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David Rickerson-Seidel
Berlin is a city full of places to discover, as you can probably already imagine. However, if you want to get to know the surroundings of the capital, there are a colossal number of towns ideal for day trips. Not only will you be able to enjoy Berlin's urban flair, but you can also get close to smaller towns that are brimming with spectacular natural scenery and finger-licking gastronomy. Without further ado, let's take a look at the best places near Belin that you must visit.
It's no secret to anyone that a trip to Berlin is full of incredible, practically dreamlike experiences. What's more, we have the perfect article for you if you want to discover what to do in Berlin for a weekend. However, you can go further and immerse yourself in some cities and towns near the capital. You can, to give you a simple example, taste typical dishes from different areas to choose your favorites, get to know the most impressive hidden monuments and delve into the natural beauty of small villages that never lose their charm. Below, we recommend the most beautiful villages to visit near Berlin.
Step into the historic city of Potsdam, a gem just 20 kilometers southwest of Berlin. By car it takes 50 minutes to get there, while by train it takes only 25 minutes. It is a magical settlement filled with palaces and gardens. Potsdam was the abode of Prussian kings and German kaisers. Today, it is crowned as one of the most impressive cities in Europe, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its roots dating back to the 7th century as a charming Slavic village called Poztupimi, fortune smiled on Potsdam when it was chosen as the hunting residence of Frederick William I in 1660. Since then, this city has flourished as the home of Prussian royalty, leading to the construction of majestic palaces that still adorn its streets today.
To ensure a fairytale journey through Potsdam, I recommend you start with the Dutch Quarter. Known as "little Amsterdam", it was built in the 18th century with reddish bricks and many Dutch workers settled here and made it their home.
Afterwards, you can visit the Babelsberg Palace, an ideal place for the most romantic, as it is located on the banks of the Havel River. It is a neo-Gothic style palace, built between 1833 and 1835 as the summer residence of Emperor Wilhelm I. Unlike other Gothic buildings, this palace has a structure similar to that of a fortified castle. However, it has windows and pointed arches, one of the most representative elements of Gothic architecture.
To continue with a historical walk, I advise you to visit the Glienicke Bridge. It was built in 1907 over the Havel River, with the function of connecting the city with Berlin. It is known as the "Bridge of Spies" and was a scene of exchanges between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War.
To finish the itinerary, go to the Brandenburg Gate. It is located in the historic heart of the city, next to the Luisenplatz.
Spreewald is a village located about 100 kilometers from Berlin. You can get there by car in 1 hour and 35 minutes or by train in 50 minutes. The most interesting thing about this place is that it is immersed in a lush natural landscape. It has 287 square kilometers of forest and dense vegetation. It is a paradise for nature lovers and is a very worthwhile stop.
In the past, the town was much more isolated than it is today. However, one of the most magical touches of this small town is when you blend in with its surroundings. It is a fantastic ecological and cultural refuge, listed as a biosphere reserve. Therefore, do not hesitate for a second and definitely visit this wonderful place.
There are two activities that will allow you to merge with the local culture and nature. The first is to travel aboard a wooden canoe. It is a very fun activity known as "Kahnfahrt", where you can take rides of about 2 hours. This type of canal trip is ideal for immersing yourself in the beauty of the surroundings.
However, if you prefer to go on your own, you can also rent a kayak and take a trip along the canals. It's a perfect way to discover traditional businesses and mingle with the local population.
This city is one of the most famous places to visit near Berlin. It is known as the Florence on the Elbe, where baroque and rococo architectural splendor transports visitors to an era of majesty. After World War II, the city was left in ruins, but gradually managed to rebuild itself back to a reflection of its original splendor.
Dresden is known for having an artistic community in the Neustadt district that adds a creative touch to the streets with art installations, galleries, street graffiti and vibrant facades. As a recommendation, if you have chosen this city for a day trip, we advise you to mark on the map the Theaterplatz square, the Church of Our Lady, the Zwinger Palace, the Royal Palace and the Fürstenzug.
Dresden's Theaterplatz is located in the heart of the city and is home to historic monuments, Baroque palaces and impressive museums such as the Fürstenzug mural portraying 35 prominent German figures, the majestic Zwinger Palace, the Hofkirche and the imposing Semper Opera House. Each of these corners tells a fascinating story and is an ideal backdrop for strolling and capturing unforgettable images.
The Church of Our Lady (the Hofkirche) is a completely rebuilt Lutheran cathedral that stands as a symbol of resilience. The stone dome offers a panoramic view at a height of 67 meters, while the basement houses an exhibition hall that tells the story of the church's moving reconstruction after the war.
The Zwinger Palace has a baroque architecture of the 18th century and is built around a central garden. This building houses the Alte Meister gallery and the Meissen Porcelain Museum. First, it impresses with its dense ornamentation, highlighting the sculpture that has as protagonist Hercules and a terrace that can be accessed to enjoy panoramic views of the Royal Palace.
The Royal Palace, known in German as Residenzchloss, is the former residence of the Saxon Kings. It was painstakingly reconstructed and today, all visitors can delight in the Green Vault. Although taking photographs is prohibited, it is a visit not to be missed. It also has an audio guide that immerses you in the rich history of the rooms.
Last but not least, the Fürstenzug. It is an impressive mural of more than 100 meters, consisting of 24,000 pieces of Meissen porcelain. This outstanding monument is a must-see for art history lovers because it is a total beauty.
The 24,000 pieces of Meissen porcelain converge to give life to this spectacular mosaic depicting the members of the House of Wettin, a distinguished dynasty of monarchs, dukes, counts and Saxon figures who left their mark for over more than 800 years. To stand before this mural is to revel in a testament to the rich history and lineage of the region. What is most remarkable about the Fürstenzug is that it has held up exceptionally well in the face of adversity. Miraculously, it survived the bombing that hit the city, thus preserving its historical and artistic value.
This city is a must visit if you are in Berlin since it is located one hour by train from the capital. It can also be reached by car, although it would take an hour and a half. Brandenburg is presented as one of the 16 federal states of Germany and is one of the five Bundesländer (federations) that extend in the territory that was once part of the German Democratic Republic. If you decide to visit this settlement near Berlin, we recommend visiting the Cathedral of St. Paul and St. John and the Altstadt.
The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul was built in 1165 and is one of Germany's most hidden treasures. It is located between the calm waters of the Havel River and the charming Beetz Lake, in the picturesque area known as Dominsel or Cathedral Island. It was founded by King Otto I in 948 as the first exposed brick building in the region and is an architectural landmark.
Among the narrow streets of the Old Town (Altstadt) stands majestically the former Brandenburg City Hall. Built at the end of the 15th century, this red brick building was the epicenter of the administrative life of the city until 1715. It stands out from the rest of the buildings of the city for its characteristic tower that seems to want to touch the sky. In addition, the building has a facade ornamented with family coats of arms that will transport you to another era.
Today, the main building has been transformed into a restaurant that fuses history and gastronomy so you can try some of the traditional local dishes.
The Harz National Park is one of the places to visit near Berlin, as it is only a 2-hour drive away. It is the result of the merger of the former "Hochharz" and "Harz" parks. It is a place full of exuberant natural beauty, with approximately 25,000 hectares.
This multi-state park has a diversity of ecosystems, from lush forests and impressive cliffs to tranquil marshes. It also has high-altitude areas, such as Brocken Peak, at 1141 meters, with unique views of Germany.
Harz allows protected habitats to follow their natural course, supporting vital processes without human intervention. Research and recovery projects, such as the exclusive lynx repopulation, reinforce this commitment to preservation. The park also seeks to bring natural beauty to the public by offering a wide range of annual events.
In the vicinity of the Harz mountains, you can find one of the towns to visit near Berlin called Aschersleben. It is a fairytale village where history intertwines with nature in an idyllic setting. This town, with roots dating back to 753, unfolds its fascinating history over the centuries. Named after the Saxon dynasty of the House of Ascania, the town was the capital of the principality of Anhalt-Aschersleben from 1252 to 1315, before passing to the Bishopric of Halberstadt. Subsequently, after the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, it was integrated into the Principality of Halberstadt and, in 1815, became part of the Province of Saxony in Prussia.
This town has a rich culture, reflected in the great diversity of architectural styles of its buildings. In the historic center, the Grauer Hof is a demonstration of Romanesque architecture, while the church of St. Stephani represents Gothic elegance. Finally, the Renaissance is evident in the town hall and the Krukmannsches Haus.
A ring around the historic center features neoclassical and Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) buildings, such as the Heckner-Bauten, which coexist with structures from the era of the German Democratic Republic.
Although half-timbered buildings are scarce in old Aschersleben, some incorporate this element on the upper floors. This absence is attributed to the availability of quality stone, the lack of large nearby forests and fires prior to the 16th century. It is a perfect place to complete your visit to the Harz Mountains and enjoy tasting some of the typical dishes of the area.
In conclusion, you have at your disposal many places to visit near Berlin that offer a wide variety of cultural and natural experiences. Potsdam, just 20 kilometers away, presents itself as a historical and cultural gem, with palaces and gardens that tell the story of Prussian royalty; Spreewald, 100 kilometers away, immerses visitors in a biosphere reserve, where nature and culture intertwine in an enchanting way; Dresden, known as the Florence on the Elbe, reemerges with its Baroque and Rococo splendor, while Brandenburg an der Havel and the Harz Mountains offer history, architecture and exceptional natural landscapes. Exploring these destinations near Berlin allows you to enjoy a journey through time and nature, enriching the journey with the cultural and scenic diversity of the region.
Guest Relations Manager at NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse
My name is David Rickerson-Seidel and I have been part of the NH Hotel Group since September 2015 when the first NH Collection Hotel opened in Germany. After 16 years of hotel experience, I was offered a great chance to meet people from all over the world and each time I was able to learn from them – this is one of the reason why I love my position as a Guest Relation Manager. My daily task is to fulfil our guest’s needs before they actually asking for it. With my passion for my job it is always a great pleasure to see our guests happy and smiling before they leave the hotel and I know that we have done the job right. I always say that the only thing that a guest can’t buy and book in advance is our smiling receptionist with a warm welcoming, the friendly breakfast host who would like to know if you slept well, and our elusive room maid, who is preparing the room so that it feels like home – our employees make the difference – this is why you are not checking into your room at a terminal. Whatever you need – we are always there for you.
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