Car Hire Brandenburg - Mini guide to Brandenburg

The Federal State of Brandenburg, which surrounds the area of Berlin, has more than 3,000 lakes and 33,000kms of flowing waters, as well as interesting towns and historic buildings, all making it popular with German and foreign tourists.

The main sight in Brandenburg, besides its natural attractions, is the city of Potsdam, which features historic palaces, three large parks and the beautiful Baroque architecture of the city centre. The world famous Sanssouci and Neues Palais palaces, built by Frederick the Great, are the most popular attractions. Other places to visit include: the historic city centre, with its 18th century Dutch Quarter; and the Alexandrovka Russian Colony, built in 1826 for Russian singers.

Walkers and outdoors-lovers should visit the extensive Spreewald Forest. Here you can drift along the River Spree at a leisurely pace and moor at one of the numerous island farmsteads, where tradition and ancient arts and crafts are still kept alive. Alternatively, you can take one of the many cycle routes and hiking trails. Large areas of this unique landscape have been designated as the Spree Forest Biosphere Reserve.

Potsdam’s Dutch quarter has many attractive shops, cafés and restaurants. If you are looking for a varied night scene, go to nearby Berlin where you can sample anything from hip-hop to techno or opera.

An essential trip from Brandenburg is to Berlin, the city which it surrounds. In Germany’s newly-restored capital, you can visit the colourful Alexander Platz; the renowned and harrowing Holocaust Museum; and the Brandenburg Gate – where Cold War prisoners were exchanged. You can also see preserved remnants of the Berlin Wall. Additionally, the city possesses a lively nightlife and cultural scene.

By car to Brandenburg, you can take the A10/Berliner Ring, A24 Hamburg-Berlin, A11 Rostock-Berlin, A12 Frankfurt/ Oder-Berlin, A9 Munich-Berlin, or the A2 Hannover-Berlin. By rail, take the ICE, EC or IC to Zoo Station in Berlin; then take the regional express or S-Bahn rail service to Potsdam. The two airports serving Brandenburg are Berlin Tegel Airport and Berlin Schönefeld Airport.