I have an extensive trip planned for October with a few days at the end left to plan. So far my plans are: Sept 26 arrive Paris. Paris, my favorite place x 6 nights Oct 2, meet travel mates in Ypres. Ypres x 3 nights, exploring WW1 sites Oct 5, train to Amsterdam, Amsterdam x 2 nights Oct 7-14, Rhine river cruise, starting in Amsterdam, ending Basel Oct 15-20, visiting family in Dusseldorf, a small town where my mom grew up and Berlin (2 nights each) Oct 20, my travel mates depart Berlin for home. I wish to travel for another 5-6 days, flying back to Edmonton about Oct 25, but not sure where I want to go. I will have spent 2 nights in Berlin, so will have seen quite a few sites. Some options are: Prague , Dresden and Munich, Salzburg and Vienna. I love old architecture and historical sights. I might see many castles on the river cruise though!! I will have had 3-2 night stays, so I wanted to minimize the number of stops. Any advice is appreciated. What are your favorite places a train trip away from Berlin. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9220 posts
I think you might want to give Berlin more than 2 days. Most people find that 5-7 days is often still not long enough, though it does depend on your interests. This is a huge city packed full of history, museums, & cultural activities. From Berlin, you can also make side-trips to Potsdam and the Sans Soucci palace, or you could visit both Sachsenhausen & Ravensbruck Concentration Camps. A visit to the Spree Wald might be interesting too. Other cities that are sort of near-by would be Dresden, Luebeck, or possibly even Hamburg or Quedlinburg.
Posted by
Chicago
565 posts
I agree with Jo. Not only is Berlin a fabulous place to explore, it's fairly inexpensive compared to other large cities. 6 days last year was not enough for me.
Dresden would also be a nice, short trip from Berlin, but 2 days there is plenty.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Hi, As suggested above you could return to Berlin for the rest of the time. Use one day as a day trip for Potsdam,. if you have an interest in Prussian history this year especially. The tours start across the street from Potsdam Hbf. After the tour I suggest walking in the town...very interesting. Another suggestion is to do a day trip to Dresden or Leipzig from Berlin. If you want to go somewhere else, then spend the time 5 days in Vienna...always fascinating, culturally and historically. My favourite train (day) trip from Berlin: Potsdam, Leipzig, Dresden
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Logistically easy would be Dresden and Prague. Dresden was pulverized in WWII but now you would not say so. Prague avoided heavy bombing and it's probably the most preserved medieval big city in Europe. If you are into old architecture and haven't been there yet, go.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
I would add at LEAST one more night in Berlin. 2 nights is barely enough to scratch the surface. All your proposed destinations are wonderful, and all have history and old architecture. If you opt not to stay for an extra night in Berlin, I'd do 2 nights in Salzburg and 3 nights in Vienna, just because I really love those places. But they're further away and less convenient than Prague or Dresden.
Posted by
OP
Edmonton, Alberta
797 posts
Thanks for the great information.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Quedlinburg, Lübeck, the Spreewald and a day-trip to Leipzig all are exciting and should easily and conveniently fill your gap - without spending too much time on just transportation...