Brandenburg lies in the northeastern part of Germany and borders with Poland.
There are more than 500 castles and mansions, and over 10500 historical monuments.
When visiting Brandenburg, the focus should definitely be on having fun in water. There many thermal spas, lakes, wetlands and waterparks.
Besides the two national parks there are also 11 nature parks.
The official travel Website
Areas
- The Spreewald – know as the Venice of Brandenburg
- Elbe-Elster Land
- Ruppiner Seenland
- Havelland
- Dahme-Seenland
- Uckermark
- Fläming
- Barnimer Land
Towns
National Parks
- Lower Oder Valley National park (Unteres Odertal)
Lakes
Freizeitparks
- Tropical Islands – Europe’s biggest tropical water park, located in a former Airfield
- Spreewald Therme
- Natur Therme Templin
- Fontane Therme at Resort Mark Brandenburg
- Water park Spreewelten Bad Lübbenau
- Filmpark Bebelsberg
- Irrlandia
- Dina-und Tierpark Germendorf
- Familiengarten Eberswalde
Food and Drinks
- Spreewald-Gurken (pickled cucumbers)
Festivals
Geheimtipps
- Eberswalde Zoo
Lovely setting. Very child friendly with playgrounds and climbing and clattering places all around. There is even an elevated walkway to see the wolves better.
Bus leaves from Eberswalde Hbf to Zoo every hour on 15 to 17. Ie. 10:17, 11:17 etc.
Bus back from the Zoo once per hour as well on 56. Ie. 15:56.
By the way. The Spar, yes The Spar, in the Hbf sells a mean Bokwurst Semel. Decently priced as well.
As the bus lane also has to cross the train tracks, traffic can be slow back from the Zoo to Eberswalde Hbf, and the bus time is an indication only. The bus yesterday only came at 16:15 and we just made our connecting train back to Berlin Hbf 16:37.
One of the nice aspects is the educational interaction of the information displayed. Easy understanding in German. No English though, but explanations also in Polish as the Polish border is close by. A very enjoyable family outing.
Hamburg
Discover Hamburg Hamburg, officially the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, is one of the three city-states (Stadtstaaten) in Germany, the others are Berlin and Bremen.It is connected to the North sea by the Elbe river, and the Port of Hamburg is the largest in Germany by volume, it is the third-busiest in Europe and the 15th largest worldwide.Hamburg is also home to the Elbphilharmonie, and the Stage Theater on the Elbe where shows like Pretty woman are performed. Hamburg has the following boroughs – Harburg, Hamburg-Mitte, Altona, Eimsbüttel, Hamburg-Nord, Wandsbek and Bergedorf. There are no national parks in Hamburg, but the Wadden Sea National park, belongs to Hamburg, event though it is more than 100 km’s away. The official Tourism page as well as Hamburg.com has plenty of ideas to inspire your visit to this exciting city Why Hamburg Is The Perfect destination? 01. International flair Hamburg is a very cosmopolitan city with a diverse demography 02. Culture Opera, ballet, drama, festivals, musicals, concerts, museums and art galleries – Hamburg has more than enough to offer 03. Location Close to North and Baltic seas. It has tree rivers and many canals, aptly called the Venice of the North. Explore Chocoholics can do a tour at the Chocoversum, and make your own chocolate Coffee lovers can get their fix at the Kaffeemuseum. They also offer gin tastings Rediscover the child in you at the Miniature Wunderland Discover how brave you are at the Hamburg Dungeons Learn more about the planets at the Planetarium. They offer exciting programs for children Wax figures of famous people at the Panoptikum Visit the beautiful lakes – Außenalster, Binnenalster, Bramfelder See, Kleine Alster and close by the Öjendorfer See Freizeitparks (Amusement parks) Heide Park Resort Hansa-Park Sierksdorf Barfuss Park Action Arena in Norderstadt for VR games, mingolf, bowling, laser-tag and much more Maritime Passion Maritime Museum 3000 years of seafaring history and moden research Habour cruises Harbour boat trips. Romantic evening cruises Fish Market Buy fresh fish early on a Sunday morning – Apr to Oct from 5 to 09:30, November to March 7 to 09:30 Cap San Diego Museum ship Unforgettable trips on the largests seaworthy musuem cargo ship in the world. Willkommen Höft Enjoy street food of enjoy the scenery and activity at a restaurant. Ships coming in or leaving are greeted with a perosnalised greeting and the playing or their national anthem Boat Cruises on the Elbe There are many companies offereing tours, here is one of the more popular operators Food and drinks to try The following regional specialties are typical for Hamburg Fischbrötchen – the best place is on the promonade in Hafen City. If you like your Backfisch fillet warm, make sure they advertise it as such. Franzbrötchen Labskaus – Corned beef, potatoes, and onion. Some add beetroot, pickled gherkin, or herring Finkenwerder Scholle Pannfisch Herring Aallsuppe – eel soup Shrimp soup Hamburger Hummersuppe Rote Grütze – Berry compote served with custard or ice cream Culture Elbphilharmonie Beautiful music in a stunning setting Hamburg State Opera and Ballet Opened in 1678, it now also houses a modern building besides the Laeiszhalle Wasserlichtkonzert at Plante un Blomen Water fountain light concerts The English Theatre of Hamburg British talent presenting plays in English Stage Entertainment Theater Watch the latest shows like Lion King or Pretty woman Hamburg Theatershiff As the only seaworthy ship theatre in Europe, the Hamburg Theatre Ship with its own ensemble presents a wide variety of programmes, trademarks: satirical, musical, cheeky. Geheimtips Hagenbeck Tierpark and the Wildpark Schwarze Berge Boat Trips on the ferry, or a Riverbus Klick Kindermuseum The museum of illusions Loki Schmidt Botanical Gardens or the Planten un Blomen park. Here is a list of all parks in Hamburg Swimming pools e.g Festland, Holthusenbad or the outdoor Naturbad Stadparksee There are many playgrounds like the Grasbrookpark in HafenCity Rodeln (Sledding) when it snows Strandperle restaurant on the Elbe Dock3 Beachclub Brücke 10 im Strand Haus – restaurant on the Elbe The Portugiesenviertel – Portuguese ans Spanish restaurants Kafeegarten Schuldt Cafe with stunning views over the Elbe Day trips If you want to explore the regions around Hamburg, head to the Altes Land region just south of Hamburg.There is only one authentic castle in Hamburg, the Bergedorf Castle, for more castles, consider a trip to Ahrensburg, Gottorf, Plön castle or the fairytale Schwerin Castle.Lübeck, Lüneburg, Travemünde, Cuxhaven, Schwerin, Stade and Wismar are all in easy reach for a daytrip, Berlin is two hours away with the train.Most of the islands are easy to reach and is perfect for a day trip, or longer .. Great choices are Heligoland which you can reach by ferry, Fehmarn Island, Sylt, and St. Peter-Ording which is good for kite surfing. For more beaches take a trip to the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Wadden Sea, or the Mecklenburg coastline If you want to explore the regions around Hamburg, head to the Altes Land region just south of Hamburg.There is only one authentic castle in Hamburg, the Bergedorf Castle, for more castles, consider a trip to Ahrensburg, Gottorf, Schwerin or Plön Castle amazing things to know about Hamburg Every ship arriving at the Wilkomm Höft receives a special greeting. It is the city with the most bridges in the world. The Tierpark Hagenbeck opened in 1907 and remains the only large privately owned zoo in Europe. Miniatur Wunderland is the world’s biggest miniature railway. The Hamburg State Opera is the oldest Opera in Germany. The Speicherstadt and Kontorhausviertel are UNESCO World Heritage Sites The Hamburger Dom is a festival held three times a year. Festivals Some of the well-known festivals are: Elbjazz Festival in June Hamburger Theater Festival Wutzrock Open air festival in August with live music and a Kinderfest Stadtpark Open Air – Outdoor concert amphitheater in a park, hosting both local & big-name international artists. For more information have a look on the Hamburg website Online resources and apps The official tourism Website Search for lakes National Parks Germany Hamburg Guide Restaurant Guide – Genussguide Restaurant Guide – Hamburg Geheimtipp Hamburg Komoot – Hiking, Cycling routes Outdoor active – Hiking, Cycling routes FB – South Africans in Hamburg Touch Hamburg – Rugby South African Businesses in the Area Related content
Berlin
Berlin – Bold, Brash, and Brimming with History Berlin isn’t just Germany’s capital — it’s a city that reinvents itself with every heartbeat. Once divided, now united in creativity and culture, this city-state (alongside Hamburg and Bremen) straddles past and present like nowhere else. From the echoes of Cold War footsteps at Checkpoint Charlie to the electric pulse of a techno beat in a hidden club, Berlin is a story in layers. It’s a place where stately Prussian architecture watches over rebellious street art, and where history is never forgotten, but always moving forward. Set in Germany’s northeast, Berlin rises from flat marshy woodlands, but what it lacks in mountains, it makes up for in spirit. 🔗 Official Tourism Website Freizeitparks in and around Berlin From brick-built adventures to wild rides and nature-based fun, Berlin offers plenty of Freizeitparks (recreational parks) where kids and grown-ups can let loose: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre – Build, ride, and play your way through a colourful indoor LEGO universe Natur-Bobbahn Wuhletal – A natural bobsled run through the forest, fun for adventurous little thrill-seekers Freizeitpark Germendorf – A quirky mix of zoo, dinosaur park, amusement rides, and lakeside fun, just outside Berlin BoulderKlub Berlin – Indoor climbing for all skill levels with special routes for kids and beginners Tropical Islands Resort – Germany’s largest indoor tropical waterpark, with slides, a beach, and a rainforest – perfect for a day trip! 🥨 Foods & Drinks to Try Berlin’s food scene is a glorious mash-up of hearty German classics, immigrant influences, and quirky local favourites. Here are some must-tries to tick off your culinary bucket list: Currywurst – Sliced sausage slathered in curry ketchup. It’s Berlin on a paper plate. Optional: argue passionately about where the best one is. Döner Kebab – Invented in Berlin! This Turkish-German street food icon is a heavenly mix of meat (or falafel), salad, and sauces wrapped in bread. Eisbein – A pickled pork knuckle, cooked until tender. For crispy-skinned perfection, try Schweinshaxe, slow-cooked in beer and baked until golden. Not for the faint-hearted. Berliner Pfannkuchen – Not a pancake! It’s a jam-filled doughnut, and no, we don’t call them “jelly doughnuts” here. JFK jokes aside, they’re delicious. Armer Ritter – The German version of French toast. Often sweet, sometimes savoury, always comforting. Berliner Weisse – A tart, cloudy wheat beer usually served with a splash of raspberry (rot) or woodruff (grün) syrup. Yes, it’s bright green. No, it’s not toxic. Spätzle – Soft egg noodles usually smothered in cheese and crispy onions. Basically, Swabian mac & cheese. A veg-friendly hug in a bowl. Königsberger Klopse – Meatballs in creamy white sauce with capers. Sounds odd, tastes divine. Named after a city that’s not even in Germany anymore. Buletten – Berlin-style meat patties, often served cold in a bread roll, like a burger’s rougher, tougher cousin. Senfeier – Hard-boiled eggs in mustard sauce. A nostalgic East German dish that still has its fans (and deserves more love). Pfeffi – Peppermint schnapps from the DDR era. Green, minty, and guaranteed to raise eyebrows and blood alcohol levels. Kebab Pizza – A Berlin fusion cult classic. Turkish meat meets Italian carbs in a glorious harmony of street food. Festivals Berlin loves a good celebration — from street parties to seasonal traditions. While there are far too many to list, here are two handy resources to keep you in the loop: Explore what’s happening all year round in Berlin on the official events calendar here. Don’t miss the magical atmosphere of the Christmas markets — twinkling lights, mulled wine, and festive treats in every corner of the city. Things to do when it rains Don’t let the weather wash out your plans — Berlin has plenty to offer when the skies are grey. Here are some fun and fascinating indoor options to stay dry and entertained: Museums – here is also a list by a blogger – in German Berlin Dungeon – spooky, theatrical fun through Berlin’s darker history Madam Tussauds – pose with your favourite celebrities (in wax form, of course!) Planetarium Berlin – explore the stars and galaxies from the comfort of a cosy theatre seat German Spy Museum – gadgets, codes, and cloak-and-dagger history for the whole family JUMP 3000 – a huge indoor trampoline park where kids (and adults) can burn energy in style Bikini Berlin – a unique concept shopping mall with indoor pop-up stores and views over the zoo Magicum – Berlin Magic Museum – explore myths, mysteries, and mind-bending exhibits in this quirky little gem 🧸 Berlin with Kids: Big Adventures for Little People Berlin isn’t just for history buffs and hipsters — it’s a playground of discovery for young explorers too. From hands-on museums to sprawling parks and panda bears, here are 10 top things to do with kids in Berlin: Berlin Zoo & AquariumMeet pandas, elephants, and more in one of the world’s most beloved zoos. The aquarium next door is packed with fish, reptiles, and insects. Labyrinth KindermuseumAn interactive museum for kids aged 3 to 11. Creative exhibits let children explore through touch, play, and imagination. MachMit! Museum for ChildrenHoused in a former church, this museum blends art, history, and hands-on exploration. Great for curious minds. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre BerlinA LEGO-lover’s paradise with rides, workshops, and a mini Berlin made entirely from bricks. Perfect for a rainy day. Tempelhofer FeldA former airport turned park. Ideal for scooters, bikes, kites, and letting kids run free in a wide open space. Spektrum Science CentreA hands-on science museum with over 150 experiments. Kids can learn by doing — and yes, pressing all the buttons is encouraged. Tierpark BerlinBerlin’s second zoo, located in the east, is more spacious and includes a petting zoo, playgrounds, and even a palace. FEZ-BerlinEurope’s largest non-profit kids’ centre offers theatre, sport, crafts, and even a mini train. Check out their weekend events. Puppentheater BerlinFor younger kids, puppet shows bring stories to life in a visual way that doesn’t require perfect German. Berlin Wall
Weather in Germany
Weather in Germany Germany has four distinct seasons — and each one comes with its own rhythm,rules, and vocabulary. From steady rain and freezing fog to summer stormsand winter frost, the weather plays a quiet but constant role in everyday lifelife. Understanding the weather also means understanding the language the Germans use to describe it. German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater part of Germany lies in the cool/temperate climatic zone in which humid westerly winds predominate. In the northwest and the north, the climate is oceanic and rain falls all year round. Winters here are relatively mild and summers comparatively cool.In the east, the climate shows clear continental features; winters can be very cold for long periods, and summers can become very warm. Dry periods are often recorded. In the centre and the south, there is a transitional climate that may be predominantly oceanic or continental, according to the general weather situation. Winters are cool and summers warm, though maximum temperatures can exceed 30 °C for several days in a row during heat waves. The warmest regions of Germany can be found in the southwest.Here summers can be hot with many days exceeding 30 °C. Weather atlas gives a good overview of the climate per month Another good source of information by Region/Town is the Climatemps website. Here is an example of the weather data they have for Stuttgart Current weather conditions BERLIN WEATHER STUTTGART WEATHER FELDBERG WEATHER Towns with the most sunshine Freiburg and Chemnitz are known as the towns with the most sunshine hours in Germany.Looking for other sunny cities in Germany? You can see a comparison here. When you don’t feel yourself during the darker months, you might suffer from Seasonal affective disorder. Warmest cities in Germany While many cities in Germany can get quite warm in summer, Offenbach am Main consistently ranks among the warmest places in Germany when looking at average annual temperatures, and is often warmer than larger neighbours like Frankfurt and Köln.On the other end of the scale, Rostock on the northern coast is generally cooler on average, especially in summer months.Frankfurt itself has pleasantly warm summers but isn’t officially the single warmest city compared with detailed climate averages. Most Rainfall per city Halle / Saale has the least rainfall. It also seldom rains in Erfurt, Berlin and Magdeburg – they still have little sunshine (3.8 to 4.4 hours/day).According to Bild, A lot of rain falls in Oldenburg (1072 milliliters), Remscheid (942), Essen (931), Solingen (896) and Wuppertal (866).This means that North Rhine-Westphalia is not only one of the regions with the poorest sunshine but also one of the rainiest regions. Where to find the most Snow The snowiest location in Germany is the Zugspitze, standing at an elevation of 3,000 meters. While snow is most common in mountainous regions, lower-lying areas also experience snowfall, though less frequently. The heaviest snowfall typically occurs in January and February. Bergfex iSKI Snow-forecast.com DWD Weather Warnings Types of weather conditions Precipitation refers to any form of atmospheric moisture that falls to the Earth’s surface. There are various types of precipitation that can occur depending on the temperature and atmospheric conditions in a particular region. The most common types of precipitation include rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Germany doesn’t just have “rain” or “snow” — it has very specific words depending on how it falls, how long it lasts, and what temperature it arrives at.This table explains the most common German weather terms you’ll hear in forecasts, apps, and daily conversations — in plain English. German English Explanation der Regen Rain Rain occurs when liquid water droplets in the air combine and become heavy enough to fall to the ground. der Hagel Hail Hail is formed when strong updrafts carry water droplets high into the atmosphere where they freeze and are repeatedly cycled, forming layers of ice. der Dauerregen Persistent rain Continuous rainfall with more than 0.5 mm per hour for at least six hours. US National Weather Service explanation der Sprühregen / der Nieselregen Drizzle Very fine droplets that appear to float but still fall to the ground. Often occurs together with fog. der Graupel Graupel Also known as snow pellets. Snowflakes coated with ice, typically white and opaque. der Eisregen Freezing rain Supercooled raindrops that freeze on contact, forming a layer of ice on surfaces. der Schneeregen Sleet Frozen raindrops that freeze before reaching the ground. Often occurs just before snowfall. der Schnee Snow Snow forms when water vapour freezes into ice crystals. der Nebel Fog Suspension of water droplets reducing visibility to under 1 km. Often described as a cloud at ground level. der Dunst Mist Less dense than fog, visibility over 1000 m. der Eisnebel Freezing fog Freezing fog is just like regular fog, but because the air and ground are well below freezing, the tiny water droplets in the fog freeze as soon as they touch things like trees, roofs and wires. That’s what makes them look white and frosty. This kind of ice build-up is called rime ice or hoar frost — nature’s own winter sculpture. Hoarfrost – feathery, delicate ice crystals that form when moisture freezes directly onto surfaces. Very fairytale.Rime ice – denser, chalky-looking ice caused by freezing fog droplets hitting objects. Looks like someone dusted the trees with flour. der Frost Frost Occurs when surfaces cool below the dew point. In Germany, severe frost is mostly limited to mountain regions. die Gewitter Thunderstorm Storm with lightning and thunder caused by rising air currents. der Blitz Lightning Electrical discharge between clouds or between cloud and ground, releasing enormous energy. ❄️ Winter Hazards in Germany – What to Watch Out For Winter risk What it is Why it’s dangerous What to watch out for Black ice (Blitzeis / Glatteis) Nearly invisible layer of ice on roads and pavements Extremely slippery and hard to detect Common near 0 °C, on bridges, shaded areas, early mornings. Walk
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