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If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, we definitely recommend heading to the Spreewald. This unique biosphere reserve is the perfect place for relaxation, biking, and boat tours along its numerous water canals. Immersed in the cultural heritage of the Sorbian minority, the region guarantees a change of scenery less than 100 km from Berlin. And, if you haven't tried them yet, don’t forget to try the famous “Spreewald Gurken,” iconic pickles cultivated in the region.
Accessibility from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: RE 7/RE 2, 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 20
Located on the shores of the river Elbe, Wittenberg is a historic city of medieval architecture. Mostly famous for its central role in the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther in the 16th century, several Renaissance monuments, including the City Church St Marien and the Luther House, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Accessibility from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: RE 3, about 1 hour 30
Founded by Charlemagne in 805, Magdeburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities and the capital of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The city has a very rich historical and cultural heritage and is renowned for its impressive Gothic cathedral and its more modern Water Bridge, recognized as the world’s longest navigable aqueduct.
Accessibility from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: RE 1, about 1 hour 50
Leipzig is a vibrant city in the heart of Saxony, with a rich cultural and musical heritage. There, the ancient meets the modern, as illustrated by the surprising architecture of the Leipzig University, which, having been built in 1409, is also the second oldest university in Germany. With its progressive thinking atmosphere, the city is also a worldwide famous hub for artists and the Spinnerei (former cotton mill) has for example been transformed into a renowned studio and gallery center for contemporary art.
Accessibility from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: one transfer, 2 hours 30 to 2 hours 40
Stay tuned for part 2 with five new destinations to explore within four hours by train from Berlin.
