Imagine the sound of the train as it rolls through landscapes between the sea and the mountains. From the shores of the Baltic Sea to dense forests. From royal castles to villages where historical significance seems to have made time stand still… Make the north-east of Germany your new playground and venture away from the hustle and bustle of the city with the best day trips from Berlin by train!
Germany excels in the art of rail travel: a modern network that’s easy to navigate and extremely punctual. It’s the perfect combination for exploring the outskirts of the capital city in a sustainable way! Your only task? Sit back and enjoy the scenery as it unfolds on the horizon. Thanks to Deutsche Bahn, embarking on an adventure is a smooth and enjoyable experience, even for those who are reluctant to go it alone.
So on your next trip to Berlin, why not plan a walk through the market square of Potsdam? Or a kayaking adventure on the bucolic canals of Spreewald? Or even discovering unusual, timeless places like the Beelitz Heilstätten?
Dare to leave Berlin behind and discover the most magical things Germany has to offer with these handpicked day trip suggestions.
Spandauer Altstadt
Spandauer Altstadt, just a few minutes by train from Berlin, is certainly the most popular day trip from Berlin. Did you know that this town is 5 years older than the capital? Known for its charm and retaining much of its original character, the town boasts pretty cobbled streets that are entirely pedestrianised, half-timbered houses and the great citadel of Spandau, one of the largest fortresses in Europe. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk at your own pace and soak up the atmosphere along the historic buildings, some of which date back from the Middle Ages.
Visit the local beer garden, Brauhaus Spandau, which serves a new craft beer every month, as well as classic German dishes. Or wander aimlessly through the history of the Kolk district, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll at a leisurely pace along the water’s edge.
Planning a regional day trip around Berlin in Spandauer Altstadt
- Duration from Berlin by train: 25 minutes
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Berlin-Spandau
Potsdam Castle
Potsdam boasts the magnificent Sanssouci Palace, the grand New Palace, and the charming Dutch Quarter. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its royal history and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination. After exploring the Old Town, unwind at the nearby beer garden, perfect for a relaxing break. For castle enthusiasts, don’t miss the neighboring Tudor-style Schloss Cecilienhof, set amidst beautifully manicured gardens.
All in all, it’s easy to see why Potsdam is one of the best day trips from Berlin!
Planning a day trip from Berlin to Potsdam
- Duration from Berlin by train: 40 minutes
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Potsdam Hauptbahnhof
Spreewald/Lübbenau
Lübbenau in the Spreewald is a must for nature lovers who want to get away from it all. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the region is famous for its canals and green spaces. You can climb aboard a traditional boat for a relaxing visit or hire a kayak to explore the banks at your own pace. In the village, the charming atmosphere of Lübbenau is brought to life by the pretty 15th century castle, craft shops, and cobbled squares with pleasant terraces.
Planning a summer hiking day trip from Berlin to Spreewald
- Duration from Berlin by train: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Lübbenau (Spreewald)
Beelitz Heilstätten
The Beelitz Sanatoriums are the ideal destination for a complete immersion in history, worthy of a journey back in time on the outskirts of the capital. Formerly a sanatorium for sick Berliners, this now-abandoned complex houses buildings where nature has reclaimed its rights and time seems to have stood still since the mid-19th century. The eerily strange atmosphere makes it a fascinating place for fans of urban exploration and historical significance. And nature! A wooden walkway has been built 23 metres above the canopy to explore this unique site, providing panoramic views of the region.
Although steeped in the history of the Third Reich and the Cold War, the site is a powerful reflection on time and the evolution of things. One of the most off-the-beaten-path breaks from the city.
Planning a day trip from Berlin to Beelitz Heilstätten
- Duration from Berlin by train: 1 hour
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Beelitz-Heilstätten
Dresden
Dresden is one of the most popular day trips from Berlin. The city is famous for its baroque architecture, museums and art galleries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Saxon capital was largely rebuilt after the Second World War, having been almost entirely destroyed by Allied bombing. Today, its historic centre is home to the magnificent Zwinger Palace, the Old Master Picture Gallery, the Semper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche). The icing on the cake? All the historic sights of Dresden are within walking distance of each other, in the heart of a pedestrian and cyclist-only district.
Planning the best day trip from Berlin to Dresden
- Duration from Berlin by train: 2 hours
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Dresden Hauptbahnhof
Rostock
Rostock, once a member of the powerful Hanseatic League, a medieval trading union that dominated trade in northern Europe for several centuries, offers a unique insight into coastal history. Just over two hours from Berlin, it combines bright red brick architecture reminiscent of maritime warehouses with a thriving harbor dotted with lively seafood restaurants. The Gothic town hall is a landmark of the town centre, and the old Warnemünde lighthouse is well worth a visit. Rostock is a perfect day trip for history lovers and those seeking coastal charm.
Planning a day trip from Berlin to Rostock near the Baltic Sea
- Duration from Berlin by train: 2 hours
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Rostock Hauptbahnhof
Werder
Werder, a small town on an island in the Havel River, is the ideal place for a relaxing day trip from the hustle and bustle of the city. Werder, which means ‘land surrounded by water’, has charming half-timbered houses and a beautiful coastline that’s perfect for leisurely walks, cycling trails, green spaces, or even small electric boats. The relaxed atmosphere of the town, combined with the magnificent views over the water, make it the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll past windmills, beer gardens, pretty houses, and small cafés where you can mingle with the locals. A picture-perfect break from the city on a sunny day!
Planning a day tour from Berlin to Werder
- Duration from Berlin by train: 40 minutes
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Werder (Havel)
Poznań, Poland
And why not cross the border into Poland during your stay in Germany? Thanks to ultra-efficient European trains, Poznań is only a few hours away and provides an ideal base from which to explore Polish history and culture. And it’s well worth a visit! In the heart of the city, the market square is surrounded by plenty of colorful buildings and lively cafés where you can sample the region’s specialities: pierogi and bigos. Don’t miss Poznañ’s City Hall, where a fun local tradition takes place every lunchtime.
In other words, an ambitious yet fun day trip from to Poland.
Planning a day trip from Germany to Poland
- Duration from Berlin by train: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Poznań Główny
Görlitz
Situated on the border with Poland, Görlitz is one of the best preserved cities in Germany. It boasts a rich variety of architectural styles from medieval to Renaissance and Baroque. Its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets give it an old-world charm that makes it a popular destination for film productions. In fact, Görlitz’s market square and surrounding area has been the setting for several iconic films including The Grand Budapest Hotel, Inglourious Basterds, The Reader, The Book Thief and Monuments Men, providing an authentic backdrop for these stories. While you’re here, take your time to explore the treasures of Görlitz, between its pretty old town (check out the town hall) and the shores of the Neisse River.
The peaceful atmosphere of Görlitz, combined with its impressive historic buildings, makes it an unmissable albeit furthest day trip from the capital.
Planning a day trip from Berlin to Görlitz
- Duration from Berlin by train: 3 hours
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Görlitz Hauptbahnhof
Sachsenhausen-Oranienburg
The Sachsenhausen-Oranienburg camp in Brandenburg is a moving and essential destination for a day trip to better understand the dark history of Germany. The museum and memorial at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, one of the largest camps on German territory from 1936 to 1945 and later a Soviet secret service camp, offers a vivid insight into the timeline of the atrocities and the aftermath of the Third Reich.
A visit to Sachsenhausen is a profoundly transformative experience, of incalculable historical significance, in remembrance of the Shoah and its lasting effects on modern society.
Planning a day trip from Berlin to Sachsenhausen concentration camp
- Duration from Berlin by train: 45 minutes
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Oranienburg Hauptbahnhof
Wannsee
Located just outside the capital, Wannsee is one of the best day trips into a pastoral Germany that too often goes unnoticed. It offers a perfect blend of history and nature. It is infamous as the site of the Wannsee Conference, where Nazi leaders discussed the ‘Final Solution’. The house on the site is now a memorial.
The region also offers magnificent views of the lake, which is still one of the largest inland lakes in Europe. Small secluded islands, sandy beaches, boat tours, historic villas, and even a peacock island: Wannsee really has it all in summer! It’s certainly worth a visit for both fans of history, nature reserve amateurs as well as those simply looking to soak up the sun in lush green spaces.
Planning a day trip from Berlin to Wannsee
- Duration from Berlin by train: 30 minutes
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Wannsee
Leipzig
Nicknamed the ‘City of Music’, Leipzig is a major cultural centre just two hours by train from Berlin.
This historic city, Germany’s eight largest city, where Richard Wagner and Bach were born and where Mendelssohn, Schumann and Mahler left their mark, is full of musical treasures. The world-famous Gewandhaus Orchestra, the 800-year-old Thomaner Choir and the Leipzig Opera House make Leipzig a crossroads where tradition and modernity meet in perfect harmony. Alongside its exceptional musical heritage, Leipzig boasts a vibrant cultural scene, where the energy of the former industrial west has been skilfully transformed into some of the world’s most renowned and innovative art galleries famed for their modern architecture.
Planning a day trip from Berlin to Leipzig
- Duration from Berlin by train: 2 hours
- Deutsche Bahn train station: Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
Cover photo credit: visitBerlin/Dagmar Schwelle
