29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin

Berlin has a lot to offer, and you can easily spend your whole vacation to Berlin exploring the city itself. But if you’re planning a longer trip, you might want to include some day trips from Berlin.

Add one of these day trips from Berlin to your itinerary, especially if you have more than 3 days in Berlin, and enjoy getting to know another part of Germany. With so many towns and cities to visit near Berlin, you’re bound to find one or two that pique your interest.

And if you’re looking for a contrast to the urban landscape, there are several options for places to visit outside Berlin that will get you out into nature.

Planning Day Trips from Berlin

When planning a Berlin day trip, consider how long it takes to get there. In general, I try to stick to two hours one way for a day trip, so most of the destinations on this list are reachable within two hours from the center of Berlin.

But there are a few destinations on the list that are a bit farther for those of you who are more ambitious. If you’re an early riser and you can handle a long day of transport, sightseeing, and transport again, locations that are farther from Berlin might be fine for you.

These are all day trips from Berlin by train, though sometimes there are bus options. I have these day trip destinations roughly organized by how long it takes to get there by train since time is such a big factor.

I used the Deutsche Bahn website to search for train routes and times for each destination since each one is reachable by train. The times listed are based on leaving early in the morning, sometime between 7am and 9am, because often the fastest route is early in the day.

These are all listed with the Berlin Hbf (central station) as the starting point, but based on where you’re staying in Berlin, it might be faster to start from one of the secondary Berlin train stations.

Another great transport option you should consider is FlixBus. For some destinations, FlixBus takes close to the same amount of time for a much lower price. Some locations will be too far to go by bus but reasonable by train, so it’s worth comparing the two options to see which works best for you.

I’ve labeled the ones where I think FlixBus could be a good alternative.

And if some of these destinations are a little farther away than you’d like to do as a day trip, many of them will also work well as weekend trips from Berlin.

Here’s my list of the best day trips from Berlin, plus my top picks for different types of trips.

Top picks for Berlin day trips

With so many fantastic options, it can be hard to choose the right day trips from Berlin. Each destination on this list has its appeal, and some will be a better choice for certain types of travelers.

If you’re having trouble deciding, here are my thoughts on which ones are the best day trips from Berlin depending on your interests.

Most popular: Potsdam and Sachsenhausen
Potsdam is the perfect choice for a Berlin day trip because it’s not too far from Berlin, and it’s loaded with history and gorgeous palaces and gardens. Sachsenhausen is an important concentration camp not far outside Berlin where you can learn about Germany’s dark history. These are very different destinations, but you can’t go wrong with choosing one of these day trips.

Best for kids: Tropical Islands
After a few days in Berlin, your kids might do well with a fun break. Tropical Islands is a huge spa and water park in a former zepplin hangar, and a day playing in the water might be just the ticket.

Best for nature lovers: Spreewald
If you’re looking for a break from the city and want to enjoy a day in nature, the Spreewald forest is perfect. Lübbenau is a great jumping off point for boating, hiking, and cycling excursions in this protected biosphere reserve.

Best cities to visit near Berlin: Hamburg, Dresden, Leipzig
These are all fantastic, and honestly, each one deserves more than a day. But if a day is all you have and you want to see another city, Hamburg, Dresden, and Leipzig are all great options.

Best for castle lovers: Schwerin
If you want to see a really gorgeous castle on a day trip from Berlin, Schwerin is my top choice. There are a few other good sights to see in the old town, but the castle is the star.

Best day trips from Berlin to Poland: Poznan
Poznan is a really charming city, so for a Berlin to Poland day trip, Poznan is my top choice. At almost 3 hours one way, this makes for a long day, but if you really want to squeeze in another country during your trip to Berlin, go to Poznan.

Keep reading for more details about each of these destinations, plus many other day trips from Berlin that might interest you.

Potsdam

If you only have time for one day trip from Berlin, Potsdam is probably the one you will choose. It’s one of the most interesting cities to visit near Berlin and easy to reach by Sbahn or regional train, and it’s packed with history and beauty.

Another great option is to book a tour of Potsdam, like this one.

Located right on the border of Berlin, Potsdam is the capital of Brandenburg, and it is filled with palaces and royal parks that you can explore. The Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin is one of Berlin’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it covers multiple properties in both cities.

If you plan to take a day trip to Potsdam, you should visit the magnificent Sanssouci Palace, which was the summer home of Frederick the Great. This is the most famous palace in Potsdam.

You should also see the Neues Palais. It is a large Baroque palace built by Frederick the Great at the end of the seven-year war with France. Other worthwhile palaces include the Orangery Palace, Charlottenhof Palace, Cecilienhof Palace, Marmorpalais, and Babelsberg Palace.

Potsdam is more than its gorgeous palaces and gardens. Be sure to explore the town itself on your day trip.

Take a walk through the Dutch Quarters and check out the antique shops, galleries, cafes and ateliers that line its cobbled streets. Behind the quarters is the Jan-Bouma-Haus where there is a museum you can explore. You’ll also see several old city gates.

Read more about taking a Potsdam day trip from Berlin and how to get to Potsdam from Berlin.

Time from Berlin Hbf using : 25-35 minutes

Pfaueninsel

Note: The castle on Peacock Island is currently under construction until late 2023/early 2024, and it’s covered in tarps and scaffolding so you can’t even see the outside. The island is pretty, but if you’re main reason for visiting is the castle, I’d skip it until the renovations are completed.

Also known as Peacock Island, Pfaueninsel is part of the popular Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s technically within Berlin’s borders but just far enough away to be considered a day trip from Berlin.

Pfaueninsel is the perfect place for a day trip as it features ancient buildings that hold a lot of history in a beautiful natural setting.

Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic by the lake. If you love nature, you will love spending a quiet day surrounded by peacocks and other animals.

The most well known sight on Peacock Island is the striking white palace built in 1797 by Friedrich Wilhelm. Its surroundings are filled with peacocks, lots of beautiful flowers, and other birds.

Read more about how to visit Berlin Peacock Island on a day trip, including details about how to get there.

Time from Berlin Hbf: 39-43 minutes

>>Read: 101 Fun and Essential Things to do in Berlin

Müggelsee

If you’re visiting in the summer, it could be nice to plan a day trip from Berlin to on of the nearby lakes. It’s a great way to relax and get a break from the heat.

Located in the southeastern corner of Berlin in Friedrichshagen, Müggelsee is the largest natural lake in the area. It features a large sandy beach and several swimming spots that are great for families.

There is a ramified cycle path all around the lake so if you love cycling, be sure to come with your bike and enjoy a cycling tour through the Radweg am Müggelsee and Uferweg trails.

You can also head on to Borkenstrand to enjoy the breathtaking sunset. Walk through the Spreetunnel, a tunnel that goes under the water where the river meets the lake.

The area around the lake features a large beer garden and a cozy bistro where you can relax after a long day of touring the forest and the city around.

Time from Berlin Hbf: 52 minutes to the Licht- und Luftbad Müggelsee tram stop

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp in Oranienburg

Another place to visit on a day trip from Berlin is the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp located in Oranienburg. It was one of the first concentration camps set up by Third Reich.

So this is definitely not a “fun” day trip like the title suggests, but it’s a worthwhile one all the same.

Go on a guided tour of the concentration camp memorial and learn details of the camp’s creation and a timeline of the atrocities that occurred here from a historian guide.

Although this is a somber place to visit, it is also an important place and visiting and learning about what the victims of this concentration camp went through is a great way to remember them.

A tour like this one starts in Berlin and takes you to the concentration camp, so you don’t have to worry about how to get there.

Check out my full guide to taking a day trip from Berlin to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp including how to get there and more.

Time from Berlin Friedrichstrasse Station: About an hour

Lutherstadt Wittenberg

This town is home to one of the top universities in Germany. Found along the River Elbe, this historic city has close ties to Martin Luther, who was the Protestant Reformation leader.

One of the top things to do is to take a tour of the Lutherhaus. It used to be a monastery where Luther lived but has since been turned into a historical museum where Luther’s art and paintings are displayed.

You should also visit Castle Church, an architectural gem where Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 40 minutes – 1 hour 23 minutes

Subscribe to the Berlin Travel Tips Newsletter

Sign up for tips to help you plan the best trip to Berlin, and get a free printable Berlin packing checklist.

First Name

Email

Subscribe

Success! Please check your inbox and spam folder for a confirmation email. You will need to confirm to subscribe to the newsletter.

Subscribe to the Berlin Travel Tips Newsletter

Sign up for tips to help you plan the best trip to Berlin, and get a free printable Berlin packing checklist.

First Name

Email

Subscribe

Success! Please check your inbox and spam folder for a confirmation email. You will need to confirm to subscribe to the newsletter.

Brandenburg an der Havel

Best known for its red-brick, Gothic buildings, this town is surrounded by three lakes and is a popular tourist location near Berlin.

On a day trip, plan to visit the famous Cathedral Island where most of the city’s historic churches are located. You can visit the old Town Hall and see the statue of Roland, then head on to tour the city Walls and Towers.

If you’re interested in museums, explore the National Archeological Museum with over 10,000 artifacts, and check out the Museum of Industry. This town is a great place to explore some of Germany’s breathtaking scenery.

Kids would love to explore the Westhavelland Nature Park and enjoy tons of outdoor adventures.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 47-56 minutes

Tropical Islands

This surreal beach paradise used to be a blimp hangar during the Nazi era. Now, it is home to an indoor climate-controlled waterpark filled with flamingos, pools, sandy beaches and hot air balloons.

This rain-forest-like oasis is located in the middle of Germany and offers visitors an exclusive beach experience not far from Berlin.

Tropical Islands has a constant temperature of 26 degrees Celsius (78.8F) with a rain forest that houses over 600 species of plants. Home to the tallest water slide in Germany, a spa area, restaurants and bars, it is one of the perfect day trips from Berlin for families.

With more than one person, the best deal for transport is to buy a Brandenburg Berlin ticket. Read more about how the Brandenburg Berlin ticket can save money on transportation in the region.

Read more about how to visit Tropical Islands from Berlin, including transport and other tips for your day trip.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 55 minutes to the Brand Tropical Islands station, then hop on the free shuttle bus

>>Read: 21 Enjoyable Things to do in Winter in Berlin

Lübbenau in the Spreewald

Located only an hour away from Berlin, Spreewald is the perfect nature escape from Berlin. There are several towns in this forest region, but one of the more popular ones is Lübbenau.

It is a quiet town filled with meadows and waterways. A popular means of transportation here is the punt, a flat-bottomed boat, and you can take a guided punt tour of the town.

Explore the historic town center and see the Lübbenau Castle. You can also visit the Spreewald Museum to learn more about the history of this area, which is a protected biosphere reserve.

The Spreewald is also known for pickles, so be sure to try a few while visiting Lübbenau.

This is one of the wonderful day trips from Berlin that gives you a glimpse at the gorgeous nature in the region and a change of scenery from the big city.

Read more about taking a Spreewald day trip with details about how to get to Lübbenau in the Spreewald and what to see there.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 24 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option since it takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to get from Berlin Südkreuz to Lübbenau.

Cottbus

A little beyond Lübbenau in the Spreewald is Cottbus, another charming city you might want to visit on a day trip from Berlin.

There’s plenty to do in Cottbus to fill your day, and though you could spend longer, I felt like a day trip was plenty of time to see the highlights.

While exploring Cottbus, you can see several churches, including one that’s actually now a synagogue. There are a few old towers, and you can climb one of them for views of Cottbus.

The city has culture, history, and art museums, plus an excellent theater. It’s also a great city for admiring architecture and wandering through parks.

You can also check out the palace and the giant park it sits within. And there are pyramids in the park…what? Yes, it’s true.

This charming town won’t disappoint if you choose to take a day trip from Berlin to Cottbus.

Read more about taking a day trip from Berlin to Cottbus with details about how to get to Cottbus and what to see there. And also read about how to use the Brandenburg-Berlin ticket to save money on regional trains.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 32 minutes

Leipzig

Known for its rich cultural heritage, Leipzig is one of several cities to visit near Berlin you could easily spend days exploring. But if you don’t have tons of time, it does still make for a great day trip from Berlin.

Start with a visit to the main square, Leipziger Markt, which houses the farmer’s market and the Old City Hall, one of Germany’s most beautiful Renaissance buildings. Continue wandering through the quaint old town and admire its well-preserved passages.

Leipzig’s important historical figures include Bach and Martin Luther, among others. Check out St Thomas Church where Martin Luther was a preacher, and where Bach was a choirmaster two centuries later.

Also visit Nikolaikirche, another church where Bach served as a choirmaster. Nikolaikirche was also an important part of the nonviolent protests that eventually helped bring an end to the East German communist rule.

Pay a visit to Volkerschlachtdenkmal, the Battle of the Nations Monument, which is the largest war memorial in Europe. It was built to honor the 100th Anniversary of Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig in 1813.

Read more about taking a day trip to Leipzig from Berlin plus what to do in Leipzig in one day and details about how to get to Leipzig from Berlin.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 12 minutes – 1 hour 21 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option if you’re on a budget since it takes 2-3 hours to get to Leipzig depending on which bus station in Berlin you use.

Book a tour for your Leipzig day trip from Berlin

If you only have a day in Leipzig, a sightseeing tour like this one could be the perfect way to see a lot of sights in a short amount of time.

Braunschweig

Also known as Brunswick in English, this town has become a popular destination in Germany.

Start in the old town in Burgplatz where you’ll find the Brunswick Cathedral and the Dankwarderode Castle. The castle now houses as an art museum.

In the square, you’ll also see the Braunschweiger Löwe, the Brunswick Lion, the most recognizable statue in the city. Not far from here, you will find the Old Town Hall building and the Old Town Market.

If you like panoramic views, visit the New Town Hall (built in 1900, so not that new!) and climb the tower’s 161 steps to the viewing platform. This is a great way to see the old town.

Be sure to check out the Happy Rizzi House. It was built by James Rizzi and is painted with several cheerful cartoon faces and motifs of stars and hearts. It is definitely one of the more quirky sights to see in Braunschweig.

Read more about taking a day trip to Braunschweig from Berlin with details about how to get to Braunschweig and what to do while you’re there.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 29 minutes – 1 hour 35 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option if you’re on a tight budget, but it takes around 3 hours, so you really have to weigh time vs money. Deutsche Bahn is a faster option.

Hamburg

Located between the North and Baltic seas, Hamburg is Germany’s top cultural city. It really deserves more than a day trip can cover, but if that’s all the time you have, you can still have a good experience on a day trip from Berlin.

Hamburg was an important trade city with a vast trade route across the globe and was a major port of departure for immigrants. The city’s maritime history is still an important part of its identity.

Explore the Speicherstadt region of the city where you can see the canals and warehouses that were once an important part of the shipping and trading.

To learn more about the maritime history and culture of Hamburg, visit the Speicherstadt Museum, the International Maritime Museum, and the Rickmer Rickmers ship museum.

Miniatur Wunderland is a fantastic model railway museum with entire cities recreated in miniature with unbelievable detail. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Hamburg. Book tickets ahead to avoid the long wait.

Another great option for your time in Hamburg is the Elbphilharmonie. This impressive building is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks, it’s home to Hamburg’s philharmonic, and it has a great viewing platform where you can get views of the city.

This diverse city features over forty-five theaters and fifty museums, and there is never a shortage of fun things to do on a day trip.

Being a shopper’s paradise, there is no doubt that Hamburg is Germany’s wealthiest city. Enjoy shopping in any of its numerous boutiques, handicraft stores, flea markets and luxury stores.

Read more about taking a day trip to Hamburg from Berlin with details about how to get to Hamburg from Berlin and what to do while you’re there.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 43 minutes – 2 hours 6 minutes

The bus takes too long for a day trip to Hamburg from Berlin. But FlixBus has a train option (called FlixTrain) that might be a good option since it takes about 2 hours to get from Berlin Hbf to Hamburg and could save you a lot of money. It’s worth comparing with Deutsche Bahn.

Magdeburg

Magdeburg might not be on your radar, but it’s a wonderful city with a great old town to explore.

Start with the Altemarkt square where you’ll see the old town hall building. Then check out the Magdeburg Cathedral, which was almost entirely destroyed in WWII and has since been restored. You climb to the top for excellent views of the city.

If you’re here in the evening, be sure to catch the water show in front of the cathedral.

For more stunning views of Magdeburg, climb the Jahrtausendturm (Millennium Tower), one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. As you climb the 243 steps to the top, learn about the development of human history in chronological order through the exhibits displayed at each level.

Since Magdeburg is located along the Elbe River, taking a boat tour can be a good option. As an alternative, consider renting a bike to explore the city for the day.

Read more about taking a day trip to Magdeburg from Berlin with details about how to get to Magdeburg and what to do while you’re there.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 50 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option since it takes roughly 2 hours to get from Berlin to Magdeburg.

Join our Facebook group!

Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Join our Facebook group!

Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Tangermünde

If you’re looking for someplace different as a day trip from Berlin, Tangermünde is your town.

This is one of the most preserved towns in Saxony-Anhalt, and it is simply beautiful. It features an impressive castle, a picturesque market square, and a quaint medieval church.

Be sure to include a visit to the grand St. Stephanskirche church on your day trip. This church has colorful interiors and features the highest tower in the city.

You should also check out the fortress museum named Burgmuseum. Here, you get to learn about the history of the town’s castle and take a tour of the palace built by Frederich I in 1700.

The Burg Tangermünde is actually now a hotel, so if you’re interested in spending the night in a castle, check out the Ringhotel Schloss Tangermünde.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 39 minutes – 2 hours 12 minutes

Erfurt

Erfurt is a charming and historic city filled with beautiful architecture and lots of natural, cultural and historical attractions.

Visit the Erfurt Cathedral and admire the 13 stained-glass windows that reach up as high as 13 meters. The square where the cathedral sits, called Domplatz, features a bubbling open-air market filled with rich historical architecture.

Take a stroll across the Krämerbrücke, an old merchants bridge with picturesque buildings on it. For views of Erfurt, climb the Ägidienkirche tower.

Also, check out St. Augustine’s Monastery, where Martin Luther was a monk before eventually moving to Wittenberg to teach.

Stroll through Fischmarkt (Fish Market Square) where you’ll see city hall and lots of other beautiful colorful old buildings. Explore the impressive Petersberg Citadel, including its underground tunnels.

Read more about taking a day trip to Erfurt from Berlin with details about how to get to Erfurt and what to do while you’re there.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 40 minutes – 1 hour 59 minutes

I don’t recommend taking the bus for a day trip to Erfurt from Berlin because it takes too long. But FlixBus sometimes has a train option (called FlixTrain) that might be a good option since it takes about 2 hours to get from Berlin Hbf to Erfurt and could save you a lot of money. It’s worth comparing with Deutsche Bahn.

Dresden

Located in the far eastern part of the country, Dresden is one of the prettiest cities in Germany, and it’s one of the best cities to visit near Berlin. Its location on the Elbe River makes for an impressive skyline.

Take some time to wander through the Old Town to admire the stunning architecture. Don’t skip Brühl’s Terrace, a long terrace along the river where the old city ramparts were and now makes for a nice stroll with views of the river and impressive buildings.

On your day trip from Berlin to Dresden, be sure to check out Frauenkirche, an important church that was badly damaged during World War II. Its restoration was one of the most impressive rebuilding projects in the world and used nearly 4,000 of the original stones.

Visit the Zwinger Palace, an impressive 18th century Baroque palace. Inside is an extensive art museum, and the grounds surrounding the palace feature gardens, fountains, and statues.

With many more museums, palaces, and fun activities, you could easily spend several days in Dresden. But to get a taste of the city, visiting on a Berlin day trip is quite enjoyable.

Read more about taking a day trip to Dresden from Berlin with details about what to do while you’re there and how to get to Dresden from Berlin.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 51 minutes – 2 hours 14 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option since it takes roughly 2-3 hours to get from Berlin to Dresden. Compare with Deutsche Bahn to see which works best for you.

Schwerin

Located northwest of Berlin, this town is best known for its grand castle, the Schwerin Castle. This romantic palace sits on an island and is surrounded by stunning landscapes.

You should also check out the Gothic Schwerin Cathedral and Schlossgarten, a vast French-style garden. This garden houses a cafe and several sandstone sculptures by Balthasar Permoser.

Explore the Schelfstadt Quarter, the area surrounding the cathedral, which is a great place to wander and soak up the atmosphere. Here you’ll find museums, art galleries, shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Schwerin is a walkable city that makes for a great day trip from Berlin. But the city also sits among 12 lakes, so if you’re there on a nice day, consider going for a swim or hopping on a boat.

Read more about taking a day trip from Berlin to Schwerin with details about what to do while you’re there and how to get to Schwerin from Berlin.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 48 minutes – 2 hours 57 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option since it takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to get from Berlin to Schwerin.

Ludwigslust

Ludwiglust is a beautiful castle town not far from Schwerin.

It is home to the glorious Ludwigslust Palace (Schloss Ludwigslust) and best known for its rich heritage. The Ludwigslust Palace features a vast park, fountains, canals, and brilliant artificial waterfalls.

You should also check out the City Church. Built-in 1770, this neo-classical historic church has the exotic appearance of a Greek temple.

While the Ludwigslust Palace is worthy of a trip on its own, the town’s proximity to Schwerin makes it easy to combine the two in one trip, if you’re really ambitious.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 13 minutes – 2 hours

Szczecin, Poland

This hard to pronounce city is the capital of West Pomerania in Poland, and it’s not too far from Berlin.

Explore the old town to see the colorful buildings and incredible architecture. The old town hall building and the Historical Museum of Szczecin are especially worth checking out.

Visit the impressive ducal castle which was the seat of the Pomeranian dukes for several centuries. The castle was badly damaged during WWII, but the Tower of Seven Mantles, just east of the castle, did survive. It’s part of one of the old medieval gates to the city.

If you are interested in architecture and the performing arts, be sure to visit the Szczecin Philharmonic Hall. This stunning architectural wonder was designed by Alberto Veiga and is a must-see sight in Szczecin.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option since it takes about 2 hours 40 minutes to get from Berlin to Szczecin. The bus station labeled Szczecin, ul. Kolumba is the one you want and is right at the main train station.

Lüneburg

This fairy tale town has a stunning rustic medieval town center, and it’s another great option for a Berlin day trip.

The red brick Gothic buildings actually lean a bit due to years and years of salt mining. Lüneburg is home to the German Salt Museum, where guests learn about the history and importance of salt mining.

Set out on your exploration from the Am Sande market square, where you will enjoy sights of gabled houses and the merchant hub of the city. Admire the well-preserved Rathaus (town hall) which was spared from war damage.

Be sure to make a stop at the Water Tower and the Stintmarkt, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink from the numerous pubs, bars and beer gardens. Lüneburg is a university town and actually has the second highest density of bars in all of Europe!

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 2 hours 24 minutes – 2 hours 50 minutes

Saxon Switzerland National Park

If you’re looking for stunning nature, travel from Berlin to Saxon Switzerland National Park. This is one of Germany’s 16 national parks, and it covers an area of 274 square miles.

On a day trip from Berlin, tour the park on foot or rent a bike to experience untamed nature.

Bad Schandau is on of the easiest towns to travel to by train from Berlin and use as a gateway to the park. From here you can take the Kirnitzschtalbahn (Kirnitzschtal Tramway) up into the forest to explore.

I recommend getting out at the Kirnitzschtal Beuthenfall stop and hiking south along the trail near the stop until you get to the gorgeous Bloßstock rocks.

If you’re an avid hiker and you have time, check out Basteibrücke, one of the most beautiful natural bridges in Germany.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 2 hours 19 minutes

Görlitz

Known for its stunning historic architecture, Görlitz is worth visiting, even if just for a day. It’s located on the border with Poland, and it’s an easy walk to the town of Zgorzelec on the Polish side. The two towns were actually one until after WWII.

This city is home to several filming locations for movies such as Inglorious Basterds, The Book Thief, and The Reader. The Grand Budapest Hotel was also shot in one of Görlitz’s top shopping malls.

The town wasn’t damaged during WWII, and film makers love Görlitz because its well preserved buildings make for amazing scenery.

This means it’s a gorgeous city to wander though. Admire the city hall building, the centuries-old churches, and the quaint cobbled streets.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 2 hours 39 minutes

Poznan, Poland

In about three hours by train from Berlin, you can be in one of the best small cities in Poland. We’ve been to this cute city several times, so if you’re interested in day trips from Berlin to Poland, Poznan gets my vote.

On a day trip to Poznan, be sure to check out the market square in the center of the old town. It’s lined with colorful buildings, and in the square itself, you’ll find different fountains and statues.

The Old Town Hall building is also located here, and it you get there at noon, you can watch the mechanical goats pop out, dance, and butt heads.

Another great place to visit is Citadel Park. This urban park is home to the Museum of Armaments and the Army Museum.

For something a little quirky, visit the Croissant Museum. Poznan and the surrounding region is known for a version of the croissant called a St. Martin’s croissant, and you can learn about them – and taste one – at this museum.

Poznan is such a cute town for a stroll. Be sure to try some local Polish food while you’re there. Perogi and bigos are both fantastic, and finish off your meal with a shot of Polish vodka.

Sometimes people ask about day trips from Berlin to Poland because they’re interested in Auschwitz. This is definitely too far from Berlin, and you should plan on taking Auschwitz tours from Krakow if you want to visit.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 3 hours 5 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option since it takes about 3 hours 35 minutes to get from Berlin to Poznan.

Rostock

If you’re looking to add a little sea breeze to your Berlin trip, look no farther than Rostock. Located in North Germany, Rostock is a fantastic tourist hub that boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in Germany, and it is a favorite among beach lovers.

In the old town, admire the medieval gates and historical buildings. On a day trip to Rostock, check out Saint Mary’s Church and the Cultural History Museum, where you will be astounded by their intricate architecture.

For a wonderful shopping and dining experience, visit Am Strom Promenade and the Kröpeliner Straße.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 2 hours 1 minute – 2 hours 41 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option since it takes just under 3 hours to get from Berlin to Rostock.

Warnemünde

Located on the Baltic Sea, this seaside town makes for a great day trip from Berlin. It’s best known for its historic lighthouse and teapot house, but once you’ve had a quick glance, keep wandering to experience more of the town.

Visitors typically enjoy strolling along the seaside promenade and enjoying refreshing drinks in the beer gardens. Be sure to try some of the delicious local food.

Since Warnemünde is on the sea, you can also spend the day on the beautiful beach soaking up the sun.

Warnemünde is also an easy town to combine with Rostock if you’re feeling ambitious on your day trip or if you’d rather extend to a longer trip on the coast.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 2 hours 25 minutes – 3 hours 14 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option since it takes just about 3 hours 30 minutes to get from Berlin to Warnemünde. There are two stops listed: Werft is close to the train station, but Strand is close to the beach.

Lübeck

Known as one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Germany, Lübeck features rich brick Gothic architecture filled with idyllic courtyards and lots of maritime attractions.

If you are interested in learning about the Hanseatic League, this is the place to visit. It is home to the European Hansemuseum, which is focused on telling stories of piracy, trade boycotts and the likes via its fascinating exhibitions.

Explore the old town and its pedestrian-friendly streets. Soak up the city’s charm while taking a stroll through the town center.

Check out the old city gates. If you’re coming in from the train station, you’ll see the famous Holstentor Gate. On the north side of the old town, the Burgtor Gate is also impressive.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 2 hours 46 minutes – 3 hours 13 minutes

Meissen/Meißen

Located on the banks of Elbe River, this ancient city is really worth a visit.

It features the rustic hilltop Albrechtsburg Castle as well as breathtaking river valleys and rolling vineyards. The Albrechtsburg Castle is definitely worth a visit as it is the oldest castle in Germany.

Meissen is also well known for porcelain production, so be sure to visit the Porcelain Manufactory. At the adjoining Neoclassical Museum, you will see a stunning collection of porcelain items made several centuries ago.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 2 hours 18 minutes – 3 hours 27 minutes

Stralsund

Stralsund is a Hanseatic city on the Baltic coast north of Berlin. The old town is a lovely place for wandering and admiring the red brick Gothic architecture, and it’s another great option for a Berlin day trip.

While in Stralsund, you can visit museums such as the Stralsund Museum and Stralsund in Miniature, or you can visit the aquarium. Another great attraction in Stralsund is the Gorch Foch, a historic ship with a museum inside.

There are also several gorgeous churches in Stralsund, and you can check out a few remaining old city gates and sections of the old city walls. Stralsund is also a popular base for beach trips.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 3 hours 8 minutes – 3 hours 13 minutes

Quedlinburg

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany and features beautiful cobbled streets and rustic timber-framed houses. With so many things to do in Quedlinburg, it makes for an interesting day trip, or even a nice weekend trip from Berlin.

To explore the town’s historic architecture, explore the old town and check out the Schloss Quedlinburg (Quedlinburg Castle) and Church of St. Servatius. Also pay a visit to Marktkirche St. Benedikti, which houses artworks and an ancient Gothic alter of St. Mary.

You should also stop by Fachwerkmuseum in Ständerbau. Built around 1310, this ancient half-timbered house is one of the oldest in Germany.

For more nostalgia, take a ride on the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen, a historical steam engine train that is said to be one of the most scenic railway journeys in the country.

Quedlinburg and some of the other towns nearby, like Thale or Wernigerode, are also great options for day trips from Berlin in winter if you want a snowy mountain atmosphere.

Time from Berlin Hbf using Deutsche Bahn: 2 hour 58 minutes – 3 hour 49 minutes

FlixBus might be a good option since it takes just about 3 hours to get from Berlin to Quedlinburg.

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully these suggestions for day trips from Berlin help. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation
• Where to Stay in Berlin: A Local’s Guide
• 21 Amazing Places for the Best Views of Berlin From Above