Berlin totally dominates the surrounding area and is the perfect jumping off point for exploring East Germany , including these nearby attractions.

Potsdam
Lying immediately to the south-west of Berlin , Potsdam is an amazingly beautiful city and considered of great historical import to Germany . It is a seemingly endless succession of fantastic buildings and gorgeous greenery - to such an extent that literally thousands of its parks, churches and other buildings of historical significance have been declared national monuments.

The city's buildings cover several significant periods in the history of Germany and Europe and it was at Potsdam 's Cecilienhof Castle that Germany was carved up four ways by the English, USSR , French and US governments following the war. A rich history of the arts and sciences is reflected in Potsdam 's museums and university, and Voltaire is just one European luminary who made his home here in the past.

The fantastic castle of Sansoucci is a must see. A UNESCO heritage site the opulence of the castle and its surrounding park are breathtaking symbols of 18th-century wealth. Visit in June for the Music Festival when the castle grounds are used as a backdrop for a series of classical concerts.

Spreewald
The Spreewald is a vast nature reserve situated between the cities of Dresden and Berlin . Over 75km in length and 15km wide, the area is predominantly an expanse of wetlands, marsh and water. Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1990, the Spreewald is of vast natural importance, being home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, including several species listed as endangered.

With hundreds of miles of waterways, the best way to explore the area is by punt or canoe, both of which can be hired at various centres throughout the park. The region is made even more distinctive by having its own traditional dress and independent language derived from the Slavic people who settled here in the 9th century.