Tropical Islands — Brandenburg's Indoor Beach Resort

Inside what was once the world’s largest free-standing building, an extraordinary experiment has been running since 2004: a permanent tropical resort — beach, rainforest, waterslides, and all — sealed under an enormous steel and glass dome in the middle of the Brandenburg plain. Tropical Islands is simultaneously absurd and genuinely impressive, and for Berliners with children or anyone who simply wants a warm beach day in November, it has become a firmly established institution.

The building: a Cold War giant repurposed

The hangar was originally constructed between 2000 and 2004 by CargoLifter AG to build and house the CL160 transatlantic cargo airship — a project that collapsed before a single airship was completed. At 360 metres long, 210 metres wide, and 107 metres high, the structure remained the largest free-standing hall in the world when it opened as a resort. Walking inside for the first time, the sense of scale is striking: the dome is large enough that clouds occasionally form under the ceiling on humid days.

Getting there from Berlin

By train and shuttle: Take the RE2 from Berlin Ostbahnhof or Berlin Südkreuz towards Cottbus and alight at Halbe station. A resort shuttle bus meets most trains and covers the 4 km to the entrance — check the Tropical Islands website for current shuttle times, as they align with train arrivals. Total journey: approximately 65–75 minutes. The Brandenburg ticket covers the train leg.

By car: A13 south from Berlin, exit Staakow/Tropical Islands (signposted). Approximately 60 km, 45–55 minutes in normal traffic. On-site parking costs €5 per day. This is by far the most popular option for families with young children.

Check current Tropical Islands day ticket prices

What’s inside: five zones

The resort is divided into five distinct themed areas, each with its own character.

Tropical Beach is the centrepiece: a 200-metre indoor beach of fine white sand facing a heated lagoon pool. The temperature inside is maintained at around 26°C year-round. Sun loungers, palm trees, and cocktail bars line the shore. It sounds kitschy — it is, a little — but it also works, particularly when Brandenburg outside is grey and 4°C.

Rainforest occupies a tall section of the dome housing a genuine tropical plant collection, including banana trees, orchids, and a butterfly zone. The climate here is warmer and more humid than the beach zone; this section is genuinely impressive from a botanical standpoint.

Waterslide area (branded as Amazonia) has multiple slides of varying intensity, including enclosed tube slides and open flume rides, plus a wave pool and children’s splash areas. Serious waterslide enthusiasts will find the selection reasonable without being exhaustive.

Tropical Village is a collection of bars, restaurants, and market stalls selling Southeast Asian, Caribbean, and German food. Prices are, as expected at a resort, considerably above supermarket level — factor in €15–25 per person for a meal here.

Outdoor zone (summer only, weather permitting): additional pool space and sunbathing area outside the main dome, accessed from the beach section.

Overnight stays: camping under the dome

One of the genuinely unusual aspects of Tropical Islands is that you can stay overnight inside the dome — on a campsite. Pitches for tents or caravans sit on the “beach” itself, meaning you go to sleep with the sound of music, water, and occasional screaming from the slides fading out around 23:00 when the resort quietens. Safari lodges, family suites, and a conventional external hotel building are also available for those who prefer a solid ceiling.

Staying overnight lets you enjoy the resort after day visitors leave (from around 20:00 things become noticeably calmer) and access early morning before the day crowds arrive. Prices vary considerably by season — check the official website for current rates.

Practical tips

• Book online: Tropical Islands runs time-slot entry and online prices are consistently 10–20% below gate prices. Weekends in school holidays sell out advance slots entirely.
• What to bring: swimwear (compulsory in pool areas), a towel (or rent one on site for €7), water shoes (optional but useful on certain slides), and spending money for food.
• Lockers: available near the main changing areas for €5–8 depending on size, with a key deposit.
• Peak times: German school holidays, particularly winter half-term (February) and summer (July–August), are very busy. Arrive as early as possible on these days.
• Children’s height restrictions: several slides have minimum height requirements of 120 cm or 140 cm; the wave pool and beach areas are open to all ages.

Combining with a Spreewald visit

The Spreewald biosphere reserve is only 25 km west of Tropical Islands. Combining the two in a single day is doable but requires a car: spend the morning paddling canals in Lübbenau or Lübben, then drive east for an afternoon and early evening at the resort. By public transport, the connection is indirect and time-consuming — this combination works best with a car.

For other nearby escapes, Bad Saarow and the Scharmützelsee thermal spa are 60 km north-east, and Buckow in the Märkische Schweiz hills is 70 km north.

Is Tropical Islands worth it?

The honest answer depends on expectations. As a tropical beach holiday, it obviously doesn’t compete with actual sunshine in the Mediterranean. As a genuinely inventive use of extraordinary infrastructure for a day of warmth, swimming, and entertainment — especially in the grey Brandenburg winter months — it is hard to argue with. Children tend to love it unconditionally. Adults vary: some find the corporate-resort atmosphere grating; others appreciate the efficiency and the genuine novelty of the space.

If you’ve never been, it’s worth experiencing at least once. If you’re on a tight budget, know that food costs inside are significant and plan accordingly.

Frequently asked questions about Tropical Islands

How do I get to Tropical Islands without a car?

Take the RE2 from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Halbe station (approximately 60 minutes), then take the resort shuttle bus to the entrance (4 km). Check the Tropical Islands website for current shuttle timetables, as they are updated seasonally.

How much does entry cost?

Day tickets start from approximately €35 for children and €45 for adults when booked online in advance. Gate prices are higher. Family packages are available and generally offer better value for groups.

Can I stay overnight inside the dome?

Yes. Tropical Islands has campsite pitches directly on the indoor beach, as well as glamping safari lodges and a conventional hotel building adjacent to the main structure. Overnight guests can access the resort outside normal day-visitor hours.

Is there a dress code for the pools?

Swimwear is required in all pool areas. Textile swimwear (no cut-off jeans, for example) is standard. The beach area is clothing-optional in designated sections for adults.

How busy does it get?

Very busy during German school holidays, especially winter half-term and summer. Weekday visits outside school holiday periods are considerably more relaxed. Book timed entry online to secure your slot.

What food options are available?

Multiple restaurants and market stalls serving Asian, Caribbean, and German food are available inside the Tropical Village. Prices are resort-level — plan for €15–25 per person for a sit-down meal. Snack kiosks are cheaper. Outside food and drinks may be brought in for picnic areas.

Is it suitable for adults without children?

Yes, particularly the bar areas, the rainforest botanical sections, and the overnight glamping experience, which is genuinely atmospheric after day visitors leave. The sauna and wellness area (additional charge) is adults-only.