Summary of Day Trips from Berlin
Beyond Berlin – Day Trips From the Big City
Are you a seasoned Berlin traveler? Can you find everything from the Brandenburg Gate to Tempelhofer Field with your eyes closed? If so, it’s time to escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin and explore some fantastic day trip destinations, all within 2 hours by train or car.
From wellness and nature to culture and history, these Berlin day trips provide a memorable escape from the city.
Potsdam
Address: 14 Potsdam, Germany
Potsdam is known for its stunning rococo-style palace and 700 acres of ornate gardens, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After a short train ride from Berlin, you can immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this extraordinary place.
Explore the Old Town and wander the narrow cobblestone streets of the Dutch Quarter lined with charming cafes, quaint shops, and delightful bakeries.
Transportation: Take the S1 or S7 to Potsdam. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Pfaueninsel
Address: Pfaueninsel, 14109 Berlin, Germany
Although Pfaueninsel lies within Berlin’s city limits, it feels like a tranquil escape. Accessible via ferry, this nature reserve features a picturesque castle built in the 18th century, surrounded by lush gardens and free-wandering peacocks—a perfect setting for romantic strolls and picnics.
Transportation: Take the S1 or S7 toward Potsdam, exit at Wannsee station, then take bus 216 or 316. The ferry to the island is a short ride. Total travel time is approximately 1 hour.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Address: Str. d. Nationen 22, 16515 Oranienburg, Germany
Phone: +49 3301 200200
The memorial site of Sachsenhausen, a former concentration camp, serves as a poignant reminder of history. It operated from 1936 to 1945, housing over 200,000 prisoners under the Nazi regime. This site was significant in the Third Reich, influencing the design of many subsequent camps.
Transportation: Oranienburg, served by the S-Bahn line S1, is the closest station. From there, bus N°804 or a 25-minute walk will take you to the site. The estimated travel time is around 50 minutes.
Spreewald
Address: 03 Burg, Germany
The mesmerizing landscape of Spreewald features over 200 canals winding through ancient villages and lush forests. One of the best ways to experience this remarkable biosphere reserve is by taking a trip in a traditional punting boat while sampling local specialties like the well-known Spreewald pickle.
Transportation: Regional train to Spreewald Therme/Burg. Travel time is about 1.45 hours.
VW Factory Wolfsburg
Address: In den Allerwiesen 1, 38446 Wolfsburg, Germany
Phone: +49 5361 8903903
If you’re a car enthusiast, a visit to the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg is essential. As the largest auto plant in the world, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at how vehicles are made. Adjacent to the factory, the Autostadt is an automobile theme park featuring a car museum and various experiences for all ages.
Transportation: ICE train to Wolfsburg. The trip duration is approximately 1.5 hours.
Bad Saarow
Address: 15 Bad Saarow, Germany
Just 60 km east of Berlin, Bad Saarow is a charming spa town situated by a large lake and surrounded by serene hills and farmland. This location is perfect for resting and rejuvenating. Be sure to visit the top-rated thermal salt-water spa that Germany has to offer.
Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at The Buehne restaurant, where you can savor regional delicacies in a setting reminiscent of the 1920s.
Transportation: Regional train to Fuerstenwalde, followed by a local train to Bad Saarow. The total travel time is approximately 2 hours.
