The 8 best day trips from Berlin

There are countless things to see and do in the German capital, but if you decide to take a day trip from Berlin's hustle and bustle for a while, we've got you covered. From idyllic lakes and scenic forests to wartime relics and an island full of peacocks, there are many great ways to experience Germany without straying too far from Berlin.

Teufelsberg

Nestled in the scenic Grunewald forest, Teufelsberg is a hill made with debris left over from the Second World War. In addition to providing beautiful views of Berlin, the site is also home to an abandoned Cold War-era US listening post. Now it’s a shabby reminder of the city’s history and an opportunity to combine sightseeing with stunning scenery.

The abandoned listening station on top of Teufelsberg rising above Grunewald Forest © Wondervisuals / Shutterstock

Locals and tourists alike can often be found trekking up the hill before setting down a picnic blanket and enjoying a few well-earned beers – and you might even see a few wild boar on the way.

Getting there: Teufelsberg is a 25-minute trek from the M49 bus stop Mohrunger Allee, or a 30-minute walk from the Olympiastadion S-Bahn. Well within the AB fare zone, travellers can make the journey on a single trip ticket (€2.80). Getting there from the city centre takes around one hour in total.

Marvel at the grandeur of Schloss Sanssouci on a day trip from Berlin © Mike Mareen / Shutterstock

Potsdam

Best known as the place World War II’s victors met to decide the fate of central Europe, Potsdam is practically overflowing with history. It was once the official home of Prussian rulers and German Kaisers, and later used as a connection between East Germany and West Berlin during the Cold War. After reunification, it became the capital of the state of Brandenburg.

Visitors can expect stunning parks and gardens, along with lots of palaces and some truly exciting culture. The Unesco-listed Sanssouci Palace gives an insight into the life of Prussian royalty, while a former KGB prison offers a more sombre attraction. Other points of cultural interest include the Dutch Quarter, the Russian colony of Alexandrowka and the Chinesisches Haus, a celebration of Chinese architecture.

Getting there: Potsdam is less than an hour from central Berlin, on the S1 or S7 suburban rail lines. The city lies within Berlin’s C fare zone, so an ABC ticket (€3.40) is required if travelling from the centre of the city.

Chill with peacocks on Pfaueninsel © Alfred Sonsalla / Shutterstock

Pfaueninsel

Pfaueninsel, literally meaning “Peacock Island”, is a small isle in the middle of the Havel river home to – you guessed it – a lot of wild peacocks. The island was chosen as the site of a summer palace by Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm II, who had a fairytale-style palace built on the grounds. Not content with having the entire island and palace to himself, the King also brought along a flock of peacocks to keep him company.

The Prussian royals are long gone, but the descendants of his avian pets still remain – making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a long day in the sunshine. The whole island is a protected habitat, so dogs, bicycles and smoking are banned.

Getting there: Pfaueninsel can be reached by travelling to the S-Bahn station Wannsee then taking the 218 bus to the river. A ferry (€4 each way) is available during daylight hours to reach the island.

Schlachtensee is a favourite spot for locals © Jannis Tobias Werner / Shutterstock

Schlachtensee

Situated on the southern border of the Grunewald forest, Schlachtensee is a quiet lake loved by locals for its high-quality water and good transport connections.

Like most of Berlin’s lakes, sunbathing and swimming are common here during the warmer months. Boat rentals are available for visitors who would prefer to take to the water, while others can enjoy a quaint beer garden or a spot of fishing on the banks of the lake.

Getting there: Schlachtensee is a 30-minute ride from central Berlin by suburban rail line S1 using an ABC ticket.

Tropical Islands Resort

In an old airship hangar two hours south of Berlin is Tropical Islands Resort, the largest indoor water park in the world. From adrenaline-inducing water slides to languishing lazy rivers, there’s a little something for everyone.

The resort offers overnight lodging, activities for children, a spa, and its very own mini-indoor rainforest. Tickets start at €44 for adults, €35 for children.

Getting there: Take the RE2 train (around €10) from Berlin to Bahnhof Lübben, then board the 506 bus to the resort.

Visit Spandau Citadel, an incredibly well preserved Renaissance fortress © Alfred Sonsalla / Shutterstock

Spandau Citadel

Berlin has no shortage of attractions for history buffs, and the Spandau Citadel is a must-see for anyone with an interest in medieval conflicts. Built in the 16th century, this resilient building now stands, surprisingly well preserved, despite being used to defend the area as recently as World War II.

In addition to the museum detailing the Citadel’s history, the grounds also play host to concerts in the summertime, and visitors can climb the 30m-high (98ft) Julius Tower for exceptional views. Just watch out for bats, there’s around 10,000 of them. 

Getting there: The Citadel can be reached on the U7 underground line (get off at U Zitadelle), or you can take the X33 bus from the Spandau S-Bahn station through Old Spandau to double up on your sightseeing. Spandau is within the C fare zone, so an ABC ticket (€3.40) is required.

Britzer Garten

Ever wanted to see the largest sundial in Europe? You’re in luck. But that’s not all this sprawling park has to offer – Britzer Garten also packs in 90 hectares worth of playgrounds, rose gardens, lakes, and even its own mini-railway.

Getting there: Take the M44 bus to Britzer Garten from S+U Hermannstrasse. The garden is in the B fare zone, so an AB ticket (€2.80) is all you need.

Explore Spreewald from the water on a Kahn (small boat) © LianeM / Shutterstock

Spreewald

Around 100km (62mi) south of Berlin is the picturesque Spreewald forest, a Unesco-listed biosphere littered with more than 200 beautiful canals and stunning nature scenes. Many Germans like to make the journey to Spreewald for hiking, camping, boat trips and pure relaxation.

For a tranquil tour of the Spreewald’s waterways, take a trip on a shallow punt-like boat called a Kahn. The area is famous for its gherkins (pickle), so be sure to try some authentic Spreewälder Gurken if you have the chance.

Getting there: The Spreewald is most easily reached by car, or by taking the RE2 train from Berlin to Lübben or Lübbenau (tickets are around €10).