Just bought the 2009 Rick Steves' Germany book today. We are looking at a trip to Berlin in 2010. We love museums so see there are many good ones in Berlin. We are also thinking of visiting Sachsenhausen and Ravensbruck concentration camps. I'm told not to have a rental car in Berlin. I'm wondering if we need a car for Sachsenhausen and Ravensbruck or if others have traveled to other smaller towns around Berlin where you recommend a car. We love historical sites. Thanks!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9011 posts
Using public transportation in Berlin is very easy. There is no way I would want to drive in this city, even sitting on the bus here, in all the traffic jams was annoying. It is not difficult to get to Sachsenhausen or Ravensbruck with the train. Potsdam is also close by.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
504 posts
We absolutely loved the public transport when we were in Berlin last summer. Probably the best we had used on our whole trip. The buses and S-Bahn were easy to use and got us everywhere we wanted to go. We however didn't go outside of the main city, so I can't comment on that part of it. If you do drive, it's seemed like most large cities and all the issues that come with driving in one.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
I got my driver's licence in Germany, I get a car on loan for free everytime I visit Germany. Still, I will take the train to Berlin and use the excellent public transit system there. The hassle of city traffic and trying to find parking is not worth it.
Posted by
Gangelt, Germany
101 posts
I just returned from 6 days in Berlin last week. We stayed in Heilegensee, near Tegal, which is outside the main city and used the S/U-bahns to go everywhere. I've also driven extensively in Berlin and don't recommend it for anyone not familiar with Germany traffic laws. There's simply no time to think about what to do, only react...to much stress. You may want to consider getting a Berlin Welcome Card with or without the museuminsel option. It covers public transportation for 24hrs, 48hrs or 5 days. And the museuminsel gives you unlimited admission to all museums on museum island.
http://www.visitberlin.de/welcomecard/index.php?lang=en
I've been to Berlin 6 times and still haven't seen everything! Enjoy your trip!