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Imagine this: It’s a grey, drizzly morning in Berlin. The temperature is hovering just above freezing, and the city feels a bit muted. But just an hour away, the sun is shining, the air is a balmy 26°C (79°F), and you’re walking barefoot on a white sandy beach surrounded by palm trees. No, you haven’t hopped on a flight to the Maldives—you’ve arrived at Tropical Islands Resort.
Located in Krausnick, Brandenburg, Tropical Islands is one of Germany’s most spectacular and unique attractions. Housed in a former airship hangar that is so vast it could fit the Statue of Liberty standing up, it offers a slice of the tropics in the middle of Europe. Whether you’re a family looking for things to do near Berlin with kids, a couple seeking a romantic escape, or a group of friends ready for some water slide action, a Tropical Islands day trip from Berlin is an experience you won't forget.
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we’ll help you navigate everything from securing Tropical Islands Resort tickets to choosing the best travel options, ensuring your tropical escape is as relaxing as it is exciting.
Tropical Islands Resort isn't just a water park; it's a self-contained ecosystem. When the hangar was originally built to house massive cargo airships, no one could have predicted it would eventually become home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest. Today, it stands as a testament to engineering and imagination, offering a year-round summer that is completely independent of the German weather.
For visitors to Berlin, it represents one of the most popular Berlin day trips. It’s a place where you can swap your winter coat for a swimsuit and spend the day swimming in the "Tropical Sea," exploring a mangrove swamp, or relaxing in one of the largest sauna complexes in Europe. It’s unique, it’s massive, and it’s waiting for you.
The history of the site is as fascinating as the resort itself. The massive dome, known as the Aerium, was built in the late 1990s for the company CargoLifter. When the company went bankrupt, the hangar—the largest free-standing hall in the world—was converted into a tropical theme park, opening its doors in 2004.
The Scale: The hangar is 360 meters long, 210 meters wide, and 107 meters high. To put that in perspective, you could fit eight football fields inside. The volume is so great that it has its own internal weather system, though fortunately, it only ever "rains" in the designated water areas!
Weather-Proof Fun: Because it is entirely enclosed, Tropical Islands is the ultimate all-weather destination. Whether it’s snowing, raining, or blowing a gale outside, the conditions inside remain constant. This makes it a top choice for indoor attractions in Germany during the long winter months.
With so much space, there is an incredible variety of activities. Here are the must-see highlights:
The "Tropical Sea" is a massive pool the size of three Olympic swimming pools, kept at a pleasant 28°C. It features a sandy beach, sun loungers, and even a sunset that is projected onto the wall. For something a bit warmer, the "Bali Lagoon" is kept at 32°C and features fountains, a current canal, and whirlpools set against a backdrop of Balinese architecture.
Walking through the rainforest is a highlight for many. It contains over 50,000 plants of 600 different species. You can walk along a 1-kilometer path, crossing bridges over mangrove swamps where turtles and flamingos live. It’s a genuine botanical experience in the middle of Brandenburg.
For the thrill-seekers, the 27-meter-high water slide tower is the place to be. It features four different slides, ranging from a gentle family slide to a high-speed "turbo" slide where you can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h. It’s one of the most popular things to do near Berlin for teenagers and adventurous adults.
Opened in 2016, AMAZONIA is a 35,000-square-meter outdoor area that is open year-round. The highlight here is the "Whitewater River," a 250-meter-long lazy river with a significant current that whisks you along. Even in winter, the water is heated, so you can swim outside while the steam rises into the cold air.
If you’re looking for relaxation, the 10,000-square-meter sauna area is world-class. It features various themed saunas (like the Vishnu Stone Sauna or the Australian Outback Hut), steam baths, and massage treatments. Note that the sauna area is a "textile-free" (naked) zone, which is standard in German spa culture.
Families with younger children will appreciate the Tropino Club. It’s a massive play area with climbing frames, a soft-play area, bumper boats, and even a miniature race track. It’s the perfect place for kids to burn off energy while parents relax nearby.
Tropical Islands is a versatile destination, but your experience will depend on what you’re looking for.
Who might skip it? If you are looking for a quiet, secluded beach experience with no noise, you might find the main "Tropical Sea" area a bit too busy and loud, especially on weekends. However, the sauna area offers a much quieter alternative.
Timing your Tropical Islands day trip from Berlin is crucial for avoiding the biggest crowds.
Before you pack your flip-flops, check CheckWetter.de for the local Krausnick forecast. While the weather inside is always perfect, knowing the outside conditions helps you plan your travel and decide which day is best for an indoor escape.
Navigating Tropical Islands Resort tickets can be a bit confusing because there are several tiers.
Why Book Online? We strongly recommend buying your tickets online in advance. The resort has a maximum capacity, and on busy days (especially in winter or during holidays), they will stop selling tickets at the door. An online ticket guarantees your entry and allows you to skip the ticket-purchase queue.
Is a half-day enough, or do you need a full day? Most visitors find that a full-day visit (6-8 hours) is the best way to experience the resort without feeling rushed. This gives you time to swim, explore the rainforest, have lunch, and perhaps spend some time in the sauna or on the slides.
If you are very short on time, a 4-hour visit can cover the main pools and a quick walk through the rainforest, but you likely won't have time for the slides or the wellness area. For those who want the ultimate experience, there are even options to stay overnight in tents or themed rooms inside the dome!
The resort is located about 60 kilometers south of Berlin, and there are several easy ways to get there.
Take the RE7 (Regional Express) or RB14 from major Berlin stations (like Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstraße, or Berlin Hauptbahnhof) towards Senftenberg or Cottbus. You need to get off at the station Brand Tropical Islands. The journey takes about 50-60 minutes.
The Shuttle Bus: From the Brand station, there is a free shuttle bus that timed to meet the trains. It takes you directly to the entrance of the dome in about 10 minutes.
If you prefer to drive, take the A13 motorway (Berlin-Dresden) and take the "Staakow" exit. From there, follow the signs to Tropical Islands. There is plenty of free parking available on-site. The drive from central Berlin takes about 1 hour.
For the ultimate stress-free experience, you can book a Tropical Islands day trip from Berlin that includes transport. These often depart from central locations and handle all the logistics for you, allowing you to just focus on the fun.
Pros:
Cons:
Value for Money: If you spend the whole day and make use of the pools, rainforest, and AMAZONIA, it offers good value for a unique experience. It’s a "splurge" day trip, but one that most visitors find memorable and worth the cost.
To make your visit as smooth as possible, keep these tips in mind:
Ready to swap the Berlin pavement for a tropical beach? The best way to ensure a stress-free trip is to plan ahead. By booking your Tropical Islands Resort tickets or a guided day trip in advance, you guarantee your entry and can start your holiday the moment you step onto the train.
We recommend using GetYourGuide for your bookings. It offers clear pricing, instant confirmation, and the flexibility of easy cancellation if your plans change. Don't leave your tropical escape to chance—secure your spot in paradise today!
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