and the infamous Lion Monument. This monument depicts the day Henry of Lion, founder of Schwerin, arrived and was greeted by residents who had dropped their pants. Clearly, they didn’t like him.

The Schwerin Cathedral is another pretty building worth seeing, and you can climb the tower’s 200 stairs for fantastic views of Schwerin.

Another great way to see Schwerin is to take a boat tour. It’s a fun way to experience some of the lakes that shape Schwerin. You can also take a guided Schwerin city tour to see the city’s highlights in a couple of hours.

Many restaurants in the old town are closed on Mondays. But for delicious food and locally brewed beer any day of the week, have a meal at Altstadtbrauhaus Zum Stadtkrug .

Getting to Schwerin from Berlin

Schwerin is easy to reach by train from Berlin. You can get there in 1 hour and 50 minutes using an IC train plus a regional train.

If switching makes you nervous, the direct regional train takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

You can check times and book train tickets to Schwerin on Rail Europe .

⭐️ This guided Schwerin city tour hits all the highlights in a few hours.

13. Szczecin, Poland

Contributed by Kami from Kami & the Rest of the World

• Distance from Berlin: 93.2 miles (150 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: around 2 hours

Located right on the border with Germany, Szczecin is one of the most underrated places to visit in Poland.

Szczecin is among the oldest cities in the area, first mentioned in the 1st century.

Unfortunately, due to the troublesome history and large destruction in World War II, you won’t find a beautiful Old Town there. But, Szczecin is still packed with attractions and is worth visiting on a day trip from Berlin.

Szczecin has a strong maritime vibe thanks to its location near the Baltic Sea, but it also has a very pleasant center designed by the same architect who created the look of Paris’s boulevards.

Some of the highlights of Szczecin that you can’t miss include Pomeranian Dukes Castle (with a nice viewpoint from one of the towers), Wały Chrobrego promenade, or the Philharmonic – an interesting modern building that was recently voted the best one in Poland.

Don’t miss the underground too, which is conveniently located next to the train station. You can also hop across the Odra River to Łasztownia – an up-and-coming area with an amusement park, numerous food trucks, and great views of Szczecin’s skyline.

A trip to Szczecin can be a good chance to try Polish food. In the city center, you’ll find numerous restaurants serving pierogi and more.

Getting to Szczecin from Berlin

Getting from Berlin to Szczecin is very easy, as there are plenty of train and bus connections. The one-way journey should take around 2 hours.

One of the easiest routes is taking the Regional Express train from Berlin Gesundbrunnen station to Szczecin Glowny, which will get you to Szczecin in under 2 hours.

When planning your day trip to Szczecin from Berlin, you can check train timetables and book tickets via Rail Europe .

14. Dresden

Contributed by Stephanie Craig from History Fangirl

• Distance from Berlin: 120 miles (193 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 2 hours and 15 minutes via train, 2.5 hours via bus

Dresden is an easy bus ride from Berlin, with multiple pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the city.

If you can only choose one day trip from Berlin I highly suggest you head to this charming city nicknamed the “Florence of the North.”

Once here, you can explore the gorgeous reconstructed Altstadt , which was painstakingly rebuilt after the Allies bombed the city during World War II.

If you want to explore this part of the city’s history, you can go on a Kurt Vonnegut “Slaughterhouse-Five” tour of Dresden where you’ll learn all about the bombing campaign and Vonnegut’s experiences during the war and see the site of the former Slaughter House where he was held as a prisoner by the Nazis.

If you want to see some gorgeous baroque architecture and modern street art, head across the Elbe River to Dresden Neustadt . Here, you’ll find original architecture since this part of the city wasn’t affected by the bombs.

Other options for Dresden tours to make the most out of your day include going on a pub crawl to learn about the city’s nightlife (if you can take a late bus back to Berlin) or a river cruise on the Elbe to see the gorgeous city views from the water.

Don’t miss a visit to the Dresden Semperoper , the city’s gorgeous opera house. You can go on a tour of the interior if you won’t have time to see a live performance yourself. Otherwise, just set aside time to appreciate the building from the square in front.

Getting to Dresden from Berlin

You can get to Dresden on a day trip from Berlin either by bus or train. Taking the bus is the cheapest option while taking the train is the quickest.

To get to Dresden from Berlin by bus, take a FlixBus from Berlin Central Bus Station to Dresden Central Station. Buses depart hourly and the journey takes about 2.5 hours.

To get to Dresden from Berlin by train, take the Deutsche Bahn Eurocity train from Berlin Hbf to Dresden Hbf ( check times or book tickets on Rail Europe ). Trains depart hourly and the trip takes just under 2 hours. Direct trains run every 3 hours.

⭐️ Check out the best tours and activities in Dresden !

15. Göttingen

Contributed by Anna & Anne from Germany Things to Do

• Distance from Berlin: 212 miles (341 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 2 hour 15 minutes via train

Göttingen is a charming university city in Lower Saxony. The city offers a blend of history, a vibrant ambiance, and cute narrow streets with cobblestones.

One of the top attractions in Göttingen is its well-preserved half-timbered houses. Despite World War II, only 2% of the city got destroyed.

Nowadays, you can stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the buildings dating back to the 13th century. Some houses even date back to the 11th century, like the Old Town Hall.

Even if architecture is not your thing, the Junkernschänke, the Börner Viertel, and the ceiling of the Old Town Hall will captivate you.

Directly in front of the Old Town Hall stands one of the most popular tourist attractions: The Gänseliesel. It is an ongoing tradition for freshly graduated female doctoral students to kiss the Gänseliesel.

The city’s university status gives it a lively atmosphere. One in four citizens in the city is a student at Georg August University. Don’t miss the chance to explore the university’s public botanical garden for a tranquil stroll through nature.

The restaurant Le Feu is known for its specialties from the Alsace region, such as the famous flammkuchen . The flammkuchen is a like a pizza with a thin layer of pastry topped with sour cream, onions, and bacon.

If you’re looking for a cozy café with pastries, Kaffeehus is a good choice. Their lovely backyard provides a charming setting to enjoy their renowned coffee and wide selection of cakes.

In all, Göttingen is an excellent day trip from Berlin. Its preserved historic charm, lively university ambiance, and enticing dining options make it a destination worth exploring.

Set aside a day to discover this charming city and create lasting memories.

Getting to Göttingen from Berlin

You can reach Göttingen from Berlin via the Deutsche Bahn high-speed ICE train.

Direct trains from Berlin to Göttingen depart every two hours and the trip takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. You can check train times and book tickets to Göttingen on Rail Europe .

16. Poznan, Poland

Contributed by Karolina from Lazy Travel Blog

• Distance from Berlin: 169 miles (271.9 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 2 hours 30 minutes via train

A few hours away from Berlin, across the border of Germany and Poland, is the best day trip destination. Poznan, the first capital of Poland, can be reached by train for under 20 Euros.

An old town filled with architectural marvels, a walk through the Old Market Square brings you to a colorful small town that seems to have sprouted out of a storybook.

Rows of whimsically painted houses of different shades surround the grey cobblestone square and at its center, an old fountain completes the look.

Providing a contrast to the brightly colored houses is the towering Gothic structure of the Town Hall, which also houses the history museum of Poznan.

Not far away is Ostrów Tumski , Cathedral Island, which marks the exact spot where Poznan was founded. Easily accessible by taking trams 4, 8, and 17, the cathedral is open to visitors every day from 8 AM to 4 or 7 PM.

The perfect introduction to Polish cuisine , art, and culture, the small streets surrounding Old Market Square are filled with secret destinations waiting to be discovered. From small art museums to book shops, this small town has a lot of wonders to offer.

One art center that you should not miss is the Świetlica , which literally translates to a children’s playgroup in English. Do not be deceived by the name though; this was once a palace built under German rule and its uniquely-decorated interior will leave you awestruck.

It is also within these alleys that one can find the locals’ favorite Tylko U Nas, a dish made up of pork chops, potatoes, and cabbage salad, at U Dziadka for just a few Euros.

Not far, just opposite the Okrąglak building is Lodziarnia Kolorowa , which serves the best ice cream in Poland. From the usual favorites to more exotic flavors, it is here that the black currant and mascarpone ice reign supreme.

Getting to Poznan from Berlin

Poznan can be easily reached from Berlin via train. Direct Deutsche Bahn Eurocity trains depart from Berlin Hbf and arrive at Poznan Glowny after about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Use Rail Europe to check timetables and to book your trip.

⭐️ Check out the best tours and activities in Poznan !

17. Görlitz

Contributed by Jenoa from The Travel Folk

• Distance from Berlin: 134 miles (216 kilometers)

Görlitz is located in eastern Germany near the Polish border. This quaint old town is one of the most well-preserved towns in Germany as it was spared from the bombing during WWII.

With  one day in Görlitz , you will have plenty of time to explore the entire town and even stop for a nice lunch in between.

The train ride from Berlin takes about 2.5 hours, but the town is small enough that you won’t feel rushed during your day trip.

Görlitz is often used as a filming location for big Hollywood movies, such as Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel .

If you’re a fan of blockbusters, then you should start your day off by going on a little film tour. Head to the tourist office and they’ll give you a map of the locations and names of all the movies filmed in the city that you can visit yourself.

Spend the rest of the day wandering through the charming streets and visiting some of the main sights, such as St. Peter and Paul’s Church along the river and the Holy Trinity Church in the center of town.

Additionally, make sure to stop by Untermarkt for a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area. Ratscafe is a fantastic German restaurant in the square!

If you still have time during your day trip from Berlin, you can walk across the bridge and explore the Polish side of the city.

Even though they are just separated by a river, the Polish and German sides of Görlitz feel completely different and it’s worth a wander to experience the two different cultures.

Getting to Görlitz from Berlin

The train from Berlin to Görlitz takes around 2.5 hours and requires one transfer.

First, take the Regional Express train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cottbus. There, you’ll switch to the Regionalbahn which you’ll take to Görlitz.

You can check times and routes and book tickets to Görlitz on Rail Europe .

Contributed by Elisa from World in Paris

• Distance from Berlin: 236 miles (380 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 2 hours 45 minutes via train

People looking for an offbeat destination for a day trip from Berlin can visit Kassel, in the state of Hessen.

Located by the river Fulda and right in the center of Germany, Kassel is a 2-hour and 40-minute ride from Berlin by train.

There’s not much left of the historic Kassel. Most of the old town was destroyed during World War II, but some historic buildings around the market hall survived and give a picturesque touch to the city.

The city was once home to the Grimm Brothers, and fans of their fables will want to visit Grimmwelt Kassel , the new museum dedicated to the Grimm Brothers and their works.

In Kassel, there are also two beautiful parks worth exploring. The Karlsaue , with a beautiful Orangerie on one of its sides, is very similar to the park that surrounds the Gardens of Versailles in Paris.

The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is more hilly and best known for its Wasserspiele , a water cascade that comes to life every Wednesday and Sunday at 2:30 PM from May to October.

Kassel is a must for contemporary art lovers thanks to documenta , an internationally-renowned contemporary art show that takes place every five years from June to August. The documenta showcases the work of the world’s most famous contemporary artists inside the museums but also around the city.

Day-trippers in Kassel will want to enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants by the river or, if the weather is good, a quick eat in one of the city’s Biergartens. Kassel has 2 or 3 interesting Biergartens, perfect for meeting friends during spring and summer.

Among them, Rondell is the locals’ favorite, with a large garden terrace overlooking the Fulda River.

Getting to Kassel from Berlin

Take the Deutsche Bahn Intercity Express train from Berlin Hbf to Kassel-Wilhelmshoehe. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes – you can check departure times and book your tickets on Rail Europe .

Make sure you select the arrival station as Kassel-Wilhelmshoehe – otherwise, you could require a transfer and add over an hour to your trip!

From Kassel-Wilhelmshoehe, you can explore the city via the tram system .

19. Quedlinburg

Contributed by Lyubomira from Bulgarian on the Go

• Distance from Berlin: 136.8 miles (220.2 kilometers)
• Travel Time from Berlin: 3 hours via train, 2 hours via car
• Best Way to Get There: Train or Rental Car

Nestled at the foot of the Harz mountains, Quedlinburg is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque day trips from Berlin.

If you’re looking for a fairy-like place with a medieval vibe – Quedlinburg is the place for you. The Old Town is considered to be an example of some of the oldest and best-preserved half-timbered houses, which are common in Germany.

In 1994, parts of Quedlinburg, including the whole Old Town, were even added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located only about 3 hours away from Berlin, you can easily reach Quedlinburg either by train or by car.

Keep in mind that there is no direct train between Berlin and Quedlinburg; in most cases, you’d have to change trains in Magdeburg.

Once you arrive, the town can be explored in just a day, which makes it the perfect excursion for history and culture lovers with little time on their hands.

The tourist information center is a great starting point for your walk around Quedlinburg – make sure you grab yourself a free map of the town.

Some of the most important attractions, apart from the charming typical houses, include the town hall and its square , the numerous churches , the castle mount with the Stiftskirche , and the Fachwerkmuseum – one of the oldest half-timbered houses in the whole country. Check out more things to do in Qu edlinbur g here .

Even though quite small and compact, Quedlinburg has a lot of charm and history to offer to its visitors, so be sure to put it on your list.

Getting to Quedlinburg from Berlin

Getting to Quedlinburg via bus used to be easy and cheap; however, there are no longer any direct bus routes from Berlin to Quedlinburg.

Now, the best way to travel to Quedlinburg is either via train or by renting a car . Most trains will require two transfers, so check Rail Europe to plan the best route and check ticket prices..

Berlin Day Trips: Wrap-Up

As you can see, there are tons of incredible day trips from Berlin that will satisfy every traveler. Whether you’re looking to visit a historical site, a charming town, or an exciting city, there’s a day trip here for you!

No matter which day trip from Berlin you choose, you will have an incredible time full of culture, food, and lots of exploring.

Have you taken any day trips from Berlin? If so, which one is your favorite?

Planning a trip to Berlin? Check out these posts next:

• How to Spend 4 Perfect Days in Berlin, Germany
• The Best Informative Tours of Sachsenhausen from Berlin

After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

Best Day Trips from Berlin in 2024

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Planning a trip to the German capital and want to add a day trip or two (or even a few days)? You’ve got lots of great options! Here are the best day trips to take from Berlin.

Berlin is such a vibrant and exciting city it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe. After all, it’s home to world famous sites like what remains of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, Reichstag Building, and many more.

But once you’ve seen the main sights in your Berlin itinerary , there’s still so much you can explore, since the city is a great base for day trips (or weekend trips)!

Within a few hours, you can reach all sorts of places – medieval towns, castles, historical sites, riverside cities, national parks, mountains, and forests. As amazing as Berlin is, day trips give you a change of scenery show you even more of Germany’s beauty.

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Planning a couple day trips while in Berlin is an easy way to see more of Germany without the hassle of packing up and traveling to a new town for just 1 or 2 nights. It’s the easiest way to maximize your time while traveling. Especially if you book a guided tour that takes care of all of the details for you. Then all you have to do is show up and enjoy the day.

Keep reading to find out about the best Berlin day trips (or weekend trips) to add to your itinerary! We also show you your options for getting to these day trip destinations so you can choose what will work best for you.

• 1 Berlin Day Trip Transportation Options
• 2 Best Day Trips from Berlin
• 3 Day Trips That Are A Bit Further Away From Berlin
• 4 Day Trips That Are Best as Weekend Trips

Berlin Day Trip Transportation Options

In order to actually take a day trip from Berlin, you’ve got to figure out how to get there. Here are your options.

Berlin Public Transit (U-bahn/S-bahn) Many of these day trips can be easily done by using Berlin’s own public transportation system, especially those that are nearer to central Berlin. Places just outside the city limits (like Spandau or Potsdam) are easily reached by U-bahn and S-bahn (sometimes also bus).

German Trains For other cities that are a bit farther away, you can easily take a regional or fast train. We recommend checking train schedules on the Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) website. You can also purchase point-to-point tickets, special offers, and tickets for groups, adults traveling with kids, regional day tickets and other discounted tickets.

If you’ll be doing a lot of day trips and traveling around Germany via train, we suggest looking into the German Rail Pass to get unlimited flat-rate travel all over the country. If you don’t want to spend a huge amount of time researching train tickets or don’t want to be bound to taking specific trains (and thereby losing your ticket and money if you miss a train), a rail pass is a great option.

FlixBus Buses are also good options if you want to save money, but the travel time may be longer for some destinations. Note that FlixBux is separate from the city bus system.

Guided Tours Another great option is searching for guided tours that come with private transportation. This way you don’t have to worry about the logistics (which I can tell you from experience can sometimes take hours to figure out!) — you can just show up stress free to the meeting point on the day of your day trip! Some guided day trips also offer unique experiences like boat tours or night walking tours. And they can be a great way to make friends with other travelers! A good place to look for guided day trips from Berlin is on Get You Guide.

Rental Car For the most convenience and flexibility, rental cars are the way to go. You’ll have the independence to follow your own schedule and you set your own pace, which is nice if you find yourself wanting to stay at a place for a longer period of time than expected. Rental cars can be a great deal if there are 2 or more people traveling together. Can you rent a car just for 1 or 2 days? Yes! Check out Kayak for the best deals on rental cars in Germany.

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

Best Day Trips from Berlin

The first group of day trip options are very close to Berlin and can be reached using Berlin’s public transit system. Some are in the “C” zone so you’ll either need a day ticket for the A/B/C zones or an extension ticket for the “C” zone if you already have a transit pass for the A/B zones.

1. Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace

Probably the most popular place for day trips from Berlin is nearby Potsdam, since it’s easily accessible by S-bahn or regional train and only takes around 30 minutes to reach from the city center.

The main attraction of Potsdam is Sanssouci Palace, a former royal residence with stunning Rococo architecture that’s often compared to France’s Versailles. Highlights include the sprawling English gardens, vineyard terraces, the traditional Chinese teahouse, and classical statues and artwork.

Since there’s so much to see – and sights are pretty spread out – that we recommend booking a stress-free guided tour of the palace from Berlin which also includes transportation.

If you want to explore more of Potsdam, this guided tour takes you to Sansoucci and other points of interest like the Baroque Old Town, the famous Dutch Quarter and other castles like the Cecilienhof Castle, and the opulent New Palace. 

2. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp , located just north of Berlin in the town of Oranienburg, is another popular day trip from Berlin. This sobering historical site can be visited during a half-day trip as it’s only a scenic 45-minute ride away via Berlin’s S-bahn.

This former concentration camp shows where Jewish prisoners were imprisoned during the Nazi regime. Walking through the camp’s remaining prison barracks and buildings, you’ll learn about the history of World War II while commemorating the victims.

Sachsenhausen is free to visit but we recommend getting the €3 audio guide. You can tour Sachsenhausen on your own in a couple hours but if you want to go more in depth and read the many text-heavy displays, plan for a longer visit.

You can do this day trip on your own by taking the S-bahn to Oranienburg and then walking or taking the bus to Sachsenhausen (about 7 minutes). Or book a guided half-day tour led by a professional in order to gain a deeper understanding of this important memorial. 

3. Marzahn-Hellsersdorf

This neighborhood is only about 30 minutes away from Berlin’s Alexanderplatz but feels like a different world.

If you hop on the U5 and take it to Kienberg Gärten der Welt you can spend a couple hours to half a day exploring the famous Gardens of the World, riding the sky tram to Kienberg (or hike up to the top), enjoying the spectacular view from the Wolkenhain (see photo above), and walking around the beautiful wetland area.

If you visit on a Sunday you can stop by the WBS 70 Museum Apartment and step inside a preserved East German Plattenbau apartment from 1986 (open from 2-4pm on Sundays only, free).

4. Pfaueninsel  ( Peacock Island )

Peacock Island is a perfect day trip for those looking for a romantic, fairytale-like natural landscape or seek something other than the traditional museum. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Havel River just southwest of Berlin near Potsdam.

The island invites visitors to walk through the beautiful gardens, admire the free-roaming peacocks, and visit various historical landmarks like the Peacock Island Palace, a former summer residence of Prussian royalty. You can reach Peacock Island by taking the S-bahn to Wannsee and then a ferry to the island.

Wannsee is a city and lake area only 30 minutes from downtown Berlin by S-bhan. It’s a great place to explore via boat. Check out this 2-hour boat tour from Wannsee that goes around the Havel Lakes , including Little Wannsee, Pohlesee, Jungfernsee, Glienicker Lake, and many others.

After the relaxing boat ride, you can take a walk and admire the beautiful landscape of Wannsee or lay out by the inland beaches and enjoy the sun among locals. You can combine a trip to Wannsee with a visit to Peacock Island.

6. Spandau Citadel

The Spandau Citadel is one of the best preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe. Surrounded by moats, this fortress houses a museum that takes you through the rich history of the fortifications.

Nowadays, the citadel is a cultural center with medieval jousting festivals, concerts, festivals, and a popular bat cellar exhibition.

This is an easy day trip since you can take public transportation (U7 metro line) directly from the city center to Spandau. Travel time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. 

7. Köpenick

Köpenick is the perfect place for those who don’t want to venture too far out of Berlin but want somewhere more tranquil and slow-paced. It’s known for its natural beauty since it’s very rich in lakes and woodlands. It also has its fair share of historic buildings such as the Köpenick Palace, a 17th-century mansion turned into Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts) and the Old Town Hall. To end your day trip, make sure to take a walk on the Long Bridge and enjoy the riverside views.

8. Müggelsee 

Müggelsee is located in the suburbs of Köpenick and is the largest lake of the German capital. It’s a great spot for boat trips and water activities like sailing, surfing, swimming, and even motor sport boats in certain areas.

The area around the lake also features various restaurants, coffee shops, boathouses, and the museum of the historic Friedrichshagen waterworks. At the south of the lake, you’ll find the Müggelberge hills and the Müggelturm tower, offering panoramic views of the lake and the skyline of Berlin.

Seelow, home to the Seelow Heights battlefield, is a good option for history buffs. Though it was one of the lesser known battles, it was actually one of the most brutal confrontations in the Eastern Front.

The Seelow Heights today is maintained as a memorial, which houses the Seelow Heights War Museum and a military cemetery to commemorate the fallen soldiers.

If you’re interested in this rare opportunity to visit one of the untouched World World War II historic sites in Germany, book this guided tour.

Day Trips That Are A Bit Further Away From Berlin

This next group of day trip ideas are a bit further away from Berlin and can be reached by regional or fast train, car or guided tour.

10. Spreewald (Spree Forest)

Spreewald is a UNESCO-protected nature reserve and a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of the big city. It takes about an hour from Berlin via regional train to reach Lübbenau, the most populous town in the region.

The forest has a relaxing atmosphere and is a beautiful place to visit all year long. The Spreewald is known for its diverse flora and fauna, Sorbian culture and history, locally-made pickles, and small canals, which are perfect for kayaking, canoeing or riding on one of the traditional Kahn boats.

If you have time, make sure to visit Lehde, a nearby village and protected heritage sight accessible by boat to get a glimpse of the everyday village life in this region of Germany.

11. Magdeburg

Ok, I’m a bit biased about this one because I used to live in Magdeburg, but at less than 2 hours away from Berlin via train, it makes a great day trip from Berlin! Magdeburg is one of the oldest cities in the country, and the Elbe river that flows through the city is one of the major rivers of Central Europe, traversing through big cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Dresden, Leipzig, and Prague.

One of its most famous historical sites is the Cathedral of Magdeburg, the burial place of the Holy Roman emperor Otto the Great. Make sure to climb to the top of the towers to get city and river views! You can also check out the university campus and Hundertwasser’s Green Citadel building.

12. Leipzig

Leipzig is a classic day trip from Berlin, since it’s only a short trip away (around 1 hour and 15 minutes via direct train). It is said to be quite similar to Germany’s capital but it has its own character that makes it worth visiting.

Must-sees include the Old Market Square and the town hall located in the city center. A short walk away you’ll find the St. Thomas Church, where Bach is now buried. You can’t leave without visiting the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, a memorial to the biggest battle of the 19th century.

13. Dresden

Dresden is another city by the river Elbe, less than 2 hours away from Berlin. If you don’t want to worry about transportation, consider booking a round-trip guided tour that provides the comfort of a minivan and shows you the highlights of the city. These include Zwinger Palace, a Baroque royal building with lush gardens, the Frauenkirche with its impressive stone dome and viewing platform, and Old Town.

You also can’t miss Brühl’s Terrace, known as the “Balcony of Europe,” which stretches over the river and is a beautiful place to admire the views while enjoying a cup of coffee.

Like many German cities, Dresden is very walkable so it’s easy to get around. But to make the most out of your time and see as much as you can, we recommend booking a Dresden Hop On Hop Off bus tour.

14. Schwerin  Castle

To the north of Berlin around 2 hours away depending on your train, you’ll find the small but charming city of Schwerin. Most people visit to admire Schwerin Castle and for good reason! Standing on its own island amidst Schwerin Lake, the castle looks straight out of a fairytale, as it’s surrounded by forests and water. The inside is equally grand with over 600 rooms, a throne room, and a vast collection of artifacts in the museum. 

Aside from the castle, Schwerin offers other landmarks like the Schwerin Cathedral, the Pfaffenteich lake, and the Schwerin State Museum. Book a walking tour of the city to see everything! If you’re looking for a fun experience, book a night walking tour guided by a night watchman who takes you to the city’s highlights after sunset. 

15. Greifswald & Stralsund

Greifswald and Stralsund are two cities 2-3 hours north of Berlin that are also part of the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Greifswald has a good variety of museums and medieval churches such as the Pomeranian State Museum, Museumshafen, Dom St. Nikolai, St.-Marien-Kirche, and St.-Jacobi-Kirche.

Stralsund is the oldest city in Pomerania and its old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 because of the important Brick Gothic architecture that was significant during the Hanseatic League. Spend a day walking through the old town to admire the many different churches, buildings, and monuments that will take you back to medieval times.

16. Rostock

Rostock is the largest city in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (about 1 hour 45 minutes from Berlin). Much like its neighboring cities, Rostock is filled with beautiful architecture showcasing Brick Gothic and Baroque style churches like Petrikirche and Marienkirche. A major attraction of the city is Warnemünde Beach, where both locals and tourists can swim, enjoy campfires or barbecues in the summer, and climb up the lighthouse. You can reach Rostock by train from Berlin.

17. Bad Muskau 

Bad Muskau is a small town near the Polish border about 2 hours away from Berlin. Its most famous landmark is the Muskauer Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest and one of the most famous English gardens in Central Europe. Sitting in the vast gardens is the Muskau Castle which adds to the fairytale feel of the landscape. You can reach Bad Muskau by train from Berlin.

18. Rakotzbrücke (The Devil’s Bridge) 

After exploring Bad Muskau, head on to the famous Devil’s Bridge located nearby in Kromlau. The bridge is an amazing architectural feat and is definitely one of the most picture-worthy sights in eastern Germany. The arch of the bridge is a semi-circle so when you look at the reflection in the water, it forms a perfect sphere. The backdrop itself is amazing. The best time to visit is in springtime when the flowers are in full bloom or during autumn with the vibrant red leaves of the surrounding trees. This day trip is easiest by car.

Day Trips That Are Best as Weekend Trips

This last set of day trips are the furthest from Berlin and can be done as day trips with some very good planning, a car, and an early start. These types of day trips aren’t for everyone! If you’re ok getting just a taste of an area, check out these ideas. Better yet, turn your day trip into a weekend trip and plan to stay for a couple days!

19. Saxon Switzerland National Park

It’s a stretch to visit this area on a day trip but it can be done if you have access to a car and plan ahead. Because Saxon Switzerland National Park is spread out along the river Elbe, the easiest way to get here if you don’t have a car is to take a train from Berlin and transfer in Dresden. We suggest booking a half-day guided tour from Dresden so you don’t have to worry about the transportation and focus on enjoying the natural beauty of the park.

If you have access to a car you can drive right to Bastei Bridge rock formation and then explore the area – there are outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and cycling, and you can also visit the Königstein Fortress.

20. Harz Mountains 

In the Harz Mountains you’ll find many beautiful towns but it’s also one of the best places to visit for nature lovers. The Harz mountains are best reached from Berlin by car (regional trains can take several hours to reach this area). The area is big and there’s lots to do! One of the most popular outdoor destinations is the Bode Valley, a valley with green forests and rivers that’s perfect for a relaxed hike. There are also waterfalls like the Ilsenburg Lower Falls, Lonauer Waterfall, Radau Waterfall, and more.

21. Quedlinburg

Quedlinburg is a medieval gem of a city is located near the Harz mountains. The city is known for its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. It’s one of the best preserved medieval and Renaissance towns in Europe, since it managed to avoid significant damages during WWII.

You’ll also find the famous Quedlinburg Castle-Hill here, home to the Collegiate Church of St. Servatius and burial site of the first German King. While you can reach Quedlinburg by train, it takes over 3 hours from Berlin, so the best way to do this day trip is by car.

22. Wernigerode

Wernigerode is another fairytale small town in the Harz district on the northern slopes of the Harz Mountains. It has everything from half-timbered houses, a castle, an intriguing town hall, and steam trains traversing through the mountains.

The Wernigerode Castle is a hilltop castle originally built as a fortress but then rebuilt to a similar style to Neuschwanstein. It can be reached by a specialized motor train. Once at the top, you’ll get to explore the grand interiors and also enjoy great views overlooking the town. 

Close to Quedlinburg, Wernigerode is best reached by car if visiting on a day trip (it’s about 4 hours away from Berlin by regional train).

23. Görlitz

Görlitz is a well-preserved picturesque town located near the Polish-German border in the state of Saxony. The most famous landmark of the town is the Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul, an impressive church with soaring towers and the Sun Organ. The Church is just one of the many styles of architecture you’ll see in Görlitz – everything from Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, to Art Nouveau.

To visit Görlitz you can take the train from Berlin (about 2 hours 40 minutes each way) or drive (3 hours each way). If you drive, you can combine this day trip with a stop at the Rakotzbrücke or even the Bastai Bridge.

This day trip is best done in the summer when you have lots of day light. If you want to visit Görtliz in the winter, get an early start so you arrive when the sun is rising and take then hop on the train as the sun is setting.

24. Szczecin, Poland 

Located near the Baltic Sea, Szczecin is a city in Poland that’s right by the German border. It’s a great day trip for those looking for a change of scenery and want to venture out of Germany. The heart of Szczecin, Stare Miasto (Old Town), is lined with pastel-colored historic architecture. Some main landmarks worth visiting include the Gothic Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, Solidarity Square, and the Chrobry Embankment. Don’t forget to get some delicious pierogies and Polish beer in between sightseeing! You can reach Szczecin by train or bus.

25. Rügen Island

Rügen is Germany’s largest island, located off the Pomeranian Coast in the Baltic Sea. It is linked to Stralsund via the Rügen Bridge and the Rugia Causeway. It’s a bit farther from Berlin and takes 3-4 hours travel time by car or train, but it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit, especially for those who love the beach and coastal towns. The island is known for its sandy beaches stretching over 40 miles, white chalk cliffs with amazing panoramic views, and the Jasmund National Park for its hiking and walking trails and rare species of plants and birds.

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2024.

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ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

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The Top 11 Day Trips From Berlin

Berlin has attractions for every day of the year, but visitors that leave the city can experience everything from canoeing peaceful canals to summer palaces fit for a king. Within a few hours from Berlin, travelers can utilize the area's excellent public transport or go on their own by renting a car.

From wellness and nature to culture and history, these Berlin day trips are great escapes from the big city.

Potsdam: A Royal Outing

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When Frederick the Great wanted to escape the formalities of his city life in Berlin, he retreated to his summer palace in Potsdam. Visitors looking for elegance and relaxation should do the same.

After a short local train ride from Berlin, commoners can enjoy the opulence of the rococo style palace known as Sanssouci , A more compact version of France's Versailles (French for "without worries") it is surrounded by 700 acres of ornate royal gardens. The site is one of Germany's top visitor sites and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

After you leave the palace, there is more to see in this quaint city on Berlin's outskirts, from the Dutch and Russian quarter to the infamous Cold War landmark of the Bridge of Spies .

Spreewald: Canoeing with Nature

Getty Images / Konrad Wothe  

This UNESCO protected forest just southeast of the city is known as the “green lung” of Brandenburg. Over 200 human-made canals ​crisscross the area. The best way to explore the natural beauty of the Spreewald is in the summer by canoe or traditional boat, but in the winter , the canals become sleek lanes to ice skate.

Though most people visit for the nature, the towns of Lübbenau, Lübben, Leipe, Schlepzig and Burg (Spreewald) showcase the local Sorbian culture. Look out for the hand-painted eggs and famous Spreewald pickle , as well as the one-of-a-kind aquarium with its resident penguins.

Pfaueninsel: An Island Fit For Peacocks

 GettyImages /white_angel

This destination is still within Berlin’s city limits and borders nearby Potsdam but promises scenes right out of a fairy tale.

A passenger-only ferryboat trundles back and forth across the Havel, shuttling the many visitors to Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island). This majestic nature reserve promises peacocks stalking the grounds and a dreamy 18th-century castle built for a Prussian king and his favorite mistress. The grounds are just as lovingly designed with its many memorials and fountains. It has even been the site of several German films based on the works of Edgar Wallace. This is still one of the best day trips for a romantic stroll or a picnic.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp: Memorial to Berlin's WWII History

Germany's World War II past is never far from the surface, and a short trip on public transportation takes visitors just outside of Berlin and into the heart of the darkest chapter of German history.

The memorial site Sachsenhausen , a former concentration camp in Oranienburg, is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the Holocaust. The camp was erected in 1936, and until 1945 more than 200,000 people were imprisoned here by the Nazis. Sachsenhausen was in many ways one of the most important concentration camps in the Third Reich. It was the first camp established under Heinrich Himmler (Chief of the German Police). Its architectural layout was used as a model for almost all concentration camps in Nazi Germany. It was primarily a labor camp for political prisoners, but it still contained a gas chamber, a medical experimentation area, and was a horrible place to try and exist.

After World War II, its brutal history continued as a political prisoner camp used by the Soviets. Today, Sachsenhausen is open to the public as a memorial to the many crimes and atrocities committed here.

Werder (Havel): Fruit Wine and Country Times

Once a year in May, rowdy groups of visitors make their way to this small agriculture hamlet for Baumblütenfest (fruit wine festival). One of the largest drinking festivals in Germany , this is the only time many city folks make their way to this peaceful town. Carnival rides and small stands selling local fruit wine enliven the sleepy town on the Havel River.

However, with cheery blossoming trees and a tranquil atmosphere the rest of the year, Werder is really worth a visit when it isn't overrun with tourists. Walk or cycle along the water's edge, or hike your way up the hill for fabulous views of the year from the fruit orchards.

Bad Saarow: Heal Yourself at the Spa

GettyImages / Ulf Boettcher

Bad Saarow is a small spa town 37 miles east of Berlin. Located on the shore of Scharmützelsee and surrounded by hills and farmland, this is the ideal spot to relax and connect with nature. The town is known for its healing hot springs and mineral-rich mud, making its state-of-the-art thermal salt-water spa one of Germany's best.

Once you have nourished your body, refill your belly at one of the many restaurants—or Biergarten— like The Buehne  restaurant. Conveniently located next to the train station, it specializes in regional cuisine in the sophisticated atmosphere of the 1920s.

Gorlitz: a Film & Architecture Lovers Destination

This East German town had almost been forgotten before attracting the attention of a nostalgic filmmaker. Its abandoned Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) shopping mall became " The Grand Budapest Hotel " in Wes Anderson's popular film. The mall and many of the town's other captivating features became a must-see not just for Instagram-obsessed millennials but architecture lovers as well. Its highlights include Schönhof (a Renaissance structure), Reichenbacher Turm (the last of the ancient fortifications), and St. Marienthal Abbey. The town has also been used as a film location for "The Book Thief," "Inglourious Basterds," and "The Reader."

Those wanting to tick another country off their list can stroll over the border here. The river divides the city with one half in Germany, the other in Poland.

German Coast: Hit the Beach

GettyImages / Marco Bottigelli

You may not think of a " beach vacation " when you picture German's coastline, but its miles of access to the Baltic Sea are a hot commodity in the summer months. Silken sand lies beneath sun worshipers' feet, and Strandkorb (beach chairs) protects from the wind. The water may be chilly, but Germans don't seem to mind. If you have more time, keep traveling over the water to Germany's best islands from Rügen to Sylt to Usedom.

Trains can take visitors all the way north to the beach, although driving is much quicker. Depending on the destination, there are large resorts with modern amenities or quirky little beach huts to turn your day trip into an overnighter.

Wolfsburg: Get Your Auto Fix

Some people come to Germany just for the cars , and these people should make their way out to Wolfsburg for its massive Volkswagen factory. The company claims this is the largest auto plant in the world. Visitors are welcome to tour parts of the factory and learn more about one of the world's most popular car brands.

Nearby is Autostadt (car city), an automobile theme park that offers everything from a car museum, pavilions dedicated to various VW cars, plus driving-themed rides. There are also plenty of dining options and the largest outlet mall in reach of Berlin.

Brandenburg an der Havel: An Old World CIty

You can also follow the town's medieval walls to the four remaining watchtowers or take a look at Germany's recent past with a visit to the Brandenburg Euthanasia Centre, a small but concise museum focusing on the treatment of the mentally ill and other "undesirables" during the National Socialist regime.

Brandenburg an der Havel is a medieval town located about an hour away from Berlin on the River Havel. A quiet village with a 1,000 plus year history, most of the Altstadt is just 15 minutes walking distance from the train station.

The Altstädtisches Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is a late Gothic red brick building with an impressive 5.35m statue of the knight Roland erected in 1474. The tourist office (and a public bathroom) are also located just off the square.

Visitors can follow the town's medieval walls to the four remaining watchtowers or take a look at Germany's recent past with a visit to the bleak but informative Brandenburg Euthanasia Centre, which focused on treating the mentally ill and other "undesirables" during the National Socialist regime.

Liepnitzsee: Swim in Berlin's Lakes

Few things define Berlin's summers more than a trip out to the lakes. Berliners are always searching for the perfect See (lake), the one with waters so clear you can see right down to the bottom. This search could go on all summer as idyllic lakes surround Berlin.

Among the city's most popular lakes, Liepnitzsee might just be it. Surrounded by cooling forest, the waters are crystalline up to 10 feet deep, and a tantalizing island ( Großer Werder ) in the center is reachable by ferry—or ambitious swimmer. Walking around the lake, visitors also find a bit of GDR history. Party elites once flocked here, and many of their elegant homes in the Waldsiedlung (summer house colony) are still just as fine.

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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. 

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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!

• Pingback: 19 Top Bamberg Activities: Discover a Fairytale Town | Berlin & Around

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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19 Unmissable Day Trips From Berlin, Germany (by Train!)

Created On: August 25, 2022   |   Updated: April 4, 2024   |   4 Comments

Looking to escape Berlin for the day? Here are the best day trips from Berlin by train. All are easy to reach and make for an awesome day out!  

This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. You can read our full affiliate disclosure here .

I’ve lived in Berlin since 2019 and while I adore being in the hustle and bustle of the city, sometimes I just need to escape the city for the day. Lucky for me, there are so many day trips out of Berlin. Unluckily for me, a lot of these types of posts that have been shared online require you to own or rent a car to reach destinations outside of the city.

For those of you who also don’t have a car and don’t feel like dropping the cash on a rental, I’ve created a list of the top day trips from Berlin that can be reached via train or public transport (book your tickets via the Deutsche Bahn website or through Omio ). And because I love you, I even ordered the list by length of travel time. You’re welcome.

I’ve visited every Berlin day trip destination shared in this post, so I can personally vouch for each and every one of them being awesome. When possible, I’ve linked to my ultra detailed city guides to make planning your day trip even easier.

Note that all of these day trips out of Berlin are a maximum of 2.5 hours away from the main train station (you may have to take the ICE, as a heads up). If traveling to a day trip destination takes longer than that, it’s just far too long of a day for me!

Table of Contents

Click “show” to see the full table of contents for this post. You can jump around the post as desired by clicking on the individual sections listed below.  

Berlin Day Trips by Public Transport

If you’re looking for short day trips from Berlin, you’ll likely want to limit your search to cities in Brandenburg. The following day trip ideas are accessible with Berlin’s public transport system (win!), so you don’t have to buy an extra train ticket.

Just note that you DO need to purchase an ABC zone ticket to visit the places listed below. You can use any BVG ticket machine to buy an ABC zone ticket.

Travel time: 35 minutes

Potsdam is my all-time favorite day trip to take from Berlin. Potsdam is accessible via the S7 line as well as the RE1. The highlight of any trip to Potsdam is a visit to the stunning Sanssouci Park . Within this park, you’ll find Sanssouci Palace — an opulent palace built in the Rococo style for Frederick the Great that helped garner Potsdam the nickname “ Versailles of Germany .”

Other favorite places to visit in Potsdam include the Dutch Quarter, Cecilenhof (where the 1945 Potsdam Conference took place), Babelsberg Castle (shown above), and the historic city center.

Oranienburg

Travel time: 45 minutes

At the far end of the S1 line, you’ll find the town of Oranienburg. In this peaceful suburb of Berlin are the haunting remains of the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, now an open-air museum and memorial.

Sachsenhausen was conceived as an “ideal concentration camp” and played a special role in Hitler’s Third Reich. Between 1936 and 1945, it’s estimated that more than 200,000 people were imprisoned here. Of those, only about 3,000 were eventually liberated by Soviet forces at the end of the war.

Entrance to Sachsenhausen is free. The exhibits detail the history of the camp and some of the prisoners who lived and died there. The historic prison building has been almost wholly preserved and is open to visitors.

This isn’t a day trip to be taken lightly, but it’s certainly the most important on this list.

Berlin Day Trips by Train

I’ve tried to be as methodical as possible when compiling this list of the best day trips from Berlin by train. The day trip ideas work their way from the closest to Berlin to the furthest away, and I’ve done my best to list the various train options available to you.

Wittenberg (Lutherstadt) 

Travel time by train: 45 minutes via ICE, 1 hour 30 minutes via regional train 

The name says it all! Wittenberg is the home of the Reformation. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the door of the Castle Church. 

As you can imagine, your day in Wittenberg will comprise primarily of key Reformation sites relating to Martin Luther and the city’s other famous reformer, Philipp Melanchthon. 

Must-see attractions in Wittenberg include: 

• Castle Church —including the famous Theses Door and the epic view from atop the church’s tower. 
• Assisi Panorama — provides a 360º experience that transports you back to 16th century Wittenberg. 
• Church of St. Marien — the “Mother Church of the Reformation.” This is where Luther preached. There’s also a stunning Reformation altar in the nave that was painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder and Lucas Cranach the Younger.  
• Luther House — where Martin Luther lived first as a monk, then with his family. The house now has exhibits on the history of the Reformation. 

Travel time by train: 1 hour via ICE

There are too many things to do in Leipzig to squeeze everything into a day trip, but you can see most of the historic city center in that time. Music lovers will be thrilled to learn that Leipzig was the home of Johann Sebastian Bach for nearly 30 years. It was at St. Thomas Church that the famous composer wrote some of his most famous works, such as the St. Matthew Passion.

Other highlights of a day trip to Leipzig include: the Völkerschlachtdenkmal (the Monument to the Battle of the Nations), the Grassi Museum, and the charming Old Town.

Brandenburg an der Havel

Travel time by train: 1 hour via regional train

An underrated day trip out of Berlin is the town of Brandenburg an der Havel (sometimes just called Brandenburg). This charming city isn’t a tourist hotspot whatsoever, so it’s a great place to come for a taste of authentic German culture!

Brandenburg is best known for its Gothic red brick buildings, quaint Old Town, and of course the beautiful Havel River that cuts through the city. There’s more to see than there is to do here — lots of places to pop your head into, not so much to book tickets for if you catch my drift. (Check out my favorite things to do in Brandenburg here !)

Keep an eye out for the bronze “Forest Pug” statues hidden throughout the city. They’re based on a cartoon by the German cartoonist Loriot, who was born and raised in Brandenburg. The pugs are life-sized and make for a fun scavenger hunt!

Ludwigslust

Travel time by train: 1 hour via ICE, 2 hours via regional train

Ludwigslust is a sleepy town north of Berlin. If you’re familiar with Schwerin, the town was built up by the same family who inhabited Schwerin Castle further north.

Ludwigslust is a true Berlin day trip in that there’s not a lot happening here so it’s the perfect get in, get out destination. The top three attractions (perhaps the only three attractions?) in Ludwigslust are the baroque castle, the castle park, and the main church.

Ludwigslust is famous for its papier-mâché decorations, called Ludwigslust Board. This special material was created as a substitute for stucco or wood.

I suggest bringing snacks and wearing comfy walking shoes as you can spend the better part of the afternoon picnicking and exploring the park behind the castle!

Braunschweig (Brunswick) 

Travel time by train: 1 hour 30 minutes via ICE

Braunschweig (called Brunswick in English) is often poo-pooed by Germans for being a less-than-interesting destination, but its rich history makes it an excellent day trip from Berlin. 

Why Braunschweig? For one thing, it served as the ducal residence of Henry the Lion in the 12th century — he’s the guy who founded Munich! — and you can visit his tomb within St. Blasii Cathedral. 

Next to the cathedral is Dankwarderode Castle ( Burg Dankwarderode ). It originally served as Henry the Lion’s residence, and today it contains the medieval collection of the Duke Anton Ulrich Museum (which I also recommend visiting, if you have the time!). 

Last but not least, you can’t visit Braunschweig without exploring the Magniviertel (Magni Quarter). It’s a small area packed with half-timbered houses, with the house at Ackerhof 2 boasting the oldest half-timbered inscription in the country (1432)! 

Travel time by train: 1 hour 45 minutes via regional train

One of Germany’s oldest cities, Magdeburg is best known for being the final resting place of Otto the Great, who served as Holy Roman Emperor from 962 until his death. You can visit Emperor Otto I’s grave at the Cathedral of Saints Maurice and Catherine , which also happens to be the first Gothic cathedral ever built in Germany.

In addition to your pilgrimage to Otto’s grave, I recommend visiting the Green Citadel (a bright pink, whimsical complex designed by architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser) as well as exploring the rest of the Old Town on foot.

Travel time by train: 1 hour 45 minutes via ICE

I’m lucky enough to have a friend who lives in Hamburg, so I visit this lovely port city at least twice per year. In a perfect world, you’d have three to four full days to explore Hamburg, but if that’s not the case then a day will do!

Some of my favorite things to do in Hamburg are: explore the historic city center, relax in Planten un Blomen, go up to the viewing platform of the Elbphilharmonie (shown above), and walk around the Außenalster.

This university city in northern Germany deserves more love and attention! I’ll admit, once you leave the cute Old Town area the city does become more industrial. But overall the city has a very laid back vibe and you can see a lot in just one day!

My recommendations for things to do in Hannover include touring Herrenhausen Palace and its gardens, popping into the Marktkirche, climbing the tower of the New Town Hall, and walking along the banks of the Machsee.

Often overlooked by tourists, Erfurt is the capital of the German state Thuringia. It’s not as pretty as its neighbor, Weimar (also on this list of day trips!), but it’s equally rich in history and you can easily fill an entire day here.

Top attractions to see in Erfurt include the  Cathedral of St. Mary , where Martin Luther was ordained, as well as the beautiful  Church of St. Severus . 

My favorite site in Erfurt is the  Merchants’ Bridge  ( Krämerbrücke , shown above), which is the longest series of inhabited buildings on any bridge in Europe. The merchants along the bridge still sell handmade crafts, spice blends, and more — it feels very authentic and not super touristy, to my delight!

You’ll also want to visit the  Old Synagogue , a beautifully preserved medieval synagogue in the heart of the city. 

Travel time by train: 2 hours via IC

Called the “Florence of the Elbe,” Dresden is known for its stunning Baroque architecture. One of the most beautiful buildings in Dresden is the Zwinger Palace , which was once an exhibition hall and festival grounds for the Dresden court. Today it houses three small museums.

In addition to Zwinger Palace, other fun things to do in Dresden include touring the Residenzschloss, visiting the Frauenkirche, and meandering around the Old Town.

Wismar is a more unique day trip out of Berlin to the Baltic Sea. The town truly looks like it came straight from a postcard , and it’s one of the loveliest spots to leisurely explore on foot — stopping for a spot of Kaffee und Kuchen  in the afternoon, of course!

I have an entire guide to Wismar that I recommend checking out, but my favorite spots in this quaint town are the Church of the Holy Spirit, the old harbor, and the market square. Wismar is also where the German department store chain Karstadt was founded , which obviously means it’s your duty to do a bit of window shopping while you’re in the area!

Travel time by train: 2 hours via IC / ICE, 2 hours 45 minutes via regional train

Rostock is yet another charming city in northern Germany, and it has a fascinating history. Post-WWII Rostock served as East Germany’s largest port. I know the Wall fell before my lifetime, but I still get chills every time I walk around cities that were formerly under Soviet control!

You can see Rostock’s top attractions simply by exploring the historic city center on foot. Definitely pop into St. Mary’s Church to see its 14th century astronomical clock — it still plays every day at noon and is hand wound twice per day! There are lots more lovely churches to see in Rostock, as well as plenty of shops and cafes.

Travel time by train: 2 hours 15 minutes (ICE to Erfurt, then switch to a regional train)

Berliners wanting a serious dose of culture need to make the day trip to Weimar. Two of Germany’s greatest literary talents, Goethe and Schiller, lived in Weimar and founded a literary movement known as “Weimar Classicism.”

Not a big fan of reading? Architecture buffs will also love Weimar, as it was the birthplace of the Bauhaus School. Founder Walter Gropius’ aim with the Bauhaus movement was to combine architecture, sculpture, and painting to create simpler and more affordable home designs for the blossoming post-war society. The Bauhaus Museum in Weimar attracts visitors from around the world and is really interesting to visit!

Other top attractions in Weimar include the ornate Anna-Amalia-Library, Goethe’s house, a quaint market square, and the lush Park an der Ilm.

Wolfenbüttel 

Travel time by train: 2 hours 20 minutes via ICE (will need to transfer trains in Braunschweig) 

Wolfenbüttel is a half-timbered paradise! An estimated 1,000 half-timbered houses populate the city center, so definitely bring your camera along. (It’s also the home of Jägermeister, but alas they no longer offer guided factory tours.) 

In addition to the half-timbered houses, I suggest touring Wolfenbüttel Castle (Schloss Wolfenbüttel). Half of the castle now houses a high school, but the other half remains decorated and provides an overview of Wolfenbüttel during the Baroque era. 

Be sure to admire the Herzog August Library (currently closed for renovations) after you’re done at the castle. 

St. Mary’s Church near the Kornmarkt is one of the prettiest churches I’ve visited in the region, so definitely pop in once you’ve had your fill of half-timbered houses. 

This is the only day trip destination that requires a train transfer — sorry! You’ll have to take the ICE to Braunschweig and then transfer to a regional service to travel the remaining 30 minutes to Wolfenbüttel. 

Travel time by train: 2 hours 30 minutes via IC (can also take the train to Rostock and then take Rostock’s public transportation further to Warnemünde)

For a proper day trip from Berlin to the Baltic Sea, head to Warnemünde! Warnemünde is a beachside town just 30 minutes away from Rostock. It boasts a 5-kilometer long white sand beach, which is where you’ll want to spend most of your time if the weather is decent.

Other things to do in Warnemünde include strolling along the Alter Strom, climbing the historic lighthouse for an epic view of the seaside, and walking along the beach promenade.

Travel time by train: 2 hours 30 minutes via regional train, 3 hours via ICE

Castle lovers, you have to visit Schwerin! The absolute must-see attraction in Schwerin is Schwerin Castle. It’s one of the top 5 castles I’ve ever visited … and I’ve visited a LOT. Other wonderful things to do in Schwerin are explore the castle gardens (also stunning!), visit the Staatliches Museum, and window shop in the Old Town.

If you’re visiting Schwerin as a Berlin day trip, you’ll want to spend most of your time at the castle and in the Old Town.

Travel time by train: 2 hours 30 minutes

Lübeck has it all — handmade marzipan, a massive Old Town, fabulous museums, and did I mention the marzipan? If you’re a history lover, Lübeck will be heaven for you as well. This small city played a big role in shaping Northern Germany as we know it today.

During the reign of King Frederick II, Lübeck became a free imperial city, created its own system of laws, and was self-governed. The “Laws of Lübeck” that the city used were adopted by over 100 cities in the area!

Some of the best things to do in Lübeck during your day trip are visit the St. Annen Museum (housed in a former priory), tour the Behnhaus Drägerhaus Museum, and get your window shopping on in the Old Town.

Bye Bye, Berlin!

If you’re ready to bust out of Berlin but can’t go on an extended vacation just yet, take a day trip! This list of the best day trips from Berlin, Germany should get the trip planning process started and best of all you can visit each of these places by train.

Please leave me a comment below with any questions you have about the destinations shared in this post, and I’d also love to hear any more Berlin day trip recommendations you have!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily adventures in Berlin and beyond!

More German Cities Worth Visiting:

• Day Trip Guide to Mainz, Germany
• Unmissable Things to Do in Aachen, Germany
• Fun Things to Do in Bremen, Germany
• Top Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany
• All of my Germany recommendations!

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Comments & Reviews

July 29, 2023

Hi Claire,enjoyed reading your travel guide in and around Berlin.My sister and I age 65 and 71 are on a Company tour there in December 2023,thereafter will go our own way by train,to Krackow,for a couple of day’s.

I hope we will able to visit and explore a couple of place’s you have kindly listed. My question is,we will depart from Germany after we do our own tour of Auschwitz. Leaving from a hotel in Krackow.What would be your suggestion re flying or by train to Paris from what station if by train?I had a bit of a look around the train site,it was not easy.

Thank you Michelle from Australia

August 14, 2023

Hi Michelle! Taking the train even from Berlin to Paris would take close to 10 hours, so if you’ll be going from Poland to Paris I think flying would be quickest and easiest. If you buy tickets now, the prices shouldn’t be too bad, either! Enjoy your trip to Europe!

September 24, 2023

What is the best way to get to my Airbnb from the Berlin airport…I will be staying in the Mitte area. I don’t want to break the bank!

September 25, 2023

Hi Kathleen! I recommend taking the “Flughafen Express” (FEX) train from the airport to the central train station. You’ll need an ABC Zone ticket (costs 4 Euros) and the journey takes about 30 minutes. The FEX train runs every 30 minutes, I believe. Enjoy your visit to Berlin!

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15+ Best Day Trips from Berlin

By: Author Charlotte

Posted on Last updated: 3rd April 2024

Categories Germany

Last Updated on 3rd April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Berlin  is a unique city, unlike anywhere else in Europe. Steeped in history and famed for its buzzing nightlife, vibrant culinary culture and cool sense of fashion, it makes for is an intriguing place to visit.

While day trips may not be at the top of your mind when visiting this city full of wonders, if you have more than 4 days here, you should certainly consider taking a day trip or two beyond the city boundaries to see the beauty of Germany . From fairytale gardens, free roaming peacocks, to historic castles and divided cities. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best day trip from Berlin , as well as top tips and how to travel there.

If you’re headed to the German capital anytime soon and looking for more travel tips, be sure to check out our hidden gems and secret spots in Berlin or if you want planning made easier, why not read our suggested perfect 2 days in Berlin itinerary .

Braunschweig (Brunswick)

Görlitz, köpenick, peacock island, sachsenhausen concentration camp, sanssouci palace, saxon switzerland, spandau citadel, wannsee lake, best day trips from berlin.

A spa town situated in the historic Upper Lusatia region, Bad Muskau, officially known as Muskau Park, is considered to be one of the most beautiful landscape parks in Europe!

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 ( following a joint application from both Germany and Poland) the park has been hailed for its sheer natural beauty. The fairytale Neo-Renaissance Muskau palace sits along the Lusatian Neisse river that runs through the park, making this destination feel even more magical.

A gorgeous example of a 19th century English-style landscape design, the park spreads over the border, with half of it being owned by its neighbouring country, Poland. Luscious and vibrant with multiple shades of green, this tranquil pocket of paradise offers a completely different setting to that of the hustle and bustle of Berlin.

To be honest, the simplest way to reach Bad Muskau from Berlin is to drive, this takes around 2 hours. That being said, aside from exploring the natural landscape there’s not lots to do, so consider pairing your trip with Weißwasser (more information about this below) and explore its nearby attractions.

You can easily get a train from Berlin to Weißwasser which is around 2 hours (with one transfer) and then take a taxi to Bad Muskau, which is a 10 minute drive from the station.

Braunschweig, also known as Brunswick, is situated in the heart of Germany, and with a population of over quarter of a million, it is the second largest city in Lower Saxony after that of Hanover. Brunswick makes for the idyllic day trip for those who love immersing themselves in medieval history.

The best known landmark in Brunswick is the medieval bronze sculpture, the Brunswick Lion which was created between 1164 and 1176. Also home to an abundance of museums, art galleries, Brunswick Cathedral and a Saxon lowland castle, Dankwarderode, you won’t be short of history and culture to explore in this city!

Something, or rather someone, for which Brunswick is known worldwide for is the legendary medieval joker, Till Eulenspiege. The character taken from German folklore is known for his trickery, said to have been born in Brunswick and may well in fact be based on a real person who lived during the 14th century.

The easiest and fastest way to get from Braunschweig to Berlin is by train. You can take a direct train from Berlin Central, the journey will take around 1 hour 30 minutes one-way.

This beautiful Hanseatic port city is a cultural and economical hub of northern Germany. Situated along the country’s longest river, the River Weser (which actually flows the entire length Germany) . The city is best known for its deep roots in maritime heritage.

Bremen has a population of over 500,000, so as you can imagine, due to its sheer size there is a lot to see in this historic gem. Although you could easily spend a few days visiting, it’s certainly possible to see most of the main sights within a day.

Filled with architecture and statues as if from a fairytale, in fact you can visit a statue which pays tribute to a fairytale written by the Brothers Grimm of four neglected domestic animals who decide to run away and become town musicians in the city of Bremen.

The gem of the city is the iconic, Bremen town hall, a beautiful Renaissance Gothic style building that dates back to the 15th century. Alongside you’ll find the statue of Roland, named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive landmark stands proudly in the marketplace and dates back to 1404!

The medieval district of the city (and oldest part) is the Schnoor neighbourhood, a magical pocket of historic intrigue and narrow cobbled paths! Truly, one of the best ways to experience the city and ensure you don’t miss out on anything is by booking a guided walking tour of Bremen .

Also filled with an abundance of museums, galleries, a windmill, marketplace, cosy cafes and restaurants serving traditional cuisine like, Kohl und Pinkel (a delicacy of Bremen, this is a dish consisting of kale and smoked sausage) there’s plenty to explore/.

Bremen makes for the perfect day trip for those who are fascinated by history! The easiest way to get from Berlin to Bremen is via train, with the quickest journey taking just over 3 hours one-way (including one transfer at Hamburg) . Alternatively the drive takes closer to 4.5 hours.

One of the most visited cities in all of Germany and for good reason, Dresden is often nicknamed “Florence on the Elbe” after the river in which it is situated along, and for reflecting a magnificent display or art and culture through its famous landmarks and architecture, similar to that of Florence, Italy .

However, it’s important to note that Dresden suffered severe bombing during WWII in a joint effort between the British and Americans to encourage Germany to surrender. Therefore, although filled with history, much of the city had to be rebuilt.

Some of the city’s most notable landmarks include:

• Zwinger Palace – Considered to be a masterpiece of baroque architecture, this remarkable palace was built in 1709 and remains to be one of the most important attractions in all of Saxony.
• Semperoper, Opera house – A magnificent concert hall which is also home to the Semperoper Ballet, it compromises of an eclectic mix of architectural styles making it truly unique! Although most of this historic building was destroyed in war bombings, it’s built almost identical to its original.
• Frauenkirche church – Originally known as ‘ the Church of Our Lady ‘ it is considered to be one of the largest sandstone buildings in the world! Intricately carved, its a remarkable example of Protestant sacred architecture and has a notably large church dome.
• Dresden Castle – One of the oldest buildings of the city, built in a blend of Baroque to Neo-renaissance architecture, for almost 400 years it was home to the electors and kings of Saxony, as well as Kings of Poland.
• Fürstenzug – This larger than life painted mural is made up of over 23,000 tiles and depicts a procession of the rulers of Saxony.

History aside, Dresden is also home to shops, restaurants and an abundance of cosy cafes, one of the sweet treats that is popular among the locals is the German delight, Quark Pfannkuchen (fluffy pancakes smothered in apple sauce and more quark!) And, during the festive season, Dresden puts on a magical Christmas market.

If you have time, a unique way to experience Dresden is from the water by taking a guided boat tour along the river Elbe like this one. To reach Dresden from Berlin, you can take a direct train which takes just under 2 hours one-way, making it an ideal spot to get there and back easily within a day.

Gorlitz is the easternmost city in Germany and one of its hidden gems. Not many tourists come here in comparison to the more popular German cities, so it offers a quieter city for which to soak up its history!

Most people know of Berlin being divided post WWII, but whats unique about Gorlitz is that it was also divided, with half of the city being annexed to Poland, upon visiting you can cross a bridge and step foot into another country. Also, Gorlitz is rare in that it’s one of the more preserved towns to have survived the war bombings.

This city is notable not only for the fact that it is divided between the two countries. It is also a popular filming location for Hollywood movies, Around the World in 80 Days, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and many other iconic movies were filmed in Gorlitz!

One of the best things to do while visiting is simply to wander around the maze of narrow cobbled paths and seeing what you stumble across. Charming and quaint, the historic old town of Gorlitz is filled with treasures such as the Holy Trinity Church, Reichenbach Tower, Obermarket (upper market) and Untermarkt (lower market) .

Gorlitz is the perfect day trip, not only do you get to see a blend of two cultures, but you can experiecne a slower and more peaceful ambience to that of the bigger cities. The drive takes just under 3 hours to get to Gorlitz from Berlin, with the fastest train taking around 2 hours 30 minutes (with one transfer) .

Located alongside the River Elbe in the north of the country lies one of Germany’s biggest cities, Hamburg. Vibrant and modern, the city is filled with unique architecture, plenty of history, and a surprising amount of water for a city dozens of miles away from the sea.

Characterised by its harbour area, many museums, and during spring each year, its  beautiful sakura (cherry blossom trees that were given as a symbol of friendship from the citizens of Osaka in Japan) .

To name a few, here are just some top suggestions of what to see and do in Hamburg:

• Walk along Binnenalster – One of two artificial lakes within the Hamburg city limits and boasts beautiful views onto the TV tower. It’s a tranquil spot to stroll along and soak up the city ambience.
• Miniatur Wunderland – As the name suggests, this is a miniature wonderland set within a tiny museum and is an absolute must-see if, it’s a fascinating exhibition recreated scale model replicas of cities and towns from all over the world.
• Town hall (Rathaus) – Situated on the main plaza, this 19th century building is a must-see.
• Reeperbahn – The Red Light District of the city, and the area where The Beatles performed their first live performance in Indra Club! Known for its nightlife, theatres, and adult entertainment area.
• St Michaels Church – A gorgeous example of Baroque architecture, St Michael’s Church is free to visit and is one of the most important churches in Hamburg today. 
• Deichstrasse – One of the most picturesque streets of the city, and the oldest surviving street of the Altstadt (old city) . During the summer months you’ll find an array of cafe and bar terraces spilling out onto the street, filled with people enjoying a drink in the sunshine.

The list of things to do in Hamburg is endless, so for more travel inspiration we recommend reading our how to spend one perfect day in Hamburg itinerary to make the most out of your travels!

Trains run frequently between Berlin and Hamburg, making it easily accessible to visit for a day. That being said, be sure to reserve your train tickets ahead of time (at least a couple of weeks) as you’ll save a fair bit of money rather than booking directly on the day. If you take the Intercity Express train you can get from city to city in as quick as 46 minutes.

This quaint historic town is actually situated within Berlin city, making it an easy spot to spend an afternoon while visiting the capital.

Life in Köpenick moves at a slower pace than that of the hustle and bustle of Berlin, but there’s still plenty to explore and see. Home to Köpenick Palace, a Baroque palace which stands on its own island in the Dahme River and is surrounded by a tranquil English-style park.

Köpenick is actually Berlin’s largest borough in terms of area, almost 70% of the district is made up of forested and water areas, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and explore the German countryside.

Thanks to its location, Köpenick is easily reached from the centre of Berlin by a 20 minute tram ride or a 35 minute car drive.

Named Pfaueninsel in German, this enchanting island, with a unique history, is situated in the southwest of Berlin and is home to a muster of vibrantly coloured Indian peafowls that roam around freely.

Formerly known as Kaninchenwerder (rabbit island) , after a Duke of Prussia set up a rabbit breeding station in the late 17th century… it was then considered the ideal location for chemist and glass-maker Johannes Kunckel to conduct experiments in making glass, but after a fire (possibly arson) he left and the island was left abandoned for 100 years.

That wasn’t until 1793, when the Prussian king Frederick William II acquired the island and had a small fairytale white castle built for him and his mistress, to be used as somewhat of a romantic retreat.

From 1821-1834, the successor of the island, Frederick William III, turned the land into a model farm and introduced all kinds of animals! From wolves, crocodiles, monkeys, kangaroos and peacocks, to all kinds of exotic birds, there was a point where the number of animals peaked at over 900, from over a 100 species.

Shortly becoming a public attraction, the island was open to visitors 3 days a week. In fact, public interest remained so high that trains from Berlin would be filled to the brim! However, in 1842 the animals were transferred to Berlin Zoo, leaving only the peacocks remaining.

Today Pfaueninsel island is named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected for its beautiful array of flora and fauna. It makes for a romantic spot to visit, you can see oak trees over 400 year old, the oldest rose garden in Berlin and enjoy immersing yourself in the serene ambience of this natural space as you wander down different paths and take in the spectacular views across the Havel River.

To get to Peacock island you’ll need to get a bus to Wannsee. Outside, to the west of Wannsee S-Bahn station, is the pier where you get the ferry. Please note , no dogs or bicycles are allowed on the island.

Exuding elegance, Potsdam is filled with magnificent palaces and grand luscious gardens. So beautiful in fact that it was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 and named as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe!

There are so many architectural gems to visit, here are a few notable landmarks you won’t want to miss:

• Sanssouci Palace – Built by Prussian King Frederick the Great as his summer palace, this beautiful grounds is often compared to the Palace of Versailles . (read more about this spot below)
• Babelsberg Palace – Boasting of stunning views over the river Havel, this impressive  English Tudor style palace is surrounded by terraces of mosaics, sculptures, flowerbeds and a gothic fountain. 
• Dutch Quarter – A quaint neighbourhood filled with red bricks in the Dutch style it’s also known as ‘Little Amsterdam’ and was where the Dutch community lived during the 18th century. Today you can see shops, galleries, workshops, antique dealers and an abundance of cosy cafés.
• St. Nicholas’ Church – An impressive 77-metre-high church that towers above Potsdam skyline.
• Neues Palais – Also known as ‘new palace’, an enormous pink coloured Baroque palace, considered to be the last great Prussian Baroque palace.
• Cecilienhof Palace – Built with the layout of a typical Tudor manor house, it was the place in which the Potsdam Conference of 1945 took place. Today it is both home to a hotel and museum.
• Charlottenhof Palace – A beautiful and elegant small neoclassical summer residence located to the southwest of Sanssouci. It was a former royal residence of Crown Prince Frederick William.

In fact, you may well recognise the name Potsdam from history lessons. This was in fact the meeting place of ‘The Big Three’ where Truman, Stalin and Churchill met to negotiate terms for the end of WWII.

Potsdam is relatively small so you only need a day to explore, and thanks to its close proximity it makes for the perfect day trip from Berlin. The train from Berlin to Potsdam takes approximately 40 minutes, but you can also get the regional express train which only takes 20 minutes.

There’s a lot to be learnt about the atrocities committed in WWII, and of course in Berlin itself you’ll find several memorials and museums dedicated to teaching the dark past of the war. However, if you have a chance to, an important place to visit and see for yourself is visiting one of the concentration camps in order to fully understand the Holocaust.

Sachsenhausen was one of the German Nazi concentration camps, siturated in Oranienburg, it was used from 1936 until 1945. Today Sachsenhausen is a free memorial and museum where you can visit, while also honour the victims. The aim of encouraging people to visit these concentration camps is to ensure that the Holocaust is never forgotten, and that history does not repeat itself.

Important to note: When visiting you must be respectful , this is a memorial and place where you should behave with solemnity and respect. This means, no smoking, no eating on the grounds and don’t take selfies (yes, people have actually done this…) and visit quietly. You are allowed to take photos, just be sure to do so in the right way.

You aren’t allowed to bring your own vehicle. You can take a train from Berlin to Sachsenhausen (with one transfer) which takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you could book a day trip tour like this one .

Situated in Potsdam, Sanssouci Palace (built between 1745- 1747) is an extensive park and grounds which is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was King Frederick the Great’s favourite summer escape!

The palace’s name is actually a French phrase ‘sans souci’ meaning “without worries” or “carefree “, emphasising the fact that the palace and grounds were for the purpose of ultimate relaxation. The golden glow and green dome that twinkles on top is sure to blow you away, it’s truly an architectural masterpiece. 

Often compared to that of the baroque Palace of Versailles (although far smaller than its French counterpart) it’s built in an intimate Rocco style and notable for the abundance of temples and follies that it houses in its surrounding grounds.

To visit the palace interior you’ll need to pay a small fee, but it’s worth it to see the richly decorated rooms filled with paintings, decadent furniture and silverware. The gardens are free to visit, filled with vineyards and winding paths that leave you feeling as though you are starring in a period drama or Bridgerton even!

Take a guided tour to Sanssouci Palace from Berlin like this one.

To experience exploring the natural landscape of Germany, one of the best places has to be that of Saxon Switzerland, a gorgeous national park named so after its picturesque mountainous scenery.

This hilly climbing area is situated in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, boasting of sweeping romantic views over the Elbe river and beyond, it’s the perfect spot for those who love a long hike or like to go rock climbing.

To get from Berlin to Saxon Switzerland I highly recommend renting a car, the drive takes just over 3 hours. However, if this isn’t an option you can take a train from Berlin to Dresden and then from Dresden you get a bus to reach the national park, this journey takes almost 4 hours.

Spandau fortress is one of the best-preserved Renaissance military structures in Europe! Dating back to the mid-15th century this medieval fort is situated on its own island where the Havel and Spree rivers meet.

Aside from it being an architectural gem, the citadel is a remarkable place to visit filled with notable attractions. Boasting of panoramic views overlooking Berlin from the viewing deck, there’s also a museum which details the citadels history, displaying previously used weaponry and telling stories of its former prisoners.

The best way to fully appreciate the citadel’s historical significance is by opting for a guided tour. Experts will guide you through the most fascinating parts of the fortress. Alternatively, there are audio guides available in multiple languages for those who prefer self-guided exploring.

This once military fortress has been transformed into a modern cultural centre where you can also sometimes attend festivals, concerts, puppet theatre, as well as medieval and jousting festivals take place!

Easy to reach, to get from Berlin to Spandau you can take a train which takes around 30 minutes and then a short walk or bus. Alternatively, the drive takes just over 30 minutes.

For a different and more unique experience of Germany, a day trip to Spreewald makes for the perfect escape into nature and a tranquil retreat from city life.

Filled with streams, canals, forests and quaint traditional villages, this charming and idyllic pocket of nature was in fact named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1991 thanks to its abundance of plants and wildlife. Described as ‘where the forest is reflected in the water’, Spreewald is situated in the state of Brandenburg with the closest town being Lübbenau.

One of the best ways to experince Spreewald is by water. You’ll find several places renting out kayaks and canoes which you can take for an hour or two and immerse yourself in nature.

To get from Berlin to Spreewald you would be best to take the train from Berlin to Lübbenau which takes around 1 hour. To drive there would take 1.5 hours.

Situated in the westernmost locality of Berlin is the sparkling lake of Wannsee, which also happens to be one of Europe’s largest outdoor swimming areas on inland waters, making it an idyllic day trip from Berlin if you happen to be visiting during the summer months.

Situated at the shore of Lake Wannsee is the museum and former summer residence of the German painter Max Liebermann, where you can visit a collection of his paintings as well as the house gardens.

Wannsee is actually home to Pfaueninsel island (peacock island). You can get from Berlin to Wannsee Lake by taking the train (with one transfer) which usually takes around 40 minutes. The drive takes around the same time.

Enjoyed reading about the best day trips from Berlin? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!

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3 Best Day Trips from Berlin

By Liz Humphreys

There’s always a party somewhere in Berlin, and its historical and cultural sights could keep you occupied for days—but there's a chance you'll want to escape the city’s gritty cool for something a little bit different, if only for a night. These three day trips, all accessible from Berlin by train, will take you from the palace-and-park-filled former Prussian royal enclave of Potsdam, to the cultural and culinary riches of Germany’s second largest city, Hamburg, and the vibrant, young, artistic and musical hotspot that is Leipzig. No matter which of the three destinations you choose, we’ll guide you toward the best places to visit, eat, and even stay, if you choose to put off your return to Berlin for one more day (we wouldn’t blame you).

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Germany’s biggest port town, a two-hour train ride northwest of Berlin, has long been known for its seedy, red-light Reeperbahn district. While the raucous area is still there (and worth a peek), you’re here to see Hamburg’s more sophisticated side, from its gleaming, new philharmonic building, to its wonderful art museum and gorgeous Alster Lakes. You’ll eat and sleep well, too, with plenty of cosmopolitan options to choose from.

The Fontenay Hamburg Arrow

Opened in March 2018, this Leading Hotel of the World, set alongside ritzy Aussenalster lake, is not only Hamburg’s newest place to stay—it's also the first five-star property to debut in the city in 18 years. So, expectations run high. You might be forgiven for thinking the place looks like a ‘70s Miami condo from the outside. But inside, the chic, modular design—meant to look like three intertwining circles—immediately impresses. Rooms, which are decked out in woods, tans, and muted grays, feature floor-to-ceiling views of the lake and surrounding greenery, plus balconies and sleek furniture from Danish designer Georg Jensen.

Jellyfish Arrow

Sure, you can (and should) sample a traditional fischbrötchen , or fish sandwich, from one of the ubiquitous stalls near Hamburg’s old port; but for something a bit more modern, Jellyfish offers up intricately composed seafood dishes with sustainably caught fish. This sparsely decorated restaurant, located in the Sternschanze district west of Aussenalster lake, got its first Michelin star in 2018; and in March 2018, it was named Germany’s top fish restaurant by German food magazine Der Feinschmecker .

Hamburger Kunsthalle Arrow

One of the biggest and most comprehensive art museums in Germany, the Hamburger Kunsthalle’s European art collection spans eight centuries, stretching from the Middle Ages, all the way to contemporary art. It’s all displayed in three interconnected galleries in a space between the Binnenalster and Aussenalster lakes, with the permanent collection partitioned into Old Masters, 19th-century art, Modern art, and Contemporary art. It’s particularly strong in 18th- and 19th-century North German paintings, as well as modern art from Francis Bacon, Max Ernst, Emil Nolde, among other notable names.

Jessica Puckett

Caitlin Morton

Olivia Morelli

Elbphilharmonie Arrow

Imagine 1,000 curved glass panels set atop Hamburg’s biggest warehouse, all glittering in the sun: The stunning new-meets-old structure alone, designed by Tate Modern architects Herzog & de Meuron, is reason enough to visit the Elbphilharmonie. One of the world’s largest concert halls, it officially opened in January 2017 after 10 years of construction (and a price tag of more than €800), and today it's rightly the showpiece of the city.

The Table Kevin Fehling Arrow

Industrial details and concrete walls aren't quite what you’d expect from a pricey three-Michelin-star restaurant. But then you see The Table Kevin Fehling's snake-like table, which seats just 20, with the open kitchen behind it, and you know you’re in for a different take on haute cuisine. Fehling, the youngest chef in Germany to receive three Michelin stars, offers playful takes on, well, everything, from salmon and glazed eel with rice cream, kimchee, and green mango, to lobster with lardo, yuzu, and Champagne foam.

Sir Nikolai Hotel Arrow

In Hamburg, you can't find many places to crash that are within walking distance of both the UNESCO-protected warehouse district of Speicherstadt and the Elbphilharmonie—so Sir Nikolai, a charming boutique hotel that opened in 2017, wins points for location alone. It’s on a quiet side street just minutes from the action, with a cozy lobby, and a young, hip crowd. Rooms are warm and masculine, with dark wood floors, neutral decor, and pops of color in the form of a bedspread and vintage rug.

Just over an hour south of Berlin by train, Leipzig—right along with the capital—is one of Germany's current hot spots for the young, creative class. It's also a place with a rich musical tradition, once home to Johann Sebastian Bach. So, you’ll get a historic marketplace and 12th-century churches on the one hand, and repurposed factories and warehouses now housing cutting-edge artists on the other. It all makes for a fascinating place to explore.

St. Thomas Church Arrow

Thomaskirche, a historic Lutheran church, is steeped in musical history: Johann Sebastian Bach was choir director here from 1723 until his death in 1750 (and is buried here); Richard Wagner studied piano here for a time; and there’s a statue of native son Felix Mendelssohn standing sentry opposite the church. You can make an appointment for a guided tour of the church, but it’s small enough to just wander through on your own.

Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof Arrow

Outside the imposing Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof, a porter greets you to whisk your bags away—and, once inside, arched doorways and gold columns keep things feeling suitably grand. You’ll be tempted to grab a drink at the cool bar, which has an intricate metal-and-glass ceiling, but you’re so close to Naschmarkt Square and the Old Town Hall that it’s a shame not to stroll. Rooms are decently sized and contemporary, sticking with a black, white, and tan palette, and subtle purple accents.

B10 Restaurant, Wine & Gin Bar Arrow

At B10, a casual, laid-back restaurant from Australian chef Paul Berry, a Southeast Asian–inspired menu has a little of this and a little of that. Go for the fantastic shredded duck leg tacos with spiced cucumber, spring onions, and hoisin sauce and the Asian-style grilled calamari salad with grapefruit and an orange-tamarind dressing. There are daily fish, curry, and pasta specials, as well as reliable crowd pleasers like a ceviche-like shrimp salad with papaya, coriander, and coconut milk. Desserts are skippable, but the G&Ts are not.

Ratskeller Leipzig Arrow

With smiling faces, grapes, and other intricate details carved into the enormous stone building that was once the town hall, Ratskeller Leipzig drums up your expectations even before you walk through the door. The drama continues inside to a moody cellar with vaulted ceilings and stone columns. Once you've digested the architecture, you can get down to business; this, after all, one of the best places in place in town to try traditional German food (like sausage, beefsteak, and pork knuckles) along with house-brewed beer.

Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei Arrow

In the early 1900s, the Spinnerei was Europe’s largest cotton-spinning mill. Today, the 750,000-square-foot space is the epicenter of Leipzig’s artistic renaissance, housing 14 galleries, more than 100 artists’ studios (including that of famed German artist Neo Rauch), and a host of rotating exhibitions. It’s all contemporary art, all the time here, from paintings and photography to sculpture to video, with a range of German and international artists featured. The Leipzig-based Galerie EIGEN + ART, which also has an outpost in Berlin, is one of the more well-known galleries here, and always worth a look.

From West Berlin, getting to Potsdam couldn’t be easier; just ride the S-Bahn or regional train southwest for about 20 minutes, and you’re there. Sanssouci Park, filled with palaces and gardens, is the can’t-miss thing you no doubt came to see—but you’ll also want to stroll the pretty main town, including not only the Dutch Quarter’s 18th-century red brick buildings, but also a stop at Museum Barberini, one of the newest, hottest modern art museums in Europe. Rest your weary feet with a boat ride down the Havel River to cap off your day of royal splendor.

Sanssouci Park Arrow

Sanssouci Park is the best thing to see in Potsdam, bar none. Strolling through this fabulously landscaped 741-acre green space is like going back to a time long ago, when powerful monarchies still dotted the continent. You'll see a number of 18th-century palaces along with magnificent fountains, well-manicured gardens, and more than 1,000 sculptures. You can’t miss Sanssouci Palace, Frederick the Great’s striking yellow summer home, with its beautiful terraced gardens; the baroque Charlottenhof Palace and the imposing Orangery Palace are also well worth a peek, if you've got the time.

Hotel Am Jägertor Potsdam Arrow

Hotel am Jägertor's mint-green exterior is charming in a quaint, Old World kind of way—though its location, right across from the Jägertor Gate, is what really sells it. The hotel is also within minutes of Potsdam’s main shopping streets, and only a 15-minute walk to Sanssouci Park, though it's a bit of a hike from the train station. Rooms are small but blissfully silent; they're also well stocked with an armchair, desk, and small balcony overlooking the hotel’s inner courtyard. The bed is comfy, too, with a cozy duvet and a couple of well-fluffed pillows.

Museum Barberini Arrow

One of Europe’s most buzzed-about museum openings of the last several years, the lovely, airy Museum Barberini was built on the site of the Barberini Palace, the home commissioned by Frederick the Great in 1771 (and, which was totally destroyed in an Allied bombing during World War II). The museum’s permanent collection of modern art is small but impressive. There’s a fine selection of 20th-century German art from the likes of Bauhaus artists including Lyonel Feininger, plus a smattering of late 20th-century art from Martin Kippenberger, Andy Warhol, and others.

Boat Tours Potsdam: The Castle Tour Arrow

Potsdam is home to hundreds of gorgeous buildings and landscaped parks, nearly all of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, they're designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites—and while you won’t have time to see them all, a 90-minute cruise on the Havel River will give you a glimpse of a few while passing through a peaceful, often stunning, tree-lined landscape. From the boat, you'll see the castle in Babelsberg Park; the Glienicke Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Spies; and Cecilienhof Castle, where the Potsdam Agreement was signed in 1945.

Der Butt Arrow

Potsdam’s only fish restaurant, Der Butt—literally, "the butt"—gets it name from the unfortunate moniker of the famously rotund Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. But don't let the name deceive you: This is a serious place. Situated in a historic house with a tavern from 1842, Der Butt is formal and buttoned up, with pale peach walls, wood chairs covered in striped pillows, and cream linen tablecloths serving as the backdrop for a menu that includes a wide range of upmarket seafood—Norwegian salmon, dorade, and even lobster. Our tip? Order something local, like the pike perch or the eel, both of which are sourced from the Havel River that runs through the city.

Restaurant kochZIMMER Arrow

Restaurant KochZIMMER, housed in a building dating from 1752, is a romantic place to dine on New Prussian cuisine—old German foods given a modern twist. Inside, the gray walls, sleek red chairs, and intricate chandeliers create a cool-chic vibe; though if you can, try for a table in the atmospheric outdoor courtyard, where you'll be surrounded by a smattering of greenery, and encircled by high stone walls. Chef David Schubert, formerly of two-Michelin-star Louis C. Jakob in Hamburg, works mainly with local Brandenburg ingredients from small producers to craft regionally-inspired dishes, often with a twist: think pork with cherries, onions, and amaranth, or a sour cream tart with port wine ice cream and sorrel.

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Best Day Trips from Berlin

Berlin is the capital and biggest city in Germany and is one of the most renowned European cities, and for good reason. The German capital has an immensely rich history and culture and is home to some iconic attractions and landmarks. Additionally, Berlin is a thriving metropolis that boasts a bustling nightlife and festival scene as well as a sports and commercial hub.

With so much to see and do in Berlin, you can easily spend a couple of days trying to cover all that the city has to offer. Tourists can keep themselves busy trying to explore the numerous attractions found within the city – from historic landmarks to exclusive night clubs. However, if you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city, there are also some incredible day trip destinations from Berlin that are worth checking out. If you've been spending your days working in coffee shops on your laptop , it's time for a break from the norm!

Berlin has an impressive public transport network that makes it extremely easy for travelers to get in and out of the city to visit nearby attractions. Numerous tour operators offer guided tours for those who want to take away the hassle of planning. If you’re looking to go beyond the city center, check out our list of best day trips to take from Berlin. Don’t forget to look for a luggage locker where you can safely store your bags before going on your journey.

As an alternative, in case the weather hinders you from making your way out of the city, you may want to check out the best museums in Berlin to keep you busy during the unpleasant weather. After all, the German capital is home to some world-class museums and cultural institutions that are worth visiting and exploring. We've got a guide to the best rainy day activities here , so be sure to bring it along.

How to Get Out of Berlin

Berlin is the perfect jump off point to several attractions in the region and most of the day trip destinations on this list can easily be reached within a few hours. What’s more, Berlin boasts an incredibly efficient public transport system, including a network of trains and buses. Our guide, How to Get Around Berlin will give you more details about the transportation services of Berlin. Berlin Central Bus Station will take you anywhere long distance you want to go. And Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the train station to seek out.

However, if you want more flexibility with your schedule, you may want to consider renting a car for the duration of your trip. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour from a reputable tour company and they will handle all the arrangements for you. From wineries for wine tastings to national parks for hiking, Berlin has a lot to offer the explorer.

From Berlin to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

One of the most important and eye-opening attractions to visit from Berlin, the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp memorial is a must-visit. Founded in 1933, the historic site functioned as one of the first concentration camps established and used by the Nazis until the end of World War II in 1945.

However, its dark history does not end here; after operating as a Nazi concentration camp, it was controlled by the Soviet authorities and used as a “special camp” from 1945 to 1950. During this period, an estimated 12,000 prisoners met their death. Today, it serves as a national memorial for the victims of this tragic period, and daily guided tours are conducted where guests can learn about the history of the place.

How to get to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

For commuters, take the S1 line to Oranienburg Bahnhof and then ride the 821 bus, which will drop you off at the Sachsenhausen stop; from there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the memorial. The total journey from Berlin to the camp takes about an hour. Private cars can reach the memorial from Berlin's city center in less than an hour.

From Berlin to Potsdam

Potsdam is one of the most popular day trips from Berlin and it’s easy to see why; this small but charming town is easily accessible (located just 22 miles outside of the city center) and is home to some of the loveliest parks and palaces in the region.

In fact, the entire town of Potsdam has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in order to preserve the natural wonders found within it. Some of the must-visit attractions in Potsdam include the historic Brandenburg Gate, the Sanssouci Palace and Park, Neuer Garten, the Dutch Quarter, and the renowned Glienicke Bridge (also known as the “Bridge of Spies”).

How to get to Potsdam

To get to Potsdam from Berlin, take the S1 or S7 line which will take you directly to the town area; the train journey takes just around 30 minutes. Another alternative is to book a day trip tour to Potsdam, which includes transportation as well as the services of a local guide.

From Berlin to Peacock Island

Peacock Island (or local name Pfaueninsel ) is a UNESCO-protected nature reserve and one of the most famous day trips from Berlin. Situated on a small isle in the heart of the Havel River, the location was commissioned by King Frederick William II, where he had a summer residence built for him and his mistress, Wilhelmine Encke.

As its name suggests, it is famous for the wild peacocks living in the area; the creatures were brought to the island by William to keep him company and they continue to exist here long after the royals were gone. The main attraction is the Peacock Island Castle, a fairytale-like palace that has become a popular picnic spot enjoyed by Berlin locals and tourists alike. You can also find a German beer garden and some eateries within Peacock Island where you can grab a drink or meal before heading back to the city.

How to get to Peacock Island

To get to Peacock Island, take the S-Bahn S7 line to Wannsee and then ride a 218 bus, which will take you to Havel River. Then, take a  ferry transfer to the island, which leaves every 10 to 20 minutes. If you want a more convenient option, book a day tour to the island.

From Berlin to Saxon Switzerland National Park

Widely regarded as one of Europe’s best national parks, the Saxon Switzerland National Park is an excellent day trip option from Berlin. Situated by the banks of the River Elbe and near the Czech border, the park boasts beautiful nature, picturesque views, endless hiking trails, cycling paths and even rock climbing spots.

If you’re looking for something less strenuous, you can relax at the Toskana Therme spa or cruise on a paddle steamer. Some of the must-see landmarks within the Saxon Switzerland National Park include the Königstein Fortress and the postcard-worthy Bastei Bridge.

How to get to Saxon Switzerland National Park

To get from Berlin to the Saxon Switzerland National Park, ride a train from the Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Dresden , which takes about three hours. Once you get to Dresden, take the S1 to the Sebnitz bus station and ride the 241 bus, which will take you to the park. The most convenient option, however, would be to directly drive to the park, which will take about three hours.

From Berlin to Dresden

Located in eastern Germany, the historic city of Dresden is one of the most popular day trips from Berlin for a variety of reasons. Situated approximately two hours south of the Berlin city center, Dresden is one of the most impressive Baroque cities in Europe and is home to some historic buildings. The Old Town is home to incredible landmarks and sites, such as the Semper Opera House, Zwinger Palace, the Dresden Royal Palace, the Dresden State Art Collection and the Frauenkirche .

How to get to Dresden

Dresden can be reached from Berlin via a two-hour train ride to the Dresden Hauptbahnhof or ride the FlixBus from Alexanderplatz, which will take anywhere from two to three hours. Other alternatives would be to drive a rental car from the city to Dresden (which can take approximately two to three hours) or book an organized tour to Dresden.

From Berlin to Tropical Islands Resort

Tropical Islands Resort is located about two hours from Berlin and is the world’s biggest indoor water park. Built upon a former airship hangar, this thrilling water park is the perfect destination for families and adults that want to get in touch with their younger selves. The resort has amazing attractions such as giant water slides, lagoons, waterfalls and more. There is also a spa, kid-friendly activities and their own indoor rainforest.

How to get to Tropical Islands Resort

Take the RE2 train to Brand Tropical Islands then take the free shuttle to the resort.

From Berlin to Spreewald

Sitting just a little over 60 miles outside of Berlin and reachable within an hour is the majestic Spreewald forest, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve rich in flora and fauna and made up of more than 200 canals and rivers flowing through the forest.

This lush greenery is a sight to behold; the area is home to traditional log houses, vegetable fields, orchid gardens, meadows of wildflowers and a stunning labyrinth of springs. Spreewald is the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and one of the must-visit day trip destinations from Berlin.

How to get to Spreewald

Drive your own car or take the RE2 train to the town of Lubben. One of the best ways to truly take in the natural beauty of the reserve is to take a boat tour onboard a traditional Kahn boat, which will take you through the waterways and give you a unique perspective of the area.

From Berlin to Spandau Citadel

Berlin has no shortage of places to see for history buffs but if you want a truly unique experience, take a quick day trip to the Spandau Citadel. Located just 30 minutes from central Berlin via public transport, t he t own of Spandau is home to some beautiful palaces, parks and settlements.

However, the crowning glory of the region is undoubtedly the Spandau Citadel, one of Germany’s most well-preserved historic sites and dates back to the 16th century. One of the highlights of the tour around the fortress is the Prince’s Room and the Julius Tower, where you can climb up over 1,300 steps to the top and be rewarded with unparalleled views of East Germany.

How to get to Spandau Citadel

The citadel can be reached via a 30-minute drive from Berlin. You can also take the U7 line and alight at the U Zitadelle stop or ride the X33 bus to Spandau.

From Berlin to Leipzig

Another gem that tells the fascinating history of former East Germany, Leipzig is one of the most amazing day trips from Berlin. Sometimes regarded as Berlin’s “little brother”, this small but lovely town is located about 100 miles outside of the city and is home to impressive buildings and historic landmarks.

Right in the heart of the city is Market Square, where you can find several points of interest such as the Old Town Hall, the St. Thomas Church and the Leipzig Museum of City History. Leipzig is also renowned as a center for music; famous musicians such as Johann Sebastian Bach lived and created music in the city.

How to get to Leipzig

Take the Deutsche Bahn to Leipzig, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Another option is to take the Fernbus from Berlin ZOB, which will take you directly to the town of Leipzig.

Berlin Day Trips

Berlin is an incredibly beautiful city and offers plenty of fun things to do for locals and visitors. However, if you run out of things to do in the German capital or simply want a change of scenery, you can explore further and take the chance to visit other nearby attractions. With the efficient transport system in the city, you can head out of Berlin for the majority of the day and head back before dinner!

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5 must-visit towns near Berlin

Plan your perfect day trip from berlin..

The first things that come to mind when people think of Germany are typically beer, lederhosen, and the raucous joys of Oktoberfest. And as a resident of Berlin for the last five years, I can’t count the number of times visitors have asked me to take them to Cinderella’s castle or to one of the stunning Alps-adjacent lakes you see on your Instagram feed. Well, the reality is that Berlin is a far cry (literally: it’s many hours away) from this German stereotype.

Instead—once you’ve had your fill of Berlin’s world class museums and iconic Turkish and Vietnamese restaurants—take a breather on a day trip to see northern Germany’s version of castles, charming seaside towns, plus other classic German staples (pickles!) straight from the source.

Whether you’re in Berlin for a long weekend or traveling through Germany over a few weeks, these easy Berlin day trips will give you a true taste of German culture.

For a royal palace in Berlin's backyard

By far the most popular day trip from Berlin, Potsdam is the former home of Prussian royalty and a 40-minute S-Bahn ride from Berlin’s city center—close enough that you won’t need to book a hotel for the night. Here you’ll find Sanssouci Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the summer residence of Frederick the Great. This park is massive , so plan your route ahead of time: Starting from the Brandenburg Gate entrance, follow the waterside route of the Friedenskirche and baroque Chinese House until you reach the Sanssouci Palace , which was modeled after Versailles and has stunning gardens to match. (You can book a tour of the royals’ palace, but if you’re short on time, walking the grounds is pleasant enough.)

After your walk you’ll probably need some nourishment, so head to Potsdam's charming red-brick Dutch Quarter , where you can’t miss a slice of cheesecake at Café Guam . Art lovers should also explore the Museum Barberini , where the permanent exhibition features Impressionist stars like Monet and Renoir.

Don’t miss: If the weather is right, take a boat tour on the Havel River—it's the best way to see all of Potsdam’s monuments at once. Watch out for the neo-Gothic Babelsberg Castle and the Cecilienhof Palace , where the Potsdam Conference that ended World War II took place.

For Gothic architecture and lots of marzipan

Architecture fans have to plan a day trip to Lübeck . Known for its iconic red-brick Gothic architecture, this seaside city’s Old Town is an island, so you’ll be surrounded by water once you disembark (it’s around three hours from Berlin by either train or car). Start with a visit to the European Hansemuseum , which traces the history of maritime trade in Germany. For lunch, the nautical themed Schiffergesellschaft has been serving fishermen for 500 years, and it's the best place to sample local dishes like pickled herring and traditional “pan fish” with mustard sauce.

No trip to Lübeck is complete without marzipan, so stop by the popular Cafe Niederegger to get your fill: you’ll find marzipan truffles in all shapes and sizes (I love the classic hearts and eggs during Easter season), bread, and even marzipan potatoes. They also make great souvenirs for friends at home. If you're not a marzipan fan, I love the homemade ice cream from Soulmade , which offers creative flavors like lemon basil, strawberry mascarpone, and even liquorice.

Where to stay: The newly opened Hotel Die Reederin , a mid-century modern design haven located in an 18th-century shipping company’s former headquarters. The hotel only has seven rooms, so it always feels quaint and quiet. Request to stay in the Ursula Suite, which comes with a private balcony overlooking the city.

For a taste of coastal life

In less than two hours, you can get from Berlin to Hamburg , Germany’s second largest city. Known as “Venice of the North” thanks to its more than 2,400 bridges, Hamburg is best experienced by the water. Start your day with a fischbrötchen, a fish sandwich commonly filled with pickled herring or shrimp, at the city’s port (my favorite spot: Brücke 10 , the last stop on a pier filled with fish shacks). Then walk the canals of HafenCity , home to the stunning Hamburg Elbphilharmonie , which also offers free tours. Spend the afternoon wandering the shops of the Jungfernstieg area in the Old Town ( Uzwei is a favorite for high-end women’s clothing), then see if you can make a lap around the Alster Lake , where the waterfront beer gardens like Alsterperle offer a break from city life. At night, head to the artsy Ottensen district, where I recently had some standout pork belly, grilled cod, and cocktails for dinner at Das Granat .

Where to stay: You can’t beat the location of Hamburg’s Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten , a European grand hotel perched at the edge of the Inner Alster Lake. It’s just a five-minute walk to the train, so you’ll be within easy reach of the rest of Hamburg.

For pickle lovers and outdoor enthusiasts

If you want a true escape from city life, head to the Spreewald forest. To visit this region south of Berlin, your best bet is to start in the town of Lübbenau , about 90 minutes from Berlin by car or an hour by train. Beyond the beautiful forest and lakes, the area is known for its Spreewald pickles, so start your day at Gherkin Mile (literally "Pickle Mile") where you can sample and buy pickles—go with the classic dill variation, or try a fun flavor like chili or curry—from local farmers. You could spend the afternoon wandering Lübbenau’s old town or visiting the grounds of Lübbenau Castle , but the move here is to take a boat tour or rent your own kayak to explore the scenic water trails. In addition to charming tree overhangs and the residents’ blooming flower boxes, you’ll find cute cafes to dock at along the way for coffee, beer, or, yes, pickles. You can also hike or cycle if boating isn’t your thing.

Don’t miss: The Lehde District , whose 130 residents live directly on the water in wooden houses made of stilts. This is one of the area’s oldest villages, and their open-air museum shows how the Spreewald residents would have lived in the 19th century, complete with traditional (and very colorful!) Sorbian costumes.

For a mix of the new and the old

Just a two-hour train ride from Berlin, Dresden gives the perfect mix of history and culture, and you can easily see the city in two days. Start in the Altstadt (Old Town), where you'll find yourself surrounded by Baroque buildings like the Frauenkirche , a symbol of Dresden's rebirth after World War II, and the opulent Zwinger Palace , whose garden is worth a visit even if you don’t go inside the palace itself. And at the Grünes Gewölbe , you can see more than 3,000 priceless jewels on display in one of the oldest museums in Europe.

Once you’ve had your fill of history, cross the river to the Neustadt (New Town) and see how Dresden's locals live. I recommend having your meals here, especially at Augustusgarten for a waterfront beer and pretzel, Altes Wettbüro for Mediterranean small plates, and Katy’s Garage for a nightcap drink.

Don’t miss: Take the ferry (or even cycle) from Dresden to Pillnitz for scenic views of the river. Along the way, look out for castles and vineyards tucked away in the hills, a common sight in Saxony. Spend a few hours taking in the Pillnitz castle , and don’t miss warm apple cake at the cafe in the Schlosshotel .

Where to stay: Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski is a spacious former palace located in the old town with public transportation right outside the door.

Total solar eclipse forecast shows who has best chance for clear skies on Monday

A clear sky is key to watching the april 8th total solar eclipse. the fox forecast center has put together a forecast showing areas more or less likely to be impacted by cloud cover during the eclipse..

Total solar eclipse forecast shows where clouds could interfere with viewing on Monday

America's Total Eclipse is happening today. Here's the latest outlook from the FOX Forecast Center showing which regions of the U.S. will have the best viewing conditions and which areas might have to contend with cloud cover.

Forecasts for the total solar eclipse show the best viewing conditions will likely be found in parts of New England and the Midwest , while clouds might obscure the view of the eclipse in portions of Texas and the interior Northeast .

On Monday, a total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of Mexico , Canada and the U.S. , from Texas to Maine . A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth , completely blocking the face of the Sun for several minutes. It will be the last time a total solar eclipse passes over a large part of the U.S. until 2044 .

LIVE COVERAGE: TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE APRIL 2024

To experience the full eclipse, you'll need a pair of solar glasses and to be located along the more than 100-mile-wide path during totality. A clear sky is also key to watching a total solar eclipse . 

The FOX Forecast Center has put together the cloud cover forecast shown on the map below, showing areas predicted to have an overcast sky, many clouds or few clouds during the eclipse. This map will continue to be updated right up until the eclipse on Monday afternoon.

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE LIVE TRACKER: CLOUD FORECASTS FOR CITIES, STATES IN PATH OF TOTALITY

The FOX Forecast Center said the trend for clearer skies is holding at the northeastern end of the path of totality in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont , but some clouds may still be floating around areas near and downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario in northern Ohio , northwestern Pennsylvania and parts of western, central and upstate New York .

Buffalo , New York, is currently forecast to have clouds during the event, but less cloud cover is expected to the north and east. The forecast is looking favorable for Caribou , Maine, among the last cities to see the eclipse in the U.S. before the path of totality heads into Atlantic Canada.

For the Midwest, the forecast is looking better, with just a few clouds around Paducah , Kentucky , and near St. Louis , Missouri , but cloud cover will likely increase closer to the Great Lakes region from Indianapolis , Indiana , to Cleveland , Ohio .

AMERICA'S TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE TO PLUNGE MILLIONS INTO DARKNESS ACROSS U.S. MONDAY AFTERNOON

Severe thunderstorms possible in South on eclipse day

Many of the prime viewing spots in Texas, including Austin and San Antonio , are currently forecast to have overcast skies or many clouds on Monday.

In addition to the cloud cover, NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has highlighted portions of Texas, Oklahoma , Arkansas and Louisiana for a severe weather threat on Monday .

This risk zone includes Dallas , San Antonio , Austin , Waco and Texarkana in Texas, as well as other towns in the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley along the path of totality.

Severe storms expected in path of totality of Monday's solar eclipse

Nearly the entire eclipse's path of totality within Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas faces a severe weather risk beginning Monday afternoon. The hope is that the thunderstorms might hold off just long enough into the afternoon after the eclipse passes through the region. Even so, severe weather later in the afternoon and evening could catch travelers off guard in what is expected to be heavy traffic through the rest of the day as eclipse gazers head home.

The hope is that the thunderstorms might hold off just long enough into the afternoon after the eclipse passes through the region. Totality in Dallas begins at 1:40 p.m. CDT.

Even so, severe weather later in the afternoon and evening could catch travelers off guard in what is expected to be heavy traffic through the rest of the day as eclipse gazers head home . 

DALLAS SEVERE WEATHER THREAT UPGRADED AS TEXAS TO ARKANSAS FACES STORMY FORECAST FOR MONDAY'S SOLAR ECLIPSE

It's also important to note that even if it's cloudy, you will likely still see at least some of the eclipse. 

WHAT HAPPENS TO CLOUDS DURING A SOLAR ECLIPSE? NEW RESEARCH MAY SURPRISE YOU

Check back with FOX Weather for frequent updates to the forecast, and add your viewing location to the "Events" tab in the FOX Weather app .

• Earth & Space
• Solar Eclipse
• Severe Weather

Morning Rundown: Special counsel says history 'refutes' Trump argument, lawyer kills ex-daughter-in-law in deposition, and the most stunning images from the eclipse

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

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Map: 4.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes New Jersey

By William B. Davis ,  Madison Dong ,  Judson Jones ,  John Keefe ,  Bea Malsky and Lazaro Gamio

Shake intensity

A light, 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck in New Jersey on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake was felt across the New York City metropolitan area, and from Philadelphia to Boston.

The temblor happened at 10:23 a.m. Eastern about 4 miles north of Whitehouse Station, N.J., data from the agency shows.

As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake's reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.

Aftershocks in the region

At 5:59 p.m. Eastern on Friday, a light aftershock with a magnitude of 3.8 struck near Gladstone, New Jersey, according to U.S.G.S. (The agency initially gave the quake a preliminary magnitude of 4.0.)

An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.

Quakes and aftershocks within 100 miles

Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or larger magnitude to the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect already damaged locations.

How this quake compares

The U.S.G.S. has logged 188 earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or greater within a 250-mile radius of New York City since 1957. In that timeframe, only seven have had a magnitude at or above 4.5. Today’s quake had the third-highest magnitude in the available data.

Today’s earthquake

Magnitude 4.8

250-mile radius

from New York City

Source: U. S.G.S.

By Lazaro Gamio

Source: United States Geological Survey | Notes: Shaking categories are based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. All times above are Eastern. Shake data is as of Friday, April 5 at 10:44 a.m. Eastern. Aftershocks data is as of Tuesday, April 9 at 8:24 a.m. Eastern.

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Guide to the 2024 total solar eclipse, gracing North American skies today: All to know

A spectacular celestial event is upon us.

Today, Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cloak the Earth in darkness.

Here's everything you need to know about the total solar eclipse – also known as the Great North American Eclipse –  including how to practice safe viewing, its path of totality, the local weather forecast and more.

GUIDE TO 2024 ECLIPSE: Total solar eclipse will cross 13 U.S. states on April 8: Is Maryland in its path?

What is the eclipse's path of totality?

A total solar eclipse's path of totality is where observers located in the center of the moon's shadow will witness the moon completely cover the sun.

Totality is the only stage of the eclipse that can viewed with the naked eye, according to  NASA . Due to the sun's bright surface, special eclipse glasses must be worn for safety during every other stage.

Today, the total solar eclipse's path of totality will stretch 115 miles wide. To witness the solar eclipse, onlookers must be within its designated path.

Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT, reported  NASA .

The path of the total solar eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas, before cutting diagonally across the country, Delmarva Now previously reported.

The eclipse will then travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to  NASA's map .

WHERE TO WATCH THE ECLIPSE: Solar eclipse watch events at Wallops, Maryland and DC: Where, when to get in on the fun

Here are the 13 major U.S. cities that will experience totality (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends), reported  USA TODAY :

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

How to practice safe viewing during the total solar eclipse

NASA reminds onlookers to practice safe viewing before and after the solar eclipse. During the eclipse, special eclipse glasses or welder's goggles must be worn.

Without proper eye protection, viewers can suffer “eclipse blindness” – a serious injury in which the eye’s retina is damaged by solar radiation – within seconds of staring at the sun, according to the American Optometric Association .

The sun produces enough light to permanently damage one's retina, reported USA Today. Humans' eyes have never evolved to look at the sun without suffering severe damage. Regular, everyday sunglasses are, therefore, not safe to use.

"Keep safety your #1 priority when viewing the eclipse by knowing how to protect your eyes," the Worcester County Health Department said.

ECLIPSE RETINA DAMAGE: Can you really go blind from looking at a solar eclipse? Real life cautionary tales.

Can the total solar eclipse be seen in Maryland?

The state of Maryland is not in the solar eclipse's path of totality.

However, a partial eclipse  —  hinging on good weather and clear skies, which Delmarva may very well be handed —  will be visible throughout all 48 contiguous U.S. states, including Maryland.

A partial eclipse differs greatly from a total solar eclipse. This kind occurs when the orbiting moon passes between the sun and Earth, but the sun, moon and Earth are not perfectly lined up.

Maryland's Lower Shore will see a partial eclipse for 2 hours and 27 minutes. 83.1% of the sun will be obscured by the moon at the peak. Search for your ZIP code below or select a major city to reveal the time, duration, peak and percentage of the eclipse in your area.

Marylanders can choose to stay put for the partial eclipse or travel to see more. Those who want to travel to witness the total eclipse won't have to go too far. The total solar eclipse will be visible in cities such as Erie, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; and Buffalo, New York.

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: When is the solar eclipse in Salisbury, Delmarva? Search by ZIP code

Weather forecast for Salisbury, Ocean City for solar eclipse day

Here's what residents of Salisbury and Ocean City, Md., can expect for today's weather forecast.

Accuweather says Salisbury can expect sunny to partly cloudy skies, with a daytime high of 62 degrees and nighttime low of 46 degrees. There will be a 6 percent chance of precipitation and southwest winds of 8 miles per hour.

In Ocean City, onlookers can also expect sunny to partly cloudy skies, with a daytime high of 56 degrees and a nighttime low of 48 degrees. There will be a 4 percent chance of precipitation and south-southwest winds of 8 miles per hour.

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at  [email protected] .