Hamburg/Berlin/Prague - do-able and recommendable in 12 days?
Apr 15th, 2010, 07:08 PM
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Hamburg/Berlin/Prague - do-able and recommendable in 12 days?
Hello Fodorites - hubby and I will be going to Hamburg for his industry conference in late September, which will last about 4 days. We are thinking about going to or from there by way of Berlin and Prague, cities we have never visited but know are highly recommended, and are wondering whether this is a realistic itinerary to be taken within a 12 day period and if so, is it better to do by car or by train? We are very flexible with suggestions and aside from Hamburg, this suggested itinerary isn't written in stone, but we are leaning towards it. What say you, dear Fodorites???
Apr 16th, 2010, 12:08 AM
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Hamburg - Berlin by train about 3 hours, by car about 3 hours
Berlin - Prague by train 4.5 hours, by car about 4.5 hours - make your choise and thing about that you did not need a car in any city as there are local transportation for cheap. 4 nights or 3 dyas in eack seems fine.
Berlin - Prague by train 4.5 hours, by car about 4.5 hours - make your choise and thing about that you did not need a car in any city as there are local transportation for cheap. 4 nights or 3 dyas in eack seems fine.
Apr 16th, 2010, 02:47 AM
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1. If you confine yourselves to the cities you are going to visit, you won't need a car.
With that itinerary in mind, it is perfectly fine to explore the cities you want to see and not do trips to their potentially remote environments as there is plenty to do and see in each of them.
2. As you have 12 days, of which you are going to spend 4 in Hamburg. So intheory you also have 4 days for Berlin and Prague each. If in doubt, Berlin is the bigger and more diverse city, so I'd allocate probably 1 day more to Berlin than to Prague. However, this also depends on your travel style and preference - and 4 days in Berlin will give you pretty good insights, too.
3. Transportation between the cities:
3.1 Hamburg - Berlin has probably the best train connection between 2 relevant cities in Germany. From centre to centre it's just above 90 minutes (and you will be covering about 180 miles in that time). Even I, who doesn't like train travel, can accept that.
3.2 Berlin to Prague is just under 5 hours by train, which represents about half a day for sightseeing lost.
3.3 Prague to Hamburg (if you don't manage to get an open-jaw flying into Hamburg and out of Prague) is just under 7 hours by train - which certainly is a long time.
3.4 Conclusion: I would recommend taking the train and look into flights for the segment between Berlin and Prague and, if applicable, Prague Hamburg.
Alternatively, skip Prague and dedicate the remainder of the time after Berlin to Dresden - which is can be done in just over 2 hours by train from Berlin and leaves you with about a 4.5 hour trip back to Hamburg, if you need to get back there.
With that itinerary in mind, it is perfectly fine to explore the cities you want to see and not do trips to their potentially remote environments as there is plenty to do and see in each of them.
2. As you have 12 days, of which you are going to spend 4 in Hamburg. So intheory you also have 4 days for Berlin and Prague each. If in doubt, Berlin is the bigger and more diverse city, so I'd allocate probably 1 day more to Berlin than to Prague. However, this also depends on your travel style and preference - and 4 days in Berlin will give you pretty good insights, too.
3. Transportation between the cities:
3.1 Hamburg - Berlin has probably the best train connection between 2 relevant cities in Germany. From centre to centre it's just above 90 minutes (and you will be covering about 180 miles in that time). Even I, who doesn't like train travel, can accept that.
3.2 Berlin to Prague is just under 5 hours by train, which represents about half a day for sightseeing lost.
3.3 Prague to Hamburg (if you don't manage to get an open-jaw flying into Hamburg and out of Prague) is just under 7 hours by train - which certainly is a long time.
3.4 Conclusion: I would recommend taking the train and look into flights for the segment between Berlin and Prague and, if applicable, Prague Hamburg.
Alternatively, skip Prague and dedicate the remainder of the time after Berlin to Dresden - which is can be done in just over 2 hours by train from Berlin and leaves you with about a 4.5 hour trip back to Hamburg, if you need to get back there.
Apr 16th, 2010, 03:44 AM
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danon - we haven't purchased plane tix yet, so that is also an open question as of now.
hsv - how long is the flight between Berlin and Prague? The issue of the Berlin to Prague connection seems to be the bone of contention in terms of do-ability and/or logistic complexity, as that is a long train ride! Any other suggestions as to how we can do this practically? We just need to be in Hamburg from approx. 9/26-9/29, and can work around this on either side of those dates. I have also read in previous threads about Dresden as a must-do and am intrigued by it...!
hsv - how long is the flight between Berlin and Prague? The issue of the Berlin to Prague connection seems to be the bone of contention in terms of do-ability and/or logistic complexity, as that is a long train ride! Any other suggestions as to how we can do this practically? We just need to be in Hamburg from approx. 9/26-9/29, and can work around this on either side of those dates. I have also read in previous threads about Dresden as a must-do and am intrigued by it...!
Apr 16th, 2010, 06:49 AM
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I find it easier to fly open-jaw , you'll have to see about the cost.
Dresden is half way between Berlin and Prague. Several poster have stayed 24 hours ( see yk's report on Berlin), one can even make it half a day just to see the Old Town, the Church and the Green Vault . I find it interesting, but not a " must-do" if you are on a tight schedule.It is a good way to break the train trip from Berlin to Prague ( I am not a big "train person").
For connections in Germany take a look at airberlin ( cheap flights) and DB for trains.
http://www.airberlin.com/site/abflugplan.php?LANG=eng&
MARKT=CA
http://www.bahn.com/i/view/index.shtml
Don't know much about driving... Prague would not be a place to have a car.
I would also spend more time in Berlin than Prague .
Dresden is half way between Berlin and Prague. Several poster have stayed 24 hours ( see yk's report on Berlin), one can even make it half a day just to see the Old Town, the Church and the Green Vault . I find it interesting, but not a " must-do" if you are on a tight schedule.It is a good way to break the train trip from Berlin to Prague ( I am not a big "train person").
For connections in Germany take a look at airberlin ( cheap flights) and DB for trains.
http://www.airberlin.com/site/abflugplan.php?LANG=eng&
MARKT=CA
http://www.bahn.com/i/view/index.shtml
Don't know much about driving... Prague would not be a place to have a car.
I would also spend more time in Berlin than Prague .
Apr 16th, 2010, 07:32 AM
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Flight time TXL - PRG is about 1 hour (as is flight time between almost all destinations within and around Germany).
Czech Airlines offering a non-stop conncetion (which is the only one that makes sense) out of TXL.
Neither Easyjet nor Ryanair nor Lufthansa's budget carrier Germanwings seem to offer a flight out of Berlin's second airport (SXF).
I cannot see a connection on Air Berlin (which for reasons completely beyond me markets itself as a budget airline) and Lufthansa routes you through one of their West German airports, which blows up travel time beyond any reason.
http://www.czechairlines.com/en/worl..._intropage.htm
CSA is a Skyteam partner in case you are flying over on AF/DL/KLM etc. and/or are collecting miles with them, it might be attractive to also look at incorporating that segment into your transatlantic ticket.
I would strongly recommend you book an open-jaw as it will make travel much less of a hassle of getting back and forth.
Czech Airlines offering a non-stop conncetion (which is the only one that makes sense) out of TXL.
Neither Easyjet nor Ryanair nor Lufthansa's budget carrier Germanwings seem to offer a flight out of Berlin's second airport (SXF).
I cannot see a connection on Air Berlin (which for reasons completely beyond me markets itself as a budget airline) and Lufthansa routes you through one of their West German airports, which blows up travel time beyond any reason.
http://www.czechairlines.com/en/worl..._intropage.htm
CSA is a Skyteam partner in case you are flying over on AF/DL/KLM etc. and/or are collecting miles with them, it might be attractive to also look at incorporating that segment into your transatlantic ticket.
I would strongly recommend you book an open-jaw as it will make travel much less of a hassle of getting back and forth.
Apr 16th, 2010, 07:45 AM
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BEFORE you start thinking about flying that segment Berlin-Prague consider this: it isn't exactly a rail trip filled with drudgery as there are some nice river views once you get beyond Dresden and if you are wiling to leave early enough in the day you can easily have plenty of time in Prague especially if you are going to confine yourselves to the general "old town" area which most folks do and which has, IMO, some of the most scenic spots.
Also, if you fly that means getting yourself out to the airport, through security, etc., etc. and be aware of the potential luggage restrictions and so forth; the trains of course, depending on the timings, will take you pretty much city center to city center (perhaps a little more "center" in Berlin than in prague, especially if you end up at Holesovice in the latter.
I think you plan is fine over and believe me, you are going to three VERY different cities and it is ALL good. I might consider more time in Prague than in Hamburg but again that depends on your particular interests. I have always found Prague to be somewhat more interesting than Hamburg, but that's obviously a very personal preference.
Also, if you fly that means getting yourself out to the airport, through security, etc., etc. and be aware of the potential luggage restrictions and so forth; the trains of course, depending on the timings, will take you pretty much city center to city center (perhaps a little more "center" in Berlin than in prague, especially if you end up at Holesovice in the latter.
I think you plan is fine over and believe me, you are going to three VERY different cities and it is ALL good. I might consider more time in Prague than in Hamburg but again that depends on your particular interests. I have always found Prague to be somewhat more interesting than Hamburg, but that's obviously a very personal preference.
Apr 16th, 2010, 08:32 AM
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My take is that Hamburg - Berlin - Prague sounds like a very reasonable and enjoyable trip for 12 days. An open jaw would be preferable to having to return to Hamburg.
Allow me to rebut some of this talk of flying from Berlin to Prague. I don't know why the 4:51 minute train ride from Berlin to Prague would be unrealistic or inconvenient. I don't think the flight will save you enough time to be worth the hassle. If you start talking about flights, you've got to factor in your travel to the airport, checking in a couple of hours in advance, checking your luggage, and then an hour of flying time (only if it's a direct flight). Besides, with the train you can depart from the Berlin main train station and end up in the center of Prague, rather than getting out to Tegel and then having to transport yourself from the Prague Airport which is several miles from the city center.
Furthermore, the train trip is actually rather scenic around the Dresden area. And even if you still find the 4:51 minutes to be a hassle, you could break up the travel with a stop in Dresden, which is roughly equidistant and is a magnificent city in itself.
(This all basically seconds what Dukey wrote above).
It's all pretty do-able. You do have to concern yourself with your departure, which ideally would be out of Prague. If you are considering open jaws, I flew from Dresden to Boston over Frankfurt with Lufthansa. If a flight from Prague is not feasible, also consider Dresden (ca. 2 hrs away) for the departure, rather than schlepping all the way back to Hamburg.
Allow me to rebut some of this talk of flying from Berlin to Prague. I don't know why the 4:51 minute train ride from Berlin to Prague would be unrealistic or inconvenient. I don't think the flight will save you enough time to be worth the hassle. If you start talking about flights, you've got to factor in your travel to the airport, checking in a couple of hours in advance, checking your luggage, and then an hour of flying time (only if it's a direct flight). Besides, with the train you can depart from the Berlin main train station and end up in the center of Prague, rather than getting out to Tegel and then having to transport yourself from the Prague Airport which is several miles from the city center.
Furthermore, the train trip is actually rather scenic around the Dresden area. And even if you still find the 4:51 minutes to be a hassle, you could break up the travel with a stop in Dresden, which is roughly equidistant and is a magnificent city in itself.
(This all basically seconds what Dukey wrote above).
It's all pretty do-able. You do have to concern yourself with your departure, which ideally would be out of Prague. If you are considering open jaws, I flew from Dresden to Boston over Frankfurt with Lufthansa. If a flight from Prague is not feasible, also consider Dresden (ca. 2 hrs away) for the departure, rather than schlepping all the way back to Hamburg.
Apr 16th, 2010, 08:35 AM
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I would rule out a car if you are really going to limit yourself to the cities. Train travel is efficient and convenient between the metropolises and you'd have to figure out parking and navigating cities if you rented a car.
Prague and Berlin both have lots to offer (Dresden too), so I wouldn't necessarily weigh one over the other.
Prague and Berlin both have lots to offer (Dresden too), so I wouldn't necessarily weigh one over the other.
Apr 16th, 2010, 01:32 PM
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This is all very helpful!!! Thanks so much! It certainly seems like the train is still the way to travel for every segment of this trip and I will look into the open-jaw plane ticket as well. As for the 4 days in Hamburg, we are pretty well locked into that because of hubby's business conference, but that still leaves us with another week or so...
Would 1 day in Dresden be sufficient if we chose to stop in between Berlin and Prague, assuming we spend 3-4 nights in Berlin and 2-3 nights in Prague?
Would 1 day in Dresden be sufficient if we chose to stop in between Berlin and Prague, assuming we spend 3-4 nights in Berlin and 2-3 nights in Prague?
Apr 17th, 2010, 08:46 AM
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Well (tipping my cap to Ingo), 1 day is not sufficient for Dresden, but acceptable considering your time restraints. Certainly worth a look since you are passing through anyway. Ingo would have some tips on how to maximize a day in Dresden to make the most of it.
Berlin is indeed larger and more sprawling than Prague, but do some research on what you want to see and do in each location before committing to more days in Berlin. Some would prefer more time in Prague, some more time in Berlin (and I admit this as a big fan of Berlin).
Berlin is indeed larger and more sprawling than Prague, but do some research on what you want to see and do in each location before committing to more days in Berlin. Some would prefer more time in Prague, some more time in Berlin (and I admit this as a big fan of Berlin).
Apr 17th, 2010, 12:41 PM
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Agreed, Woyzeck! <waving to you>
One day is enough to scratch the surface of Dresden, to see what is considered the top sights in the centre. Not that you would get an idea what really makes the city so charming. You wouldn't even have enough time for the *must do* museums/galleries. You'll probably end up finding Dresden interesting, but not a must do. Anyway, it is better than nothing. And maybe something would peek your interest to come back.
One day - it depends on what day of the week exactly that would be. Some museums are closed on Mondays, others on Tuesdays. If you can squeeze in a performance at the Semper opera house (and interested in classical music at all) then you don't need to do a tour there. Does one day mean arriving late morning and leaving late afternoon or do you plan an overnight? Questions, questions ...
One day is enough to scratch the surface of Dresden, to see what is considered the top sights in the centre. Not that you would get an idea what really makes the city so charming. You wouldn't even have enough time for the *must do* museums/galleries. You'll probably end up finding Dresden interesting, but not a must do. Anyway, it is better than nothing. And maybe something would peek your interest to come back.
One day - it depends on what day of the week exactly that would be. Some museums are closed on Mondays, others on Tuesdays. If you can squeeze in a performance at the Semper opera house (and interested in classical music at all) then you don't need to do a tour there. Does one day mean arriving late morning and leaving late afternoon or do you plan an overnight? Questions, questions ...
Apr 17th, 2010, 01:50 PM
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My daughter has been in Copenhagen for the semester and went to Berlin, Prague and Budapest in a week. She took the train between Berlin and Prague and said it worked out great! Her favorite thing to do in Berlin was a bike tour of the city. I think it was called Fat City Bike Tour. She enjoyed this more than the typical walking tour. Prague by far is the favorite place she has visited! She was was only there for 3 nights. Wished it was longer.
Apr 17th, 2010, 02:43 PM
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I stayed in Dresden 48 hours and could have stayed a shorter time . The Old Town can be seen in a couple of hours; the Green Vault as well. Zwinger Palace - half an hour (the outside); unless you have a keen interest in Old Masters you don't have to see the Gallery in Zwinger.
Dresden is a charming place, there are more museums and galleries than Zwinger, but on a tight schedule I would not take too much time from Berlin or Prague ( both cities offer a ton to see )
Dresden is a charming place, there are more museums and galleries than Zwinger, but on a tight schedule I would not take too much time from Berlin or Prague ( both cities offer a ton to see )
Apr 18th, 2010, 05:15 AM
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Thanks everyone...very helpful! We may wind up skipping Dresden altogether, as hubby is protesting that he doesn't want to stay over in more than 2 cities beyond Hamburg in the period of time that we'll have left. However, am not totally dismissing the idea yet and will see if I can bend him on this issue between now and the serious booking stages!
Apr 18th, 2010, 07:18 AM
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Have a great trip!
The Dresden suggestion arose, I believe, out of the concern that the 5 hr train ride from Berlin to Prague would be too much for one day (it wasn't you who said it, it was another poster). Dresden offers a perfect and convenient opportunity if your husband decides that it would make sense to break up a 5 hr train ride with a stop in a lovely city. It's not a crime to miss it, I suppose, and your time is indeed somewhat limited overall, so you can always go back some other time.
The Dresden suggestion arose, I believe, out of the concern that the 5 hr train ride from Berlin to Prague would be too much for one day (it wasn't you who said it, it was another poster). Dresden offers a perfect and convenient opportunity if your husband decides that it would make sense to break up a 5 hr train ride with a stop in a lovely city. It's not a crime to miss it, I suppose, and your time is indeed somewhat limited overall, so you can always go back some other time.
