Hey there, fellow digital nomads! Ever feel like you need a break from your laptop-lifestyle? Well, buckle up because I’m about to share an amazing adventure that’ll make you want to pack your bags right now!
Before heading back to Russia, I was itching to experience something uniquely German. I reached out to our friends Robert and Rainer (remember them from my “New Rich” article?) for advice. Their suggestion? A trip to Bad Schandau, a spa town in Saxony. Talk about insider knowledge!
Fun fact: The “Bad” in German town names means “bath” and indicates it’s a spa town. These places have to meet specific requirements and buy a license for this status. Visitors even pay a special tax, usually included in accommodation costs. The more you know, right?
We planned a 4-day getaway from September 30 to October 4. Robert and Rainer rented a 2-bedroom apartment online, which became our cozy digital nomad hub for the trip. From Bad Schandau, we took day trips to Prague and Dresden, and spent two days exploring the Saxon Switzerland National Park. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves!
Day One: Trains, Bad Schandau, and Our Temporary Home
The journey began at Potsdam station, where we caught the familiar R1 regional train to Berlin’s main station. Pro tip: Always validate your tickets to avoid a hefty 40 euro fine!
At Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Europe’s largest train station), we grabbed some traditional German dinner fixings – potato salad, sausages, and wine. Perfect for a late-night digital nomad feast!
With 30 minutes to spare, we chilled by the Spree River, soaking in the sights of tourist boats and quirky signs. Travel hack: In Germany, train seat reservations are optional but worth the 2.50 euro fee for longer journeys.
Our train to Bad Schandau brought two surprises:
A seating mix-up (always double-check your travel dates, folks!)
Running into Teresa, a friend from St. Petersburg we met two years ago. Small world, right?
Arriving in Bad Schandau, we hopped on a ferry to cross the Elbe River. The 10-minute ride offered stunning views of this charming town nestled among cliffs.
Our apartment was a spacious 2-bedroom setup with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. We occupied the first floor of a three-story house, with the owner living on the top floor. Perfect for a group of digital nomads looking for a temporary base!
As night fell, we took our first stroll through Bad Schandau. The clear, starry sky and warm weather (23-25°C forecast for our entire stay) promised an amazing adventure ahead.
Tomorrow’s plan? Hiking in Saxon Switzerland National Park. I could barely contain my excitement!
Useful info for the nomadic traveler:
- Train tickets: 45 euros per person from Berlin to Bad Schandau (with seat reservations)
- Travel time: 2.5 hours from Berlin
- Ferry cost: 1 euro per person
- Accommodation: 2-bedroom apartment for 59 euros per night (15 euros per person)
- Contact: Sabine Lehnung, +0170 776 1711
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Have you ever taken a spontaneous trip while working remotely? Share your experiences in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more digital nomad adventures and tips.
Next up: Day Two in Saxon Switzerland National Park. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!
