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.