You know how there are these places that not many know of and those who do love it so much that they keep coming back to, Spreewald is one of them. Germany’s best kept secret, a lesser known natural wonder and a great weekend escape from Berlin. Pleasantly set south of Berlin this area has braided canals, small towns and grassy beaches.
 |
| Idyllic house beckons after a day of canoeing |
Once supposed to be an irrigation system with canals cut through to divert water from river Spree, Spreewald now is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. There are over 200 canals zigzagging and framing islands of pine forests rich with unique flora and fauna. Exploring this water jungle of Spreewald is a retreat to rejuvenate and find your laughter. All go abouts here happen by waterways, from post delivery to food. Electric boats are strictly prohibited and the choicest way to go around is on the traditional wooden boats or punts as locals call them.
 |
| Spot the mail box in the shape of a barrel? |
How to get there?
Take the regional train from Berlin towards Cottbus to Lübbenau or Lübben. The town center is a quick walk from the train station. If you are in a group do make use of the weekend ticket that allows for a great discounted commute. With less than 100kms from Berlin, driving is also a perfect alternative to get to Spreewald.
 |
What to see and do?
A ride on the wooden boat aka punt is a good start to acquaint with the water ways of Spreewald. Most tours start from the town center of Lubbenau and go idyllically towards the romantic village of Lehde and back. Depending on the duration of stop allowed at Lehde, tours could last about 2-3 hours.
 |
| Starting boat ride from Lubbenau |
 |
| the romantic town of Lehde |
For us, this boat ride started with ducklings circling us, while the punter maneuvered the boat using his tall wooden pole. We paced slowly and deep into Spreewald and its lush green pine forests. The canals were so narrow that the tree branches would intertwine and form a beautiful green canopy over us obscuring the sky for most parts of the ride.
While treading the canals in a punt is charmingly simple, kayaking or canoeing is infact more engaging. The narrow and windy canals are a good challenge even for the most seasoned. We saw a kayak loose balance, taking along the two kayaker for a good dip. So be warned. Thankfully though waters aren’t deep and barely go over waist deep.
 |
| Kayaking in the calms of Spreewald |
 |
| Oops, a kayak misbehaved |
Another way to experience the stunning landscape of Spreewald is by cycling. There is a bike trail that runs from Lubben in north, passing by Lubbenau through inner Spreewald and ends at Raddusch. The round trip biking route is 45kms with many a great spots for picnicking.
 |
| Cycling, a great way to see Spreewald |
 |
| Just goofing around in the fields |
What to eat?
Spreewald has maintained its traditional charm and so there is mainly only german food available around. One thing Spreewald is also famous for is Gurke, the german word for cucumbers. And the locals use it ruthlessly in everything. You will find bread, spreads, pickles, mustard, alcohol and even ice creams based of cucumber. They even have an entire museum dedicated to it, they are really that serious about their produce and the beloved gurke. Don’t forget to sample the picked cucumbers, we bet they will be one of the best you ever ate. So good you will get along a jar or two of this simple food they have perfected it over years.
Spreewald therme
Further deep is the town of Burg and one pressing reason to head there is for the biggest, most modern and one of a kind spa in the country of Germany, Spreewald therme. The unique highlight of this therme is the steam bath and brine inhalation in huge cucumber barrels. The baths and massages are all done in cucumber oil.
Where to Stay?
We highly recommend extending a day trip and spending a night or two to explore this region fully. The towns of Burg, Lubbenau, Lubben have family run quaint cottages. Nature Camping is also possible and with prices under 5Euro it is certainly cheaper than what one would imagine.
With so many things to do we are sure one would come back more often to this water jungle to cool of the European summer. Leaving you with some water inspiration.
