Things To Do
in Brandenburg
Brandenburg is a diverse state surrounding Berlin, known for its expansive lakes, rivers, and lush forests. It blends royal palaces in Potsdam with tranquil Spreewald waterways and rural villages steeped in history. The region offers easy day trips to Berlin while maintaining a distinct, peaceful countryside charm.
Visitors will find a mix of cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, and warm, welcoming towns across the state.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a guided tour of Sanssouci Palace, marveling at its rococo architecture and perfectly manicured terraces. Wander through the terraced vineyards and lush gardens, pausing to enjoy panoramic views over Potsdam. Learn about Frederick the Great’s legacy as you explore the intimate chambers and hidden pavilions.
Head to the Neuer Garten to visit Cecilienhof Palace, site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference, and stroll lakeside paths under towering pines. Stop at the palace café for a light lunch of traditional German open-faced sandwiches. Continue on to Babelsberg Park to admire Gothic Revival follies and sweeping views of the Havel River.
Return to the Dutch Quarter for dinner in a cozy brick building serving regional dishes like Brandenburg goat cheese salad. Sample a local craft beer while watching the warm glow of lantern-lit streets. Finish the evening with a moonlit walk along the riverbank, reflecting on centuries of history under starry skies.
Set off early with a local guide from Lübbenau to paddle a traditional wooden canoe through the maze of verdant waterways. Listen for kingfishers darting across the calm channels and watch water lilies drift by. Pause at a shaded bank to sample fresh rye bread and quark.
Disembark for a cycling tour of the Spreewald’s reed-fringed paths, stopping at a family-run farm to taste Spreewald gherkins straight from the barrel. Learn about centuries-old irrigation techniques still used by local farmers. Enjoy a riverside picnic of smoked fish and seasonal salad.
Return to Lübbenau’s historic center for dinner at a thatched-roof tavern serving hearty goulash and regional beers. As dusk falls, join a folkloric boatman’s concert, where songs and stories echo across the waterways. End the night under thousands of fireflies dancing among the reeds.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $3-5 |
| 🚆Single train/bus ticket | $3-6 |
| 🏛️Museum entrance | $7-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $70-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Berlin with easy day trips and a calm rural backdrop
- Rich palatial heritage in Potsdam and diverse natural landscapes (Spreewald, Havelland)
- Nightlife and fast-paced scenes are less intense than in Berlin
- Some rural areas require a car to access outdoor activities and sights
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Brandenburg
Visit one of these nice places.
Majestic palace grounds, tiered terraces, and fountains offering classic architectural photography and landscape shots.
A romantic riverside estate with a mix of architectural styles and scenic parkland.
Iconic bridge over the Havel with reflections and a historic aura; popular for evening silhouettes.
Terrace viewpoints providing panoramic photos of Potsdam’s cityscape and royal gardens.
Winding waterways, reed beds, and traditional boats create tranquil, story-rich compositions.
Food in Brandenburg
Brandenburg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spreewald pickled cucumbers with dill and vinegar; a regional specialty you’ll find at markets and grocery stores across Brandenburg.
Must-Try!
Delicate perch fillet often served with dill butter, potatoes, and leafy greens from the Havelland lakes and rivers.
Creamy or hearty potato soup, a comforting staple found in many Brandenburger gaststätten.
Quark pancakes fried to a crisp and typically served with applesauce or sugar; a nod to East German culinary heritage.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A central market with seasonal produce, regional cheeses, breads, and ready-to-eat bites; great for sampling local flavors.
Markets and stalls offering fresh fish, pickles, and regional specialties; ideal for picking up gifts and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is valued; plan travel and appointments with punctuality in mind.
Use 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo' and address strangers with 'Sie' unless invited to use 'du'.
Follow local recycling rules and keep noise reasonable in residential areas, especially at night.
Safety
Tipping in Brandenburg
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common in restaurants; larger groups may round up to simplify payment. Cash tips are appreciated but many places accept card tips.
Germany widely uses debit and credit cards; contactless payments are common. Cash remains important at markets and smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days and outdoor events; lakes and canals are perfect for swimming, boating, and sunset photography.
Vibrant foliage around parks and lakes; misty mornings add atmosphere to landscapes.
Cold, with potential snowfall; Christmas markets in Potsdam and nearby towns create festive scenes.
Blooming trees and gardens; ideal for garden photography and outdoor city strolls.
Brandenburg at Night
Hiking in Brandenburg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of boardwalks and woodland trails along the canals; easy to moderate hikes with scenic water views.
Lakes, meadows, and gentle climbs; ideal for accessible day hikes.
Rolling hills and forested trails with varied scenery and wildlife opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Brandenburg by plane.
Main international gateway near Berlin; frequent rail and road connections to Potsdam and Brandenburg towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to Berlin for work and education; diverse student populations in towns with universities.
Smaller towns with agricultural roots and aging populations.
Visitors exploring Potsdam, Spreewald, and Brandenburger lakes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played across towns with local clubs and matches.
Brandenburg’s lakes and rivers support strong water sports communities.
Extensive bike paths along rivers like the Havel and Spree.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Brandenburg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Brandenburg restaurants offer vegetarian options like potato dishes, seasonal vegetables, salads, and dairy-based dishes; it’s common to request adjustments.