A change of scenery can be exactly what a workforce needs when it comes to boosting their team spirit. Taking in beautiful new surroundings offers something that revamping the office simply can’t. It gives your team the joy of experiencing a faraway location while still being productive. 

Today we’ll be looking at the most unique locations within a stone’s throw of Germany’s capital, Berlin. 

11 of the best locations for a company retreat near Berlin

Surrounding Berlin is a tapestry of some of Europe’s most stunning forests and verdant hills. Tucked into these expanses are some fantastic spots for a company retreat. There’s a mix of experiences available, whether your teams are more into vibrant cities or idyllic towns. 

Here's our top 11 choices:

1. Storkow town, Brandenburg

Kicking off our list of locations near Berlin is the idyllic town of Storkow. Driving there from the hustle and bustle of Berlin only takes an hour, offering a peaceful setting for a work retreat.

Storkow is known for its leafy landscapes and picturesque foresting and biking trails. The city is home to the beautifully restored Storkow castle, which makes for a fascinating day out. Old Germanic books first mention the medieval castle standing around 800 years ago, functioning today as a culture and conference center, suited for indoor team activities and networking.

The town hosts an abundance of lakes, forests and historic architecture, so make the most of them all. It’s surrounded by a gorgeous nature reserve, great for some outdoor challenges, like boating and cycling through the forest’s winding trails. 

Choose Storkow town to blend history and nature into the mix of the work retreat. Your teams will be able to get in touch with nature as they strengthen their bonds.

2. Potsdam city

A 35km journey southwest of Berlin brings you to the neighboring city of Potsdam, one of the most culturally rich destinations in Germany. The journey is only a 50-minute drive from the capital, ensuring you’re getting the most out of the location rather than the commute.

Potsdam sits on the beautiful outskirts of Berlin proper and boasts architecture that has to be seen to be believed. Its crown jewel is the Sanssouci Palace, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This palace’s grandeur stands as a stunning backdrop for team strategizing and ideation sessions.

Outdoor activities in Potsdam are plentiful too, with its surrounding parks and natural lakes. Some standout activities are boat tours on the Havel River or a group cycling trip through New Gardens. Potsdam is a real gem to choose for a corporate work retreat.

3. Spree Forest (Spreewald)

If your objective is to get closer to nature and further away from busy cities, then the Spree Forest is only 90km or 1.5 hours drive southwest of Berlin center..

Take in the forest’s tranquil ambiance while strategizing with your teams in the great outdoors. There’s an extensive network of waterways flowing through the forest, we recommend raft-building or kayaking there. 

The ecosystems of the place make a great case study too. There are over 18,000 species of flora and fauna, and the forest is classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO (known in German as “Biosphären reservat”). A quick study into the reserve is great while working on your company’s green initiatives.

So give the sprawling Spreewald a shot for your next retreat, and enjoy nature as it was intended.

4. Wittenberg city

Wittenberg, officially known as Lutherstadt Wittenberg (for its religious history) is situated around 100 kilometers southwest of Berlin. It’s a solid choice for a retreat in a peaceful city. Pairing its quieter city life and modern facilities works wonders for focus groups and hackathons, where teams can zone in on their projects.

Organized trips to churches and local markets will help your teams understand the City's historical significance. Lutherhalle or Lutherhaus still stands, the house where Martin Luther lived and worked, adorned with historical statues. 

The town’s 400-year-old market makes for a great day out too, with a potential for setting up some sales challenges for your teams. Clack Theater sits proudly in Wittenberg center, so arrange an outing here for some creative inspiration.

Don’t overlook the potential of Wittenberg for your next retreat, as the Germans hold this historic city close to their hearts.

5. Bad Saarow municipality

Bad Saarow is a charming municipality just 70 kilometers southwest of Berlin. Bad Saarow used to be a smaller town consisting of a few villages until the city grew and wealthy residents from Berlin moved to the larger municipality. They were drawn in by Bad Saarow’s mud baths and the beauty of its natural landscape.

The city’s main attractions are its fantastic baths and spas. Imagine winding down with specialized saltwater hot treatment at the SaarowTherme Center. Plenty of spas offer mud bath experiences too.

Watersports are offered in the city, with swimming, diving and rowing all around. Sporty activities here are a great way to get your team bonding. Arbora Climbing Forest is another must-see for your retreat. Top this off with some historic monastery and brewery excursions, your teams are in for a treat in Bad Saarow.

6. Leipzig city

Driving southwest for 200km from Berlin brings you to its major neighbor, Leipzig, a city offering rich history and vibrant modernity in equal supply.

Take your teams on a brainstorming session as they take in the sights of Lepizig’s architectural treasures. The jaw-dropping Renaissance-style Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) is a must-see, as is the Church of St. Thomas. 

There’s some world-famous artistry to be absorbed here too, from the past into the present. Being the hometown of composers Wagner and Bach, the classical music scene lives on in Leipzig’s opera houses and concert halls. 

There are plenty of conference venues to get fully focused and into the work zone, with some of Germany’s oldest trade fairs providing ample space. Leipzig’s mix of the old and new is quite a sight to behold.

We really feel Leipzig holds its own with any city in the world for a retreat experience. You won’t be disappointed here!

7. Dresden city, Saxony

Delving further into vibrant city lights, Dresden is an exquisite choice for a retreat with endless team-building possibilities. Driving there takes just over 2 hours, making it an excursion choice if you’re planning a day outside of Berlin. But there’s so much to see and do here, why not just set up camp and stay?

A visit to the Semper Opera House is bound to stand out for your teams, sparking new ideas and creative discussions. Pack out your work retreat days with artistic workshops and historical museum visits to get the most out of Dresden.

The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and Zinger Palace provide an inspiring backdrop of potential for your team-building activities, so combine ideation with admiration for this beautiful city.

Dresden’s historical charm and cultural vibrancy make it a standout choice. Choose Dresden for your next retreat, and we know your teams will thank you for it.

8. Wismar city

If you’re up for a slightly longer trip to Germany’s northern coast, Wismar City makes for a solid choice for a work retreat. Driving there from Berlin only sets you back around 2.5 hours, and the journey is worth it.

The noisy city atmosphere of Berlin makes way for coastal vibes and a slower pace of life here. The city’s medieval architecture has been magnificently preserved, especially its unique Market Square (Marktplatz) which is surrounded by gabled houses and impressive Wasserkunst water fountains.

At the drop of a hat, you’ve got maritime teambuilding exercises available on your doorstep. Water-themed games go down a treat, and the sailing tours of the Baltic Sea are a must-sea!

Take a moment of appreciation for coastal tranquility and absorb Wismar’s maritime heritage for your next retreat.

9. Brandenburg an der Havel

Heading West out of Berlin for just 70 kilometers, you arrive at Brandenburg an der Havel, and here, you can expect postcard-levels of scenery. Taking in the rivers, greenery and architecture leaves a visitor in a state of marvel.

The city’s history and picturesque vibes make it stand out. It sits as the meeting point of two waterways, the Havel River and the Elbe-Havel Canal. Teambuilding activities are in abundance in the outdoors here with boat tours along the river. Take your teams exploring the medieval Old Town Altstadt with its Gothic architecture, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Very easily accessible within an hour’s drive from Berlin, Brandenburg an der Havel provides the perfect opportunity for a work retreat filled with relaxation and creative ideation. Offer your teams a work retreat here for some serious productivity boosting!

10. Rheinsberg town, Brandenburg

Head northward out of Berlin for 90 kilometers to get to the tranquil setting of Rheinsberg town. Right in the heart of Brandenburg’s lake district, this quaint town offers a unique opportunity for a corporate teambuilding retreat.

Organize your team activities in the scenic Rheinsberg Gardens while on leisurely walks. From the Gardens, Rheinsberg Palace is only a 5-minute walk away, and we know the royal scenery makes for epic conversations and brainstorming sessions! 

Rheinsberg offers great lake cruising opportunities on Grienericksee Lake. Take your teams along the river for a fresh perspective of the town. Then head into the town center to absorb Rheinsberg's laid-back vibe, highly conducive to solidifying your team bonds. Cobbled streets and little cafes make great hubs for productive meetings.

Don’t overlook Rheinsberg for your next choice of work retreat. There’s a charm to the place that will remain in the minds of your teams for years to come. 

11. Cottbus town

Rounding off our list is Cottbus, a town 120 kilometers southeast of Berlin, just 1.5 hour’s drive. A charming town with a population of 100,000 people, the objective here is team building with natural tranquility.

The Branitz Park and Palace, designed by the famous landscape architect Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, make for a great day out. Its lakes and landscape gardens will give your teams a peaceful setting for reflective walks and team-building activities.

For a touch of culture, the State Theatre of Cottbus has a wide array of performances, from opera to contemporary plays, which is a great creative outing for teams.

Cottbus is certainly worth high consideration for your next retreat. Its rich history and cultural vibrancy will prove the inspiration and rejuvenation your teams need!

At Surf Office, our business is organizing your work pleasure!

Here at Surf Office, we love getting the most out of teams, and we’ve got everything needed for an unforgettable work retreat experience.

Imagine the usual confines of your office settings melting away on a sandy beach or taking the time to appreciate nature in a deep Germanic forest. A quick change of environment can be as revitalizing as a complete office overhaul.

Like this idea but not sure how to put it all together? No problem, this is where Surf Office comes in.

We've had the pleasure of organizing over 700+ retreat experiences, including remote teams, for many different companies. Here’s how what we offer:

• Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
• Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
• Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
• Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
• Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
• Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅

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Not only this but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America and now Africa, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.

With so many locations to choose from, there’s something for everyone on one of our retreats. Spaces are limited, so get in touch with us now to organize your next unforgettable work getaway!