It’s hard to get bored in Berlin. With its rich historical monuments, unique neighborhoods teeming with international markets, and notorious nightlife, most people find it hard to leave!
But even the biggest city slicker needs an escape from all the chaos every now and then, and you don’t need to go far to find a little reprieve—even a weekend camping trip is a great way to recharge.
How we travel has certainly changed in recent years. If you like freedom and a flexible itinerary, one of the best ways to get out and explore is by renting an RV and hitting the road.
If you have some extra time to explore, check out my 2 week Germany itinerary. Until then, here are five weekend road trips from Berlin.
1. Saxon Switzerland National Park
Don’t get confused: Saxon Switzerland National Park is actually nowhere near Switzerland. It’s in the eastern part of Germany, near Dresden, and is home to some of the most unique craggy rocks and sandstone pillar formations in Europe.
The River Elbe runs straight through the park, and you’ll get unparalleled views over the area from the famous Bastei Bridge. It rises 194 meters above the river, and appears to be surreally embedded in the rock.
2. Dresden, Germany
You can easily pair your trip to Saxon Switzerland with some time in Dresden, one of Germany’s most beautiful cities filled with Baroque architecture, historic sites, and plenty of museums. The Green Vault is my favorite: it contains the largest treasure hoard in Europe.
Head to the Old Town to see the Georgenbau, a palace built in the 1500s, or explore the impressive Dresden Cathedral. The streets around the Old Town are lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. When it’s time to park your RV, you’ll find plenty of campgrounds on the outskirts of town.
3. The Baltic Sea
When summer rolls around, Berliners flock to the Baltic Sea on the weekends for a relaxing beach-filled getaway.
Towns like Ahrenshoop and Schwaan are beloved artist colonies, and they’re full of galleries and exhibits. Creative types hang out here working on their art or enjoying the beach, lending to the upbeat vibes that make these towns so enjoyable. You’ll definitely want to stay awhile.
4. Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is a short trip from Berlin, but it often gets overlooked by its older, louder big brother. This bustling port city is not only beautiful, but it’s also home to some of Germany’s best restaurants and nightlife options.
The Old Town is fun to explore, and you’ll find some historic churches around here as well as the huge City Hall which retains all its original architecture. Park your RV at a campsite and spend some time exploring this city on foot.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
If you’ve got a campervan, head over to the country next door. Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, is only a few hours of driving but you might as well be in a different world. Virtually untouched during WWII, Prague is awash with colorful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture and plenty of historical monuments to boot. The castle and Wenceslas Square are two must-sees.
Don’t leave town without checking out the beer gardens or taking a food tour around town.
***
One of the best things about being based in a central city like Berlin is the fact that you can explore so many diverse places just within a day trip or weekend visit, and it’s perfectly safe to do so. All you need is a campervan rental (and maybe a map).
