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Berlin and side trips

I've posted previously about my husband and I (two fit seniors in our 70s) visiting Berlin during the Festival of Lights in October. Our planed trip dates are Oct. 7-17, but at this everything is still refundable. However, we're thinking of cutting out one night, so I have a few questions.

We've booked lodging in Berlin for 6 nights: Oct. 7-13. That would give us 5 1/2 days in Berlin due to early arrival on the 7th.

Although there's lots to see and do in Berlin, we do get tired of days and days of walking to see buildings, museums, etc., in large cities. We know e can't do it all. We're wondering if we've booked too many nights there. We're also disappointed that the Pergamon Museum has not reopened, the German History Museum is partially closed, and the Cecilienhof Palace in Potsdam is closed, three things we would have really liked to visit.

Because we like to balance city stays with rural ones, we thought we would go to Spreewald for several days. (We had originally thought to go to the Harz Mountains, but that area seems to be suffering right now and not very appealing to tourists.)

We're wondering how many nights would be good in Spreewald. Assuming we arrived in Lubbenau late morning, we would have three nights (Oct. 13-16): one half day, two full days, and another half day before returning to Berlin on the 16th to an airport hotel for an early flight on the 17th. We're wondering if that's a little long. Would one half day, one full day, and another half day would be enough to have a decent experience there?

Hope this isn't too confusing! Thanks for input.

Although this contradicts what I said above about visiting cities, we're wondering about taking a day trip, perhaps to Leipzig, during the Berlin stay, mostly because of the Bach connection but to see other sights as well. We could either add an extra to our lodging in Berlin or just have one less day to explore there.

Posted by
1713 posts

We were in Berlin at about the same time of year, lucked out with excellent weather, and never ran out of things to do. Mass transit is so good that you don't need to spend unnecessary time walking. Many of the sights are outside - the Wall Memorial, Alexanderplatz, Tiergarten, Prater beer garden, as well as exploring some of the characteristic neighborhoods, so you don't need to spend all your time in stuffy museums. There should also be numerous cultural activities to fill an evening or two.

Dresden is just two hours from Berlin by train, so you could consider at least an overnight there on your way to Lubbenau - admittedly not the most direct route, but doable.

Posted by
1235 posts

I think 5 nights in Berlin is def too much. Dresden is awesome, a couple nights there would be a great choice. I’d argue that with Berlin’s current museum status that Dresden’s museums are superior. The Historic/New Green Vault is simply one of the most incredible collections I have ever seen. The Zwinger Palace (Old Masters) gallery is packed with a broad collection of paintings including many iconic works. Beat Berlin’s Old Masters handily imo. When I visited the Albertinum gallery they had a special collection of “degenerate art” featuring Otto Dix. On top of that the town is a delight. I think it’s one of Europe’s well kept secrets, and considering you may not come this way again it’s a great opportunity.