In mid Sept, I shall travel from London to Berlin by air but have an extra 2 days now.
I am considering to stay 2 days at a city near Berlin before travelling to Berlin by Bahn train. Prefer train travel time not more than 3 hours.
Can anyone suggest a nearby city and what are interesting things to do in that city? I like sight-seeing, beautiful scenery, shopping but not museums, churches, old buildings, etc.
Thank you !
Probably Dresden
Hamburg. Lively city, beautiful waterfront, Miniature Wonderland.
What about Hamburg? Bremen, Hanover and Leipzig are all within 3 hours I believe. Of these, I've only been to Leipzig and that was to visit St. Thomas church. I think that I would go to Hamburg or Bremen. Bremen is a hair over 3 hours with the right train.
I have been to Dresden, but It's not exactly on the way to Berlin, more on the way away from it. Leipzig is a bit out of the way as well.
Pam
Hannover is one of the most boring and ugly cities I have ever seen in my life, and I gather most Germans feel the same way.
My first thought was Dresden, but then I got to the end of your post "not museums, churches, old buildings," and that pretty much eliminates Dresden. I haven't been to Hamburg, but it sounds more like what you're looking for.
If one visits Hannover though, you can make a visit to Bergen Belsen. Highly recommend doing this. Celle is also near-by and very beautiful.
Thanks for all the quick replies.
Sounds like Hamburg gets more votes.
When is the latest I should book train tickets for Hamburg to Berlin? Is 4 weeks before travelling good enough for early bird offers?
I used Bahn online last year. Is it still the best for booking trains travel in Germany?
Once again, thanks for all the information that helps me to plan my trip better.
Deutsche Bahn is the only place where you should book your trains.
The best bargains are 3 months before travel. When the cheap tickets run out, they get more expensive. Sometimes you can get them at a bargain 4 weeks ahead, but why wait? If you know when you will be there, get them now.
