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Journeying to the Spreewald

Journeying to the Spreewald

Germany

Arriving by Air: Berlin Brandenburg Airport BER

Main Airport & Airlines

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is approximately 60-80 kilometers (37-50 miles) southeast of Berlin. It is the main international gateway for visitors.

Global Reach

  • BER hosts a wide range of international and European airlines.
  • Direct flights from numerous global hubs across North America, Asia, and Europe are available.
  • Seasonal flight availability and price fluctuations happen. Use Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club to find deals.

BER Services

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has a full range of modern airport facilities and services for travelers.

Passenger Amenities

  • Numerous shops and diverse restaurants and cafes are on site.
  • Car rental desks and currency exchange services are available.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Train Transfers

Direct regional trains connect BER to Berlin Hauptbahnhof and other stations for easy connections.

Car Rental Options

Major international car rental companies have desks at BER for convenience and flexibility.

Taxi & Ride-Share Notes

Direct taxi rides to Spreewald can be quite expensive due to the distance from BER.

Efficient Airport to Destination Travel

Rail Travel from BER

  • Consider buying a VBB ticket that covers your journey from the airport to your Spreewald destination.
  • From Berlin Hauptbahnhof, easily connect to regional trains (e.g., RE2, RE7) that travel southeast.
  • The train journey from Berlin to Lübbenau or Lübben typically takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • This train trip to the Spreewald is a quick and comfortable option.

Flexibility with a Car

  • Major international car rental companies have desks at BER.
  • Driving presents the most flexibility for exploring the dispersed villages and attractions.
  • Road conditions in Germany are generally very good.
  • Consider fuel costs and parking availability at your destination.

Germany's Land Network

Train Services

Deutsche Bahn (DB) has excellent train connections. Spreewald towns are well-connected by regional express and regionalbahn trains.

Long-Distance Buses

FlixBus operates routes to cities near the Spreewald, like Cottbus or Berlin, offering a budget-friendly option.

Local Bus Network

A network of regional bus lines supplements the train system, serving smaller villages and connecting to train stations.

Exploring by Car and Local Connections

Seamless Rail Journeys

Deutsche Bahn (DB) provides excellent train connections. Spreewald towns like Lübbenau and Lübben are well-connected by regional express (RE) and regionalbahn (RB) trains.

Train Travel Basics

  • The RE2 and RE7 lines regularly serve the Spreewald region.
  • The journey from Berlin to Lübbenau or Lübben typically takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Purchase train tickets online via the Deutsche Bahn website or app, or at ticket machines.

Bus Services in the Region

A network of regional bus lines supplements the train system. These buses serve smaller villages and connect them to train stations and larger towns.

Local Bus Network

  • Buses are very important for reaching places like Burg (Spreewald) which do not have a train station.
  • Bus routes are operated by local transport companies under the VBB (Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg) system.
  • Buses have more limited schedules, especially on weekends and in smaller, more remote villages.

Self-Driving in Germany

Driving presents the most flexibility for exploring the dispersed villages and attractions of the Spreewald at your own pace.

Car Requirements & Rules

  • Valid driving license needed. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU citizens.
  • Germany has an excellent network of Autobahns (motorways) and well-maintained regional roads.
  • Always adhere to posted speed limits. Some Autobahn sections may have unlimited speed.

Important Driving Notes

Be aware of environmental zones (Umweltzonen) in larger German cities; these need a green sticker (Umweltplakette) to enter. Spreewald towns generally do not have these zones.

Road Safety & Conditions

  • Roads in the Spreewald are generally well-maintained and safe. German drivers typically adhere to rules.
  • Be aware of cyclists, especially on rural roads and dedicated bike paths, as cycling is very popular.
  • Use caution when driving through small villages. Random checks can occur at Schengen borders.

Driving Safety Reminders

  • Always adhere to posted speed limits, even on Autobahn sections without limits.
  • Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians, especially in rural areas and villages.
  • Consider environmental zones if driving through larger German cities.
  • Ensure all documents (license, registration, insurance) are in order before driving.
  • Remember that an International Driving Permit may be needed if your license is not in English.
  • Be cautious of potential random border checks when traveling within the Schengen Area.

Water Journeys & Departures

Sea/River Travel Context

The Spreewald is an inland region defined by its unique river and canal network. International sea or major river arrivals are not applicable to the Spreewald itself.

General Port Information

  • Germany has sea ports on its northern coast (e.g., Hamburg, Rostock).
  • River ports on the Rhine or Elbe exist, but these are far from the Spreewald.
  • If you arrive in Germany via a seaport elsewhere, immigration procedures happen at that port.

Spreewald Water Network

Within the Spreewald region, the intricate network of rivers and canals serves as an unique form of local transportation and tourism.

Unique Local Travel

  • Traditional punt boats (Kahnfahrten) are a defining feature, offering guided tours.
  • Some punt boats operate as "water taxis" in villages like Lehde and Leipe, reachable only by water.
  • You can often disembark from a punt boat directly at your accommodation or a waterside restaurant.

Departure Costs

Germany does not levy specific exit fees or taxes on travelers departing the country.

BER Departure Timing

Arrive at Berlin Brandenburg Airport at least 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for Schengen flights.

Train Station Timing

For train departures from Spreewald towns, arriving at the station 15-30 minutes before departure is typically enough.

Smooth Departure Tips

Reconfirm your flight or train times the day before departure. Traffic conditions to BER can vary, so allot extra travel time if driving or taking a taxi.

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