Brandenburg

At 502 metres long, 204 metres wide and weighing more than 11,000 tonnes, the 'horizontal Eiffel Tower of Lusatia' is truly gigantic. From a height of 80 metres, the steel spoil conveyor bridge offers a panoramic view over the fascinating world of open-cast lignite mining, which was carried out here until the 1990s. As a visitor mine, its numerous events have also been attracting culture enthusiasts since 2002 – not to mention its nightly transformation into an impressive light and sound sculpture.

Getting there: 2 hours by train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Finsterwalde. Continue by bus.

Since 2017, the Museum Barberini has been showcasing its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in Frederick the Great's classicist-Baroque city palace, which was destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt between 2013 and 2016. There are 39 Monets alone on display here, as well as impressive masterpieces by Renoir, Morisot, Caillebotte and Signac. The Barberini also invites you to rediscover art online, to get in the mood!

Getting there: 2 hours 30 minutes by train from Finsterwalde.

Paddle a section of Brandenburg's 6,500 navigable kilometres of water in a canoe. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of an otter or a white-tailed eagle – and you'll definitely notice this region's calming tranquillity and charming spots with picturesque marinas. Even if this is your first time in a canoe: the endless waterways are just as inviting for a leisurely, beginner-friendly day on the water with the family as they are for challenging multi-day tours. A canoe tour all the way to Berlin is a truly unique experience, crossing the former German-German border.

Getting there: Start your round trip in Potsdam, for example.

History meets nature in the former lung sanatoriums near Beelitz. More than 100 years ago, the architect Heino Schmieden combined creative beauty with functionality here. Today, the barrier-free treetop path offers glimpses into the partly dilapidated, partly restored buildings, which served as a Russian military hospital until reunification. From the 40-metre-high observation tower, you can enjoy breathtaking views as far as Berlin.

Getting there: 20 minutes by train from Potsdam.

Follow in the footsteps of Frederick the Great, who spent the best years of his life as crown prince at Rheinsberg Palace , where he was also inspired by ideas he later realised at Sanssouci Palace. Today, the palace and gardens, which were extensively renovated after the fall of the Berlin Wall, are considered a masterpiece of early classicism. Gaze in wonder at this picturesque scene from Lake Grienerick, just as Theodor Fontane and Kurt Tucholsky once did!

Getting there: 3 hours by train from Beelitz Sanatorium.

Coworking in the country? Just outside Berlin, you will find unique spaces in the Uckermark for focussed work and networking in peace and quiet – for instance in Templin, Prenzlau or the 7-lake town of Lychen. In the surrounding area, miles of forest tempt you out on a hike, such as around the Grumsin beech forest, which was closed as a state hunting ground during the GDR period and is now a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Ancient Beech Forests of Germany'. The perfect conditions for a relaxed workation!

Getting there: 2 hours by train from Rheinsberg to Templin.