The best day trips and excursions from Berlin

Even though Berlin is, of course, the most exciting city in the country, it is still worth taking a trip to the no less interesting surrounding area when the opportunity arises. The surroundings of the German capital offer you not only idyllic nature to rest. Events of various kinds and historic buildings are also popular destinations for Berliners and their guests, usually costing little or nothing except for the journey.

Tour of the Babelsberg Film Studios

South of Berlin near Potsdam lies the community of Babelsberg, which in itself might not be remarkable. It became famous because of the film studios. This is where the biggest German cinema and television productions have been made for almost a century. During different tours you can discover the most diverse sceneries, souvenir stores and various opportunities to participate. For the little ones there are several playgrounds. Tickets cost between 10 and 20 € per person. The train ride from the main station takes about 45 minutes.

The world’s largest ship lift in Niederfinow

The ship lift in the north of Berlin was the largest in the world for a long time. In the meantime, it has even become two. The old ship lift went into operation in 1934 and gradually began to age at the beginning of the 21st century. Thus, another ship lift was built right next to it. Technology fans will be thrilled to see how effortlessly even large ships can overcome the height distance of 36 meters with the help of technology. Guided tours take place by reservation in groups of 10 or more or for an additional charge and cost from €40 for a minimum of 10 people. For the journey from Berlin we recommend the train or a car.

Theater, music and cultural events at Rheinsberg Castle by the lake

In the Barnim region, north of Berlin, lies the cultural town of Rheinsberg with the castle of the same name, idyllically situated on a lake. In the past, the castle itself was the “summer resort” of the Prussian aristocracy and Berlin notables. Conviviality and culture still characterize everyday life at Rheinsberg Castle, which constantly attracts guests from Berlin with theater, opera, festivals and concerts. Guided tours of the castle cost about 10 € per person. The castle park and lake provide a charming backdrop and you have many opportunities for a break or a walk here. Rheinsberg can be reached from Berlin in one and a half hours by train or by car.

A day in Rüdersdorf near Berlin

The municipality of Rüdersdorf is located east of Berlin. A day trip to Rüdersdorf leads first to the Museum Park Rüdersdorf, which shows an impressive picture of German industrial history. The open-air museum consists of the former limestone quarrying and processing facilities that characterized the long town. The entrance fee is less than €10 per person. Lovers of lost places can also take a detour to the former chemical plant in Rüdersdorf. To Rüdersdorf, the S-Bahn takes about an hour from Ostbahnhof.

Relaxing at the Schwielowsee like once Einstein in his dacha

Lake Schwielowsee in the south of Berlin is one of the largest lakes in the state of Brandenburg. The municipality of the same name was created by merging the villages of Caputh, Geltow and Ferch, whose names can be found in an astonishing number of novels and biographies from the 20th century. This is where the Berlin art and culture scene of the time gathered on weekends and during the summer vacations. Albert Einstein, for example, owned a wooden cottage in Caputh and insisted on not installing a telephone there. If you want to relax for a day swimming, sailing or hiking, go to Ferch and take the ferry across the lake. But maybe you prefer to head for the castle in Caputh first.

On the trail of the Captain of Köpenick

The district on the southern edge of Berlin would probably not have become as famous as it is today without the story of the Captain of Köpenick. The pretty old town of Köpenick is still home to the listed Köpenick Town Hall, which plays a central role in the story and is particularly beautiful on a small island. Köpenick Castle is also part of a city tour. The best way to get to Köpenick from the center of Berlin is by S-Bahn.

Boat trips and gherkins in the Spreewald

No visit to Berlin is complete without a detour to the Spreewald. Between the communities of Lübben, Lübbenau and Burg, the well-known canals, on which the equally well-known barges are the most important means of transport, stretch through the landscape. In addition to the culture of the Sorbian minority living here, there are two culinary specialties to discover that are emblematic of the Spreewald south of Berlin everywhere: Linseed oil, which is eaten with potatoes and cottage cheese, and Spreewald gherkins, which are served both pickled or as a hearty stew.

Gallop racing and horse betting in Hoppegarten

South of Berlin, friends of equestrian sports can look forward to an extraordinary experience. The Hoppegarten race course is one of the most important German racecourses and always has exciting race days on offer. Of course, you can also bet on the races and maybe enjoy a win or two. For the entrance fee you pay about 10 to 25 € depending on the race. The horse racing track in Hoppegarten can be reached by S-Bahn from Berlin-Lichtenberg station in just under half an hour.

Orchards, tastings and the tree blossom festival in Werder

West of Berlin lies Berlin’s orchard and in the middle of it the city of Werder an der Havel. The estates in the area offer fruit specialties and alcoholic treats to enjoy and taste throughout the year. The highlight of the fruit growing area is the annual tree blossom festival in Werder in May. Here, in a fairground atmosphere, fruit growers show you what they harvested and brewed the previous year. But beware, the sweet fruit wine is more substantial than you often think. The train will ensure a safe journey back to Berlin.

Thrill in the climbing forest Strausberg

A sporty outdoor event awaits climbing fans in the municipality of Strausberg in the district of Märkisch-Oderland. The Strausberg Climbing Forest also includes the Strausberg Mountain World. You will find everything that belongs to a real climbing adventure day: caves, mountains and the forest, where you can find various tree climbing trails, zip lines and other attractions. Opening hours vary depending on the season and weather, tickets cost between 15 and 25 €. Telephone registration is recommended. Important: Cash payment only, no cards. Strausberg can be reached by S-Bahn from Lichtenberg station in Berlin in about half an hour.

Schorfheide-Chorin Monastery and Biosphere Reserve

In the small town of Chorin, located north of Berlin, an interesting mix of culture and nature awaits you: On the one hand, you can visit the Cistercian monastery of Chorin, which invites you to a wide variety of events around the year. On the other hand, Chorin is located in the Schorfheide, which presents you its unique landscape. Part of it is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, but the highlight is the wolves that live here. Details are available from the Brandenburg Wolf Information Center. The train ride to Chorin takes about an hour from Gesundbrunnen station.

A bus tour through Potsdam

Anyone visiting Berlin can hardly avoid the city of Potsdam and its many sights. The famous castles, first of all Sanssoucis, the castle parks and also the city center of Potsdam are well suited for your day trip from Berlin. There are countless rail connections, for example from Bahnhof-Zoo or Berlin Hauptbahnhof. In Potsdam, a bus tour for about €25 is the best way to see the city in comfort and not miss any attraction. You simply get on and off at the individual stops of the tour where you like.