Berlin Transport

As you’d expect from the Germans, Berlin is served by a highly comprehensive and integrated public transport system. The S-Bahn has main east-west and north-south routes as well as a line circling the entire city center. Nine U-Bahn lines operate on the underground network with two running around the clock on weekends, whilst fleets of buses travel to practically all parts of the city. For a ‘tourist-approach’ try the trams which can be found in the eastern half of the city and offer pleasant views.

Berlin’s ‘Welcome Card’ is a useful transport pass offering unlimited local travel for 72 hours in addition to discounted entry into many of the city’s attractions, shows and sights. In addition to these there are many other types of passes on offer making travelling around affordable. Examples include the one-day, weekend and weekly passes.

Bike hire is also attractive in this flat city with a comprehensive cycle-path network. There is a plentiful supply: try www.citybike.de located near the Kurfürstendamn.

Day trips

Our suggestion would be to escape the city life for a day with a trip to the Spreewald (Spree Forest) lying just 1 ½ hours’ train journey (From Bahnhof Zoo) to the south. An area of 120,000 acres provides the perfect setting for long walks, cycle tours or for water-sports along the River Spree itself.

An alternative trip, which provides a stark contrast to the Spreewald’s simplicity and innocence, is the site of the former concentration camp in Sachsenhausen, Oranienburg. Over half of those entering the imposing gates, which are still to be seen, were never to leave. The site now houses thought-provoking exhibitions and memorials.