Like many great European cities, Berlin is a wonderful place to start a road trip. Because of its central location, it’s easy to reach many other European cities and countries and really experience them in just a weekend. There are many excellent destinations in other parts of Germany, as well as in nearby countries like Poland and the Czech Republic as well.
These are some of our favorite weekend getaway spots from Berlin. They’re great for renewing your inspiration, getting a breath of fresh air, and shaking up your routine. And if you’re just visiting Berlin for work or pleasure, it’s easy to reach these destinations to get a broader sense of the region and expand your horizons.
Atlantic Grand Hotel Travemünde - Lübeck, Germany
For a lovely seaside town that’s only about three hours from Berlin, check out Lübeck. One of Germany’s most charming small towns, this is a great place to spend time at the beach, as well as check out the historical architecture and drink delicious German beer. When you visit, you must try the marzipan and visit Niederegger. The Atlantic Grand Hotel Travemünde is a top place to stay when you visit this area for the weekend. This hotel has a spa and fitness center with a beautiful east seascape panorama, Finnish sauna, samarium, and steam baths. Overall, this is a five-star hotel that makes for a wonderful holiday at the Baltic Sea.
Hotel Schloss Gamehl bei Wismar - Gamehl, Germany
Hotel Schloss Gamehl bei Wismar is a great option for weekend travelers, and it’s only about two hours from Berlin. You’ll be near the Baltic Sea and enjoy a resort-style weekend that’s romantic and comfortable. This is a small boutique hotel with restored, comfortable, and well-equipped rooms. Each one of the rooms is unique and individually decorated. You’ll also find one of the best restaurants in the entire region here, which makes travel planning exceptionally easy. While you’re in the area, you can visit Nikolaikirche, Old Hansa Harbor, Marienkirche, Hospitalkirche zum Heiligen Geist, and Wasserkunst.
Aria Hotel Prague - Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is surprisingly close to Berlin and just four hours away by car. This is an amazing city to visit if you enjoy art galleries, nature parks, and cute cafes. It’s also known for delicious Pilsner beer, medieval architecture, castles, modern art, jazz, and soviet relics. It’s popular for summer vacation and also in the winter for the Christmas market. There are many options for places to stay in Prague, but one of the best is Aria Hotel Prague. This hotel is in Lesser Town and close to the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. All of the rooms here are inspired by the music of a certain artist or composer. There are chic rooms and suites in the hotel. Make sure to dine at the on-site restaurant because it’s one of the best places to eat in the city.
Hotel Motel One Dresden am Zwinger - Dresden, Germany
Dresden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany, and it’s a great home base for outdoor lovers. You can visit the Switzerland National Park when you stay here, for example. In Dresden, one excellent accommodation choice is the Hotel Motel One Dresden am Zwinger. This hotel focuses on modern design and minimalism and is a great option for business and pleasure travelers.
Spreewald Thermenhotel - Near Spreewald, Germany
Another lovely natural area to visit on a weekend from Berlin is Spreewald. Barge tours, canoe rentals, and beaches are popular here. Biking and raft trips are also fun ways to spend a weekend here. And don’t forget to try some pickled cucumbers, the local specialty. Spreewald Thermenhotel is a recommended place to stay near Spreewald when you spend the weekend here. This isn’t just a place to stay though; it’s a haven for your mind and body. Here you’ll find swimming pools, saunas, a wellness area, and a breakfast buffet. There are also quite a few quaint B&Bs in the area to choose from.
Gastwerk Hotel Hamburg - Hamburg, Germany
Even compared to Berlin, Hamburg is an ultra-cool city that’s urban and attractive. It’s known for fish markets, nightclubs, parks, and the harbor. There are a variety of neighborhoods here to explore and find one that suits your travel style. A good accommodation option in Hamburg is Gastwerk Hotel Hamburg. This hotel resembles a loft more than a hotel by providing a warm and tranquil experience that exceeds all customer service expectations. The rooms have an airy spaciousness to them, and there are various room categories to choose from. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a spa.
artHOTEL Magdeburg - Magdeburg, Germany
Magdeburg has a long and complicated history, but it has a way of always reinventing itself in a new and exciting way. Some of the top things to do here are the Die Gruene Zitadelle von Magdeburg, the Magdeburger Dom, Jahrtausendturm im Elbauenpark, and Alter Markt Magdeburg. For a memorable weekend here, stay at artHOTEL Magdeburg, which is located in a pink Avant-Garde building. This hotel has undergone a complete redesign and is colorful, whimsical, and quirky. It’s in the style of Friedensreich Hundred Water. There are stylish rooms, many with balconies and terraces. All of the rooms are modern and digitally connected, and breakfast is highly recommended and taken in the room.
Hotel Rycerski – Szczecin, Poland
Drive about two hours from Berlin and you’ll reach the Polish city of Szczecin. This is an awesome place to visit for foodies because pierogis are definitely not in short supply. One recommended restaurant to stop at for a variety of delicious dumplings is Pierogarnia Kaszubska. Szczecin is a port town that has lots more to offer than food as well. Here you’ll find historic architecture and sandy shores that are peaceful and inspiring. One accommodation option in this part of Poland worth considering is the Hotel Rycerski, which is conveniently located near the bus and train station. It’s also near the Western Oder waterfront and the Haymarket. Both business travelers and vacationers enjoy staying here in the rooms and suites.
Dorint Hotel Leipzig - Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig makes for another great weekend trip from Berlin and is known for its art schools, trendy warehouse renovations, and affordable prices. This is a great place to visit to be immersed in a young and vibrant culture with tons of cool bars and interesting people. Stay at the Dorint Hotel Leipzig when you visit the city. It’s in the historic center of town and has spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi. It’s a four-star hotel with standard and superior rooms. The on-site restaurant serves international cuisine in an Art Nouveau setting, and the lobby bar is a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
