Compare Berlin car hire

Spreewald is an ancient network of canals and bridges on the River Spree where nothing has changed for centuries; the historic towns still have annual pickle-making contests and its island farms look like fairy-tale illustrations. Spreewald, however, is not all hand ploughs and preserves. The area is just as famous for luxurious spas, organic restaurants, private art galleries and artisan workshops. Located about 100km (62 miles) southeast of Berlin, it takes just over an hour from Berlin by car.

There are ice rinks galore in Berlin city centre in winter and every one of them is mobbed. Escape by car to Lankwitz, strap on your skates and have as much room as you need to glide around or fall down gracefully. Berlin’s biggest rink by far is half an hour by road from Mitte.

City beaches are as common in Berlin as currywurst, but for retro resort glamour and the best bars filled with cool locals, you’ll want to head for Strandbad Wannsee. Take the car and you can bag a vintage sun lounger and stay for the weekend.

Arrive at Berlin Schönefeld or Tegel airport and you can hire a car in a flash from major rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar and Budget. However, for the best rates, be sure to compare Berlin car hire deals online before you go.

Another tip: make sure your hire car has a green sticker or you won’t be able to drive in Berlin city centre – it is a low-emission area or umweltzone.

1. Watch out on the autobahn; it’s a myth that there are no speed limits on German motorways. There are clearly signposted restrictions, especially around Berlin, so pay attention.
   
   
2. Don’t leave the scene of an accident, no matter how minor. In Germany, if you crash into an unoccupied vehicle, you have to wait at least 30 minutes for the owner to return. If the owner doesn’t return, report to the police immediately. Ignore this rule of the road and you could face a hefty fine.
   
   
3. Berlin is one of the most civilised cities in Europe when it comes to driving. Courtesy is king and almost everyone obeys the rules. It might be that Berliners are wonderfully well mannered or it could just as easily come down to the vast number of police cameras and traps all over the city.