Berlin is a city that is no stranger to most of us. Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany and is largely home to the country’s art and nightlife scenes. Although the country is famed for its dark past, the country still attracts millions of visitors around the world and continues to flourish in the arts, culture, and history. There are so many things to do and places to see in Berlin like the famed Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and the TV tower. There are a number of great places to stay as well, including the best hotels for families as well as hotels for couples. If you plan to have a short getaway and want to make the most out of your Germany trip, check out some of these local cities that are just right outside of Berlin. Read on to find out more to see which local cities to explore on this list of best weekend trips from Berlin, Germany.
1. Hamburg
Hamburg is located at the North part of Germany and is known for its harbour, Port of Hamburg, and is connected by the famed Elbe River. Hamburg is vital to Germany’s economy and business. But, what is more impressive is that Hamburg has numerous beautiful eye-catching buildings, landmarks, and attractions like the Speicherstadt. Hamburg is a two-hour trip away from Berlin by train, making it the perfect weekend trip.
2. Leipzig
Leipzig was founded in the 11th century. The city is about a one- or two-hour train ride from Berlin. Leipzig is famous for its art, history, and music. When visiting Leipzig, one must visit St. Thomas Church where the famed music composer, Johann Sebastian Bach used to work. If you need something more exciting, come and visit Leipzig Zoo with your family or loved ones. It boasts about 850 species of animals and indeed makes for an interesting trip.
3. Rüdersdorf
Rudersdorf is just 30 km (18.6 mi) away from Berlin, which makes it a perfect short getaway or day trip for locals and visitors. Rudersdorf is best known for its parks and nature attractions which makes it popular to locals for their outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. You can visit an open-air museum, Museumspark Rudersdorf, or a scenic nature park, Flakensee.
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4. Dresden
Dresden is on the eastern part of Germany and it is a perfect blend of nature and metropolis. The city is famed for its art and music. The city has a rich historical culture as well. Come and admire the architecture of some famous buildings like Frauenkirche Dresden (domed-shape protestant church), Zwinger, Dresden Castle, and many more. Dresden is just around two to three hours away from Berlin by train.
Berlin Tour Guide
Matti Geyer
I was born in Berlin the year before the wall fell and thus had the fortune and privilege to grow up in a city that was growing up itself. In 2008, I decided to turn my passion for this amazing city into a career by becoming a tour guide. Both my parents lived in East Germany: My dad became a teacher, until refusal to join the Communist party ended his career, whilst my mom worked as a tour guide for tourists from the Soviet Union. In a way, I am following in her footsteps, although our tours would be incredibly different. For instance, my mom failed her first test tour, when she didn’t refer to the Berlin Wall by its official East German propaganda term ‘antifascist protection barrier.’On my tours, I am always happy to share personal family stories about what it was like growing up in such an exciting and ever-changing city. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English and History from the University of Potsdam and a Master’s degree in European Studies from the Viadrina Frankfurt/Oder.When I’m not guiding, I work as a journalist at one of Berlin’s biggest radio stations or spend time with my wife and son. I have also lived in New York City and in Brussels, where I worked at the Goethe-Institut and the European Parliament, respectively. I speak fluent English with hardly any accent. I am a member of the Berlin Guides Association. I am looking forward to showing you around this amazing city – on and off the beaten track – and to sharing its fascinating anecdotes, stories, and secrets! I am also a big fan of Potsdam, and am always happy to take people there as well!
Tours by Matti
Berlin Tour Guide
Asaf Leshem
My name is Asaf and I am a professional tour guide. I hold a Ph.D. in Dark Tourism and interpretation of history. In Berlin I guide tours on such topics as the Cold War, the Third Reich, Berlin's Jewish Heritage, Berlin and Brandenburg's Prussian History, and more. I also guide in Potsdam, and I am certified to guide in the Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen. I am also an enthusiastic runner and cyclist. For repeating visitors, looking for unique experiences outside the city, I guide special cycling tours in Brandenburg's northern lake district, and in the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve.
Tours by Asaf
Berlin Tour Guide
Tina
Born and raised in Australia, I studied psychology at the University of Queensland but had always loved reading modern history books. I came to Berlin for a nerdy history vacation in 2017, fell in love with the city and decided to make it home. I offer tours of Berlin and its surrounds which are rich with history and packed with energy. I don’t just show my guests Berlin's sights; I also explain the history behind them in an accessible and engaging way and help my guests to connect with the city’s spirit and uncover its real soul. Not sure what to do in Berlin? In addition to my Tips on Trip101, you can find lots of ideas on my Instagram. Every Thursday I post a highlight Story called "Tina's Tips" where I suggest events in Berlin for the coming week, like comedy, live music, gallery tours, dance parties etc.
Tours by Tina
5. Saxon Switzerland National Park
Ever find yourself needing a break from city life and wanting a breath of fresh air? Saxon Switzerland National Park is a national park that looks like it just came out from a postcard. The park is located on the outskirts of Germany and at its centre are the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. You can conveniently catch a train to visit Saxon Switzerland. Some of the nearest cities will be Dresden which is about a one-and-a-half-hour train ride away. Bastei Bridge is a must-visit and is a famous landmark in the park.
6. Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen was a concentration camp and was established in 1936. It is located at Oranienburg, Germany. The camp is just 35 km (21.7 mi) or a 45-minute ride away from Berlin. Explore this eerie camp and find out more about the gas chambers, Station Z, and other monuments. Learn the histories of the first concentration camp from a guide and gain insight into this dark part of history.
7. Szczecin, Poland
Going around Europe is convenient as the countries are just next to one another. Szczecin is perfect for a getaway trip since one gets to see another side of the world–talk about killing two birds with one stone. Szczecin is one of Poland’s biggest cities. It is a city located just on the outskirts of Northwest Poland and it just two hours’ train ride from Berlin. The city has plenty of sight-seeing and shopping options to offer to tourists. You should check out Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, Waly Chrobrego, and Rozanka Rose Garden while here.
8. Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is a mediterranean sea located north of the Atlantic Ocean and it is nearby some European countries. Baltic Sea has a lot of things to things to offer to its tourists and locals like getting to travel to many different small cities in Germany. You can visit some German port towns such as Warnemünde, Zingst, and Ueckermünde. These small German port towns are located just a few hours away from Berlin. Visiting the coast could be a great way to relax and relieve stress.
9. Munich
Munich is a popular city in Germany and the capital of Bavaria. Munich has a long history and there are many cultural places to discover and explore. It is 623 km (387.1 mi) away from Berlin and will take six to seven hours by train. The city is very influential in the art scene. Furthermore, Munich is well-known for its Oktoberfest which is an annual beer festival in October. Munich has plenty to offer like Munich Residenz where the Royal Family used to stay during the Renaissance. Marienplatz is popular among tourists where there are plenty of shops and sightseeing to do.
10. Potsdam
Potsdam is known for its magnificent view and unique architectural designs. Potsdam is the capital city of Brandenburg and is 30 minutes away from Berlin by train. It is one of the largest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany. There are plenty of things to do in Potsdam like Sanssouci Park which looks like it just came out of a fairytale. You will also be able to marvel at Dutch-style houses built by King Fredrick William in the 18th century. As a getaway trip, visiting Potsdam from Berlin is definitely worth it!
There is more beyond Berlin
Weekend trips are slowly becoming a trend nowadays. Whether you are a local or tourist, it is always good to have a good break or get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Relax and take a breath. Sight-see the different romantic places and try some fun things to do in Germany and all around Europe. See what Germany has to offer you!
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