Brandenburg Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of Brandenburg, Germany with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Brandenburg

Located in the northeast part of Germany, Brandenburg is one of the 16 federal states of the country. It is home to scenic lakes, vast landscapes, and vibrant cultural cities. Brandenburg, a popular destination for nature lovers, is known for its lowlands and lush forests. With its easy accessibility from Berlin, Brandenburg offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and recreation for visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Brandenburg

  1. Potsdam
  2. Wittenberg
  3. Templin
  4. Spreewald
  5. Brandenburg an der Havel
  6. Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve
  7. Neuzelle Monastery
  8. EuroSpeedway Lausitz
  9. Oranienburg Castle

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Potsdam’s World Heritage Site: Potsdam’s picturesque scenery and architecture inspired the construction of palaces and gardens, earning it the status of a World Heritage Site.

Lutherstadt Wittenberg: Wittenberg, the town most associated with Martin Luther, is home to one of the world’s most significant Reformation history sites, the Lutherhalle Museum.

The Templin Tower: The Templin Tower, or “Uckermark Home,” is a 15th-century Gothic castle in the Templin area.

Natural Attractions of Brandenburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Spreewald: A biosphere excellent for kayaking and scenic boat tours. Spreewald forest is famous for its network of narrow canals, boardwalks, and wooden bridges surrounded by lush greenery.

Biosphäre Bliesgau: Situated in the heart of Brandenburg, this preserved area comprises meadows, woodlands, and wetlands rich in bio-diversity.

Schlossturm Wittenberg: Gothic architecture offers breathtaking views of the city Wittenberg from the top of the fortification tower.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Brandenburg

  1. The Havelland Cycle Route: A leisurely cycling ride through the Havelland with great views of the water.

  2. Jahn Cycle Path: Along with the Jahn route, which is part of the Berlin-Leipzig route, this option is ideal for cyclists.

  3. The Fläming Skate Route: A scenic roller-skating ride giving a picturesque 78km route through the scenic Brandenburg Country side.

Best Things to Do in Brandenburg: Activities and Tours

Kayaking in Spreewald: Kayaking in Spreewald offers an unparalleled experience, where travelers can glide through the scenic natural reserve and explore the network of narrow canals.

Visit Potsdam’s Sanssouci Palace: Explore the stunning architecture and grandeur of Sanssouci Palace, known as the German Versailles.

Take a scenic drive along the autobahn: The autobahn is one of the most iconic routes in Germany and is perfect for a scenic drive, exploring the scenic beauty of Brandenburg.

Week-Long Itinerary for Brandenburg

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival and check-in at Hotel.
Day 2 Spend the day sightseeing in Potsdam’s palaces and parks.
Day 3 Explore Wittenberg and its historic landmarks, including Lutherhalle Museum, Castle Church, and the Luther Monument.
Day 4 Go hiking/cycling around Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve.
Day 5 Free Day
Day 6 Experience an adventure paddling through the scenic Spreewald’s waterways
Day 7 Shopping and exploring cultural heritage sites in Brandenburg an der Havel, Oranienburg Castle, and Neuzelle Monastery.

Food and Drink Scene of Brandenburg

Must-Try Dishes

  • “Senfeier,” a traditional dish made with boiled eggs, creamy mustard sauce, and boiled potatoes.

  • “Königsberger Klopse,” German-style meatballs in a creamy and tangy caper sauce.

  • “Meißner Stollen,” a popular Christmassy pastry dessert.

Local Beverages

  • “Berlin Brandenburg Beer,” the local beer, made by the Brauhaus in Potsdam.

  • “Spreewald Cucumber Schnapps,” a rare and unique beverage made from the high-quality Spreewald cucumbers.

Where to Stay in Brandenburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

When planning a trip to Brandenburg, visitors have several options for accommodation, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. The following are some recommendations:

  • AXXON Hotel, Potsdam

  • Sorat Hotel Brandenburg, Brandenburg

  • Pension Marktblick Templin, Templin

What to Buy in Brandenburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • “Potsdamer Schlössernacht,” a traditional scarf with designs of Potdamer’s palaces.

  • “Spreewald Gurken,” the iconic Spreewald cucumbers, sold in jars and pickled.

  • “Buckower Waffelkugeln,” traditional waffles covered in dark chocolate produced by the Buckow confectionery company.

Local Culture and Customs of Brandenburg

Brandenburg’s culture is primarily influenced by its history, geography, and agricultural roots. The region boasts of a thriving traditional music scene and dances such as the “Bauernpolka” and “Fläming Dance.” Brandenburg Carnival is one of the significant cultural events celebrated annually in Brandenburg.

Best Time to Visit Brandenburg

The best time to visit Brandenburg is in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), as visitors can enjoy pleasant weather conditions with fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brandenburg

Do:

  • Greet locals with a smile and a handshake.

  • Try to learn some basic German phrases before arriving.

  • Be respectful of the German culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Don’t ignore regional etiquette and rules.

  • Don’t litter or leave garbage in public places.

  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help; the locals are friendly and happy to assist.

Safety and Health

Safety in Brandenburg

When traveling to Brandenburg, visitors should exercise the usual safety precautions, such as keeping valuable items hidden and carrying necessary formal identification.

Health in Brandenburg

German healthcare facilities are among the best in the world. In Brandenburg, visitors can expect top-quality medical care in case of any health emergencies.

Getting to Brandenburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Brandenburg is well-connected to the vast German transportation network. Visitors can reach Brandenburg through the following ways:

Airports Near Brandenburg

  1. Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL)
  2. Berlin Schönefeld (SXF)

Bus Stations Near Brandenburg

  1. Berlin Central Bus Station (ZOB)
  2. Potsdam Central Station

Other Options

  • Train: Regular train connections are available, with Berlin serving as the primary transportation hub.

  • Car: Visitors can reach Brandenburg through highways and motorways from different directions.

How to Get Around in Brandenburg

Getting around Brandenburg is convenient, and visitors have the following options:

  • Bicycle: Renting a bike is an excellent way to explore the scenic landscapes and leisurely cycle through the towns and cities.

  • Car rental/Taxi: Taxis and car rentals offer a comfortable and convenient way to explore the region, particularly for visitors wishing to avoid public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Brandenburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

While in Brandenburg, visitors can take a short trip to the nearby places or take a day trip to the following destinations:

  • Berlin: Take a trip to Berlin, the thriving cosmopolitan capital city of Germany, located just an hour away from Brandenburg.

  • Dresden: Travel to the nearby city of Dresden, renowned for its stunning baroque architecture and exceptional art collections.

Conclusion

Brandenburg offers a diverse range of experiences, from historical landmarks to scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures. With its thriving cultural heritage, friendly locals, and easy accessibility from Berlin, it is a must-visit destination for travelers.

Oranienburg Palace Oranienburg Palace Eisenhardt Castle in Bad Belzig (Fläming) Eisenhardt Castle in Bad Belzig (Fläming) Windmill in Borne (Fläming) Windmill in Borne (Fläming)


    Cottbus
    Ludwigsfelde
    Mühlberg
    Oranienburg
    Potsdam
    Senftenberg
    Spreewald
    Werder an der Havel