Germany
A well-structured timeline helps ensure all aspects of your journey are handled.
Follow these steps to prepare for your Spreewald adventure.
Ensure your passport is valid for three months beyond your Schengen departure.
Secure international flights to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) or other German airports.
Determine if a Schengen visa is necessary and begin the application process.
Reserve hotels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals, especially for high season.
Identify desired punt tours, canoe rentals, cycling routes, and museums.
Obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellation. A provider like World Nomads is an option.
Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates to avoid card freezes.
Understand international roaming options or plan for a local SIM/eSIM.
Begin monitoring the Spreewald weather forecast to refine your packing list.
Finalize arrangements in the days leading up to your trip.
Ensure everything is set for a smooth start to your journey.
Familiarize yourself with the destination and prepare your home.
Create a digital folder on your phone or in a cloud service with scans or photos of all your passports, visas, and reservations. This provides a backup if physical documents are lost.
The first few hours in a new destination can feel disorienting. This checklist helps manage your initial arrival in the Spreewald.
Proceed through passport control with your passport and any required visa.
Retrieve your checked bags from the baggage claim area.
Navigate through customs procedures upon arrival.
Find the train station within BER for connections to Berlin and the Spreewald.
Look for tourist information desks at the airport or major train stations.
Withdraw Euros from an ATM. Buy immediate necessities like water or a snack.
Use the DB Navigator or VBB app to find the most efficient train connections.
Connect from BER to your chosen Spreewald town (Lübbenau or Lübben).
From the Spreewald train station, consider a taxi or local bus.
Walking to your accommodation is also an option, depending on its distance.
Your choice of transport from the station depends on your lodging's location.
Confirm distances and options with your hotel or guesthouse beforehand.
Have a small amount of Euro cash readily available for immediate needs like a taxi, a snack, or a public transport ticket.
Prepare for your departure from the Spreewald smoothly and efficiently.
Prompt action is if documents go missing.
Consolidate any important receipts or tax-free forms in one easily accessible place.
This streamlines your departure process.
