My husband and I are thinking about visiting Berlin for a week overlapping Xmas. A few questions:
-What days are most museums and public sights closed? I have read that Dec 24th is when most things close and that they are open Dec 25 & 26: is this true?
-Same question as above for shops, restaurants, etc.
- What are some good day trips from Berlin, perhaps only 2 hrs on train. We like classic Middle Ages looking villages or towns with interesting local history and architecture.
Thanks for any advice or suggestions. Jane
Posted by
California USA
4103 posts
We've been to Berlin a couple of times prior to Christmas for the Christmas markets and events. As far as specific museum and other closing times, you could begin to check websites. Most places will be closed on the 24th and possibly on the 25th. There are multiple Christmas markets with different atmospheres around the city. We especially liked the one with more crafts and less gingerbread/candy booths which is located in the plaza across the street from Humbolt University.
Several middle sized towns --small cities nearby that are easy to reach by train and will have a very festive atmosphere are Dresden, Leipzig and Wittenberg. If you are in Berlin as early as the weekend of December 12-13, 2015 the well preserved half-timbered town, Quedlinburg, is having a special market and train service from Berlin for visitors http://www.adventsstadt.de/html/Advent_in_den_Hoefen.htm
Posted by
Germany
868 posts
- What are some good day trips from Berlin, perhaps only 2 hrs on train. We like classic Middle Ages looking villages or towns with interesting local history and architecture.
Berlin was built in the middle of nowhere, and especially the "classic Middle Ages looking villages" you are looking for are far away from Berlin. The only towns that fit the bill are Wittenberg and Tangermünde. Wittenberg, with many sites related to the Protestant Reformation, is a small Renaissance town with basically two streets. I think you would like Tangermünde more (google for pics), which looks more medieval and offers impressive fortifications.
All others are more than two hours away from the city. if you are looking for something really special consider a day trip to Quedlinburg, which is exactly what you are looking for, but three hours away from Berlin (direct trains on weekends).
If it doesn't have to be medieval consider Schwerin (1:40h), the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and formerly the duchy of Mecklenburg. The old town is a nice mix of Brick Gothic, hald-timbered houses and 19th century government buildings surrounded by lakes, but the highlight is the 19th century fairytale castle.
Posted by
(Berlin, Germany)
70 posts
Yes, public life comes almost to a stop for several days on December 24. The 25 and 26 December are holidays. The shops reopen on 28 December because after the holiday follows a Sunday. In the restaurants, it is different some have open and some not. The opera houses playing on these days, reservations are advisable. For the museums check the Internet some are open.