If you’re looking to escape bustling Berlin, jumping on a regional train will get you to the charming of Lübbenau in just under an hour. There you can spend the day exploring the UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve on a traditional wooden barge, lacing up your shoes for a hike, or indulging in what has been the region’s #1 specialty since the 16th century: pickles.
Germany’s islands are the country’s most underrated spots. With coastlines along both the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, these offshore destinations are a chance to see the country in a different light and explore some of its most pristine and alluring landscapes.
Like clockwork, every spring, Spargel bursts on to the culinary scene across Germany. Beginning in mid-April, restaurants everywhere begin promoting their white asparagus dishes and astounding lines begin to form wherever Spargel is being sold. Like any love affair, Germans simply cannot get enough of it. If you want to experience Germany’s cult-like obsession for yourself, take a day trip to the town of Beelitz.
While Tempelhofer Feld attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, there is no doubt that far fewer people know about the nearby Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände. Just a few S-Bahn stops away from the beloved airport-turned-public-park, you’ll find another impressive urban space with eighteen hectares of nature, art, and technology.
While there is no doubt that Erpetal (the Erpe Valley) is a beautiful respite from the busy city in the summer months, a fresh snowfall or even a crisp and frosty morning makes this a perfect destination for a wintery walk. The best part? Erpetal is within Berlin’s city limits and is easily reachable with the S-Bahn.