Why Visit Spreewald?

Spreewald (literally “Spree Forest”) is a UNESCO-listed reserve most famous for its labyrinth of waterways, sleepy villages, and lush, green forests. In keeping with the deeply unimaginative tradition of calling everything “The Venice of X,” Spreewald is known as the “Venice of Brandenburg” – and yes, because it has canals and boats. Smart.

The real draw for me is the legendary Spreewaldgurken (pickles), which, fun fact, have a Protected Geographical Indication from the EU, just like Champagne. 😀 Jokes aside, pickling here is serious business. We’re talking centuries-old recipes, ridiculously crunchy, slightly sweet-and-sour cucumbers seasoned with dill, horseradish, mustard seeds, and whatever other secret ingredients each pickler feels like defending to the grave. Sampling is basically an Olympic sport, especially if you consider yourself even a part-time foodie.

The local culture is also fascinating. The region is home to the Sorbs, a West Slavic minority mostly settled in Spreewald and Upper Lusatia. Sorbians actually speak two separate languages, Upper Sorbian and Lower Sorbian – both officially recognized in Germany. You’ll spot the local influence on street signs, which appear in both German and Sorbian, just in case you weren’t sure you left Berlin.

How to Get there

By Train: Regional trains from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Lübben or Lübbenau take about an hour.
By Car: Easy access via the A13 motorway, with parking in the town centers.
By Tour: Day tours exist, but going solo means you can skip the herds and rogue selfie sticks.

Let’s be honest, most people show up here for the canals, so you might as well embrace the cliché. Rent a kayak or opt for a guided punt (kahnfahrt) and cruise through what feels like an endless watery labyrinth. Enjoy willow trees, the occasional kingfisher, and the peace, unless there’s a family of screaming children nearby, in which case, good luck.

Beyond all this water, Spreewald’s villages make a play for your attention. Lübbenau offers “charming” cobbled streets and wall-to-wall boat rentals; Lehde is basically a fairy tale with thatched roofs and an open-air museum, and Burg, meanwhile, is the launch pad for cycling and spa tourism (priorities, right?).

Spreewald is as flat as they come, making it custom-built for cycling. Pick a scenic trail and pedal alongside canals and through villages that look exactly like they did 50 years ago – intentionally, I think. Bikes are everywhere, so really, you’re out of excuses…unless all those pickles are slowing you down.

Speaking of food: pickles are just the start. Don’t miss quark cheese with linseed oil, smoked fish, or, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, Spreewald honey. For culture vultures and trivia collectors, check out the Sorbian museum in Lehde or the Slavic Fortress in Raddusch, then wow your friends with facts about minority languages at your next dinner party. Spreewald is the perfect Berlin escape: nature, tradition, carbs, and more cucumbers than you ever thought possible.