The 8 top day trips from Berlin

Berlin is encircled by the forested and lake-dotted region of Brandenburg, providing a year-round escape from the capital's hustle. Enjoy forest walks, cycling paths, lakeside swims, historic landmarks, and more, all just a short distance away, sometimes even within the city limits.

Keep in mind that you probably won’t be exploring solo – locals in Berlin love a day out, especially when the weather is schön, so booking in advance for popular attractions or tours is often necessary.

1. Kayak through the canals of Spreewald

Travel time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Spreewald is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, sometimes referred to as Germany’s Little Venice. Forget that comparison and instead seize the opportunity to paddle peacefully along the extensive network of forest-fringed waterways. The calm waters are easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners, and you might find a charming snack spot, a restaurant (where you can savor the famous Spreewald gherkins), or a beer garden along your journey. All the stops are delightfully quaint and inviting.

Lübbenau is one of the best towns to start your Spreewald adventure. From Lübbenau’s Altstadt, it’s a short stroll to Bootshaus Kaupen, where you can rent wooden kayaks and canoes and get tips on suggested routes of up to 20 km (12.4 miles). The old town itself is worth exploring, featuring a small market (perfect for sampling more Spreewald gherkins), Brauhaus Babben (great for post-paddling drinks), and lots of gherkin-themed souvenirs around town.

How to reach Spreewald from Berlin: The Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is located about 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Berlin in Brandenburg. You can easily get there by taking the RE2 train from Berlin to Lübbenau. Alternatively, boats can be rented in nearby Lübben for a similar experience.

2. Revel in the splendor of Potsdam

Travel time: under 1 hour

A quintessential day-trip destination from Berlin is Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg, the state surrounding Berlin.

Nothing in Potsdam captures your attention quite like the yellow-hued Schloss Sanssouci – the rococo summer palace of Prussian King Frederick the Great, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace grounds are equally impressive, featuring several other ornate structures, including the Chinese House and the New Palace, that are sure to leave you in awe. Be sure to book your tour tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

If the palace and its grounds don’t occupy your entire day, Museum Barberini is another must-see in Potsdam, showcasing international art exhibitions with a particular emphasis on Impressionism. Since its opening in 2017, major exhibits have included works by artists like Monet and Van Gogh.

Before or after your sightseeing adventures, take a stroll through the historic Dutch Quarter and grab a coffee at the locally favored Buena Vida Coffee Roasters – it just might become one of your favorite coffee spots during your visit.

How to reach Potsdam from Berlin: Potsdam is located approximately 35 km (22 miles) southwest of Berlin. It can be reached in under an hour from central Berlin via the S-Bahn (S1 or S7). The city falls within Berlin’s C fare zone, so be sure to get an ABC ticket.

3. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Liepnitzsee

Travel time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

There are plenty of swimmable lakes conveniently located near the city – with around 3000 in Berlin and Brandenburg, it’s hard to go wrong – but Liepnitzsee stands out for its pristine, clear waters and lush forest backdrop.

Well-known among Berliners, the shores of Liepnitzsee attract city dwellers seeking refuge on warm summer weekends, and you might need to hunt a bit to find that ideal spot to lay your towel, whether it’s a quiet nook among the trees or one of the sandy beaches.

Bring a picnic and enjoy your day splashing in the refreshing waters that shimmer an enchanting emerald green from afar. If you’re looking for more action, consider renting a paddleboat, hiking or biking around the lake, or taking a ferry to the island at its center, Großer Werder.

Not warm enough for swimming? Still worth a visit. The lake and surrounding forest are stunning year-round, even blanketed in snow, and you may spot brave souls taking a dip while others bundle up in scarves.

How to reach Liepnitzsee from Berlin: The easiest way is to drive the 40km (25 miles) northeast to Liepnitzsee, but for a more enjoyable journey, consider taking a train and bike. Ride the S2 to Bernau, then bike the last 12km through the forest. If cycling isn’t your thing, you can take the regional train directly to Wandlitz and walk from there.

4. Enjoy the asparagus season in Beelitz

Travel time: 45 minutes

Germans are passionate about seasonal ingredients, whether it's bärlauch (wild garlic), strawberries, or Federweißer (a young, fizzy wine).

A beloved seasonal highlight graces Berlin in early spring: spargelzeit (asparagus season). This brief period, from mid-April to June 24 (St. John the Baptist Day), sees both white and green asparagus featured prominently on menus throughout the city, served as soup, with hollandaise sauce, or in creative dishes.

Enhance your appreciation for this cult vegetable by visiting Beelitz, the regional production hub, where you can tour local farms to learn about the cultivation of this prized variety and, if timed well, attend the annual Spargelfest.

While in the area, allocate some time to explore the Baumkronenpfad Beelitz-Heilstätten, a treetop walkway above the expansive grounds of a dilapidated sanitarium that once treated tuberculosis patients and soldiers (including Adolf Hitler) during both World Wars. A guided tour is required to access the buildings.

How to get to Beelitz from Berlin: Beelitz is located about 50km (TK miles) southwest of Berlin. You can reach Beelitz-Heilstätten train station from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) via the RE3 train. After arriving, take a bus to the town center.

5. Bike along the Spree in Treptower Park and Plänterwald

Travel time: 30 minutes

This day trip keeps you within the city limits, yet you'll feel far away. From Treptower Park S-Bahn station, it’s just a short jaunt to Treptower Hafen, where you can stroll or cycle along the shared bike and pedestrian path that hugs the Spree. This scenic route takes you through Treptower Park and Plänterwald, with delightful stops like the Zenner beer garden, Insel der Jugend, playgrounds, the iconic Spreepark, and the newly opened Zum Anleger beer garden—perfect for a drink, bratwurst, or ice cream if you need a break.

If you’re up for it, keep cycling until you reach a small ferry dock. Here, you can catch the Fähre F11 for a quick ride across the river (make sure you have a BGV ticket for both you and your bike). Once you disembark, head to the Funkhaus Berlin, a former East German broadcasting facility now hosting curated concerts and music festivals. You can enjoy a coffee or a wood-fired pizza from Zola while taking in views of the water, gearing up for your return journey. It’s an ideal day out, especially for families.

How to get to Treptower Park: Treptower Park is easily accessible via S-Bahn or bus from nearly any part of Berlin.