South Berlin is a vast district and has some of the most lush forests surrounding Berlin’s biggest lake, and is perfect for exploring the old towns and getting back with in touch with nature. For the ultimate camping adventure in and around the city of Berlin, here is a list of some of the best sites:

Zeltplatz Saatwinkel

Just 100m away from the beach, the Zeltplatz Saatwinkel Campsite is situated on the banks of the Lake Tegel Saatwinkel, in the Reinickendorf district in Berlin. There are stunning camping areas available on the vast site. Spanning 17000sq mm, plenty of water sports and other amenities like a soccer field and volleyball court are available, as well as a large area for camp bonfires in the evening. There is also a clubhouse with games like foosball and pool for when the weather is miserable.

Lake Tegel, Berlin, Germany by Aconcagua

The Camping Club, Breitehorn, Berlin

The perfect setting for a wonderful family holiday right on the banks of the River Havel, there is space for caravans and tents as well as plenty of fun and exciting activities. The site hosts a summer festival every year under the big shady trees. People camping here can take their dogs with them to enjoy the outdoors, and the campsite is really close to the beach. There are also washing facilities available on site. Play table tennis, darts or enjoy a gas BBQ with your friends and family.

Wohnmobilepark, Tegel

Just 20 minutes from Berlin city center, Wohnmobilepark is located at Tegel Creek, in the beautiful, tranquil countryside. Main amenities and facilities are excellent, with the shower block having undergone refurbishment in 2008. Spaces are expansive and the grounds are really well kept, harkening back to the days the site was a nursery. This is the ideal spot for a peaceful stay but within easy access of all the sights and sounds of downtown Berlin.

You may have heard of Tentstation. This was an urban campsite, just a five minute walk from Berlin city center. Unfortunately, recently the license wasn’t renewed so city camping is currently suspended in Berlin. It is worth keeping an eye out for news though, as the organizers of Tentstation are looking for a new site.

Tips for Camping in Berlin

Find out in advance if you are able to rent tents, gas burners and other essential camping equipment. Berlin is really jacked up in terms of tourist infrastructure and tent rentals could save plenty of money at the airport with overweight baggage fees.

Rent a car. Many of the campsites are not serviced by public transport as they are too far out of the city.

Don’t pack like you are going to the jungle. Casual wear that is comfortable will be perfect, as you are not going on safari, and are still fairly close to the city. So if you want to explore some of the sites in the city, you won’t be doing so in hiking boots.

If you are camping during the months from October to April, it’s going to be rather chilly being winter and all. Make sure you have warm sleeping bags and thick socks, gloves, hats and coats.

Author Bio:
Guest post contributed by Justin Epley on behalf of the Marriott Hotels – find out about hotels in Dallas. Justin is a freelance travel writer. He loves sharing his travel insights on various blogs.

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Cambridge University Botanic Garden, UK by Steff

Looking back
The garden, a brain child of Professor John Stevens Henslow, was opened in the year 1831 specifically for the students and teachers of the University of Cambridge. The idea behind the formation of such a beautiful place was to offer perfect respite to the academicians as well as the students. But later on it was noted that people living in the surroundings used to throng there to spend some moments on the lap of nature and to spend the day in fun and frolic.

Trend now
The same trend is going on right at this present time too. People come here, roam here and there ‘under the blue firmament’ and may have read the ‘debonair’ lying on the green grass under the shady trees. From last report available from the garden authority about 200,000 visitors paid visit to the park in the year 2011.

Salient features
The garden contains various types of native plants of the British Isles, dry garden, genetics garden, glass houses to cater plant diversity of our beautiful planet, oceanic islands, mountains and tropical rainforests. Even if you like you may have the scope to join the public events that take place here round the year.

The garden is opened daily from 10 o’clock and the basic admission is £4,5 while kids 0-16 have free access.

For more information visit the official site of Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by davidd

Las Ramblas gets its name from a stream that used to run in the same path before the area was developed in the 16th century. Numerous bars and cafes are lined along the boulevard, and the boulevard itself is lined with large, shady trees. Mercat de la Boqueria is a colourful market that’s reputed to be one of the best in the world. The Erotica Museum and the Wax Museum on Las Ramblas are both fascinating places to pass a bit of time.

Las Ramblas is a crowded, popular tourist attraction, so paying attention to personal safety is advised for those visiting the street. Pickpockets and scam artists are somewhat plentiful, and some areas are best avoided after dark. Experienced travellers realize, however, that these things are fairly common in many of the world’s best cities, and that a bit of caution can go a long way towards ensuring personal safety.

Bus services in Barcelona are excellent, and Las Ramblas can easily be accessed from any part of the city. It is advised not to obtain lodgings along Las Ramblas itself if the traveller desires a quiet place to sleep, but those who are looking for fun nightlife will find many suitable accommodations along the boulevard.

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