Tips for a Spreewald Vacation
Three days are a great time for a Spreewald vacation, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, in the three main towns in the Spreewald, about 70 kilometers south of Berlin. Easily accessible via the autobahn, visitors can immerse themselves in a world with its canals, called Fließe, that is very different from the hectic city life of Berlin.
In addition, the distance from Spreewald to Berlin can be reached in just over an hour by car. Perfect for a Enjoyment trip in the Spreewald in Brandenburg. So we pack ours Suitcase for a Spreewald tour. With these Spreewald tips you can plan a weekend well.
Museum Lübbenau - a tour
Restaurants in the Spreewald
Wellness oasis in the Spreewald Therme in Burg
Beach house Spreewald in Lübben
Our Spreewald holiday led us to Lübben, Lübbenau, Lehde and Burg. Invited by Brandenburg Tourism, we explored the region by water. The calm rivers were ideal for experiencing the landscape up close. We were particularly impressed by Lehde with its traditional farms. In Burg we found hidden paths that led us deeper into nature. The local hospitality reflected the uniqueness of the Spreewald.
Where exactly is the Spreewald?
The moorland landscape of the Spreewald is located in the east of Brandenburg. This is a great place to experience a nature holiday in Brandenburg. You can reach the area halfway between Berlin and Dresden. There you will find the region with its canals and waterways, which still shape people's lives today.
Where is the Spreewald most beautiful?
The most beautiful are the rivers - that's what the watercourses in the Spreewald are called. There you can experience the ambience of this landscape best. The places in the Spreewald are also worth seeing. We liked Lübben, Lübbenau, Lehde and Burg with its thermal baths.
Lübben or Lübbenau – Which place suits your Spreewald trip?
The Spreewald attracts visitors with its idyllic waterways, quaint villages and traditional culture. But when you plan your stay, the question quickly arises: Lübben or Lübbenau? Both places are perfect starting points for your exploration tour – but with different charms.
Luebben is considered the "gateway to the Upper and Lower Spreewald" and scores with a mixture of nature, culture and relaxed city flair. The castle island with its well-kept parks invites you to linger, while you can easily set off from here for boat trips or bike tours.
Lübbenau, known as the secret capital of the Spreewald, offers even more Spreewald romance. The historic town center with its pretty alleyways, the Lehde open-air museum and the traditional harbors make the place particularly charming. The famous boat trip to Lehde, probably the most famous village in the Spreewald, also starts here.
Whether you prefer lively Lübben or picturesque Lübbenau depends on your preferences. Both places promise unforgettable nature experiences, regional delicacies and plenty of relaxation. Perfect for an enjoyable break in the Spreewald!
Holiday in Lübben – a good starting point for a holiday in the Spreewald
We spend two days on our short vacation in the Spreewald Beach house Spreewald in LübbenThe wood-clad hotel is located on the edge of Lübben's old town, which is not that old, as the Lübben town rulers resisted the Russians' occupation at the end of the Second World War. They didn't like that at all, however, and so they destroyed the beautiful old administrative buildings in the center of the town.
Today, Lübben Castle stands in the center of the newly created castle island, which is a true recreational paradise in summer. The castle also houses a museum that deals with the history of Lübben and its surroundings.
Do you like to travel by motorhome on vacation on the Spree?
- Do you want to rent a motorhome? Then you can find information and a selection here, for example booking options here. Rent a motorhome or a camper near you here. Or would you prefer to stay overnight instead in a roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- There are a few Campsites in the Spreewald* (advertisement). After a day trip, you can relax in a Dutch Oven or on the portable grill or maybe on a campfire . You can also find Dutch oven accessories .
- Be sure to check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- You want to know where you can stay overnight stay overnight in Germany Can you and are you looking for pitches and campsites? You can find information about this under this link.
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?
Sights in Lübben
The hall of the coat of arms is worth seeing. You can visit it for a small entrance fee. It is not old - it originated only at the beginning of the 20th century. It is impressive, however, with its numerous coats of arms adorning the walls and reminiscent of the estates and noble families, that once guided the fate of the city. Opposite it is the district office of the place.
The Beach house Spreewald in Lübben With its elegantly furnished rooms in white, grey and brown, it is not only a great hotel to stay in - an overnight stay in one of the spa suites on the top floor of the hotel promises a special feel-good experience - the café and restaurant in the hotel also spoil their guests with excellent dishes from the hotel's chefs.
The menu offers new dishes every day, which are mainly prepared using ingredients from local and regional producers - the cuisine of the Strandhaus Spreewald is known far beyond the borders of the region, and rightly so, we think.
Experience the rivers in the Spreewald
The answer is easy. The best way to experience the Spreewald is on a boat tour on the canals. The Strandhaus Spreewald is a perfect starting point for experiencing the moorland from the water. This is certainly one of the most beautiful ways to explore the area. Even today, the long and flat boats are used to move along the rivers of the Spreewald, as the waterways are called here.
When I ask what exactly Fließe are, I get a surprised look at first, but then the explanation that they mean all the waterways in the Spreewald. In the past - and sometimes even today - the Sorbian farmers in the area transport their hay or their livestock to their destinations. And they are not the only ones who use the flatboats.
In Lehde, a suburb of Lübbenau worth seeing, a postwoman still delivers the daily letters in a flat barge. And even the garbage is collected by barge. Life on the water is still typical for the people of the Spreewald.
The best activities in the Spreewald: boat trips and nature experiences
We climb into one of the flat boats in front of the beach house, on which the passengers sit in front of small round tables, on which tablecloths and floral decorations create a cozy atmosphere. This is called a "Mummelkahnfahrt". Winter trips almost lovingly, although the word "mummeln" is also appropriate here, as each guest receives a thick woolen blanket with which they can protect themselves from the wind and the winter cold in addition to their warm winter clothing.
So we get to know the rivers in and around Lübben while staying warm. If that is not enough, you can stop off along the way to enjoy hot Mulled wine and lard bread. How beautiful one Boat trip at sunrise is, describes Cornelia from SilverTravellers.
However, we refrain from this, we are expected after our boat trip through Lübben in the restaurant Spree-view, a country inn in the center of the village, where we strengthen turkey schnitzel and fresh fish.
💧 Note on water shortages in the SpreewaldDue to structural change in Lusatia, particularly the phase-out of coal mining, water shortages are becoming increasingly prevalent in the region. This also affects the Spreewald: Some streams (canals) carry less or no water during dry summer months, which can impact boat trips, canoeing, and agricultural land. When planning your trip, it's worth checking the latest tourist information.
What do you have to do in the Spreewald?
- The Lübben Castle Island
- The Lehde open-air museum
- The Willow Cathedral in Schlepzig
- The Schinkel Church in Straupitz
- The climbing forest in Lübben
- The Dutch mill in Straupitz
- Gherkin mile in Lübbenau harbor
- The Wendish-German double church in Vetschau
- The history café in Burg
- and the Spreewald village of Leipe
Detailed information you can find it here.
Spreewald cucumbers from Lübbenau: typical souvenirs and regional specialties
"How did the cucumbers actually come to the Spreewald?" I want to know, and our companion explains: "It was the Dutch who brought them here." Spreewald cucumbers are still typical regional gifts, that are for sale everywhere.
In contrast to Lübben, Lübbenau still has its historic city center. This looks all the more authentic with the newly made cobbled streets. In Café Zeitlos in the center of the city, we taste another specialty, a slice of "Kalter Hund" (cold dog): that is cake, that consists of biscuits and melted chocolate, which turn into a delicious afternoon snack.
Sights in Lübbenau
In Luebbenau the Spreewald Museum is worth a visit.One has captured the life in the GDR in its exhibitions. A reconstructed shop shows, what goods were available in stores at the time. A shoemaker's workshop captures the lives of craftsmen. And costumes of the Sorbian minority show, how varied these can be. As we learn, the regional differences in costume depend on the wearer's affiliation with a particular church group.
Note: There are new exhibitions on the history of the region.
Another tip in Lübbenau: the Spreewelten. They have expanded their offerings and now offer additional wellness options.
Holidays in the Spreewald in Lehde are perfect for a Spreewald holiday with children
The people live in pretty wooden houses in the small village of Lehde, which is only a few kilometers away from Lübbenau. The best views are also from the water. A tour through the village shows, how life is on the river. We learn that even the fire brigade comes by barge and see the fire department building of Lehde. Its gates are closed with orange-red canvases, behind which the barges are waiting for their next mission.
Anyone interested in the way of life along the canals can then read about it in the Lehde Open-Air Museum Here you can see what it looks like and see what the pretty wooden houses look like from the inside.
Holiday in Burg
Relax with wellness in the Spreewald at the Spreewald Therme in Burg
After having seen the two towns of Lübben and Lübbenau, we are ready for a little relaxation. We continue our Spreewald tour with a trip to the new Spreewald Therme in Burg The fact that the route from Berlin to Spreewald Burg can be covered in one and a half to two hours makes a visit to the Spreewald Therme Burg also interesting for a day trip.
Anyone who wants can stay comfortably in the associated thermal spa hotel. The rooms are all furnished identically and are also perfectly equipped for wellness lovers. A bracelet serves as a key and ensures that all devices that use electricity are switched off as soon as you leave the room. We think it is practical that this bracelet also serves as a means of payment. If the guest decides to have a massage or a special treatment in the neighboring spa in the thermal spa, for example, the data is stored. Payment is only made when checking out of the hotel.
Hotel access to the thermal baths in Burg
A bathrobe corridor connects the hotel with the spa. Here, too, the bracelets serve as keys and allow guests access to the spa. Hot and colder pools bring the circulation in motion. In the steam sauna or in the graduation mill perfect deep cleansing of the skin is ensured. In winter, guests can relax in the 36 ° C hot outdoor pool, even when snow and ice are present. If you like it more sporty, you can use the exercise equipment on the first floor to combine relaxation with healthy exercise.
All these sports activities make us hungry. We can either eat in the thermal bath itself or in the brightly colored restaurant in the thermal spa hotel. The food is prepared with ingredients, preferably from the region. Our pork chop with mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts tastes excellent. A stay at the Therme in Burg is the perfect end to our Spreewald tour.
If you are looking for special restaurants in this region, maybe one of these restaurants in the Spreewald is, what you like?
Events 2025 in the Spreewald
Spreewald Legend Night
7st–9rd June 2025
Castle (Spreewald), Bismarck Tower
Open-air spectacle with music, dance and Spreewald legends
Website
Spreewald Marathon
24-27 April 2025
Castle, Lübbenau, Straupitz
Marathon event with running, cycling, skating & paddling
https://www.spreewaldmarathon.de
Aquamediale 16
31. Mai – 27. September 2025
Luebben
Art festival with installations and exhibitions in nature
https://www.aquamediale.de
Spreewald and Shooting Festival Lübbenau
July 4–6, 2025
Lübbenau
Folk festival with boat parade, market and stage program
Website
Burg Local and Traditional Costume Festival
August 29–31, 2025
Castle (Spreewald)
Traditional costume meeting with music, dance and regional crafts
Website
Spreewald Light Nights
Summer 2025 (various dates)
Lübbenau
Boat trips at night with lights and music
Website
Spreewald Christmas Lübbenau
December 2025
Lübbenau
Christmas market with festive boat trip and regional flair
Website
Further information about the Spreewald
- Spreewald sights
- Restaurants in the Spreewald
- Spreewald Therme in Burg
- Lübbenau Museum: a tour
- Beach house Spreewald in Lübben
- History of the Spreewald
- UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve
- Official Spreewald website
- Lübben Tourism
Questions and answers about a Spreewald holiday
When is the best time to travel for a Spreewald holiday?
The ideal time to visit the Spreewald is from April to October. During these months, nature is in full bloom and temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities such as boat trips or hikes. Autumn, with its colorful forests, is also a beautiful time.
What makes the Spreewald special for nature lovers?
The Spreewald is a unique river landscape characterized by a complex network of waterways and lush forests. For nature lovers, paddling tours and hikes through this unique environment are a must.
Can you also go on holiday in the Spreewald in winter?
Yes, the Spreewald is also an attractive destination in winter. Boat trips in the "Mummelkahn", wrapped in warm blankets, offer a very special experience. Thermal baths such as the Spreewald Therme in Burg also invite you to spend some relaxing hours.
Which culinary specialties should you try in the Spreewald?
The regional delicacies naturally include the famous Spreewald gherkins. But fish dishes and game specialties, often in combination with local ingredients, are also typical for the region.
Which activities are suitable for families with children?
The Spreewald offers many family-friendly activities, including boat trips, cycling and hiking tours. The open-air museum in Lehde, which offers an insight into the traditional life of the region, is particularly exciting for children.
Spreewald overnight stay
Discover here accommodations in the Spreewald according to your taste
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About the authors:
Monika and Petar Fuchs are experienced travel journalists and have been running the travel blog TravelWorldOnline for over 15 years. They have traveled the Spreewald region several times – on foot, by car, and, of course, by boat. Their reports are based on their own experiences, intensive research, and conversations with locals. Their goal: authentic, in-depth travel tips. Their many years of experience make them reliable sources for individual and enjoyable travel itineraries in Germany and Europe.
Travel organization Spreewald Holiday:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Arrival to the Spreewald holiday
Compare and book flights here*. (Advertisement) Lufthansa and other airlines fly to BerlinFrom there you can continue by rental car. You can also travel by train to Lübbenau or Lübben train station.
Distance from Spreewald Berlin by car: a good one hour drive.
Rental car for the Spreewald holiday:
Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!
Hotels for holidays in the Spreewald:
We stayed in the Beach House Spreewald. Hotels in the Spreewald * (advertisement) can also be found under this link.
Tips for the Spreewald vacation:
Our recommendations for the Spreewald You can also find this link.
By the way: Further suggestions for Vacation in Germany by car here. Discover more Slow Travel Destinations here.
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Source Spreewald Tour: On-site research at the invitation of TMB Tourismus-Marketing Brandenburg GmbH. In any case, we thank you for the invitation. However, our opinion remains our own. Spreewald Berlin is well suited for a trip.
Text Spreewald Tour: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos Spreewald Tips: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video Spreewald Berlin: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
A boat trip and also spa facilities - this would be a great idea for traveling! For me and my children, such an experience could be unforgettable. Thanks a lot!
This is really a nice experience that is sure to be fun for kids too.