12 day trips from Berlin

Are you coming to Berlin soon and want to explore the area? Here are the 12 day trips from Berlin that we recommend!

Berlin is one of the most interesting capitals in Europe. It offers an amazing mix between modernity and history, with an artistic and vibrant culture that surprises. The exciting German capital is worth a visit, but travellers are right to enjoy their stay to discover their surroundings.

Berlin is indeed surrounded by a myriad of friendly corners, historic cities and unmissable cultural or natural sites that must be discovered. Do you want to know them? So here are the 12 day trips from Berlin that we selected for you!

1. Potsdam

Potsdam is certainly one of the most unmissable excursions to do from Berlin! This historic city of northeastern Germany can be visited in one to two days. It is known for its neighborhood of Babelsberg, which has many palaces. Some of these palaces are even listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can also visit its beautiful city centre, its Babelsberg film studios or the Museum Fluxus Plus, a modern and contemporary art museum. Also take a leap at Einstein’s tower-observatory, built in 1920. The latter is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of expressionist architecture!

2. The Sachsenhausen camp

The former Oranienbourg-Sachsenhausen concentration camp is located north of Berlin. It bears witness to the horror of the crimes and atrocities committed by the Nazis on Jewish populations and minorities during this dark period.

The place now houses a memorial museum, presenting the history of the camp. Many day trips from Berlin are offered by organizations. They will allow you to reach this site and visit it.

3. The Großer Wannsee

The Großer Wannsee is a large lake formed by the Havel River. It is located in the south-west suburb of the German capital, near Potsdam. Many beaches are built along the shores of this great lake.

The Berliners come from spring to autumn to swim, stroll and relax. This place is certainly one of the best excursions to do from Berlin.

If you spend several days in the German capital and want to take a relaxing moment in the sun, then make a tour!

4. The Heideseen Nature Reserve

The Dahme-Heideseen Nature Reserve is located southeast of Berlin. This place will especially delight lovers of wild nature and authenticity!

If you want to discover the fauna and flora of Brandenburg, do not miss to go there. You can enjoy superb hiking, walking or cycling. Travellers can also rent a canoe-kayak and explore the rivers and lakes that cross the reserve.

5. Dresden

Located south of Berlin, Dresden is the capital of Saxony and the fourth largest city in Germany. Known as the “Elbe Florence”, it is above all a major cultural centre in the country.

Rebuked by the bombs during the Second World War, it was nevertheless rebuilt and its heritage restored by the Soviet GDR. Today it is possible to discover its baroque architecture, its art collections and its emblematic monuments.

Easily accessible by train, Dresden is ideal for a day trip from Berlin. You can visit its old town, explore the Brühlsche Terrace, admire the Frauenkirche and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.

6. Swiss National Park Saxonne

Located a few kilometers from Dresden, on the border with Czech Republic , the Swiss Saxonne National Park is one of the most beautiful in Germany. It is known for its rock formations, breathtaking views and dense forests. You can discover one of its iconic sites, the Bastei . All up there you will enjoy superb views of the atypical landscapes of Switzerland Saxonne.

This beautiful region is certainly one of the best places for a day trip from Berlin. She's also perfectly coupled with Dresden for a two-day trip.

7. Leipzig

Sometimes called the “new Berlin”, Leipzig is a trendy city, rich in culture, history and entertainment. Located southwest of the capital, it is an ideal destination for a day trip from Berlin.

You can visit many exciting museums, such as the Bach Museum, the Fine Arts Museum or the Panometer Museum. Its historic city centre is also worth a visit. You will admire many historic and emblematic monuments of the city, such as the old and the new City Hall.

Finally, Leipzig will seduce street art and alternative culture lovers with its vibrant Plagwitz neighbourhood.

8. Lake Müggelsee

Müggelsee is the largest lake in the Berlin region. It is located south of the capital, in the district of Treptow-Köpenick. Like the Wannsee, it is a privileged destination in the summer to swim and relax. You can also rent boats to sail on the lake, or make beautiful hikes.

On the north shore of the lake is also a very interesting museum, the Museum im Wasserwerk. In particular, you will be able to visit a room of original machines still in condition, with its piston machines, serving to supply Berlin with water. This place is to be discovered absolutely if you come to Lake Müggelsee!

9. The Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

This Spreewalk biosphere reserve, the "forest along the river", is classified as a UNESCO heritage. You will discover unique landscapes in Central Europe. The reserve houses a vast interior delta, shaped by the Spree River. There is a wide network of inland waterways.

Its canals and rivers include exceptional fauna and flora. Travellers can explore this beautiful picturesque area on board traditional fishing boats or canoes. They will discover through the water: the forest, the meadows and all the species that shelter this superb biosphere reserve.

10. Magdebourg

Magdebourg is a major historic centre of Germany. Former capital of Saint-Empire , then archival episcopal city and finally strong strategic Protestant place, it was at the heart of German and European history.

Rich city, it has a vast heritage, to be discovered absolutely. Its emblematic monument is obviously its Cathedral, but it also houses many other wonders.

Take the time to admire its cathedral quarter, as well as the beautiful houses of the banks of the Elbe. Visit its various churches and abbeys, contemplate its Green Citadel of Friedensreich Hundertwasser and also discover its many museums. Magdebourg has a good day! This is one of the best excursions to do from Berlin.

11. Brandenburg

Another historic city of the region is the city of Brandenburg-sur-la-Havel. Developed around a Slavic fortress, it was the residence of the first margraves from Brandenburg to the 12th century. This state became much later Prussia, a kingdom in the heart of German unification.

This picturesque city is home to many charming monuments and sites, such as its Saint-Pierre-et-Paul Cathedral or its city hotel. Lose in its historic centre and along its canals, also enjoy its authentic atmosphere. For a beautiful view, you should also climb to the top of the Marienberg tower!

12. Hamburg

Hamburg is rather a trip from Berlin to do on two days. It is worth the detour! This port city is the second largest city in Germany!

It houses a lot of wonders to be discovered, such as its port, city centre and the banks of the Alster. You can also visit its emigration museum, the Hamburg Stock Exchange and especially its different neighbourhoods. The city does not lack charm and will be happy with all travellers.

So, what trip from Berlin will you choose for your holiday in Germany?