side trips from 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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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 .

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About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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4 thoughts on “12 Awesome Day Trips from Berlin, Germany”

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

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

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

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

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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!

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Quedlinburg can really be recommended 🙂

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

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

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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.

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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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Locals Recommend These 18 Day Trips From Berlin

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

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

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

18 Exciting Day Trips From Berlin To Take In 202 3

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

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

1) Bad Muskau, Germany

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

2) Bad Saarow, Germany

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

Book a hotel in Bad Saarow .

3) Braunschweig, Germany

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

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

4) Bremen, Germany

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

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

5) Dresden, Germany

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

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

6) Görlitz, Germany

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

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

7) Hamburg, Germany

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

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

8) Kromlau, Germany

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

9) Leipzig, Germany

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

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

10) Lübbenau, Germany

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

Book a hotel in Lübbenau .

11) Lüneburg, Germany

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

Book a hotel in Lüneburg .

12) Magdeburg, Germany

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

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

13) Poznan, Poland 

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

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

14) Quedlinburg, Germany

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

Book a hotel in Quedlinburg . 

15) Rostock, Germany 

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

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

16) Schwerin, Germany

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

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

17) Szczecin, Poland 

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

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

18) Warnemünde, Germany

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

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

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

Good to know.

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10 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Such an amazing guide! Love your pics and recommendations!

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

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

Good tip. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

– Cheryl

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

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

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12 UNMISSABLE Day Trips from Berlin

Published October 6, 2019

// By Margherita

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Berlin

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

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

Day Trips from Berlin to Nearby Cities

1) berlin to dresden day trip.

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

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

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

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

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

– attend a show at the Semperoper

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

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

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

Best Dresden Tours from Berlin

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

2) Berlin to Leipzig Day Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Leipzig Tours

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

3) Berlin to Hamburg Day Trip

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hamburg Tours

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

4) Berlin to Potsdam Day Trip

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

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

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

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

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

Best Potsdam Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Bremen Tours

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

6) Braunschweig 

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

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

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

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

Day Trips from Berlin to Poland

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

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

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

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

Best Poznan Tours

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

8) Szczecin

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

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

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

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

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

Nature Trips from Berlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Wannsee Tours

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

10) Spreewald

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

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

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

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

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

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

11) Kromlau (Rakotzbrücke)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**2019 UPDATE** 

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

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

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

12) Sachsenhausen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Sachsenhausen Tours

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

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

15 Best Day Trips from Berlin

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

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

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

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

1. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Lehnitz Sea

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

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

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

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

5. Rüdersdorf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Pfaueninsel

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

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

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

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

10. Spreewald

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

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

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

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

11. Tropical islands resort

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

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

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

12. Wandlitzsee

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

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

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

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

13. Brandenburg an der Havel

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

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

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

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

14. Saxon Switzerland National Park

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

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

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

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

15. Devil’s Bridge

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

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

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

15 Best Day Trips from Berlin:

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

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

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

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

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

The best day trips from Berlin, sorted by length

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Potsdam

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Werder

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

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Beelitz Heilstädten

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Strausberg

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

1 - 2 hours train ride from Berlin

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Bad Saarow

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Lübbenau

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Wittenberg

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Cottbus

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

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Dessau

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 - 3 hours train ride from Berlin

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Ueckermünde

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Tangermünde

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Leipzig

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Greifswald

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

3 - 4 hours train ride from Berlin

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Warnemünde

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Stralsund

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Goslar

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

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

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

Best things to do on a day trip to Heringsdorf

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

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

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

You can reach Wrocław within 4h and 18min with an EC from Berlin making it a day trip destination. What we recommend you do though is take the amazing Kulturzug (culture train) for 19€ and spend a night. The train runs from Berlin to Wrocław Saturday morning and back Sunday evening. And the best? You’ll be entertained throughout the ride!

Best things to do on a day trip to Breslau / Wrocław

• Climb the roof of the Renoma shopping centre for a great free view.
• Stroll through the beautiful old town with the Rynek (Market Square). Like everywhere, we recommend you take a free walking tour .
• Don’t miss out on Cathedral Island which is the oldest part of Wrocław from the 10th century. It’s super pretty with a church at almost every turn.
• Hunt for the many little dwarfs which are the symbols of Wrocław. Rumour has it that there are around 500.
• Indulge in some delicious Polish food in the market hall . We recommend Pierogi and Bigos.
• Explore the alternative Nadodrze district to find street art and German signs.

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12 Top-Rated Day Trips from Berlin

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 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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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Berlin

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17 Fun Weekend Trips From Berlin

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

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

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

Where to stay in Berlin

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

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

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

MIDRANGE: Circus Hotel Centrally located near restaurants & transport

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

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

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

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

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

What you'll find here

Best weekend trips from Berlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Hamburg

Here are my recommendations for hotels in Hamburg.

Book a tour for your weekend trip to Hamburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Dresden

Here are some hotels in Dresden I recommend.

Book a tour for your weekend trip to Dresden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Leipzig

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

Book a tour for your weekend getaway to Leipzig

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Spreewald Lübbenau

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

Saxon Switzerland National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 39 minutes using Deutsche Bahn

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Quedlinburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Quedlinburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nuremberg/Nürnberg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book a tour for your trip to Berlin

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

Berlin Travel Resources

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

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

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

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

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

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

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts

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

What to do in Berlin on Sunday: 15+ Ideas

Best Berlin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

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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 

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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

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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.  

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A Solo Woman Traveling

Boutique Travel Guides & All-Female Luxury Tours

Most Idyllic Small Towns In Germany Near Berlin

Where are the most idyllic small towns in Germany? When I was looking for the best weekend trips from Berlin, I visited these places!

I just love how all these cute towns near Berlin are within 3 to 4 hours by train or car .

When I lived in Berlin from 2017 to 2021 I traveled to all these places by train or car and can highly recommend them.

By driving, you can easily see more than one of these charming towns in one day .

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This post will give you information:

• Which villages near Berlin are the most idyllic in Germany
• The top attractions in each small German village town
• Where to eat in these old villages in Germany
• Where to stay in these quaint German towns

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Most Idyllic Small Towns in Germany Close To Berlin

For an easy reference of which German villages are closest to Berlin, I have listed them by distance and travel time.

• Lüneburg – Distance from Berlin 2 hours, and 45 minutes by train . (135 miles / 217 kilometers)
• Schwerin Distance from Berlin is 2 hours and 45 minutes by train. (114 miles / 183 Kilometres)
• Lübeck Distance from Berlin 3 hours by train. (175 miles / 282 kilometers)
• Görlitz Distance from Berlin is 2 hours and 45 minutes by train. ( 135 miles / 218 kilometers)
• Meissen Distance from Berlin is 3 hours and 30 minutes by train. ( 94 miles / 151 kilometers)

Easily combine visiting Lüneburg & Lübeck or Görlitz and Meissen in one day by renting a car .

Downloadable Map of Best Villages to Visit in Germany

📍 Get the FREE GOOGLE Map of all the pinned locations from this post! 📲 DOWNLOAD DIRECTLY into your phone!

Use this map to plan day trips from Berlin!

Idyllic Villages Near Berlin- Lüneburg

One of the most beautiful villages near Berlin is Lüneburg. This small medieval village is located just northwest of Berlin.

It is one of the most beautiful small towns I visited in Germany.

Lüneberg, a German village in Lower Saxony, is as charming as you could ever imagine. If pressed, I would say it is my favorite of all the places I visited on this list.

You can expect a medieval old town with half-timbered houses and Red Brick Gothic-style buildings. The first recorded deed was found in ancient records dating back to 956 AD.

This is one of the best small towns near Berlin that is incredible at Christmas. Imagine drinking glühwein and eating roasted chestnuts in a town like this!

Top Attractions in Lüneberg

If you are going just a day trip from Berlin, the main sites you want to hit are listed below:

• Salt Museum – visit the historical salt mining museum of Lüneberg.
• St. John Church is the oldest Lutheran church in Lüneberg. Built-in the 14th century.
• Wasser Tower (with viewing tower) This museum is unique as you start from the top of the viewing tower. On your way to the bottom, each floor has historical information.
• Am Sande Market Square is the leading market square in Lüneberg, with abundant shops and restaurants.
• Rathaus (town hall) was completed in the year 1720, located in the market square.

Where to Eat in Lüneburg

Lüneburg has some delicious spots to eat! Some of the best are listed below:

• Altes Brauhaus since 1505! Enjoy some traditional German food modernly interpreted along with some delicious beer or wine.
• Rohms Deli has a slightly upscale experience yet is still casual. This deli, which should not be considered a “deli,” serves fresh and inventive cuisine.
• Capitol has you covered from breakfast to dinner. This place can cater to your every meal.

Where to Stay in Lüneburg

If you are visiting from Berlin, you could make a day trip to Lüneburg. For anyone who wants to stay longer, here is a list of the 2 hotels I recommend.

• Anno 1433 Hotel is located in the old town of Lüneburg. 12-room smoke-free guest house with a lot of style and character.
• Altstadt Gästehaus Drewes Wale private little apartment-style rooms. More like an Airbnb than a hotel. Very highly rated

If possible, visit this lovely small town during Christmas as I did. The Weihnachsmarkt is spectacular!

Places Near Berlin With A Castle -Schwerin

Schwerin is located north of Berlin and sits on Lake Schwerin near the Baltic Sea. The castle is the largest in northern Germany and is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Schwerin Castle is a neo-Renaissance-style palace with elaborate gardens. Open to the public, it was a true highlight of my trip to this charming village.

The architecture in the charming town of Schwerin is of the Medieval era. You can expect cobbled streets and an impressive Market Square. If you have the choice to visit at any time of year, I would recommend December.

The Christmas market in the town centre is something out of fairytale!

Top Attractions in Schwerin

Schwerin, Germany is a great place to explore and experience the culture of Germany. I walked around for hours in awe of this magical little place few actually know about.

If you are looking for the top things to do in Schwerin here are some ideas for you!

1. Visit Schloss Schwerin – Built in the 19th century, this castle is a beautiful example of German architecture and history. You can take a guided tour to learn all about the castle’s history and enjoy the view from the terrace.

2. Check out Schweriner See – This lake is one of the biggest attractions in Schwerin with its picturesque vistas. Rent a kayak or take a boat tour to explore Schweriner See up close.

3. Explore the Museumshafen – This historic harbor has many old fishing boats and other vessels that you can explore. It is also home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can try fresh, local seafood dishes.

4. Visit the Schweriner Dom – This beautiful cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting Schwerin. You can explore the building and its various religious artifacts, or take part in one of the services that are held here.

5. Take a stroll through Mecklenburg Gardens – This peaceful park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. You can spend an afternoon exploring the trails, gardens, and monuments that make this area so special.

6. Go on a Night Tour with a watchman ! Explore the city at night with a professional tour guide and learn all about the history of this incredible town.

7. Go on a 2-hour local pub crawl experience ! Visit all the best local breweries and pubs in Schwerin!

Private Walking Tour of Schwerin

🚶‍♀️Take a 2-hour private walking tour around the fairytale-like town of Schwerin!

Where to Stay in Schwerin

• Hotel Niederländischer Hof Schwerin is located within walking distance of the central train station in Schwerin. Weinhaus Uhle vintage building restored with modern style and convenience. An excellent choice to stay central in Schwerin Weinhaus Wöhler traditional style building, upgraded with modern style rooms. Pet-friendly.

Where to Eat in Schwerin

La Bouche Bistro & Bar is a modern bar and bistro highly rated among locals. Schwerin Gourment Factory if you want to treat yourself to something special, visit this upscale yet affordable restaurant. Müllers for some delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes, check out Müllers, located in the center of Markt Square Altstadt Brauhaus a fantastic brewery, serves all the classic German dishes! There are limited vegan options but a few vegetarian choices.

Best Towns to Visit in Germany- Lübeck

Visiting Lübeck is one of the best small cities near Berlin to visit in Germany. I was staying in Hamburg and decided to make a quick day trip. I have returned to Lübeck twice since then!

Still accessible from Berlin, just a bit further away than some of these other charming villages.

Upon arriving at Lübeck, you will be greeted with the most impressive Gothic-style gate I have ever seen. The old town walls are long gone, but the gate remains.

It is the most distinguishable symbol of Lübeck and the medieval period that which it was constructed.

Once you pass through this red-brick gate that has been fully restored after World War ii, you will be in the old city of Lübeck. The old city of Lübeck is on an island surrounded by the Elbe River.

I found the most impressive about Lübeck was its many churches, historic buildings, and market squares. The architecture is mixed with newly built construction and half-timbered buildings.

If you are visiting in December , the town will be filled with holiday spirit and a Christmas market in every market square!

Top Attractions of Lübeck

The top attractions in this beautiful small town in Germany are:

• St. Mary’s Church ( Marienkirche) – This is Germany’s third-largest church, and its architecture is the model for numerous Gothic churches in the Baltic region.
• St. Peter’s Church – Destroyed in WWII but fully restored, this church has a viewing tower that I highly recommend. There is an elevator to the top for those who are weary of the stairs.
• Lübeck Cathedral – This Romanesque architecture church is the oldest place of worship in Lübeck.
• St. Giles – it’s the smallest of all the churches in Lübeck’s Old Town. You will find Gothic wall paintings and influences from the Baroque and Renaissance periods.
• St. Jacobs –  The four spherical globes on the tower’s helm edge is noticeable from a distance.

Lubeck Old Town Private Walking Tour

Book this 2-hour walking tour of Old Town Lübeck and explore the medieval town of notable buildings of historic significance!

Where to Eat in Lübeck

The best places to eat while visiting this idyllic German town are:

• Brauberger Brewery Most idyllic small towns in Germany have a Brewery restaurant. Brauberger is your traditional German brewery restaurant that I just love to visit! Get your fix of beer and comfort food here!
• Restaurant Schiffergesellschaft Enjoy more than just a meal at this incredible historical landmark. Read all about the remarkable story on their website. I would make this my number #1 choice in places to eat.
• Fangfrisch Lübeck If you are a fish lover, then this is the restaurant for you! Enjoy a variety of fish served every which way in a modern setting.

Where to Stay in Lübeck

• Hotel Lili Marleen is located by the beach, not in the city center of Lübeck. Perfect for someone who wants to get away from the city but not be too far.
• Hotel Traveblick is located directly in the city center. This hotel is more like an Airbnb containing only 3 small apartments.
• Atlantic Hotel Lübeck has a sleek and modern style in the city center.

Find out just how easy it is to move to Berlin from the United States- German Freelance Visa Requirements

Beautiful Towns Near Berlin-Görlitz

Göritz is one of the best small towns in Germany towns. This picturesque town is located a stone’s throw from the Polish border. You can cross into Poland by walking over one of the arched bridges at the town’s edge.

It is so picturesque that Hollywood has filmed several movies here, most famously, The Grand Budapest Hotel. After seeing this place in person, I can understand why it’s one of Germany’s most idyllic small towns.

Gorlitz is one of the most beautiful towns near Berlin. I enjoyed spending two nights, but I would only recommend one at most.

Top Attractions in Görlitz

Görlitz has a lot to see for such a small town. Below is a list of the top attractions in Görlitz:

• Picture taking at famous movie sites ! Films such as The Book Thief, The Reader, and The Grand Budapest Hotel were all filmed here. The must-see Karstadt department store is the “hotel” in The Grand Budapest Hotel movie.
• St. Peter and Paul Church – 11th-century church containing The Sun Organ, created in 1697. The restored organ is still used today for concerts and special events.
• Crossing into Poland – The Polish city of Zgorzelec can be reached by crossing the bridge Johannes-Paul II Stadbrücke. There are also several other paths to cross in Poland. This is just the most popular.
• Stroll through the Stadt Park – If you are fortunate to visit Gorlitz in beautiful weather, check out the city park. This park has several impressive statues and fountains.
• Silesian Museum – Learn about the Province of Silesia, formerly the Province of Prussia from 1815 to 1919. The region of Silesia is located mostly in Poland, with small sections in the Czech Republic and Germany.
• Reichenbach Tower – You can enjoy magnificent views of the town from the top!

Dark Side of Görlitz Walking Tour

Join this 1 and half hour evening walking tour of the dark side of Görlitz! On this tour, your costumed guide will take you to a world of spooky legends and hidden secrets!

Where to Stay in Görlitz

For a small town, Görlitz has some fabulous boutique hotels, all listed below:

• VIAs Appartements und Ferienwohnungen is located in the center of the old town and highly reviewed by guests. Very stylish and chic.
• Hotel Schwibbogen center of the old town. Modern style and highly reviewed.
• Emmerich Hotel This hotel is gorgeous. The room was very comfortable and stylish. In 2019 the hotel did not have air conditioning when I stayed.

Where to Eat in Görlitz

Check out these top recommended restaurants below:

• St. John Patrician House is a bit upscale but not stuffy. You can not beat the ambiance at this restaurant. If you are lucky enough to visit in the summer, request a seat outside in the garden.
• Zur Schwarzen Kunst (The Black Arts) Rustic and cozy ambiance with delicious traditional food!
• N13 for a causal bistro with comfort food, check out this place.

Cutest Small Towns in Germany- Meissen

Meissen (Meßen) is located just 40 minutes from Dresden. I found Meissen when searching for a fairytale-like town in Germany. Upon arrival in Meissen, I knew it was someplace very special.

The old town of Meissen is around 15 minutes walk from the main train stop. Before arriving you will get a wonderful view of this most idyllic small town in Germany.

Meissen is home to the Missen porcelain, Gothic Meissen Cathedral, Frauen Kirche, and Albrechtsburg Castle. Construction began in 1260 on the Meissen Cathedral on the same hill as the Albrechstburg Castle. Visiting both is a must-do when visiting Meissen.

Top Attractions in Meissen

Meissen, the cutest small town in Germany, has a few top attractions listed below:

• Albrechtsburg – The main attraction in visiting Meissen is Albrechtsburg. This is Germany’s oldest castle and is situated upon a hill overlooking the Elbe river. You can tour the interiors of this castle and take incredible pictures of the river and town alongside it.
• Meissen Cathedral – Located right next to the Albrechtsburg castle is the Cathedral. The three sections of the cathedral are the inner church, the choir stall, and the central nave. The visit is well worth the low price of admission of a few euros.
• Marktplatz – Exploring the Marktplatz is an excellent activity when visiting Meissen. I would suggest you need at least 2 hours to take your time visiting the shops.

Where to Eat in Meissen

Domkeller – I loved this restaurant! I enjoyed a very-tasting soup and entree. Am Hundewinkel is traditional German cuisine in the heart of Meissen! Restaurant Vincenz is a highly recommended restaurant in the old town center. Cozy and traditional interiors with classic German food. Ratskeller is a historical restaurant serving delicious food and wine. Vegetarian options are available!

Where to Stay in Meissen

There are a few hotels in the city center of Meissen I recommend:

• Goldenes Fass boutique-style hotel right in the center of the old town. Highly recommended.
• Dorint Park hotel is located just across the Elbe River from Meissen. Stunning views of Albrechtsburg.
• Hotel Goldener Löwe is in the heart of the old town, this cozy and traditional hotel is highly rated by guests.

Where Should You Go Next?

From Berlin, Germany the choices on where to go are endless! If you want to explore Bavaria, I recommend you consider spending a day in Nuremberg!

From Nuremberg, there are a few incredible day trips you can make within 2 hours of the city.

Pro Tip: Even though I found solo travel to be super safe, I ALWAYS recommend getting travel insurance to avoid any mishaps. Lost luggage or getting sick can happen at any time.

Read Next: How to Plan a Multi-City Trip in Europe

FAQ’s

From Berlin, you can easily travel to the most idyllic and charming towns. Some of the prettiest villages near Berlin are Lübeck, Görlitz, Meissen, Schwerin, and Lüneberg.

One of the largest castles in Northern Germany is Schwerin Castle. From Berlin, Schwerin castle is 2 hours and 45 minutes by train.

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Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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29 Comments

Each of these towns looks so beautiful and picturesque, it would be hard to choose just one to visit!

Absolutely love the vibe in your pictures!

Oh my goodness I am just so excited go visit now! You have given so many unique options! I am Soooooo bad with directions so love that you included the google map, because I definitely would go to the wrong towns without it!

Germany has the cutest little towns that are so undiscovered! I visited a Christmas market in Trier a few years ago and was so impressed by how beautiful it is!

What a charming place to visit. Must put it on my wish list.

Love the idea of exploring quaint towns and villages. Not only are they less touristy, I find it more easier to imbibe the culture and appreciate it.

oh I love Germany towns and villages! I was in Stuttgart in 2018 and the surrounding villages are so charming! Hope to come back and explore your suggestions soon!

A long time ago I was an exchange student in Germany, in a small town. This post brought back so many memories. It was these small charming towns that I enjoyed visiting so much.

Such great places. Although I grew up in Germany, I sometimes forget just how much like a fairytale some of those towns look. I’ve visited Görlitz a while back during a work trip. And since I’ve never been before I didn’t quite know what to expect. But was blown away by the town, I must say.

I love the colour scheme of your blog, Melissa! So so beautiful. Also, what a great guide. I am so interested in exploring this quaint German towns ?

Thanks so much! Check out the free google map in the post! It’s toward the top.. it comes with a “secret freebie” as well!

All of these towns look so romantic and charming! Great alternatives to visiting big busy cities.

I spent so little time in Germany, I’m dying to go back and see more! This is a great list of places to see in Germany. Can’t wait to take it with me when I go to Germany again!

OMG Gorlitz sounds amazing and the photos are adorable! I would love to go there. I have only been to Dresden and Berlin 🙂

Gorlitz is so close to Dresden! All these little places really blow me away! Let me know if you come back to Berlin! I live there, so I can recommend lots of things : )

Germany has so many cute towns!

They all look so beautiful. Added to the bucket list!

Your photos are absolutely beautiful! I visited Germany a couple years ago but not Meissen. I really want to visit the castle. It looks stunning

Oh this blogpost is really exciting! All my future trips got cancelled and I’m looking into driving to my neighbour countries and explore those with the car, much safer and a lot of fun too. From the Netherlands, Germany is pretty close and I’ve been looking for fun trips to cute villages in Germany. This blogpost is perfect, even if it might be a longer drive from the coast of the Netherlands. 🙂

I am so glad you liked it!! It really is pretty close: ) I am in Berlin… I might make it to the Netherlands this summer: )

Can’t wait to visit all of them! Especially Meissen! This is the main reason why I love traveling through Europe so much. All of those small cute little towns has so much magic in them!

I love visiting charming medieval and small towns. These places are really pretty. I have not explored Germany much apart from Berlin. I will definitely be adding some of these in bucket list (especially Meiseen) I can’t wait to start travelling again!

I LOVE Germany and visit my family there almost every year, but they all live in Bayern! I would love to spend more time exploring these towns in the north as well and this list looks like a great place to start 🙂 Thanks for a great guide and all the suggestions!

Absolutely charming! My brother in laws fiancé lives in a charming city in Germany called Tettnang. Basically my first intro to the world outside of Berlin basically!!!

I felt like I had seen a lot of Germany but considering I’ve never even heard of these towns it seems I was definitely missing out! I can’t even decide which is my favourite… Although I do love the medieval style of the buildings in Lüneburg in particular!

I wish I would have read this post before I went to Berlin in February!! Now I have way too many options for day trips the next time I go!!

These charming towns represent so well in your photos. I’ve love to visit everyone of them.

These towns are all just so adorable! I think Schwerin is my favourite, but only just.

These have all gone straight on my bucket list! I love your photos.

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The 8 best day trips from Berlin

Jul 24, 2023 • 6 min read

You won’t leave the city limits on a day trip that includes a stop at Treptower Park, but it'll feel like you did © Bojan Brecelj / Getty Images

Berlin is surrounded by the forest-filled, lake-spotted state of Brandenburg , which offers year-round respite from the streets of the capital. Forest walks, cycling routes, dips in the lake, historic sites and much more are all within easy reach, sometimes still within the city’s boundaries.

Just know that you’re unlikely to be exploring alone – Berliners themselves love nothing more than a day out, especially when the weather is schön , and booking ahead for popular sights or tours is often your only option.

1. Paddle along the canals of Spreewald

Travel time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Spreewald is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, occasionally referred to as Germany’s Little Venice. Well, forget about that, and instead go for the chance to take a peaceful paddle along the extensive network of forest-lined waterways. The gentle waters are easy to navigate, even for paddling novices, and you might be able to pull up at a little snack stop, restaurant (where excellent Spreewald gherkins are guaranteed) or beer garden along your chosen watery route. All stops are delightfully quaint and wholesome. 

Lübbenau is one of the best towns from which to explore Spreewald. From Lübbenau’s Altstadt, it’s a short walk to Bootshaus Kaupen , where you can hire wooden kayaks and canoes and get information on suggested routes of up to 20km (12.4 miles). The old town itself is worthy of a wander, with a small market (for more Spreewald gherkin sampling), Brauhaus Babben (for post-paddling brews) and plenty of gherkin-inspired kitsch around town.

How to get to Spreewald from Berlin:  Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is located approximately 100km (62 miles) southeast of Berlin in the state of Brandenburg. It’s easily reached by taking the RE2 train from Berlin to Lübbenau. You can also hire boats in nearby Lübben, for a similar experience.

2. Admire the grandeur of Potsdam

Travel time: less than 1 hour

The classic day-trip destination from Berlin is Potsdam , the capital of Brandenburg, Berlin’s surrounding state.

Nothing in Potsdam screams for your attention more than yellow-hued Schloss Sanssouci  – the rococo summer palace of the Prussian King Frederick the Great, today a Unesco World Heritage Site. The palace grounds are also wonderfully impressive, and you'll find a number of other ornate buildings, such as the Chinese House and the New Palace, to gawk over. Book tour tickets in advance, lest you miss out. 

If the palace and its grounds don’t keep you all day, Museum Barberini is another fixed Potsdam highlight, featuring international art exhibitions with a focus on impressionism. Since opening in 2017, headline exhibits have featured the likes of Monet and Van Gogh.

Before or after undertaking your sightseeing itinerary, take a wander around the historic Dutch Quarter and stop for a coffee at the locally beloved Buena Vida Coffee Roasters – it just might end up being one of your favorite coffee stops on your trip. 

How to get to Potsdam from Berlin:  Potsdam is approximately 35km (22 miles) southwest of Berlin. It can be reached in less than an hour from central Berlin, on the S-Bahn (S1 or S7). The city lies within Berlin’s C fare zone, so you’ll need an ABC ticket.

3. Swim in the clear waters of Liepnitzsee

Travel time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Plenty of swimmable lakes lie within easy enough reach of the city – there are approximately 3000 in Berlin and Brandenburg, after all – but Liepnitzsee is a standout for its clean, clear water and lush forest surroundings.

Hardly a secret among Berliners, the banks of Liepnitzsee are filled with city escapees on warm summer weekends, and you may have to search a while to find the perfect spot to lay down your towel, either on a secluded spot nestled between trees or on one of several sandy beaches. 

Pack a picnic and spend your day dipping in and out of the refreshing water that appears, from a distance, to be a mesmerising emerald green. If that’s too sedate for you, hire a paddle boat, walk or ride around the lake, or ferry to the island plonk in the middle, Großer Werder.

Not swimming weather? Go anyway. The lake and surrounding forest is picturesque at any time of year, even when covered in snow, and you may still see people swimming when others wouldn’t dare take off their scarves. 

How to get to Liepnitzsee from Berlin: Driving the 40km (25 miles) northeast from Berlin to Liepnitzsee is your easiest option, but getting there with a combination of train and bike is the most fun. Take the S2 to Bernau and then ride the final 12km leg through the forest. If you don’t want to cycle, take the regional train all the way to Wandlitz; you'll need to walk from there.

4. Celebrate asparagus season in Beelitz

Travel time: 45 minutes

Germans are serious devotees of seasonal produce, whether it’s bärlauch (wild garlic), strawberries or Federweißer (a young, bubbly wine).

An absolute favorite arrives in Berlin in early spring : spargelzeit (asparagus season). During the short season, starting in mid-April and ending, punctually, on 24 June (St John the Baptist Day), Spargel is celebrated on menus across city, both the white and green varieties, and you won’t have to look long to find Spargel served as soup, with hollandaise sauce or something more inventive.

Deepen your own appreciation of this vegetable with cult status by heading to the regional center of production, Beelitz, where you can visit local farms to see how the regional variety is grown and, if you time it right, attend the annual Spargelfest.

While you’re in the area, you should dedicate part of your day to the Baumkronenpfad Beelitz-Heilstätten , a treetop walkway above the sprawling grounds of an abandoned (and crumbling) sanitarium, once used to treat tuberculosis patients and later soldiers (including Adolf Hitler) in both World Wars. You must join a guided tour to visit the buildings.

How to get to Beelitz from Berlin:  Beelitz is approximately 50km (TK miles) southwest of Berlin. Beelitz-Heilstätten train station is connected to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) by the RE3. From the train station, you can reach the town by bus.

5. Cycle along the Spree in Treptower Park and Plänterwald

Travel time: 30 minutes

You won’t leave the city limits on this day trip – but it will feel like you have. From the Treptower Park S-Bahn station, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to the Treptower Hafen, from where you can ride (or walk) along the shared bike and pedestrian path as it follows the Spree. The riverside path will take you through Treptower Park and then Plänterwald, passing the Zenner beer garden , Insel der Jugend, playgrounds, the infamous Spreepark and the newly opened Zum Anleger beer garden along the way – all worthy stops if you have the time or are in need of a drink, bratwurst or an ice cream. 

Otherwise, keep on riding until you reach a tiny ferry dock. From here you can take the Fähre F11 across to the other side of the river in just one or two throttles of the engine (you will need a BGV ticket for you and your bike). Once on the other bank, find your way to the Funkhaus Berlin , a former East German broadcasting complex which now hosts curated concerts and music festivals. Here you can grab a coffee or eat a wood-fired pizza from Zola while looking out over the water and summoning the energy for your return journey. It’s the perfect day out and a good one with kids.

How to get to Treptower Park: Treptower Park is easily reached by S-Bahn or bus from almost anywhere in Berlin.

This article was first published Jun 19, 2019 and updated Jul 24, 2023.

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Side Trips from Berlin

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

Welcome to Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany! While there’s plenty to see and do within this bustling city, it’s also worth considering some side trips to explore the surrounding areas. From charming towns to historical sites and natural wonders, there are numerous destinations just a short distance from Berlin that offer unique experiences. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some fantastic side trips you can take from Berlin, allowing you to make the most of your visit to Germany.

Located only 24 km southwest of Berlin, Potsdam is a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts. The city is famous for its magnificent palaces and gardens, including the UNESCO-listed Sanssouci Palace. Take a stroll through the stunning Sanssouci Park, explore the historic Dutch Quarter, and admire the beautiful Babelsberg Palace. Don’t forget to visit the Cecilienhof Palace, where the Potsdam Conference took place in 1945.

If you’re interested in breathtaking architecture and fascinating history, a trip to Dresden is highly recommended. Located about 200 km south of Berlin, Dresden boasts a remarkable collection of Baroque and Rococo buildings. Visit the iconic Frauenkirche, marvel at the Zwinger Palace, and explore the greenery of the Grosser Garten. Don’t miss the historic Dresden Castle and the mesmerizing art collection at the Albertinum museum.

Known for its rich musical heritage and thriving arts scene, Leipzig is a great side trip from Berlin. Approximately 190 km south of Berlin, Leipzig offers a vibrant atmosphere with beautiful architecture and cultural attractions. Explore the St. Thomas Church where Johann Sebastian Bach once worked, stroll through the picturesque Old Town, and visit the impressive Museum of Fine Arts. Don’t forget to experience the lively nightlife and enjoy a performance at the Leipzig Opera House.

4. Spreewald

If you’re looking for a natural retreat near Berlin, the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is the perfect place. This enchanting area is famous for its picturesque network of canals and lush green landscapes. Take a relaxing boat trip, go hiking or cycling through the beautiful surroundings, and try some traditional Spreewald pickles. The Spreewald is a great destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility away from the city.

5. Rügen Island

For a true seaside escape, head to Rügen Island, located in the Baltic Sea. With stunning white beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside resorts, Rügen offers a refreshing change of scenery from the bustling streets of Berlin. Explore the beautiful Jasmund National Park, home to the famous white chalk cliffs of Königsstuhl. Visit the elegant seaside towns of Binz and Sellin, and take a relaxing walk along the lively promenades.

Although a bit further away, approximately 280 km northwest of Berlin, Hamburg is definitely worth the visit if you have enough time. As Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg offers a unique mix of history, culture, and vibrant entertainment. Explore the renowned St. Pauli neighborhood, home to the famous Reeperbahn, visit the impressive Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and take a boat tour along the picturesque canals of the Speicherstadt. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in some fresh seafood at the lively Fish Market.

If you’re short on time but still want to escape the city, a trip to Wannsee is the perfect solution. Located just outside Berlin, Wannsee is a peaceful lake surrounded by serene nature. Enjoy a relaxing day by the water, go swimming in the designated areas, or rent a boat and explore the lake at your own pace. Wannsee is the ideal destination for a quick getaway without venturing too far from Berlin.

With its central location in Germany, Berlin serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas. From historical cities to natural wonders, there are numerous side trips from Berlin that offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or simply seeking a change of scenery, these destinations are sure to satisfy your wanderlust. Plan your side trips wisely and make the most of your visit to this fascinating region of Germany.

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