Last week, in the first part of the article, we explained why and how to get a Deutschlandticket and suggested five places reachable from Berlin in less than three hours. Here is a new selection of five additional cities that our team believes are worth visiting. We ensured that these locations are reachable in less than four hours (departing from Berlin Hbf) with either a direct train or a maximum of one connection, guaranteeing not only a cheap but also a comfy trip. Keep these destinations in mind for your next adventures outside Berlin!
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Capital of the German state Mecklenburg Vorpommern (situated in the north of Berlin), Schwerin is a charming small city surrounded by numerous lakes and islands, giving it a unique landscape. The fairy-tale-like castle is worth the detour: located on an island in Lake Schwerin, it gives the whole city a majestic appearance. Schwerin invites you to stroll through the paths of the castle's beautiful baroque garden, relax at a café terrasse in the picturesque old town, or bike, hike and sail around the lakes. In brief, Schwerin is an ideal destination if you would like to ressource your soul in the tranquility of nature after a tough week in Berlin.
Accessibility from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: RE 8, about 2 hours 40
If you miss the fresh breeze of the sea and the sound of seagulls, we definitely recommend giving Rostock a try. Situated along the Baltic Sea coast, it is the largest city in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The old town, with its Gothic architecture and typical former merchant houses, offers a glimpse into the Hanseatic past. In the district of WarnemĂĽnde, you can enjoy the (hopefully) sunny summer days on the fine sandy beach and visit the former fishing village. Climb to the top of the lighthouse, made entirely of white glazed bricks, for a panoramic view of the Baltic Sea. You can then stroll around the city harbor, window-shop along the promenade, and stop at one of the numerous restaurants.
Accessibility from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: RE 5, about 2 hours 40
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In search of a cultural and historical stay? The city of Görlitz, located on the border with Poland in Saxony, is the perfect place to go. With its well-preserved architecture, historical monuments, and numerous museums and galleries, the city celebrates its cultural heritage. Known as the cradle of the film industry since the 1950s, Görlitz is nicknamed “Görliwood.” Major national and international film productions, such as “Inglourious Basterds” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” have been shot in Görlitz and its surrounding region. During your visit, you can explore this aspect of the city on the “Walk of Görliwood.” Görlitz also offers something quite unique: the possibility to visit two countries in just one trip. Just across the river Neiße lies Zgorzelec, Görlitz’s Polish sister city since 1945.
Accessibility from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: one transfer, RE 2 + RB 65, about 2 hours 50
Known as the “Florence on the Elbe,” Dresden is the capital of Saxony. Severely damaged during World War II, the city has been progressively rebuilt since the 1990s and has now been restored to its former glory. In the old town, the city's main tourist area, prestigious monuments and museums stand side by side. Among them are the Frauenkirche, the residence castle, the Semperoper, and the Fürstenzug [Procession of Princes], a grand mural made entirely of Meissen porcelain tiles. Dresden is also home to “the most beautiful dairy store in the world,” and even if you’re not a cheese lover, the Pfunds Mölkerei is worth a visit: the interior is completely covered with hand-painted majolica tiles. If you have the time, we also highly recommend visiting Saxon Switzerland (reachable from Dresden via regional train) for an unforgettable experience. There, impressive rock formations transform the landscape into a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Accessibility from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: one transfer, about 3 hours 15
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Off the Baltic Sea, Rügen is Germany’s largest island. The unique landscape, a combination of chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests, creates a picturesque scenery that inspired the romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich and his contemporaries. On the north side of the island, Jasmund National Park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amid the beech forest and diverse wildlife of the park, the view from the famous Königsstuhl (a 120-meter-high chalk cliff) over the sea is simply breathtaking. Another iconic attraction of the island is the steam railway, affectionately known as the “Rasender Roland,” which has been operating on the island for over a century. Its slow scenic ride across the island invites you to marvel at the landscape. Rügen Island is definitely an ideal place to reconnect with nature.
Accessibility from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: one transfer, RE 3 + RE 9, about 4 hours
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