7 Fun Things To Do In Spreewald That Every Visitor Should Know About

Are you planning a trip to Spreewald, Germany? I got you covered with all of the details for my top fun things to do in Spreewald. 

Spreewald is one of the best hidden gems, a recognized UNESCO site since 1991, only an hour’s drive away from Berlin. Nestled in the Brandenburg forest, it is a great option to visit on a day trip out of the city. It is full of winding canals (over 200), green and luscious forests, and traditional culture that is rare to see in the 21st century. I loved visiting this incredible biosphere and want to show you how to enjoy it as much as I did. 

This area is one of those places where no one speaks English, and everyone knows everyone. Come here to spend a day away from all the tourists and be immersed with locals who come to witness the beauty their country has to offer. 

To get the most out of a short trip to this area, I have made a list of the absolute best 7 things to do in Spreewald, to ensure a fun and exciting visit. From different ways to experience the canals to the famous ‘Spreewald Gurken,’ there is something to do for everyone. 

This post is all about things to do in Spreewald

FAQ’s about Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

Is Spreewald worth visiting? 

Yes, Spreewald is definitely worth visiting, especially if you appreciate nature, tranquility, and cultural heritage. The region offers a unique landscape with over 1,300 kilometers (about 800 miles) of waterways, which are ideal for boat tours, kayaking, and canoeing. The area is also rich in history and tradition, with many villages preserving the customs and language of the Sorbs, a Slavic minority in Germany. Visitors often enjoy traditional food like Spreewald pickles, biking or hiking through the scenic countryside, and exploring the charming towns of Lübbenau, Burg, and Lübben.

Where is Spreewald? 

Spreewald is located in the state of Brandenburg, Germany. It’s easily accessible from Berlin, making it a popular day-trip destination for those visiting the German capital. The region lies within the floodplain of the Spree River, which branches out into numerous smaller rivers, canals, and streams, creating a distinctive water-rich landscape.

How big is Spreewald?

Spreewald covers an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometers (about 1,160 square miles). The region is divided into the Upper and Lower Spreewald, with the Upper Spreewald being more densely populated and the Lower Spreewald known for its vast, open landscapes and quiet villages.

How to get to Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

By car:

The easiest way to get to Spreewald Biosphere is definitely by car. As previously mentioned, Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is a huge area in Brandenburg, Germany. However, the best activities in the region lie around the city of Lübbenau, therefore I highly recommend making that your base during your visit. In addition, canal tours start from specific spots around the area, so I recommend parking near the city and a spot for a canal tour, as that will be the ideal location for all of the activities below. 

Set your navigation system to Dammstraße 71, Lübbenau where you will find a large parking lot. It should cost 7€ to park here for the day, and you will find a canal tour starting point at the end of the parking lot. 

If you don’t have a car you can also consider joining a guided tour to Spreewald departing from Belin!

By public transport:

If you don’t have a car, you can still visit Spreewald Biosphere Reserve with public transport! The train station in Lübbenau is just a few minutes away from the parking lot above, meaning it’s super easy to get around and do all of the activities listed below even without a car. 

To get to the Lübbenau train station from Berlin, you need to take the RE2 regional train line. You should be able to take this regional train from a variety of stations around Berlin but if you take it from Ostkreuz then the journey will take you just around 50 minutes. Once you arrive at Lübbenau (Spreewald) train station, you can either head into Lübbenau town center, or to the parking lot above to find a canal tour. 

When to visit Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

The best time to visit highly depends on the type of experience you are looking for! In general, the best seasons to visit are spring, summer, and autumn. I personally wouldn’t recommend visiting in winter, as the main charm of this region is seeing the beautiful forests lining the canals, which will be bare in winter. In addition, based on the weather, you may not be able to explore much through the water, which is the main activity to do in Spreewald. 

Spring:

Visiting Spreewald in spring (April to June) is a delightful experience as the region bursts into life with blossoming flowers and lush greenery. The mild and pleasant weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and boating. Spring also offers a more peaceful experience with fewer tourists compared to the summer months. This season is perfect for nature lovers, with excellent birdwatching opportunities and a variety of traditional events and festivals that celebrate the arrival of warmer days.

Summer:

Summer (July to August) is the peak tourist season in Spreewald, offering warm and sunny weather that’s perfect for exploring the area’s extensive waterways and enjoying outdoor activities. Long daylight hours allow you to make the most of your visit, whether you’re taking a boat tour, swimming, or simply relaxing in the scenic surroundings. Summer is also a vibrant time in the region, with numerous cultural festivals that celebrate local traditions, particularly those of the Sorbian community. However, it’s also the busiest time of year, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.

Autumn:

In autumn (September to October), Spreewald transforms into a stunning landscape of red, orange, and yellow hues as the fall foliage takes over. The cooler temperatures are perfect for cycling and hiking, allowing you to explore the region’s natural beauty without the summer heat. Autumn also brings a quieter atmosphere as the summer crowds diminish, offering a more relaxed experience. This season is particularly appealing for photographers and those interested in local culture, with harvest festivals and markets showcasing the region’s produce and traditions.

Where to stay in Spreewald

Although Spreewald is a popular day trip from Berlin, there is so much you can see here considering it covers an area of 3,000 square kilometers. If you have time to spend a weekend in Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, then I highly recommend that you consider it. This is seriously the perfect spot for a slow weekend in the beautiful German countryside. Below is a short overview of the best places to stay in Spreewald Biosphere Reserve. 

Lübbenau:

Lübbenau is one of the most popular towns in Spreewald, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Spreewald.” It’s an excellent base for exploring the region’s extensive network of waterways, with many boat tours starting right from the town. Lübbenau offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from traditional hotels and family-run guesthouses to vacation apartments.

For a truly unique experience, you might consider staying in a traditional Spreewald house or choosing a riverside hotel. The town is also conveniently located near the picturesque village of Lehde, known for its historic open-air museum and local restaurants serving traditional Spreewald cuisine.

Burg:

Burg offers a more rural and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat amidst Spreewald’s natural beauty. Known for its thermal baths, Burg provides an ideal setting for relaxation and wellness. The accommodation options here include wellness hotels with spa facilities, cozy guesthouses, and holiday homes nestled in the serene countryside. Visitors to Burg can enjoy the region’s famous thermal baths, explore scenic bike routes, and experience a more secluded stay with easy access to nature.

Lübben:

Lübben is another charming town in Spreewald, offering a blend of cultural attractions and outdoor activities. It’s slightly larger than Burg but still maintains a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Lübben features a variety of mid-range hotels, guesthouses, and vacation apartments, many of which are conveniently located near the Spree River. The town is known for its beautiful castle and parks, and it provides easy access to both the Upper and Lower Spreewald, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.

7 Fun Things To Do In Spreewald

 1. Take a Canal Tour

When we visited Spreewald we opted for the Canal Tour, where much like the gondolas in Venice, the operator uses a long stick to push the boat along the water. Unlike Venice, the water in Spreewald is very shallow and so gondoliers can simply use these sticks to push along the river floor.

In my opinion, this is the best option for visiting families or a group with an odd number of people as you can all sit together. The canal tour lasts around 2.5 hours and is a great way to just relax and enjoy the scenery. 

Please note that if you decide to take a guided tour to Spreewald from Berlin, then a canal tour will already be included in your ticket!

What to expect of a canal tour:

I can personally recommend the tour we took, which started just behind the car park. It cost us 17 euros per person which is a very fair price considering the total time of the activity. You can pay for some drinks on the boat, and there is a quick stop at a local stand by the water, where you can try some local delicacies including the famous ‘Spreewald Gurken’ (their local pickles). 

Our tour stopped at Cafe Venedig for a one-hour break from where you can explore the area on foot. This area is known as Lehde, which has a small central area around their main museum. Going to the Freilandmuseum Lehde is a great way to spend the break. It is an open-air museum showcasing how people used to live in the olden days. Since we have gone to many of these exhibitions growing up, we decided to skip it. However, if you are interested, tickets are 5€ per person. 

I personally don’t think it is necessary to book a canal tour in advance unless you are a big group. Tours run every half hour from around 10 am to 16 pm, but they usually start whenever a boat fills up. Here is the list of tours starting in Lübbenau and their contact information. 

 

2. Rent A Kayak

If you are looking to explore the maze of canals at your own pace, renting a kayak is a great option. The kayaks available for rent are only suitable for 2 people so keep that in mind. I highly recommend this option for those wanting to have the freedom to go into whichever canal they choose.

While it sounds like a bit of a workout, lots of people were cruising along very slowly. In addition, you can take a break in almost any place you’d like. I’m not sure about the pricing, however, I have heard that the daily rate is around 30-35€. Most places should also have an hourly rate, in case you only want a few hours instead. 

There are many places from which you can rent a kayak, just look for the word: bootsverleih. Some rentals close to the car park I recommended include Bootsverleih Richter and Bootsverleih Franke. While it isn’t necessary to reserve a kayak in advance, it might be a good idea if you are coming on a summer weekend. Here is the contact information of Bootsverleih Franke if you want to reserve a boat. 

3. Try Spreewald Gurken

Gurken is the name for cucumber in German. Although this, Spreewald Gurken refers to the pickles they make in this region, which are famous all over Germany. Pickles are seen as a delicacy here, and so a must-do activity is trying any flavor of these pickles. There are many different flavors, ranging from sweet to salty with sauerkraut. You can find stalls selling this wide variety of small appetizers in many places in Lübbenau. In addition, while paddling around, you are bound to find stalls in the canals selling Gurken for you to enjoy on the go. In any event, you cannot truly claim you have been to Spreewald until you have tried these pickles.

4. Walk Around Lübbenau City Center

Although it is not a very big city, Lübbenau is still one of the largest towns in Spreewald. It is full of charm and picturesque buildings, as well as lots of small canals running through the town. I would recommend checking out the Traditionsgasthaus Zum Grünen Strand for a beer or traditional meal, including pickles of course! Right next to the restaurant there are some stalls selling regional products, which also sell variations of the Spreewald Gurken. 

Walk around the city center and enjoy the nice atmosphere. In addition, make sure to check out the Saint Nikolai church built in the 18th century. There are many buildings from the 18th century still standing today for visitors to enjoy while exploring the town. While there are some standard shops for those looking for a bit of shopping, most stores sell local products. Please try to remember that this is how many people here make a living, so consider picking up a local delicacy to bring back home.

 

5. Find Sculptures By Volker Michael Roth

Volker Michael Roth was an artist from the Brandenburg region. He specialized in creating sculptures made from stone and contributed much of his time to creating these sculptures to be displayed around Germany. While most of these sculptures can be found specifically in Brandenburg, Lübbenau has the most per town. While wandering around the city center, keep your eyes peeled for these fun statues, which brighten up the scenes of the village. 

6. Visit Schloss Lübbenau

Schloss Lübbenau first started as a family estate, dating back to the 1600s. The current structure of the castle was built back in 1820 and has been used for several purposes since. What started as a family estate also became a museum, as a way to save money on property taxes. When the second world war began the Nazis’ Air Force used the property to set up a cartography division (study of maps). Then in 1944 they also used the castle as a field hospital. As a result of this, after the war, the castle remained a hospital and a children’s sanatorium for many years, among other uses. Finally, in 1989 the castle was converted into the hotel it is today. 

The castle’s rich history, coupled with its beauty make it a must-visit destination in Lübbenau. You can book a room in the castle for an overnight stay in Spreewald. However, if you simply want to enjoy its beauty and relax in the gardens outside, come and sit on the restaurant’s terrace. 

 

7. Walk Around in the Schlosspark

Sclosspark is a large green park covering a vast area around the Schloss Lübbenau. Even if visiting the castle isn’t your cup of tea, I highly recommend coming for a walk here. Best of all – it’s completely free! The gardens also have several canals winding through them, so you will still feel the Spreewald reserve. Furthermore, there is a beautiful lake right behind the castle that is a photography haven. Although the lake is quite small, it is incredibly beautiful and serene. Come and sit on a bench overlooking this lake and just enjoy nature at its finest. 

Since the Schlosspark is on the outskirts of Lübbenau, you can continue wandering into the Spreewald forests on foot directly from there. Although the biosphere looks neverending when you are on the river, many places are much closer than you think. The area is extremely well connected through many bridges, so you can never get too lost. The Schlosspark was actually one of my favorite activities, and I urge every visitor to check it out. 

 

Spreewald is a magical place that is still quite unknown among tourists. I highly encourage anyone with an extra day in Berlin to visit this biosphere as you won’t be disappointed. Please make sure to respect the locals and nature alike, and don’t leave any trash behind. 

This post was all about the top fun things to do in Spreewald that visitors should know about.