Camping Guide | Brandenburg

Brandenburg surrounds the federal capital Berlin and is located in northeastern Germany. The region extends over vast plains, crisscrossed by numerous lakes, rivers, and forests. Arrival by car is straightforward via the well-developed motorways. From the south, the best way to reach Brandenburg is via the A9, which leads directly to Berlin from Munich via Nuremberg and Leipzig. From there, it is only a few kilometers to the first campsites in Brandenburg. No toll is currently charged on German motorways (as of 2024). The drive from Munich takes about 6 hours and covers around 600 kilometers. Those arriving from Frankfurt am Main take the A5 and later the A9; the journey time is approx. 5.5 hours for a distance of about 550 kilometers. Coming from the north, the A24 is the ideal connection. It leads from Hamburg directly to Berlin. The journey time is about 3 hours for a distance of 280 kilometers. From Vienna, the route via Prague and Dresden is recommended, with a journey time of about 7-8 hours. Brandenburg is also easily accessible by train. Berlin Central Station is a major hub in the German rail network. From here, regional trains run regularly to all parts of Brandenburg. Travel times vary depending on the destination but are usually between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the nearest international airport. From there, you can reach the various regions of Brandenburg quickly and comfortably by regional train or S-Bahn. Within Brandenburg, it is best to get around by car, bicycle, or public transport. Many campsites are well-connected to the regional bus network. Boat rentals are available for excursions on the lakes. The infrastructure for cyclists is very well developed in Brandenburg, with numerous cycle paths inviting you to take extensive tours.

Brandenburg can be roughly divided into various sub-regions, each with its own charm and character. The Uckermark in the north is characterized by its vast lake landscape and untouched nature. Here, peace seekers and nature lovers will find their paradise. Places like Templin and Lychen invite you to go on discovery tours. Active vacationers can let off steam while hiking, cycling, or canoeing. The region is ideal for families who want to spend a relaxing camping holiday. The Barnim, located northeast of Berlin, is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and fields. Its proximity to the capital makes the Barnim an attractive destination for city travelers who also want to enjoy nature. Eberswalde with its Family Garden and Bad Freienwalde with its historic spa park are popular excursion destinations. The Oder-Spree region in eastern Brandenburg impresses with its water-rich landscape. Lake Scharmützel, Lake Storkow, and Lake Schwieloch are popular destinations for water sports enthusiasts and swimmers. Towns like Beeskow and Fürstenwalde/Spree invite you to stroll through the historic old town. Campsites directly by the water promise relaxing days in nature. Dahme-Spreewald in southern Brandenburg is famous for the Spreewald, a unique river landscape that belongs to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here you can glide through the branched waterways by punt and experience nature up close. Lübbenau and Burg are the tourist centers of the Spreewald. Teltow-Fläming, south of Berlin, is characterized by wide fields, gentle hills, and historic villages. The region is ideal for cyclists and hikers. Luckenwalde and Jüterbog are towns worth seeing with a rich history. Potsdam-Mittelmark, west of Berlin, is known for the city of Potsdam with its palaces and gardens, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. However, the region also offers a charming landscape with lakes and forests. Werder (Havel) is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and gourmets. The Prignitz in northwestern Brandenburg is a sparsely populated region with wide fields, forests, and lakes. Here, peace seekers and nature lovers will find their refuge. Perleberg and Wittstock/Dosse are historic towns with a rich history. Ostprignitz-Ruppin, north of Berlin, is known for Lake Ruppin and the Fontane city of Neuruppin. The region offers a charming landscape with lakes, forests, and palaces. Rheinsberg is a popular destination for culture lovers. The Havelland, west of Berlin, is shaped by the Havel River and its numerous lakes. The region is ideal for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Brandenburg an der Havel and Rathenow are historic towns with a rich history.

The camping landscape in Brandenburg is diverse and offers something for every taste. In total, there are around 250 campsites in Brandenburg, which differ in size, equipment, and location. You will find both large resort sites with pools, animation, and extensive services, as well as small, nature-oriented sites that are ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Many campsites are located directly on one of Brandenburg's numerous lakes, offering direct access to the water. Here you can swim, fish, go boating, or simply enjoy the view. There are also campsites that specialize in agritourism or farm camping. Here you can experience country life up close and enjoy regional products. For motorhome drivers, there are numerous pitches in Brandenburg specifically tailored to the needs of recreational vehicles. These sites usually have a power supply, fresh water connection, and a disposal station. Prices for a pitch in Brandenburg vary depending on the season, location, and equipment. In the high season (July/August), you should expect prices between 25 and 40 euros per night. In the low season (May/June and September/October), prices are significantly cheaper and are often between 15 and 25 euros per night. The size of the pitches also varies. On larger campsites, the plots are often parceled out and offer a size of 80 to 120 square meters. On smaller sites, the pitches are often more freely designed and offer more privacy. Many pitches are surrounded by trees and thus offer shade. However, there are also pitches that are located in sunnier spots. The sanitary standard at the campsites in Brandenburg varies. On larger sites, you will usually find modern sanitary facilities with showers, toilets, washbasins, and dishwashing sinks. On smaller sites, the sanitary facilities are often simpler but still clean and well-maintained. Wi-Fi is available at many campsites in Brandenburg, but the quality varies. On larger sites, the Wi-Fi is often better developed than on smaller sites. The power supply at the campsites is usually 6 to 16 amperes. It is recommended to reserve campsites in Brandenburg early, especially in the high season. Last-minute chances are often available on smaller sites or in the low season.

For a relaxed camping holiday in Brandenburg, some practical information is helpful. On German motorways, no toll is currently charged for cars and motorhomes under 7.5 tons (as of 2024). Diesel prices in Brandenburg are generally slightly lower than the national average. Petrol stations are usually open from 6 am to 10 pm, and many are also open around the clock. Shopping opportunities are plentiful in Brandenburg. In the larger cities, you will find supermarkets such as Lidl, Rewe, and Edeka, which are usually open from 7 am to 10 pm. In smaller towns, there are often smaller supermarkets or corner shops that provide good basic supplies. On Sundays, most supermarkets are closed, but a few are open, especially in tourist areas. The gas supply in Brandenburg is unproblematic. You can exchange German gas cylinders at most hardware stores and camping specialty shops. An adapter is usually not required. Disposal stations for greywater and sewage are available at many campsites and service areas. Use is usually free of charge or available for a small fee. Mobile network coverage in Brandenburg is good, especially in urban areas. However, in rural areas, there may be occasional dead zones. Roaming is possible without any problems within the EU. Medical care in Brandenburg is good. In the larger cities, there are hospitals and specialists; in smaller towns, there are general practitioners and pharmacies. In Brandenburg, the general camping regulations of Germany apply. Wild camping is strictly prohibited and is punished with high fines. In some nature reserves, special rules apply that you must observe. There are currently no environmental zones in Brandenburg. Tap water in Brandenburg is generally of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. In some areas, however, it may be advisable to boil the water before drinking.

For those who want to explore Brandenburg off the beaten track, here are some insider tips. The low season (May/June and September/October) is ideal for a relaxed camping holiday in Brandenburg. The campsites are less crowded, prices are lower, and the weather is often pleasantly mild. A lesser-known place is the Lake Stechlin area in northern Brandenburg. Here you will find crystal-clear water, untouched nature, and idyllic campsites. Lake Stechlin is one of the deepest lakes in Brandenburg and a paradise for divers. You can reach the Lake Stechlin area via the A24, Neuruppin exit, and then follow the B122 towards Gransee. Another highlight is the Westhavelland Nature Park, located west of Berlin. Here you can explore the largest contiguous inland wetland in Western Europe. The nature park is a paradise for birdwatchers. You can reach the nature park via the A24, Kremmen exit, and then follow the B5 towards Rathenow. Local markets and direct sales are a great way to get to know regional products. In many places, there are weekly markets where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, sausage, and other specialties. Wineries and farm shops offer their products directly from the farm. A special culinary experience is a visit to a fishery. Here you can try fresh fish directly from the lake or river. Many fisheries also offer smoked fish and other fish specialties. A worthwhile day trip is a visit to the town of Rheinsberg, located about 100 kilometers north of Berlin. Rheinsberg is known for its palace and palace park, which are among the most beautiful Baroque complexes in Germany. The drive from Berlin takes about 1.5 hours. A secret tip for water sports enthusiasts is Lake Senftenberg in southern Brandenburg. Here you can sail, surf, kite, or just swim. Lake Senftenberg is an artificial lake created by lignite mining. In the summer months, numerous local festivals and events take place in Brandenburg. The most famous festival is the Potsdam Palaces Night, which takes place annually in August. Here, the palaces and gardens of Potsdam are bathed in magical light. Information on the exact dates and programs can be found on the internet or at local tourist information offices.