Brandenburg is a melting pot of history, culture and beautiful countryside. Royal palaces and centuries-old monasteries recall the state’s illustrious past. Explore UNESCO-listed Potsdam, get lost in the cobbled streets of Rheinsberg and paddle along tree-lined canals in the Spree Forest. All this, just a stone’s throw from Berlin.
Things to do in Brandenburg
A wealth of tree-filled parks, beautiful palaces and excellent museums make Potsdam one of the most enticing cities in Germany. The UNESCO World Heritage city is known as the German Versailles enjoys a scenic setting on the Havel River. Guided tours of Schloss Sanssouci take you behind the scenes of the lavish summer palace built by Frederick the Great.
Berlin, the iconic German capital, is marooned like an island in the centre of Brandenburg. From Potsdam, it’s an easy to day trip to Berlin and visit sights like the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate and Holocaust Memorial. The East Side Gallery stretches for 1.3 kilometres along the Berlin Wall and is decorated with colourful murals and artwork.
The enchanting UNESCO Spree Forest Biosphere Reserve protects a unique landscape of woodlands, fields and meadows criss-crossed with canals and waterways. The chocolate-box town of Lehde is nestled in the heart of the forest and is laced with emerald-green canals lined with wooden houses.
The picturesque town of Rheinsberg is set on the banks of Lake Grienerick and dates back to the 14th century. Marvel the soaring towers and turrets of Rheinsberg Palace and stroll around the beautiful gardens. The cobblestone town centre is filled with charming cafes and gelaterias.
Brandenburg is known for hearty cuisine, with specialty dishes including boiled potatoes with “quark” soft cheese, lamb stew with green beans and sausages topped with creamy horseradish. The state shares a border with Poland, which means you’ll see plenty of “pierogi” dumplings, cabbage rolls and “nalesniki” pancakes on menus in Brandenburg.
Despite its proximity to Berlin, Brandenburg boasts some of Germany’s most pristine countryside. Rent a bicycle and spend the day cycling past beech forests, fields blanketed with bright-yellow sunflowers and rapeseed.
Getting around Brandenburg
Brandenburg is easy to get around by car, bus or train. All towns and cities in Brandenburg are pedestrian-friendly. Trains run between Potsdam and Berlin in less than 30 minutes and Berlin Brandenburg Airport is a 40-minute drive from Potsdam.