SPREEWALD
The Spreewald, or “Spree Forest,” is a unique, UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve near Berlin. It’s a vast inland delta woven together by hundreds of natural canals, offering a peaceful, watery escape.
This enchanting region in Brandenburg is defined by its Sorbian culture and traditional flat-bottomed boat tours. It’s a land of tranquil waterways, lush forests, and picturesque villages connected by water.
Most Popular Attractions
Spreewald Waterways & Nature:
Lübbenau: The “gateway to the Spreewald,” famous for its historic harbor, Gurken (pickle) stands, and being the best starting point for a Kahnfahrt (punt tour).
Lehde: A picturesque museum village only accessible by water or bridge. It offers a glimpse into traditional Sorbian life with charming, thatched-roof houses.
Dorfmuseum Lehde (Lehde Village Museum): An open-air museum showcasing the traditional Sorbian/Wendish log homes and farmstead architecture.
Großer Spreewaldkahn (Large Spreewald Punt): The essential flat-bottomed boat tour through the main waterways, often narrated by a punt operator (Kahnfährmann).
Kanufahren & Kajaktouren (Canoeing & Kayaking): Self-guided tours on the smaller, more intimate canals (Fließe), allowing for a truly personal nature experience.
Burg (Spreewald): A sprawling, dispersed village known for its extensive network of small Fließe and for being a central hub for cycling and thermal baths.
Schleusen (Locks): Experiencing the manual operation of the small locks that maintain the water levels across the diverse canal system.
Barfußpark Burg (Burg Barefoot Park): A nature-based sensory park where visitors walk a trail without shoes over various natural surfaces.
Biosphärenreservat Spreewald: Exploring the UNESCO reserve’s diverse flora and fauna, including the distinct black alder forests.
Hochwald (High Forest): The most untouched and remote part of the Spreewald, best explored by a longer, guided Kahnfahrt.
Spreewald-Haus “Wotschofska”: A traditional restaurant and inn located on an island and accessible only by water, a classic stop on boat tours.
Spreewald Culture & Towns:
Raddusch: A small village famous for the Slawenburg Raddusch, a reconstructed Slavic ring fort from the 9th century.
Sorbian/Wendish Culture: Engaging with the unique bilingual signs, folk traditions, and costumes of the local Slavic minority.
Spreewaldtherme Burg (Burg Thermal Baths): A modern spa facility using thermal brine from a local spring, offering relaxation after a day outdoors.
Lübben: A town known for its island castle and its location where the Spree River splits, making it another excellent starting point for tours.
Spreewald-Museum Lübbenau: A museum focused on regional history and the traditional culture of the Spreewald and its Sorbian inhabitants.
Spreewald Gurken (Pickles): Sampling the world-famous gherkins at countless stands, particularly the different varieties like spicy, dill, or mustard.
Staatlich anerkannter Erholungsort (State-Recognized Resort): Visiting the various towns and villages that hold this designation, confirming their high quality as tourist destinations.
Cottbus: The largest city near the Spreewald, offering a historic town center and a gateway to the region.
Branitzer Park: The stunning landscape park in Cottbus, created by Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, featuring unique earth pyramids.
Spreewald Cycling Routes: Utilizing the extensive network of paved cycling trails that often run parallel to the waterways.
Activities & Experiences
Go Punting (Kahnfahrt) on the Canals: The quintessential Spreewald experience. Relax on a traditional, flat-bottomed wooden boat (a Kahn) steered by a local Kahnfährmann/Kahnfrau (punter) using a long pole. Tours range from short village loops to all-day expeditions.
Rent a Canoe or Kayak: Paddle through the labyrinthine network of streams and canals yourself. This offers a more intimate and active way to explore the reserve and reach secluded spots.
Cycle the Gurken-Radweg (Gherkin Cycle Path): Rent a bike and follow the famous 260 km long cycle route that connects the region’s main towns and passes numerous gherkin fields and processing factories.
Visit the Freilandmuseum Lehde (Open-Air Museum): Explore two beautifully preserved, traditional Spreewald farmsteads from the 18th and 19th centuries, offering insight into the local Sorbian/Wendish culture.
Try the Famous Spreewald Gherkins: Sample various pickled gherkin (cucumber) varieties—dill, mustard, garlic, spicy—at a street stall or a gherkin factory like RABE or Spreewaldhof.
Learn About Sorbian/Wendish Culture: Discover the heritage of the region’s Slavic minority. Visit the Sorbian Museum (Serbski muzej) in Cottbus or explore the local costume and dialect in villages like Burg and Lehde.
Hike the Prince Pückler Park (Branitz): While just outside the main Spreewald area (near Cottbus), this is a must-see. Wander through the uniquely designed, pyramid-adorned landscape park created by Prince Pückler-Muskau.
Relax at a Thermal Spa: Visit the Spreewald Therme in Burg or the Spreewelten Bad in Lübbenau. The latter allows you to swim next to real penguins visible through a glass wall.
Take a Post Boat Trip: In some villages, you can witness the traditional postal delivery by boat, a unique service in the world. Some punting tours follow or even participate in this route.
Enjoy a Regional Cooking Class: Learn to prepare local specialties like Plinse (a thin, crepe-like pancake), Hefeklöße (yeast dumplings), or traditional fish dishes from the Spree.
Explore Lübbenau’s Historic Harbor: Walk along the bustling Großer Hafen (Main Harbor) in Lübbenau, which is the main hub for punting tours and a great place to buy local handicrafts and food.
Local Tips & Transport
Waterways are the Highways: The Spreewald’s primary ‘transport’ is on the water. Punting and canoeing are the most authentic and often the most direct way to get between some of the villages and restaurant islands like Wotschofska.
Cycling is Excellent: The region is very bike-friendly with flat terrain and well-maintained, signed routes. Renting a bike is highly recommended for overland exploration and connecting the main towns.
Regional Trains (RE): The main towns like Lübbenau, Lübben, and Vetschau are easily accessible by the regional train network from Berlin and Cottbus. This is the best way to get into the region.
Local Buses: A local bus network connects the train stations with the smaller, more remote villages like Burg and Lehde.
Car Travel: Driving is convenient for getting between the larger towns, but parking can be an issue in the peak season, and cars are virtually useless for navigating the actual forest and canals. Park on the outskirts and use a bike or boat.
The Sorbian/Wendish Heritage: The Spreewald is the heartland of the Sorbs (or Wends), a Slavic minority in Germany. You will see bi-lingual signs (German and Lower Sorbian/Wendish). Their distinct culture is visible in the architecture (especially the gables on the houses), traditional costume, and local festivals.
The Gherkin Culture: The Spreewald gherkin (Spreewälder Gurke) is a protected delicacy. Don’t leave without trying a Brot mit Gurke (bread with gherkin) from a street stall. They are essential to the regional identity.
Punting Etiquette: Your Kahnfährmann/Kahnfrau (punter) will be your guide and storyteller. Tipping a few euros is customary for good service. They often share local lore and point out wildlife.
Busiest Season: The peak season is from May to September. If you want a more tranquil experience, aim for late April/early May or late September/early October. The punting season generally runs from April to October.
Dining Times: German dining culture is generally earlier than in Southern Europe. Lunch is often the main warm meal of the day (12 PM – 2 PM), and dinner is typically earlier, often starting around 6 PM.
Hidden Gems:
- The Barfußpark (Barefoot Park) in Burg: A unique sensory walking experience where you traverse various natural surfaces without shoes.
- The Slawenburg Raddusch: A reconstruction of a 9th- and 10th-century Slavic ring fort, now an archaeological and cultural center that tells the story of the early settlers.
- Wotschofska: This little “island” of restaurants, reachable only by boat or on foot/bike, is a traditional stop on punting tours and a lovely spot for a quiet meal surrounded by water.
Top Restaurants
Gasthof Zur Linde [] – A classic, rustic inn in Lehde known for its hearty portions of traditional Spreewald dishes, including various fish specialties and duck.
Spreewaldeck [] – Located in Lübbenau/Spreewald, this is a popular spot for authentic German and regional cuisine, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Gasthaus Schillebold [] – A traditional guesthouse near Peitz (on the edge of the Spreewald), known for its substantial meals and regional specialties like carp, often served with a modern twist.
Spreewaldhotel Raddusch Hafen Restaurant [] – This hotel restaurant in Vetschau/Raddusch offers a strong selection of regional dishes, including pikeperch fillet and “Radduscher Cucumber Goulash,” with a view of the harbor.
Gaststätte Stoppa [] – Located in Burg (Spreewald), this gastropub offers authentic, hearty German cuisine and is a great place to try traditional local flavors in a welcoming setting.
Zum Schober [] – A cozy and popular guesthouse-restaurant in Lübben, favored by locals for its fresh fish from local waters and classic Brandenburg-Spreewald cuisine.
Restaurant Spreeblick [] – Situated in Lübben, this restaurant, often part of a hotel, serves well-prepared regional dishes like fried pikeperch and is known for its pleasant atmosphere.
Zur Alten Post [] – Found in a traditional setting, this restaurant in one of the Spreewald towns is known for its excellent Plinse (Spreewald potato pancakes) and commitment to regional recipes.
Wendenkönig im Landhotel Burg [] – One of the restaurants within the Landhotel Burg, focusing on regional Spreewald specialties and international dishes, perfect for a quality, comfortable meal.
Kahnfahrt-Restaurant Kaupen No. 6 [] – A traditional restaurant in the heart of the canals in Burg, offering classic, hearty meals in a charming, waterside setting popular with those finishing a punt tour.
Gasthaus Zum Fährmann [] – Located near the water in a smaller town like Schlepzig, this spot is perfect for simple, authentic regional fare, especially fish dishes, enjoyed in a relaxed environment.
Wirtshaus Zur Wende [] – A welcoming, classic inn often found off the main tourist routes, serving traditional German-Sorbian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and seasonal offerings.
Zur Kräutermühle [] – Located in Burg, this restaurant offers “country house style cuisine” and re-invents classic dishes with regional ingredients, using herbs from their own mill garden for a fresh, creative touch.
Schloss Restaurant Lübbenau [] – Housed in the elegant Schlosshotel Lübbenau, the dining experience offers refined regional cuisine with a touch of elegance, without becoming overly gourmet or pretentious.
Strandhaus Spreewald Restaurant [] – Located in Lübben, this establishment offers a beautiful, romantic setting, often featuring a candlelight dinner experience and high-quality, contemporary twists on regional and international dishes.
Vetschauer Tor (Restaurant im Hotel Vetschauer Hof) [] – A quality restaurant in Vetschau/Spreewald that focuses on creative use of local products, including regional fish and seasonal vegetables, in a modern dining room.
Amselgarten [] – Often found near a major tourist hub but known for its commitment to high-quality preparation, offering modern presentation of regional classics and seasonal German cuisine.
Ristorante & Eiscafé Il Fienile (Landhotel Burg) [] – A diverse offering within a major hotel, providing quality Italian cuisine (stone-oven pizzas, pasta) which adds a creative, non-traditional option to the Spreewald dining scene.
Restaurant Zum Spreewälder [] – A well-regarded venue in a central Spreewald town that focuses on elevating regional ingredients beyond simple, rustic preparations to offer a more sophisticated dining experience.
Schloss Lübbenau Fine Dining [] – Within the elegant Schlosshotel Lübbenau, this is often the setting for the most sophisticated meals in the region, offering a refined, multi-course experience with an emphasis on quality service and fine ingredients.
Restaurant & Kavaliershaus (Seehotel Burg im Spreewald) [] – A high-end hotel restaurant that typically offers a seasonal and refined menu, focusing on elevated German and regional cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Theodor Fontane Restaurant (Resort Schwielochsee) [] – Located near the edge of the Spreewald, this restaurant is known for its high-quality, often regionally-inspired cuisine and elegant presentation, perfect for a special occasion.
Restaurant 17fuffzehn [] – A restaurant, possibly in Cottbus (near Spreewald), or another larger town, that aims for a contemporary, high-quality German menu with attention to detail and a corresponding atmosphere.
Gurkenmeile (Gherkin Mile) Stalls [] – A unique experience near the boat harbors in Lübbenau and other towns, where various vendors offer different types of the famous Spreewald gherkin, often with other small snacks.
Hofladen & Café [] – A farm shop and café combination in a town like Burg, where you can enjoy simple, fresh, homemade food, cakes, and coffee, often with ingredients directly from the farm or region.
Café Zeitlos [] – A charming, nostalgic café in Lübbenau, perfect for a coffee break and a slice of cake or a local specialty like the “Cold Dog” (a classic German chocolate cake).
Fischräucherei (Fish Smokehouse) [] – Various small, local smokehouses (e.g., in Lehde or on the waterways) offer freshly smoked fish, like eel or trout, which can be enjoyed on-site or taken away—a true local experience.
Konditorei Klinkmüller [] – A renowned confectioner’s shop in Luckau (Spreewald region) known for its high-quality cakes, pastries, and unusual creations, a perfect stop for traditional German Kaffee und Kuchen.
Gasthaus Lehnigksberg [] – An inn that is only accessible by boat or on foot, offering a truly secluded and traditional Spreewald experience with rustic regional food.
Zum Grünen Strand der Spree [] – A quirky, canalside spot with a beach-bar feel that serves refreshing drinks and simple, decent food, offering a unique, relaxed atmosphere far from the busy towns.
Sorbian-Wendish Houses with Food [] – Small, often family-run places near villages like Lehde that serve food in a traditional Sorbian house setting, providing an authentic cultural and culinary insight.
Brauerei Spreewald (Brewery/Gastronomy) [] – A local brewery (like the one near Cottbus/Peitz) that offers simple, hearty food to pair with their regional beer, a great place for a casual and authentic local meal.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Absack-Bar (Spreewaldresort Seinerzeit): Located in Schlepzig, this cozy hotel bar offers a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for enjoying a post-dinner drink, including a selection of good spirits and wines.
Toni’s Lounge: Found in the heart of Lübben, this venue is one of the few places advertised as a “lounge” offering a mix of cocktails and casual dining, providing a more modern evening experience than the traditional pubs.
Gutshausbar (Spreewelten Hotel): Situated within the Spreewelten Hotel in Lübbenau, this elegant bar provides a relaxed setting in a converted manor house, often hosting low-key evening events or live music sessions, and serving a range of beverages.
Schloss-Bar (Schloss Lübbenau): An upscale bar located in the historic Lübbenau Castle Hotel. It offers a refined ambiance perfect for enjoying classic cocktails, fine wines, or local brandies in a stately setting.
SAFTLADEN – auf der Schloßinsel: Located on the Schlossinsel (Castle Island) in Lübben, this spot acts as a premier bar in a scenic setting, offering delightful drinks with stunning views, particularly pleasant during the warmer months.
Hofabende at Spreewelten Hotel: While an event rather than a permanent bar, the Spreewelten Hotel in Lübbenau often hosts “Hofabende” (Courtyard Evenings) at their Gutshausbar, featuring live music, which can be the closest one gets to a social, high-energy bar night in the area.
Hotelanlage Starick Bar: A bar within the Hotelanlage Starick in Lübbenau, known for its serene charm and a perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink after a day of punting, often featuring local beverages and a comfortable atmosphere.
Gaststätte zur Eisenbahn: Located in Lübbenau, while primarily a traditional restaurant/pub, it offers a warm, pub atmosphere where you can enjoy local beers and digestifs, reflecting the German approach to casual evening drinks.
Gaststätte Heuschober: A cozy bar and traditional German restaurant in Lübbenau, offering an authentic local culture experience, popular for enjoying a beer or a local schnapps in a rustic, friendly environment.
Happy House: A lively bar in Lübbenau that provides a more vibrant atmosphere compared to the hotel lounges, focusing on drinks and friendly social interactions, suitable for those looking for a slightly more “party” feel.
Bismarckschänke: Located in Burg (Spreewald), this traditional spot offers authentic German cuisine and local brews, serving as a welcoming gastropub perfect for a casual evening drink.
Brenners Bauernschänke: Found in a charming beer garden setting, this location is perfect for experiencing a heart of German beer culture, a common form of Spreewald nightlife, often serving as a relaxed, lively evening spot.
STRANDCAFÉ – Restaurant & Terrasse: In Lübben, this café and restaurant with a terrace offers a serene ambiance with a focus on local cuisine, but also serves drinks, making its outdoor area a relaxing evening destination in summer.
Unter der 250 jährigen Eiche: A charming beer garden located in the heart of the Spreewald, offering a peaceful setting beneath an old oak tree, an idyllic spot for enjoying local flavors and drinks as the sun sets.
Spreewald-Gasthaus Byttna: A buffet restaurant and bar offering local flavors in a cozy atmosphere, popular for its traditional setting in the Spreewald.