Things To Do
in Erkner
Erkner is a small lakeside town east of Berlin at the junction of the Dahme and Spree waterways, known for its quiet residential character and access to Brandenburg’s lake landscape. Historically a commuter town with a strong connection to Berlin, it combines green spaces, promenades along Dämeritzsee and Flakensee, and a compact town centre with local shops. Outdoor recreation — boating, cycling and walking — is the main draw, while local history and small museums give a sense of regional culture.
Erkner is a practical base for day trips into the surrounding nature reserves and for anyone wanting easy access to Berlin without staying in the city itself.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your adventure in Erkner with a serene walk through the quaint streets, soaking in the charming architecture and local shops. Stop by a cozy café for a traditional German breakfast, sampling fresh bread and pastries. Engage with locals to learn more about their culture and history.
Visit the nearby Flakensee for a relaxing afternoon by the water. You can enjoy a picnic on the shore or partake in outdoor activities like paddle boating or cycling along the scenic paths. Take in the beautiful views of nature and breathe in the fresh air.
As the sun sets, savor a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying authentic German cuisine. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the lake promenade, where you can admire the reflections of the setting sun on the water. Conclude your day with a drink at a nearby bar, mingling with locals to share stories.
Take a short train ride to Berlin to kick off an exhilarating day of exploration in the capital city. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building for stunning architectural views. Enjoy breakfast at a Berlin café while planning your next adventures in the bustling city.
Spend the afternoon wandering through Museum Island, where you can immerse yourself in world-class art and history. Stop for lunch at a nearby bistro, tasting some local specialties while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Visit the Berliner Dom for panoramic views of the cityscape.
As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant in the heart of Berlin. Experience the vibrant nightlife by exploring bars and clubs in areas like Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain. Don’t forget to indulge in some late-night snacks from local food stalls before heading back to Erkner.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Beer (pint at pub) | $4-6 |
| 🚆Single regional train/S-Bahn ticket | $2.50-4.00 |
| 🚖Taxi start + 5 km | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Berlin with easy rail connections
- Access to lakes, quiet nature and outdoor activities
- Small-town charm with relaxed pace
- Good base for exploring Brandenburg nature reserves
- Limited nightlife and fewer cultural venues than Berlin
- Fewer dining options and specialist dietary choices compared with major cities
- Some services and attractions are seasonal
- Public transport frequency may be lower in late evenings/weekends
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Guten Morgen / Guten Abend" - Good morning / Good evening
- "Danke / Vielen Dank" - Thanks / Thank you very much
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Die Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Erkner
Visit one of these nice places.
Long waterfront views, reflections at sunrise and sunset, boats and small marinas provide classic lakeside compositions.
Quieter lakeside with reed beds and tree-lined paths — great for nature shots, birdlife and peaceful landscapes.
Picturesque small-town architecture, station details and commuter scenes capture local life; good for street and architectural photography.
Woodland light and mossy trails offer atmospheric close-up and wide-angle nature photography opportunities.
Food in Erkner
Erkner Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught fish from regional lakes, often pan-fried or served with potato salad — try at waterfront restaurants or small inns around the lakes.
Must-Try!
Classic German meat dishes served in local guesthouses; look for house-made sausages and schnitzel with seasonal sides.
Potato salad and simple vegetable preparations accompany many meals; regional variations vary by café and family kitchens.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly market (seasonal) with local producers offering bread, cheeses, eggs and seasonal fruit — a good place to sample fresh regional produce.
While Erkner is small, you’ll find traditional bakeries for morning pastries and at least one döner/kebab or small takeout for quick meals influenced by wider German street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Germans value punctuality — be on time for tours, trains and social appointments.
Observe Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) in the evening and at midday in some neighbourhoods; avoid loud noise late at night.
Follow local recycling rules (separate bins for paper, plastics (Gelber Sack), glass and residual waste); many people take sorting seriously.
Use polite forms (Guten Tag, Bitte, Danke) with strangers and service staff; a friendly but reserved approach is typical.
Safety
Tipping in Erkner
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common; in cafés and for small purchases you can round up or leave small change. Taxis typically take a small tip (round up or add ~10%).
Cards (Visa, Mastercard, sometimes Maestro) are widely accepted but smaller shops, bakeries and market stalls may prefer cash — carry some euros. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly used in shops and transport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures rise, trees and flowers bloom, and trails become lush — ideal for cycling and birdwatching. Expect occasional showers; pack a light rain jacket.
Warm, pleasant weather perfect for swimming, boating and long outdoor days; lakeside cafés and boat rentals operate at full capacity. Bring sun protection and expect more weekend visitors.
Crisp air and colourful foliage create excellent hiking and photography conditions; some tourism services scale back, making it quieter. Mornings can be misty over the lakes.
Cold with possible frost or snow; lakes may freeze in severe winters but ice conditions are variable. Dress warmly and check local forecasts — many outdoor rentals are closed or limited.
Erkner at Night
Hiking in Erkner
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hilly woodland area near Berlin offering varied routes, viewpoints and a good mix of short and longer hikes — reachable by bike or short public transport trip.
A bit farther east, Schlaubetal offers river gorge scenery, clear streams and well-marked trails for full-day hikes in a protected landscape.
Local trails around Flakensee and the lakes offer easy, scenic walks suitable for families and photographers; many paths are flat and accessible year-round.
Historic industrial landscapes with trails and info panels — a mix of cultural history and outdoor walking not far from Erkner.
Airports
How to reach Erkner by plane.
Main international airport serving Berlin and surrounding Brandenburg regions; about 30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic, and reachable via regional trains and shuttle options.
Alternative for some international flights; roughly 1.5–2 hours by car or train and useful if flights to BER are limited or expensive.
Historical airport that closed in 2020 — use Berlin Brandenburg (BER) for current flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute daily to Berlin for work, giving the town a mix of local and commuter populations.
Family-friendly neighbourhoods with schools and outdoor spaces attract parents with children.
Older residents and long-term locals contribute to stable small-town community life.
Proximity to Berlin brings some internationals and expats who prefer quieter living outside the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Watersports are popular given the network of lakes and rivers — local clubs and rental options support recreational paddling and rowing.
Leisure and fitness cycling along flat routes and regional bike paths is widespread among residents and visitors.
Local amateur football clubs are active and community-supported, reflecting Germany’s strong football culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Erkner.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are commonly available at cafés and restaurants (salads, egg dishes, pasta). Menus may not always be extensive; ask staff ('Ist das vegetarisch?') and look for vegetable-forward dishes.
Vegan choices are more limited than in big cities but increasingly available in cafés and at market stalls — bring snacks or check menus in advance, or travel to nearby Berlin for a wider selection.
Some bakeries and restaurants offer gluten-free options on request, but cross-contamination can occur. If you have strict intolerance, plan ahead and carry essentials or visit Berlin for broader specialist options.