5 Fall Day Trips from Berlin
The leaves are changing. The chestnuts are falling. It’s time to plan a day trip from Berlin!
This city may be a cosmopolitan urban capital, but Brandenburg, the region that surrounds Berlin, is a nature-lovers’ dream. If the sun is shining, nothing could be better than a hike through a nature reserve or a visit to a local farm. But even during a rainy spell — and there’s a good chance we’ll have a few of those this fall — there are so many day trips from Berlin that offer just the right amount of adventure. Just don’t forget to pack your rain coats!
Here are five of our favorite day trips from Berlin.
1. Food-Lovers’ Day Trip: Satisfy Your Pickle Craving in the Spreewald
Over 200 canals criss-cross the forests of the Spreewald, a UNESCO biosphere reserve about one hour south of Berlin. One of the most enchanting day trips from Berlin includes an afternoon sampling the pickled delights of the Spreewald while your oarsman steers a long wooden boat through a network of waterways. During this relaxing Spreewald pickle-cruise, you’ll encounter aspects of Sorbian culture in the architecture, costume, and language of this minority Slavic community that still retains their traditions in this charming little corner of Germany.
How to get to the Spreewald from Berlin: Take the regional train RE2 from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Lübbenau. A short walk from the train station brings you to the main disembarkation point where you’ll find market vendors selling their pickles and other local products. Boats lined up along the quay depart on regular tours to the historical town of Lehde, where there’s an open-air musuem. You can also book your tour in advance.
2. History Lovers’ Day Trip: Discover Brandenburg’s Medieval Past at Kloster Chorin
If you’re looking for a fall day trip spent hiking in one of Germany’s most beautiful forest settings, this is it. Set within a stunning biosphere reserve, the Chorin Abbey is a magnificent medieval structure that dates from the 13th century. Here, you’ll find a small museum that details the history of the cloister, as well as contemporary art exhibitions, a regular program of concerts and film screenings, and a cafe. This weekend (October 5-6, 2019), the abbey is hosting a “Kräuter & Keramik” market. Stock up on medicinal herbs and handmade pottery after enjoying a long fall hike through these beautiful surroundings.
How to get to Kloster Chorin from Berlin: Take the regional train RE3 from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Chorin. A 25-minute walk from the train station leads you along peaceful village roads. Follow the signs to Kloster Chorin. More info: www.kloster-chorin.org
3. Poetry-Lovers’ Day Trip: Encounter Pears and Poesy in Havelland
Germany is full of historic small towns. Ribbeck is one of them. Lovers of pears and poetry will delight in an autumnal day-trip to this charming village. Made famous by the ballad “Herr von Ribbeck auf Ribbeck im Havelland” by the German poet Theodor Fontane, Ribbeck is well known for its pear trees, but visitors will encounter a range of other interesting sights here including a brandy distillery and a palace with a small museum. The town features several cafes, one of which is housed within a former school complete with a fully furnished school room. Another is in an old laundry house. There’s also a nearby children’s farm where your little city slickers can get to know the horses, pigs, chickens, and goats, or get lost in a corn maze (October).
How to get to Ribbeck: Take the regional train RB14 or RE2 from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Nauen, then hop on Bus 680. Alternatively, bring your bike on board the train and cycle the 10km along the Havelland Bike Path to Ribbeck.
4. Animal-Lovers’ Day Trip: Make Friends With an Alpaca
Have you ever taken a walk with an Alpaca? Here is your chance. About 60 km south of Berlin, Nieplitzhof Alpaca Farm is home to the rare Appaloosa alpaca. During a visit to the farm, you and your family can get to know these adorable, super soft creatures that normally live in the mountains of Peru. Let the stress of city life drift away during a guided, 60-minute walk through the farm’s forests and meadows. Stroll calmly alongside the gentle alpacas as they wander at will without a care in the world. You will also learn all about the care and breeding of the animals, and once they get used to you, you may even get the chance to pet, and even hug one. Call or email the farm in advance to book your visit.
How to get to Alpaka Farm Nieplitzhof: Take the regional train RE 3 from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Luckenwalde Bahnhof. If you bring along your bike, you can cycle the final 11km, otherwise take Bus 755 to Zülichendorf, Kemnitzer Landstrasse.
5. Farm-Lovers’ Day Trip: Stroll Among Apple Trees at an Organic Farm in Brandenburg
The second-largest orchard in Brandenburg, Behringhof is home to 600 fruit trees of over 100 different species that grow on seven hectares of land. In addition to its impressive orchard, Behringhof is home to a huge flock of sheep that grazes in the surrounding pastures. There’s also a petting zoo with happy chickens, rabbits, and pigs. Book one of the farm’s holiday rental apartments to make it a weekend getaway in the country.
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Archer Relocation has been providing relocation services to families, individuals and companies in Berlin since early 2015. Managing Director, Emily Archer, founded the company desiring to use her first-hand experience as an expat to make the relocation process as smooth as possible for others moving to Berlin. Read other useful information about moving to and living in Berlin, such as ‘How to Find a Berlin Apartment’, on our Berlin Blog.
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