Munich to Berlin train

Visiting the city of Berlin

As the capital city of Germany, Berlin has a huge amount to offer visitors, from its vast history and unique culture, to its major attractions and vibrant nightlife. Whether you are visiting to see the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall, or want to experience the Museum Island, there is plenty of keep you busy. The journey time for a train from Munich to Berlin is around 5h 04m, so you can be in the city with plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere and see the key sights.

Berlin highlights

Many people visiting Berlin will primarily want to see the famous attractions and landmarks in the city.

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most iconic features of Berlin, attracting millions of visitors each year. After World War II, it functioned as a marker of the divide between East and West Berlin. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the gate has emerged as a symbol of peace, German reunification and European togetherness. You can also explore the remaining sections of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, the former border crossing between east and west.

The Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a collection of museums on Spree Island, including the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Bode Museum and Alte Nationalgalerie. Not only is this ideal if you are interested in the city's history and art, the island collectively serves as a snapshot of Berlin's architectural evolution too.

Berlin is famous for its nightlife and you will find everything from techno clubs to trendy wine bars and craft beer breweries. Why not spend an evening in a traditional Berlin pub? And who says you have to reserve your drinking for nighttime? In the summer months, Berlin's beer gardens are a great way to relax, unwind and enjoy the sunshine.

Other major attractions and landmarks in Berlin include:

• The Reichstag: Germany's parliament building. Visitors can book in advance to visit the dome and roof terrace.
• Berlin Cathedral: One of the city's best examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture.
• The Holocaust Memorial: A poignant memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, consisting of thousands of concrete slaps, along with an underground information centre.

Berlin Südkreuz: around the station

Your journey on the Munich to Berlin train will terminate at BERLIN SUDKREUZ.

If you are interested in walking through the city, you will find a scenic 7km trail that stretches from Berlin Südkreuz to Marienfelde in south-west Berlin. You will also find fast food outlets and cafes nearby.

One of the most interesting locations close to the station is Memorial SA Prison Papestrasse. This was the location of an early concentration camp operated by the SA Field Police in the 1930s. Much of the building has been kept in its original condition and the site is now a memorial and educational facility for visitors and locals.

Local specialities in Berlin

Berlin is also known for its food culture and there are some local specialties you should try during your trip.

Currywurst is one of the most famous examples of Berlin street food. It was invented in the city in 1949 and consists of pork sausage, served with a curry ketchup. You will find it in restaurants and snack stands throughout Berlin.

Traditional German restaurants in the city may also offer Eisbein, which is a popular dish in Berlin, in particular. It consists of cured, boiled pork knuckle, often served with sauerkraut and mushy peas.

Other popular Berlin specialties you should consider sampling include:

• The Berliner: A popular jam doughnut, topped with sugar or icing.
• Döner kebab: A lamb dish, cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is often served in pita bread; a variant that is believed to have been popularised by Turkish immigrants in Berlin.
• Berliner weisse: A relatively low-alcohol wheat beer, which is popular in many of the city's pubs.

Seasonal events in Berlin

Not sure when to book your train from Munich to Berlin? Why not time it to coincide with a seasonal event?

Among the biggest seasonal attractions are the huge number of Christmas markets in Berlin throughout November and December. The market season officially begins after Totensonntag on 23 November and some markets remain in place until early January. Popular options include the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, the Lucia Christmas Market and the WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt, but there are dozens to choose from, catering for different tastes.

The Berlin International Film Festival, or Berlinale, takes place every February, with public events and screenings. Meanwhile, the Festival of Lights in October uses projections and illuminations to transform the city's landmarks.

If street festivals are more your speed, the Carnival of Cultures is held in May or June. In addition to a parade, you can enjoy a street party and experience some of Berlin's music, dance, art and culture. In total, more than one million people attend the festival each year and the carnival celebrates the city's diversity and multiculturalism.