Best Countryside Escapes from Berlin - Home wherever you go.

Germany’s capital city is already known for its close relationship with nature through its abundance of parks and natural landscapes. However, if you want to get even closer with nature, you can find the perfect countryside getaway while still being in close proximity to Berlin.

Harz Mountains

Harz is a forest region located a couple hours west of Berlin in the German countryside. Largely untouched by tourists, it has some of the most well-preserved medieval towns and is abundant in traditional German culture. Check out the town of Wernigerode to hike up to a castle and visit an old style brewery. The towns of Goslar and Quedlinburg are also great options to add to your agenda.

If you want more of a nature-filled countryside escape, then you’ll be happy to hear that the Harz Mountains and national park is filled with waterfalls, forests, and hiking trails to truly immerse yourself in rural Germany.

How to get to the Harz Mountains from Berlin

Getting to the Harz Mountains from Berlin can take some time. By car, it’s about a three and a half hour drive, but it is definitely worth being able to get a taste of traditional Germany. There are some buses and trains that leave for some of the main towns in the Harz Mountains, but they can be pretty infrequent. Car is the best method of transportation to the Harz Mountains, and it also gives you the freedom to visit multiple places in one trip.

Spreewald

Spreewald is a lowland area located only 62 miles or 100 kilometers from Berlin that’s filled with criss-crossing riverways and sandy dunes. It features over 200 canals and waterways that stretch over 171 miles or 276 kilometers that you can navigate through via kayak, canoe, or a traditional Spreewaldkahn boat.

It is also known to have a unique local culture with a large population of a Slavic minority group called the Sorbs. If you want to learn more about the Sorbian culture, which is notable for its rich cultural customs and colorful traditional clothing, you can visit the village of Lehde for a unique experience.

How to get to Spreewald from Berlin

By car, it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to reach Spreewald from Berlin. Trains also run between the two places and take close to an hour to complete their journey.

Liepnitzsee

There are over 50 lakes in Berlin alone, and over 3,000 in the region. During the warmer months, it's very common for both locals and tourists alike to escape the city to cool off by a lake and take in some fresh countryside air.

Liepnitzsee is one of the more popular getaway destinations from Berlin, and for a good reason. Many of the lakes close to the city can be a bit murky, but Liepnetzsee is known for its clear, almost turquoise waters and white sandy shores. It’s the closest thing to a tropical beach that you can find!

Visitors are welcome to hike through the forest surrounding the lake or take a dip in the clear shores. Rowboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats are available for rent if you wish to reach the inner island of the lake. There are also campsites around the area to fully immerse yourself in nature.

How to get to Liepnitzsee Lake from Berlin

Liepnitzsee is located about 50 km outside of Berlin, making it very reachable from the city. By car, it should only take about an hour to reach the turquoise shores of Liepnitzsee. With the train, all you need is an ABC zone ticket, and it’ll take about an hour and a half to two hours to get there. There is also an option to bike to the lake, which takes about two hours from the center of Berlin.

Day trips from Berlin with Ukio

Germany is famed for its close proximity with nature, and even its sprawling metropolises, like Berlin, still keep the countryside roots close to heart. When living in Berlin, you’re never too far away from a countryside escape to nature or a more traditional lifestyle. Just rent a car, take a bike, or buy your train tickets, and you’ll be on your way to a weekend getaway close to Berlin.

If you’re staying with Ukio, there are always options to explore more; you can check out other countryside escapes that are nearby to Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon as well.