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Why is Berlin a great starting point for day trips?
- Berlin is perfectly positioned for day trips to some of the most interesting and beautiful attractions in northern Germany, as well as some of the most chilling.
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Where can visitors find fairy-tale castles near Berlin?
- Several extravagant fairy-tale castles and gardens can be visited close to Potsdam, while others wait to be admired in Pfaueninsel, Klein Glienike, and Schwerin.
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Which destinations are ideal for medieval history and architecture lovers?
- If you love medieval history and architecture, you will find towns and cities like Brandenburg an der Havel, Dresden, and Leipzig absolutely compelling.
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Where can outdoor and water sports enthusiasts go near Berlin?
- Outdoor enthusiasts can spend time getting back to nature at the Saxon Switzerland National Park or Spreewald, while water sports enthusiasts can head to Müggelsee or Wadlitzsee for a great day out.
Best Time for Day Trips from Berlin, Germany
- April to June – Ideal for mild weather, blooming landscapes, and exploring historical sites.
- September to October – Perfect for pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and autumn colors.
- July & August – Warm summer days for visiting lakes, castles, and nearby towns.
- November – Enjoy cooler weather and quieter visits to museums and cultural sites.
- December to March – Cold but great for Christmas markets, cozy getaways, and winter charm.
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1. Brandenburg an de Havel (aka Brandenburg City)
Explore medieval streets and visit historic churches on a charming retirement day trip.
Brandenburg an de Havel is a beautiful medieval town located 50km west of Berlin. Widely known for its distinctive Gothic red-brick buildings, the town will delight visitors who are interested in history and architecture. You can join a guided walking tour of the city (offered daily at 10am from Alexanderplatz) or do a little research before your visit and wander around at your own pace. The main highlights of the city include the ancient Church of St. Gotthardt (1140), the 15th century Brandenburg Town Hall and the Brandenburg Cathedral. Other attractions you should consider visiting include the National Archaeological Museum and the Industrial Museum Brandenburg.
Brandenburg an de Havel, Germany
2. Britzer Garten
Admire vibrant blooms and walk peaceful paths on a colorful spring escape.
Located in the south of Berlin, the fabulous Britzer Garten is a wonderful day-trip destination for all ages. This beautiful garden was the site of the Federal Garden Show in 1985 and continues to delight visitors all year round. You could spend several hours just walking around the many themed garden areas which include colorful flower beds, topiary specimens, groves of trees and even meadows and lakes. If you get a little tired from all the walking you can hop aboard the Park Train to continue your exploration. There are playgrounds for children and three restaurants where you can stop for a drink or snack.
Britzer Garten, Sangerhauser Weg 1, 12349 Berlin, Germany, Phone: +49-3-07-00-90-67-30
3. Devil’s Bridge
See the stunning arch and hike forest trails on a fairytale weekend adventure.
If you would like to exchange the bustle of the city for a quiet day out surrounded by nature, you could consider a day-trip to the Devil’s Bridge in Kromlau Park. This medieval hand-made stone bridge was designed to form a perfect circle when reflected in the lake below and turned out to be so perfect that people thought it was the work of the devil himself. The surrounding park is filled with Azaleas and Rhododendrons and is a very pleasant place for walking and getting back to nature. Note: Since December 2018 the bridge is being restored and the lake has been drained – please check the website for a current update before visiting.
Devil’s Bridge , Kromlau Park, Altes Schloss 11, 02953, Gablenz, Germany, Phone: +49-35-76-22-28-28
4. Dresden
Visit grand museums and stroll the rebuilt old town on a cultural trip.
Nestled along the banks of the River Elbe, and bursting at the seams with a wonderful variety of attractions, Dresden is a must-visit day-trip destination from Berlin. If you only have one day to visit it would be wise to join a guided city tour or make use of the Hop-on-Hop-off narrated city bus tour to see all the highlights. At the heart of the city you will find the most famous landmark – the Frauenkirche (which was carefully reconstructed after being destroyed during WWII) on Neumarkt Square and close by you can admire the 101-mt Procession of the Princes tiled mural. The city offers many excellent museums, wonderful shopping and dining.
Dresden, Germany
5. Hamburg
Tour harborfront sights and explore modern art galleries on a dynamic summer getaway.
Bustling Hamburg is a thriving port city located less than two hours (by fast train) from Berlin. Day trippers have a large selection of attractions to explore in Hamburg, which is rich in maritime, historic, cultural and architectural sites. If you have limited time in the city you should join one of the many city tours available or see the highlights on a narrated Hop-on-Hop-off tour bus, which gives you the opportunity to spend more time in the particular attractions which interest you. Be sure to see the famous red-brick warehouses in the harbor area, the infamous Reeperbahn entertainment area and the ultra-modern Elbphilharmonie concert hall.
Hamburg, Germany
6. Klein Glienicke
Discover hidden gardens and walk scenic lanes on a romantic historical outing.
Formerly a part of East Germany which was separated from West Berlin by the Berlin Wall, Klein Glienicke is a charming village which is very popular with day trippers. As you stroll past the beautiful villas and alpine-style cottages set on cobbled roads it is hard to imagine what life must have been like for residents during those troubled times. Today the main reason for visiting Klein Glienicke is to tour Glienicke Palace and its gardens, both of which provide a feast of visual delights. The gardens are open daily throughout the year but you can only visit the palace from Tuesday to Sundays in summer and weekends only in winter.
Klein Glienicke , Glienicke Palace, Konigstrasse 36, 14109 Berlin, Germany
7. Kopenick
See the baroque palace and stroll along riverside streets on a peaceful fall afternoon.
Located in what was formerly known as East Berlin, Altstadt Kopenick is a historic town which remains relatively untouched and charming. You can easily reach Kopenick using the S-Bahn from central Berlin. Main attractions include Schloss Kopenick, which is located on an island and is home to the exceptional Museum of Applied Art which features a marvelous collection of antique furnishings and silver. Another prominent landmark in the old town is the distinctive red-brick Town Hall (Rathaus). The town is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle and you can bring along a picnic to enjoy on the beach at the Muggelsee Lake.
Kopenick (aka Altstadt Kopenick), Berlin, Germany
8. Lake Lehnitz
Swim in calm waters and picnic lakeside on a cheap sunny day.
The lakeside town of Lehnitz, (on Lake Lehnitz or Lehnitzee), is located about 26km north-west of Berlin. The area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who come here to enjoy walking, hiking and cycling. Many of the scenic and shady trails meander through the forests and around the perimeter of the lake, offering perfect conditions for road cycling. In addition, walkers and hikers have 13 beautiful trails to explore. Along the way you can call in at the Altes Forsthaus (Old Forest House) for delicious home-made cakes, sausages and other regional specialties. You could also choose to enjoy the beauty of the lake from a comfortable seat on a modern lake cruiser.
Lehnitz Sea, Lehnitzee, Berlin, Germany
9. Leipzig
Explore music history and admire vibrant street art on a quick city visit.
Leipzig is an historic and beautiful city which is located just 75min from Berlin. Although this city is slightly off the usual tourist radar, Leipzig definitely deserves a place on your list of day trips from Berlin. Since the reunification of East and West Germany, many of Leipzig’s old buildings have been beautifully restored and are waiting to be discovered. The best way to learn about the city and its history would be to join a guided tour, which should include highlights like the old Town Hall which now houses the City History Museum. Other landmarks worth a second look include the Grassi Museum (art, history and culture) and St. Nicholas Church. Stop off in Naschmarkt to sip a coffee and soak up some atmosphere.
Leipzig , Germany
10. German Military History Museum
Walk through exhibitions and see historical artifacts on an educational family visit.
The German Military History Museum in Dresden is widely referred to as the War Museum (Kriegsmuseum) and is essential viewing for anyone interested in an in-depth look at the politics and history which led to WWI and WWII and shaped modern-day Germany. Even if you are not that interested in warfare you will still find plenty of interesting exhibits in the museum including Germany’s first submarine and the landing craft which was used to return the country’s first astronaut to earth. Even the architecture of the museum is interesting, combining a very modern glass wedge with an 1877 arsenal to form an enormous and emotive display area.
German Military History Museum, Dresden, Germany
Plan Your Trip
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