Brandenburg

About Brandenburg

Brandenburg is the German federal state that wraps entirely around Berlin, yet operates as its own distinct territory with its own capital at Potsdam. While Berlin gets the international attention, Brandenburg holds some of the country's most rewarding day-trip and slow-travel destinations: Frederick the Great's Sanssouci Park and Palace, the canal villages of the Spreewald biosphere reserve where gherkins are grown and boats are poled by hand, Rheinsberg Palace on its own lake, the Cistercian ruins of Chorin Monastery, and hundreds of lakes strung along the Havel river system. Brandenburg an der Havel, the medieval cathedral city that gave the state its name, sits an hour west of Berlin, while Cottbus in the Lausitz region anchors the state's south and its Sorbian cultural heritage. Flat terrain, extensive cycling routes, and the VBB regional transit network make Brandenburg one of the easiest parts of Germany to explore independently.

Capital

Potsdam

Largest city

Potsdam

Population

2.57 million

Languages

German, Lower Sorbian (minority language in the Lausitz region)

Currency

Euro

Time zone

Europe/Berlin (CET/CEST, UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)

Explore Brandenburg by topic

Jump straight to the experience you're planning.

• Attractions
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Budget
• Transportation
• Safety
• Culture
• Weather
• Nightlife
• Shopping
• Beaches
• Hiking
• History
• Photography
• Food Tours
• Day Trips
• Family
• Luxury
• Adventure
• Wellness

Best places to visit in Brandenburg

The 10 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.

Recommended itineraries

Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.

Where to stay in Brandenburg

Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.

Where to eat in Brandenburg

Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.

Getting around Brandenburg

Brandenburg is covered by the VBB (Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg), the joint Berlin-Brandenburg transit authority, whose regional trains (RE/RB) and S-Bahn extensions reach every major town from Potsdam to Cottbus. Because the state is flat, cycling and the Deutschlandticket combine well for independent travel.

Budget breakdown

Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.

Best time to visit Brandenburg

Essential travel tips

• Buy the Deutschlandticket for €58/month if staying more than a few days — it covers all VBB regional trains and buses in Brandenburg
• Book a Spreewald Kahnfahrt (punting boat tour) departure time in advance on summer weekends in Lübbenau or Lübben
• Sanssouci Park tickets for the palace interior should be booked online with a timed slot, especially April to October
• Tap water is safe and good quality throughout Brandenburg
• Many small-town restaurants and market stalls in rural Brandenburg are cash-preferred; carry euros outside Potsdam and Cottbus
• Cycling is one of the best ways to see the Havel lake chain and Spreewald — regional trains carry bikes for a small supplement
• Museum and palace opening hours are frequently reduced or closed on Mondays — check before traveling out to rural sites

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path corners most travellers miss.

Safety information

Frequently asked questions

Explore Brandenburg by city

The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.