The city was founded in the 13th century before being appointed as capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg – a major principality of the Holy Roman Empire – in 1417. Since then, its history has been richly coloured by the Kingdom of Prussia, Imperial Germany, the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich.

Signs of these predecessors heavily punctuate Berlin today; from the Baroque Charlottenburg Palace – a grandiose castle constructed in the 17th century – to the infamous communist partition, the Berlin Wall, that physically and ideologically divided the nation between 1961 and 1989.

Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Museum Island, the Modernism Housing Estates and Sanssouci Palace and Gardens in outlying Potsdam – will strike a chord with culture buffs, in addition to three world-class opera houses and 150 theatres. Nature lovers can bask in the green spaces provided by Berlin’s 2,500 parks, and party people should not miss out on the city’s richly entertaining nightlife.

Located on the Great European Plain, the climate here changes with the seasons. Summer is the most popular time to visit, when the imposing architecture, piercing metallic Fernsehturm tower and the river Spree positively gleam in the sun. During the winter months, Christmas markets and ice-skating rinks twinkle from the iconic Alexanderplatz. Sample a traditional Currywurst (German sausage) alongside a warming Bavarian Glühwein for a festive refreshment.

The surrounds of Germany’s verdant capital are comprised of waterways and woodland. Strandbad Grünau is a 40-minute drive outside the centre of Berlin and regarded as one of the best river beaches in the region. Further south, Spreewald is a biosphere reserve nicknamed the Green Venice due its ample network of canals hemmed in by thick forest. Here you can take a barge tour, enrol on an artisan workshop or slip away and discover a secluded bathing spot for yourself. Pickled cucumbers are the province’s delicacy and a workshop offers a fun introduction to this culinary stalwart.

When you hire a car from Berlin, the mountains, lakes and historic villages en route to Leipzig and Dresden – Saxony’s chief city – offer yet more spectacular scenery and opportunity to become acquainted with east Germany’s accessible culture.

The surrounds of Germany’s verdant capital are comprised of waterways and woodland. Strandbad Grünau is a 40-minute drive outside the centre of Berlin and regarded as one of the best river beaches in the region. Further south, Spreewald is a biosphere reserve nicknamed the Green Venice due its ample network of canals hemmed in by thick forest. Here you can take a barge tour, enrol on an artisan workshop or slip away and discover a secluded bathing spot for yourself. Pickled cucumbers are the province’s delicacy and a workshop offers a fun introduction to this culinary stalwart.

When you rent a car from Berlin, the mountains, lakes and historic villages en route to Leipzig and Dresden – Saxony’s chief city – offer yet more spectacular scenery and opportunity to become acquainted with east Germany’s accessible culture.

Worried you’ll get lost?

To make your journey even easier, we can include a sat nav with your car so you can relax. Request yours when you book.

Remember, you don’t have to drive full-circle: make the most of one way car hire across Germany.