Weekend Suggestion: A hidden Gem nearby Berlin
A post by HZB summerstudent Yu Hsuan Wu: Berlin is a dynamic city full of culture and history. Summer of 2023 marks my fourth visit to Berlin. I have experienced this city as a tourist, passerby, and volunteer in the past. Unlike my previous experiences, I now have the opportunity to stay in this fascinating city for two months.
Exploring the Region beyond Berlin
My work at HZB is located in Adlershof. The commute time from Adlershof to the Berlin city center takes around one hour. If you have already visited most of the tourist attractions in Berlin, taking a reverse S-bahn might offer you a new perspective.
Lübbenau (Spreewald) can be reached by a one-hour regional train ride from Adlershof. Spreewald has been designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Lübbenau is one of the settlements in this area, inhabited mainly by Sorbians and known for its abundant pickled cucumber production.
Into the Woods
Since numerous canals crisscross through every corner of this area, exploring the region can be accomplished either by rowing boat on your own or with a boatman. I opted for a three-hour boat ride, which included a one-hour break at a local restaurant. The total cost was 16 euros per person. While navigating the canals by boat, you can encounter special species such as brightly colored blue dragonflies, deer, and goats. The unique architectural style of the houses along the waterways is also worth observing. Last but not least, take in the refreshing green embrace of the forest.
The reverse S-bahn ride back to the city center from Lübbenau was a transition from the serene countryside to the vibrant heart of Berlin. Exploring beyond the typical tourist spots has given me a deeper connection to the rhythm of Berlin.
About the Author
Yu-Hsuan, Wu is a bachelor’s student in Material Science Engineering from Taiwan. In the summer school, she is working on magnetic skyrmion materials related projects in Adlershof.
Readers comments (1)
Marieke
It was really nice to learn from your adventures outside of the city center and the little details that you found and enjoyed (like the transformer box or the dragonflies) :-)