Berlin | Day Trips

Sanssouci

Sanssouci Park in Potsdam is one of the most beautiful palace complexes in Europe.

And with good reason: the area is massive, spanning over 287 hectares.

The gardens feature sculptures, fountains, terraces, temples, chapels, a botanical garden and institute, and various other palaces added over the years.

The most famous is Schloss Sanssouci—the name Frederick II gave to both the palace and the entire park.

Distance: 33 km

By car: take the A115 Autobahn.

Public transport: take the RE1 train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof; from there, take bus 614 (towards Gutenpaaren) to the Schloss Sanssouci stop.

Sachsenhausen

Located in Oranienburg—just a short distance from Berlin, making it a great day trip—this concentration camp served as a prison for citizens from 18 different nations.

Construction began in 1936, and the site started operating as a political prison for opponents of the Nazi regime, most of whom were communists.

While in Oranienburg, be sure to visit the beautiful Oranienburg Palace.

Distance: 38 km

By car: Take the A10 Autobahn.

Public transport: Take the RE5 train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Oranienburg station; from there, take bus 805 (towards Liebenwalde) to the Oranienburg Hubertusstraße stop.

Brandenburg an der Havel

Brandenburg an der Havel, situated on the banks of the Havel River, is a medieval city surrounded by lakes and rivers—ideal for those seeking history and boat trips.

Distance: 86 km

By car: take the A115 Autobahn, then the A2.

Public transport: take the RE1 regional train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Brandenburg Hauptbahnhof.

Frankfurt an der Oder

This beautiful city is situated on the banks of the Oder River, on the border with Poland, and offers wonderful scenery.

Its small old town is perfect for a pleasant stroll.

Distance: 105 km

By car: take the A12 Autobahn

Public transport: take the EC5 train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Frankfurt (Oder) Hauptbahnhof.

Neuruppin

It is a city steeped in history, featuring a beautiful lake, architecture, culture, and nature that blend together in a very charming way.

The city is best known as the hometown of Fontane, the great German poet and novelist who was born there in 1819. A wonderful excursion.

Distance: 77 km

By car: take the A111 Autobahn and then the A24.

Public transport: take the RE5 regional train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Oranienburg Hauptbahnhof; from there, take the RE6 regional train to the Neuruppin Rheinsberger Tor station.

Lübbenau

Lübbenau, located in the heart of the Spreewald Forest, is known as the "German Venice" and lies within a biosphere reserve famous for its gondola-navigable canals and the culture of the Sorbian people, a local ethnic minority.

This UNESCO-recognized site is perfect for those seeking a unique nature experience. It features a vast network of waterways surrounded by lush forests and wetlands, where you can go boating or kayaking.

It is a protected landscape area of ​​great natural beauty and an excellent choice for outdoor activities.

Distance: 97 km

By car: take the A13 Autobahn.

Public transport: take the RE7 train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Lübbenau station.

Wittenberg

Officially known as Lutherstadt Wittenberg, it is the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is the city where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door, thereby initiating the Protestant Reformation.

Distance: 99 km

By car: take the A115 Autobahn and then the B2 federal highway.

Public transport: take the RE3 regional train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Lutherstadt Wittenberg Hauptbahnhof.

Eberswalde

Perfect for nature lovers, Eberswalde offers a renowned botanical garden and a forest park.

Distance: 65 km

By car: take the A11 Autobahn.

Public transport: take the RE3 regional train from Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Eberswalde Central Station.

Werder

Known as the “Fruit Island,” Werder is a picturesque small town located on an island in the Havel River.

It is famous for its orchards and vineyards, especially during the Cherry Blossom Festival (*Baumblütenfest*) in the spring.

The old town has a tranquil charm, featuring narrow streets and historic houses along the waterfront.

Distance: 62 km

By car: take the A115 Autobahn.

Public transport: take the RE1 regional train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Werder (Havel) station.

Strausberg

Situated on the shores of picturesque Lake Straussee, this town offers a blend of nature and history.

You can take a boat trip on the lake or walk through the old town.

Distance: 54 km

By car: take the A10 Autobahn

Public transport: take the S-Bahn S5 from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Strausberg station.

Schorfheide

One of Germany's largest contiguous forest areas, featuring many lakes, heathlands, and bogs.

It is a peaceful spot, ideal for birdwatching and relaxing walks.

Distance: 56 km

By car: take the A11 Autobahn

Public transport: take the RE3 regional train from Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Seehausen station; from there, take bus 445 to the Blankenburg Dorf stop.

Barnim

Closer to Berlin, this nature reserve offers hiking and cycling trails, crystal-clear lakes, and picnic spots, making it an easily accessible getaway for a day in nature.

Distance: 31 km

By car: take Landstraße L100

Public transport: take the RE3 regional train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Bernau station; then take bus 894 to the Wandlitz, Barnim-Panorama stop.