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CITY ESCAPE
Need to escape the inner city hustle? Itʹs time to go beyond the cityʹs borders, so grab your bike and jump on the train at Hauptbahnhof.
Need to escape the inner city hustle? Itʹs time to go beyond the cityʹs borders, so grab your bike and jump on the train at Hauptbahnhof.
(Top tip: If you have a folding bike, you donʹt need to pay to take it on the train). Take the RE5 and RB12 trains to Templin for a one hour cycle through several idyllic villages and the Lübbesee, Sabinensee and Kölpinsee lakes. Sabinensee in particular is ideal for taking a dip, with cool, clear water and its own jetty. Your destination is Gerswalde, a charming village thatʹs home to the perfect place for garden lovers and foodies: Grosser Garten. Here is where you will find garden-to-table bistro Parg, which serves excellent locally-sourced food in a rustic glasshouse. After lunch, stop by Kombini, a mini kiosk run by German-Japanese siblings Yoko and Anna, for some Japanese accessories and edible treats. Sit back with coffee and cake and let the pair give you tips for the local area. A few minutes walk away is On, a ceramics studio and shop where you can browse handmade vases, mugs and bowls. Once youʹve stocked up on stoneware, itʹs time to cruise back to the station and return to the city feeling (hopefully) more serene than when you left it...
Not too far off the main road lies an area of greenery leading down to this swimming spot. Sunbathe, dive in off the jetty and float in the calm water.
Open 24h
Turn your day trip into a weekend away. This converted red brick barn is a cozy guesthouse and an idyllic place to settle for a break. Walk by the chestnut trees or lounge by the fireplace.
This beautiful garden is a perfect weekend destination. Test your flower knowledge at the garden beds and wander by the small creek and woods at the back of the property.
Learn about the history of Gerswalde at this museum, located in a moated castle built in the 1200s.
This residency center for artists, thinkers and activists runs an open library. Borrow a book for free or participate in the program.
Itʹs always best to try regional goods when exploring the countryside. This farm shop sells cheeses, fresh produce, jams and preserves, meat, eggs and bread baked daily.
Fri-Tue 09h–18h
Offering a unique dining experience, Parg is a garden-to-table restaurant housed in a former palm house. Dine and drink in the shade at one of the tables overlooking the garden.
Look for the pink awning in Gerswalde village and wander inside to discover the handmade ceramics of owners Hyemi and Jeong. Tables are replete with bowls, vases and other objects made on-site.
Run by twins Anna and Yoko, this friendly, bright kiosk stocks a range of Japanese souvenirs, gifts, design goods, snacks and drinks.
