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Overview
Strausberg is a small town in the Märkisch-Oderland district of Brandenburg, situated roughly 30 kilometres east of central Berlin. It sits on the western shore of the Straussee, a glacial lake that forms the recreational and visual heart of the town. The population hovers around 26,000, giving it a relaxed, residential character quite distinct from the German capital just down the S-Bahn line.
The town has a documented history stretching back to the 13th century, and fragments of its medieval past — including surviving sections of the old town wall and a historic gate — are still visible in the compact Altstadt. During the GDR era, Strausberg served as the seat of the East German National People's Army headquarters, a chapter that has left some architectural and institutional traces. Since reunification, the town has developed as a commuter community and weekend retreat for Berliners.
For visitors, Strausberg offers a genuinely unhurried experience: lakeside promenades, a small historic centre, quiet cycling routes through the surrounding Märkische Schweiz countryside, and the curiosity of one of Germany's oldest electric tram lines still in operation. It is compact enough to explore on foot in a morning, yet has enough character to justify a leisurely overnight stay.
Before You Go
Strausberg is part of Germany and sits within the Schengen Area. For visa information specific to your nationality, please visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official German federal immigration authority (BAMF) or your nearest German embassy before travel.
What to pack:
- Comfortable walking or cycling shoes — much of the town and its surroundings are best explored on foot or by bike
- Swimwear if visiting May through August; the Straussee has public bathing areas
- A light rain layer; Brandenburg's weather can change quickly, even in summer
- Cash for smaller cafés and market stalls, as card acceptance varies in small establishments
Strausberg has no large international hotels or tourist infrastructure, so booking accommodation in advance — especially on summer weekends — is advisable. Many visitors choose to stay in Berlin and take the S-Bahn out as a day trip, which is a perfectly reasonable approach.
Getting There
From Berlin
The most practical way to reach Strausberg is via the S-Bahn. Line S5 runs from central Berlin (Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, and points west) to Strausberg Nord and Strausberg stations. Journey time from Alexanderplatz is roughly 40–50 minutes depending on the stop. Tickets fall within the Berlin ABC fare zone; verify current fares and zone requirements on the VBB (Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg) website before travel.
By car, Strausberg is accessible via the A10 motorway (Berlin ring road) and the B1/B5 federal roads heading east from Berlin. Journey time from the city centre is typically 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
From Further Afield
The nearest major airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located south of Berlin. From the airport, travel into central Berlin first and then connect via S5. There is no direct rail or bus service from the airport to Strausberg. Long-distance bus services to Strausberg are limited; most intercity travellers arrive via Berlin.
Getting Around
Strausberg's Altstadt and the Straussee lakefront are walkable from both S-Bahn stations in under 15 minutes. The town is small enough that a car is unnecessary once you have arrived.
Tram
Strausberg operates a historic narrow-gauge electric tram (Straußberger Eisenbahn) that connects Strausberg station in the west with Strausberg Nord in the east. This is one of the oldest continuously operating electric tram lines in Germany and is a minor attraction in itself. It is also a practical way to move between the two rail stations with luggage.
Cycling
Bicycle hire is available locally (verify current providers on arrival). The surrounding Märkisch-Oderland countryside is flat to gently rolling and well-suited to leisure cycling. Trails connect to the Märkische Schweiz nature park to the east.
Car
Parking is generally available in the town centre. A car is useful if you plan to explore the wider district, including smaller villages around the Straussee or the Märkische Schweiz.
Things to See & Do
Straussee
The glacial lake is the focal point of leisure in the town. A promenade runs along part of the western shore, and there are designated public bathing areas open in summer. The lake is also used for sailing and non-motorised watercraft; boat rental may be available seasonally — verify locally.
Old Town and Medieval Remains
Strausberg's compact Altstadt contains sections of the original 13th–14th century town wall and a surviving gate tower (the Strausberger Tor area). The Marienkirche, a red-brick Gothic church typical of the Brandenburg region, stands in the town centre and is worth a look for its architecture and historic interior.
Straußberger Eisenbahn
Riding the historic narrow-gauge tram is a low-key but genuinely interesting experience. The line dates to the late 19th century and operates with restored rolling stock. Check the current timetable locally.
Märkische Schweiz Nature Park
The nature park begins a short distance east of Strausberg and offers marked walking and cycling trails through a landscape of small lakes, beech forests, and glacial hills. The village of Buckow, within the park, is a popular extension of a Strausberg visit.
Day-Trip Structure
A practical half-day covers the Altstadt, a walk along the Straussee shore, and the tram ride. A full day allows time for cycling toward the Märkische Schweiz or a relaxed afternoon on the lake.
Food & Drink
Strausberg has a modest but functional food and drink scene oriented toward local residents rather than tourists. Expect traditional German restaurant staples — schnitzel, bratwurst, potato-based dishes — alongside a handful of cafés and pizzerias around the Marktplatz and near the lakefront.
Lakeside spots along the Straussee promenade may offer seasonal outdoor seating and simple food and drink service in warmer months; availability varies year to year, so check locally on arrival. The town has a weekly market (verify current days) where fresh local produce is sold.
For a wider choice of restaurants, many visitors combine a Strausberg excursion with dining in Erkner or return to Berlin for the evening meal. Carrying some cash is recommended, as smaller establishments may not accept card payments.
Practical Information
Emergency numbers (Germany-wide):
- Police: 110
- Fire and ambulance: 112
Medical: Strausberg has local medical practices and a pharmacy. The nearest hospital with emergency facilities is in the broader Märkisch-Oderland district; verify the exact location via the town's official website or ask at your accommodation.
Connectivity: Mobile coverage (4G/LTE) is generally reliable in the town centre. Public Wi-Fi is limited; cafés may offer it on request.
Tourist information: A local tourism or town information office may be available in the Altstadt; verify current opening hours before visiting. The town of Strausberg and the Märkisch-Oderland district maintain official websites with up-to-date visitor information.
Banking: ATMs are available in the town centre. As noted, carrying some cash is practical for smaller vendors and markets.
Language: English is spoken to a varying degree; basic German phrases are appreciated and useful in a town this size.
Safety
Strausberg is a quiet residential town with no particular safety concerns for visitors. Standard urban precautions apply: keep an eye on personal belongings in public spaces, particularly around the train stations.
When swimming in the Straussee, observe any posted water-quality notices or bathing restrictions, which can be issued during warm summers due to algae blooms. Children should be supervised near the water at all times.
Cycling on rural paths after dark is inadvisable without appropriate lights, as some paths lack street lighting. Overall, the town is considered a low-risk destination.
