There are many reasons to come to Berlin.
History buffs can enjoy the gothic architecture, the many important
locations from WWII, and the infamous wall. For art lovers, museums,
cathedrals and opera are all fabulous choices. For those looking to
branch out into day trips, lots of wonderful opportunities are
available. Here is a look at some of the best day trips from Berlin that are easy to get to and are definitely worth the time:
Best Organized Day Trips
7. Wannsee
Berlin favorite destination on hot summer weekends can be found on
the lakeshores of Wannsee in the westernmost part of the city. This
beach region is the location of many a wealthy Berlin resident’s summer
cabin or sailing yacht. Attractions include sailing clubs, the
Leibermann Villa museum, the shore promenade, the home of many royal
trysts, peacock island, and the infamous Villa Marlier, now also a
museum, which was the home of many a notorious decision by the third
Reich. Of course, most people come here for one main reason, to relax
and sun themselves on beautiful white sand beaches along the sparkling
waters of Lake Wannsee. On a warm sunny day, little more is needed.
6. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
The “Saxon House” served as one of the primary concentration camps in
the Third Reich. Because of its proximity to Berlin, it was the
location where officers would be trained before being sent further
afield. It was not only the location of Jewish and other inmates, but
also the place where resistance fighters were executed. Several camp
facilities have been reconstructed, and a trip here provides a very real
idea of what the prisoners had to endure as living conditions during
their internment. In 2012, the camp was opened as a museum and memorial
with tours, and facilities were renovated, like the guard tower, to give
an even more realistic idea of the camp conditions.
5. Spreewald
This region is a protected biosphere, similar to a national park in
the United States, and has been this way since the 1990’s. One defining
feature of the area is a large patchwork of irrigation channels that
have turned into a network of canals. Like Venice, much of the travel
within this region is by boat. However, a large portion of this area is
uninhabited, and serves as a protected home to many species of plants
and animals. It is a beautiful, unique landscape about one hour south of
Berlin and well worth a day trip or a weekend trip to relax from the
buzzing city life. Besides its beautiful nature, the Spreewald is home
to the Sorbs, a Slavic tribe who settle here centuries ago. Many old,
traditional farmhouses along the waterways offer beautiful sights.
4. Leipzig
An hour and half’s train ride from Berlin will visitors to the heart of dynamic Leipzig.
This city of a million has been an important trade city since medieval
times, and was a major hub of the Holy Roman Empire. It has continued to
be an important center of world culture, home to Goethe, Johann
Sebastian Bach, and Mendelsson. Major sights include St Thomas’
Cathedral, where Bach once worked, the zoological and botanical gardens,
the famous Battle of the Nations Memorial and the beautiful St Nicholas
Church.
3. Tropical Islands Resort
Europa’s largest indoor pool was created inside the dome of an old
airplane hangar. Named Aerium, the structure was originally built as a
zeppelin hangar but the airship it was intended to house was never
built. In 2003, it was sold to a Malaysian corporation who used this
large structure to create a tropical rainforest beneath, complete with
village, rainforest, lagoon and a tropical swimming pool. The resort is
meant to appeal to adult and kids, with exhibits on natural rainforest
life, kids games, and a sauna and spa for adults. It’s easily accessible
on the train from Alexanderplatz, a shuttle bus runs from the station.
2. Dresden
Before it was severely damaged from World War II bombings, Dresden
was known as the “Florence on the Elbe” because of its lavish collection
of stunning art and architecture. After many years, the city has
restored much of its former glory. A visit to Dresden
offers several interesting landmarks such as the beautiful plaza of
Bruehl’s Terrace and the magnificent palace complex known as the
Zwinger. The Old Town also contains a number of historic sites like the
stunning Frauenkirche cathedral. The city is about a 2 hours drive away
from Berlin.
1. Potsdam
Less than an hour by train, Potsdam
is just outside the border of the capital and is probably the most
popular day trip from Berlin. Until 1918, Potsdam was the royal
residence of the Kaiser and the Prussian kings. A large network of
interconnected lakes, landmarks and palaces are the main attraction in
this city. Most notably is the Sanssouci Palace (french for “without a
care” or “no worries”). This palace once served as the summer home of
the King of Prussia, Frederick the Great. The original portion is a
one-story rococo style palace with just ten rooms that is perched just
above a vineyard to represent man’s harmony with nature. The enlarging
renovations, adjoining park, formal gardens and larger “New Palace” were
added in the 19th century to bring it to its grand state today. All
buildings and grounds are available by tour. Source : touropia
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