Berlin has its Lustre

Q: I will be in Berlin for the World Athletics Championships in August and would like to spend time outside of the city, seeing the countryside and other attractions. Could you suggest some destinations or attractions that we could do as a daytrip or overnight visit. - Janine Le Grange

A: There's much to see in Brandenburg, the federal state surrounding Berlin, with lakes, rivers and historical attractions. My first choice would be Potsdam, the summer residence of the Prussian kings. It lies only a few kilometres southwest of Berlin. Visit the city centre of Potsdam with the picturesque Holländisches Viertel (Dutch quarter) and the traditional Russian colony Alexandrowa. End off your day with a tour of Sanssouci Palace and Park. For spectacular scenery, head for the Spreewald forest and enjoy boat trips on the many waterways. It takes around 90 minutes to reach Spreewald from Berlin. North of Berlin, you can visit the picturesque Schloss Rheinsberg. Originally a medieval moated castle, it is now a musical academy and you may be able to enjoy a performance by the Rheinsberg Chamber Opera during August. You can also take a boat trip through the Rheinsberg lake landscape. Another great destination for a day trip is the medieval city of Strausberg, 30 kms east of Berlin. With its lakeside setting, you can combine a stroll through the fascinating city centre with a trip on the lake. The Neuhardenberg Castle, with its baroque gardens, offers interesting cultural events. If you want to visit neighbouring cities, then consider Hamburg and Dresden. A boat trip through Hamburg port, Germany's biggest, allows you to see the city from its most beautiful side. It may be worth staying overnight to take advantage of the city's rich cultural programme. Dresden is often referred to Florence of the North as a result of its wealth of glamorous baroque buildings. (19 July 2009)