The bustling city of Berlin is a prime destination for Americans, with the arts and culture scene drawing many visitors to the metropolis.
But what some might not know is just how many more sights there are worth seeing within easy reach of the German capital by train.
Fortunately, European trains are top-notch, and the Trainline app can get you to several incredible day-trip destinations from Berlin.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Hiroshi Higuchi. Image Location: Wittenberg, Germany
Wittenberg
Arrival train station: Lutherstadt Wittenberg
Journey time: from 33m
A modest town, Wittenberg was home to famous reformist Martin Luther, so a day trip from Berlin to Wittenberg is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Protestant Reformation, the major Christian movement of the 1500s that led to many denominations that exist today. Here you can visit the All Saints’ Church, the door on which Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-five Theses.
Spreewald
Arrival train station: Lübbenau (Spreewald)
Journey time: from 57m
The ultimate getaway from city life, the Spreewald region is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. Canals flow harmoniously through meadows, past traditional farms, and beautiful landscapes. Row a canoe across the serene waters or take a tour while sipping a beer. Any option can calm the mind.
Pickle lovers, there’s something else for you. The famous Spreewald gherkins can be found in this region, so be sure to buy some before you return to Berlin.
Leipzig
Arrival train station: Leipzig Hbf
Journey time: from 1h 5m
While parts of the city might make it look like an East German relic, which is interesting enough, Leipzig’s history goes much further back.
The cultural scene has a long, lively history. German composers Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn, and writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, all called this city home. Classical music lovers will want to honor Bach by visiting the place where he composed much of his work, St. Thomas Church.
Just a roughly 20-minute stroll away, you can also experience modern music at the Musikpavillon in the massive Clara-Zetkin-Park. Alternatively, you can visit a trendy art gallery in the Plagwitz neighborhood. If you decide to stay late into the evening, you’ll find Leipzig has a vibrant nightlife.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Olena Malik. Image Location: Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg
Arrival train station: Hamburg Hbf
Journey time: from 1h 43m
Hamburg is home to Germany’s biggest seaport, and water tours are a big attraction. You can take an amphibious vehicle tour or, if you get there early enough, visit the lively fish market, where you can purchase more than just seafood.
Along the Elbe River is Speicherstadt, a complex of warehouses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you will find many sightseeing opportunities, including the International Maritime Museum of Hamburg, as well as the impressive Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway system and one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions for kids and adults alike.
Another big attraction is the Elbphilharmonie concert hall. Take a tour of this beautiful building, visit the lovely viewing platform where you can gaze at the city, and take in a concert if you have the time.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Harald Nachtmann. Image Location: Dresden, Germany
Dresden
Arrival train station: Dresden Hbf
Journey time: from 1h 43m
The stunning architecture of Dresden makes it a must-see destination. The city took significant damage during World War II, but it rebuilt to reclaim the name “Florence on the Elbe.” Stroll through the Old Town to get a feel for the Baroque and Rococo architecture.
Walk over to the beautiful Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church known for its distinctive dome. Then, a quick walk from the church gets you to Brühl’s Terrace, nicknamed the “Balcony of Europe.” Here you can see Festung Dresden (the Dresden fortress) and the nearby modern art museum, Albertinum.
A 10-minute walk gets you to a palace complex known as Zwinger, where its Baroque architecture will draw you in, but you’ll stay for the world-renowned museums.
Poznań
Arrival train station: Poznań
Journey time: from 2h 33m
Thanks to the proximity of European countries, day trips from Berlin to Poland are very much possible. To get a full day’s worth of exploring, consider catching the morning train from Berlin to Poznań. Wander the Old Town, Old Market Square, and the local castles, then treat yourself to delectable food, like Poznań’s famous croissants, and do some relatively inexpensive shopping.
Any of these locations can make for a relaxing day trip away from fast-paced Berlin, and it’s especially easy when you plan ahead with the help of the Trainline app. So go ahead, book that day trip and soak up the incredible culture beyond Berlin.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Xantana. Image Location: Poznań, Poland