Spreewald Germany Travel Guide
Reach Lübbenau. Proceed directly to the main harbor (Großer Spreewaldhafen). Take a short (1.5-2 hour) traditional punt boat tour. This experience immerses you into the canal landscape and its unique transport. Continue by punt boat (or a short walk/cycle) to Freilandmuseum Lehde (Spreewald Open-Museum Of flight).
Explore the traditional Sorbian houses. Come back to Lübbenau. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Spreewald restaurant, sampling local specialties like pike-perch or potato soup. Purchase some Spreewald pickles.
From a brief getaway to comprehensive exploration.
Day 1: Get to Lübbenau. Take a longer (3-4 hour) punt boat tour, with a stop at a waterside restaurant. Explore Lübbenau's old town and dine locally. Day 2: Morning: Rent a canoe or kayak for independent canal exploration. Afternoon: Rent bicycles and cycle a section of the Gurkenradweg, visiting a pickle factory or village. Late Afternoon/Evening: Travel to Burg (Spreewald) and relax at Spreewald Therme thermal baths. Day 3: Morning: Explore Burg and its scattered settlements. Departure.
Days 1-3 (Lübbenau & Core Spreewald): Base in Lübbenau or Lehde. Enjoy multiple punt tours, canoe/kayak, visit Freilandmuseum Lehde, Gurkenmuseum, Spreewaldmuseum in Lübbenau. Explore Lübbenau town. Days 4-5 (Burg & Wellness): Transition to Burg. Focus on wellness at Spreewald Therme. Explore Burg's scattered structure by cycling/walking. Discover local artisans. The SIXTH day (Day Trip to Cottbus): Visit Branitz Park. Explore Cottbus city center. Day 7 (Hidden Gems & Departure): Explore Schlepzig, its historic brewery, or a local farm. Enjoy a final meal. Depart.
Combine the one-week Spreewald itinerary with extensions to other German highlights. Week ONE: Follow the comprehensive one-week Spreewald itinerary. Week TWO: A day trip to Potsdam (1 day) to see Sanssouci Palace. Travel south to Dresden (2-3 days) for Baroque architecture and art. Consider a final day or two in Saxon Switzerland National Park for hiking prior to leaving from Dresden or Berlin. This route plan connects nature, city, and historical experiences seamlessly using Germany's well-run train network.
For a stay of a week or more, renting a Ferienwohnung (vacation apartment) is ideal. It has self-catering facilities and a comfortable base. This allows full immersion in the local lifestyle, daily walks or cycles, and exploration at a leisurely pace. This option suits those who appreciate slow travel and independent exploration.
Match your itinerary to your energy level. The Spree forest invites a slower pace; avoid over-scheduling your days.
Mix active exploration with relaxation. Explore museums and then enjoy a quiet punt tour.
Consider what each season provides. The winter season provides skating on ice, summer water sports.
Independent travel within Germany has flexibility; embrace spontaneous changes to your plans.
Tailor your Spreewald trip to what interests you most.
Concentrate on the Freilandmuseum Lehde for an immersive historical experience. Visit the Spreewaldmuseum Lübbenau and Museum Schloss Lübben to understand the region's past. Explore traditional Sorbian hamlets like Leipe and the scattered settlements of Burg for historical architecture. Attend Sorbian cultural events or performances.
Set aside time for pickle tastings at various stands and visit a local pickle factory (e.g., Spreewaldhof). Dine at traditional Spreewald restaurants, ensuring you try local fish, potato soup, and Sorbian pancakes (Plinze). Visit an oil mill in Straupitz to learn about and taste linseed oil. Seek out area markets for fresh produce and regional specialties.
Prioritize canoeing, kayaking, and cycling. Plan long routes that venture deep into the canal network and through scenic forests. Explore different parts of the Gurkenradweg by bike. Engage in long walks along the numerous hiking trails. If cold weather conditions permit, try ice skating on the frozen canals.
Combine shorter punt boat tours with occasions for kids to try paddling their own small boats. Visit Freilandmuseum Lehde, which engages children with its historic buildings and animals. Seek designated swimming large ponds or outdoor pools (Freibäder) in summer. Choose easy, flat cycling routes suitable for children. Many guesthouses feature family amenities and roomier accommodations.
Emphasize the traditional Sorbian architecture found in Lehde, Leipe, and the dispersed settlements of Burg. Visit Schloss Lübbenau and Schloss Lübben for samples of regional aristocratic architecture. Seek out local artisan workshops, especially those focusing on Sorbian crafts like Blaudruck (blue printing) or egg decorating.
Focus on unwinding at the Spreewald Therme in Burg, enjoying its thermal brine pools and saunas. Engage in peaceful strolls and gentle canoeing for mindfulness and link to nature. Choose tranquil accommodations away from the busiest areas. Consider a guesthouse that has wellness treatments or yoga sessions.
Tailor your Spreewald trip to your budget and the season.
Backpacker's guide (approx. €50-80/day): Stay in budget guesthouses, hostels, or campsites. Self-cater with groceries; eat at affordable Imbiss booths or bakeries. Utilize mass transit and bicycle rentals. Opt for self-canoeing over guided punt tours. Focus on free activities like hiking and village exploration.
Summer (June-August): Maximum water activities, including comfortable canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in designated lakes. Longer daylight hours for extended exploration. Eating outside at canal-side restaurants. Winter (November-March): Potential for skating on ice on frozen canals (check official safety declarations). Cozy evenings by the fireplace. Peaceful, quiet charm with less tourists. Christmas markets in nearby towns (Lübbenau, Cottbus) add to the festive atmosphere. Focus on indoor attractions like the Spreewald Therme.
Festival or event-centered visits: Sorbian Easter Traditions (Spring): Experience unique Sorbian Easter egg decorating, customs, and equestrian processions. Harvest Celebrations (Autumn): Celebrate the area's harvest with local food, music, and crafts. Check local tourism calendars for specific dates.
Backpacker: Opt for budget accommodations, self-catering, and free activities. Mid-range: Comfortable stays, local restaurants, mix of tours and independent activities. Luxury: Spa hotels, fine dining, private tours, extensive wellness.
Summer: Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and alfresco dining. Winter: Experience the peacefulness, potential ice skating, and Christmas markets. Spring: Witness blossoming nature and Sorbian Easter traditions. Autumn: Participate in harvest festivals.
For skating on ice on frozen canals, always check for official safety declarations before venturing onto the ice.
Many visitor services reduce hours or close entirely in the off-season (November-March). Confirm specific opening times in advance.
