Overview
Eberswalde is a mid-sized town of roughly 40,000 people in the Barnim district of Brandenburg, about 50 kilometres north-east of Berlin. It sits at the southern edge of the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, one of Germany's largest UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserves, and the town's identity is closely tied to that forested landscape.
The town is home to Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde (HNEE), a university of applied sciences specialising in sustainable development, forestry, and environmental management. This academic presence gives Eberswalde a quietly progressive character unusual for a town of its size in eastern Brandenburg.
Historically, Eberswalde grew as an industrial centre during the 19th and early 20th centuries, shaped by ironworks and metal manufacturing. The Finow Canal, which runs through and near the town, is one of the oldest still-functional artificial waterways in Germany and was central to that industrial story. Today the town is calm and unhurried, well suited to travellers who want proximity to Berlin combined with genuine natural surroundings and a low-key atmosphere.
Before You Go
Visas
Eberswalde is in Germany, which is a member of the Schengen Area. For specific entry requirements based on your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official German immigration authority (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge, bamf.de).
What to pack
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes; many of the best local experiences involve forest and canal-side paths
- Layers are advisable even in summer, as the forested landscape can be cooler than Berlin
- A rain jacket year-round
- Cash is widely accepted in small local businesses; cards are accepted in larger establishments but verify locally
Health and insurance
No specific health requirements apply beyond standard European travel. Comprehensive travel insurance is always recommended. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are available in the town centre.
Getting There
By train
Eberswalde Hauptbahnhof is well connected to Berlin via regional services. Direct trains from Berlin Ostbahnhof and Berlin Ostkreuz run regularly and the journey typically takes around 40–50 minutes, though verify current schedules and journey times on the Deutsche Bahn website (bahn.de) or the VBB regional transport authority before travel.
By car
Eberswalde is reached from Berlin via the A11 motorway (direction Stettin/Szczecin), taking the Eberswalde exit. The drive from central Berlin typically takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
By bus
Regional bus services connect Eberswalde to surrounding villages and towns in the Barnim district. Check VBB (vbb.de) for current routes and schedules.
Nearest airports
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the practical gateway. From BER, the most convenient route is by S-Bahn or regional train into central Berlin and then onward by regional train to Eberswalde. Verify connections on bahn.de.
Getting Around
Eberswalde's town centre and main attractions are manageable on foot or by bicycle. The town has a local bus network operated within the VBB regional system — check vbb.de for routes and fares.
Cycling is a particularly practical option; the flat to gently rolling terrain around the Finow Canal and into the surrounding forest makes for pleasant riding. Bike hire availability should be verified locally, as options in smaller German towns can change.
For excursions into the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, a car or bicycle gives the most flexibility, though some areas are reachable by regional bus or train (e.g., the village of Chorin for the monastery).
Things to See & Do
Zoo Eberswalde
The Tierpark Eberswalde is one of the oldest zoos in Brandenburg. It has a particular emphasis on conservation and holds animals suited to European and northern climates. Admission fees and opening hours should be verified on the zoo's official website before visiting.
Finow Canal
The Finow Canal dates to the early 18th century and is among the oldest artificial waterways in Germany still in use. The towpath alongside it is well suited to walking and cycling. You can follow stretches of the canal through town and out into the quieter countryside, passing old lock infrastructure along the way.
Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve
The biosphere reserve stretches across a large forested area north of Eberswalde and is excellent for hiking, wildlife observation, and simply being in a largely undisturbed Central European lowland forest landscape. The reserve contains numerous lakes and wetlands.
Kloster Chorin (Chorin Monastery)
A short distance north of Eberswalde, the ruins of Chorin Monastery — a Gothic brick structure begun by Cistercian monks in the 13th century — are one of the most architecturally significant medieval sites in Brandenburg. The site hosts an open-air classical music festival in summer (verify current programme and dates locally). Reachable by regional train to the Chorin stop.
Niederfinow Ship Lift (Schiffshebewerk Niederfinow)
A few kilometres east of Eberswalde, this engineering landmark lifts ships and boats between the Finow Canal level and the Oder-Havel Canal. A historic structure from the 1930s, it remains in operation alongside a newer lift. Worth seeing for anyone interested in industrial heritage and engineering.
Food & Drink
Eberswalde's dining scene is modest and local in character. You will find German standards — Schnitzel, hearty meat dishes, soups — alongside a small number of cafés and bakeries in and around the town centre and the pedestrian shopping zone.
The town's university population supports a handful of cafés with a more casual, contemporary feel. Specific restaurant recommendations are best checked on current review platforms such as Google Maps or TripAdvisor immediately before your visit, as the hospitality offering in smaller eastern German towns can change frequently.
Local Brandenburg cuisine features freshwater fish (particularly carp and pike-perch from regional lakes), game meats from the forested region, and seasonal produce. Look for these on menus when available.
Supermarkets in the town centre are a practical option for self-catering supplies if you are based in nearby accommodation.
Practical Information
Emergency numbers
- General emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 112 (ambulance/fire) and 110 (police) — these are Germany-wide numbers
Money
ATMs (Geldautomaten) are available in the town centre. Many smaller businesses prefer or require cash; carry some euros.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (4G/LTE) is generally reliable in the town itself. In forested areas of the biosphere reserve, coverage can be patchy — download offline maps before heading out.
Language
German is the local language. English is understood in some contexts (particularly among younger residents and university staff) but should not be assumed in all shops and services. A few basic German phrases are helpful and appreciated.
Tourist information
The local tourism office or Barnim district information can provide maps and current event listings; verify current opening hours locally.
Safety
Eberswalde is a generally safe and low-key town. Standard urban precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings as you would anywhere.
When hiking or cycling in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, carry water, inform someone of your route, and carry a map or offline navigation. The forest areas are extensive and mobile coverage can be unreliable in places.
Tick awareness is important in forested areas of Brandenburg from spring through autumn. Wear appropriate clothing (long trousers tucked into socks), use insect repellent, and check your skin after time outdoors. If you plan extended time in forested regions, discuss TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) vaccination with your doctor before travel.