Around 3,000 lakes and more than 30,000 kilometres of waterways give Brandenburg a strong connection to water. At the same time, its 15 National Natural Landscapes cover a third of the state and together represent all of Brandenburg’s habitats and landscapes. This diversity offers a range of ways to explore: you can discover the region from the water, by bike or on foot, and include cultural attractions in your trip.

Water, trails and landscapes

You can canoe on Brandenburg’s rivers and sail on its lakes. More than 250 boat hire providers and suitable excursion routes make water-based outings possible. The difference between the two activities offers a clear starting point: canoeing on a river or sailing on a lake. If you prefer to explore on foot, the 66 Lakes Trail is Brandenburg’s best-known hiking route. It is marked with a blue dot on a white background.

The cycling network also has its own appeal: it is well developed and more than 7,000 kilometres long. Alongside the waterways and the well-known hiking trail, this offers many kilometres of cycling routes as another way to discover Brandenburg. Which option you choose depends on whether you would rather build your trip around an outing on the water, a hike or a bike ride.

Culture between Potsdam and Chorin

In Potsdam, the complex of palaces and parks comprises 500 hectares of parkland and 150 buildings constructed between 1730 and 1916. Sanssouci Park is part of the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin World Heritage Site. The figures convey the scale of the ensemble, while the buildings’ date range also reflects different periods of construction. If you are interested in art, the Barberini Museum in Potsdam adds another cultural experience to your trip: it is an international art museum with high-calibre exhibitions.

Another way to explore cultural history is at St. Paul’s Monastery: the Brandenburg State Archaeological Museum provides a representative overview of Brandenburg’s cultural history up to the recent past. This lets you choose between Potsdam’s ensemble of palaces and parks, art exhibitions, and a museum with a broad historical focus, without reducing these subjects to just one kind of cultural visit.

Chorin Monastery also combines a special setting with a varied programme. It lies directly on the Brandenburg Way of St. James, Szczecin–Berlin, along the Via Imperii. Concerts, guided tours, markets and spiritual events for all ages take place there throughout the year. If you are interested in a specific event, check the dates in advance.

More discoveries and regional cuisine

Film enthusiasts can get a behind-the-scenes look at film production at Filmpark Babelsberg in Potsdam. Its offerings include three live shows and more than 20 attractions. Check the latest operating details before your visit. This film-focused attraction is distinct from the art and history experiences that also form part of Brandenburg’s cultural offering.

Regional cuisine also has a well-known emblem: the Spreewald gherkin is a particularly renowned regional product. Together with the lakes, waterways and natural landscapes, it adds a culinary dimension to the picture of Brandenburg. You can choose different themes for your trip, from water-based activities and cycling and hiking tours to culture, history and regional food.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Brandenburg an der Havel, Frankfurt / Oder, Barnim, Dahme-Spreewald, Elbe-Elster, Havelland, Märkisch-Oderland, Oberhavel, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Oder-Spree, Ostprignitz-Ruppin, Potsdam-Mittelmark, Prignitz, Spree-Neiße, Teltow-Fläming, Uckermark, Cottbus, Frankfurt an der Oder.

Back to the main travel overview: Germany.