A weekend away in the Spreewald is all about pure relaxation. While it might not be a hidden gem anymore for us Germans, this beautiful area just 100 kilometers east of Berlin offers peace, seclusion, and a perfect escape. The Spreewald is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, famous for its extensive network of over 1,000 kilometers of waterways. These canals wind through dense forests and lush landscapes, giving the area its unique charm. If you’re now wondering what to do in the Spreewald, you’re in the right place. In today’s blog post, we’ll cover the top 6 experiences and activities that will make your short trip to the Spreewald unforgettable. Whether you’re paddling on the water, biking, or hiking, there are plenty of ways to explore the tranquil surroundings.
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Is a weekend getaway to Spreewald the right choice for you?
If you’re after tranquility and nature, a short getaway to the Spreewald is just the thing for you. You can soak up the local flora and fauna on a relaxing boat ride through the waterways or get active with hiking and biking. The food scene features hearty, traditional dishes, including the famous Spreewald pickles. We think Spreewald is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway, an active short trip with friends, or a family outing with kids and pets.
Just a heads up, the Spreewald has a very traditional feel. The signs and ads look like they’re from another era, and English isn’t widely spoken. It’s quite a contrast to the lively city of Berlin, which is only about 1.5 hours away. This difference is part of what makes the Spreewald special, but if you’re craving more excitement, you might want to pair your trip with a weekend in Berlin.
What to do in Spreewald
To help you get a good sense of what’s worth seeing and doing in the Spreewald, we’ve put together a list of our six favorite spots in this blog post. And, as always, we’ve included some tips on great restaurants and places to stay.
1. Traditional Punt Ride
A traditional punt ride, or “Kahnfahrt,” is an absolute must in the Spreewald, especially if it’s your first visit. These wooden punts are gently pushed along by a boatman using a long pole, with no motors involved, making for a peaceful and relaxing journey. It’s a fantastic way to explore the Spreewald at a leisurely pace. You can find punt rides in every town throughout the region, as they are the main attraction.
At larger ports, like in Lübbenau, there usually aren’t fixed schedules for the punt rides unless you’ve booked a private themed tour. Generally, you don’t need to worry about getting a ticket, as punts leave about every 30 minutes during the high season (April to October). A two-hour punt ride typically costs at least 18 euros per person. Payment is made directly on the punt, and it’s cash-only, so be sure to hit an ATM beforehand.
- Even though the Spreewald is only about an hour from Berlin, things run a bit differently here. Card payments are rarely accepted in many parts of the Spreewald, so make sure to bring enough cash with you.
The busiest and most touristy spot is the port in Lübbenau. If possible, we recommend avoiding it for a more relaxed experience. A bit less crowded, but still central, is the Spreehafen Burg. Here, you don’t need to book a ticket in advance; just ask the boatman about the next departure time. We found the port Hafen Waldschlösschen to be particularly charming. Punt rides here are less frequent, so it’s a good idea to book your ticket and preferred departure time online. The same goes for the Naturhafen in Leipe, where you can book punt rides online via the contact form.
2. Paddling Your Own Canoe
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3. Pickles as Far as the Eye Can See
The Spreewald is famous across Germany for its pickled cucumbers, spiced up with a variety of seasonings. You can’t visit here without encountering these green delights. From mustard pickles and spiced pickles to chili and garlic pickles, the Spreewald is full of creative recipes, each family keeping their own closely guarded. You can buy pickles at small market stands in most towns, and even along the water during a punt ride. There, you can grab a sour pickle right from the stand—it’s a bit of an acquired taste, but definitely tasty. Many local restaurants also serve traditional Spreewald dishes, such as potatoes with linseed oil and quark, or cucumber salad. For the adventurous, there’s cucumber lemonade, refreshing cucumber ice cream (highly recommended), and pickle beer.
If you’re looking for more short trip ideas from Berlin check out our post about a weekend in Potsdam. Or, if you’re up for exploring a completely different region of Germany, consider the Bavarian Forest!
4. Romantic Water Castle in Fürstlich-Drehna
There’s not much happening in Fürstlich-Drehna, but the water castle, which is now a hotel, is definitely worth a visit. The castle is set in a charming park that you can explore even if you’re not staying at the hotel. You’ll find bees, bumblebees, and dragonflies buzzing around, and the little lake in front of the castle is framed by weeping willows. It’s just wonderfully kitschy and fairytale-like.
5. Explore Spreewald by bike
On a classic stage, you’d ride from Lübbenau to Lehde, then on to Leipe, followed by Raddusch and the Buschmühle, and end up in Burg-Kolonie. The Buschmühle is a bit of a highlight, though it’s only viewable from the outside as it’s not open to visitors. Also, there’s another charming natural port in Raddusch, similar to the one in Leipe.
6. Discovering Lehde
Lehde might be just a small district of Lübbenau, but it turned out to be one of our favorite villages in the Spreewald. There’s something very authentic about Lehde, with its many thatched-roof houses adding a romantic touch to the place. A highlight here is the Open-Air Museum, which offers a glimpse into life in the Spreewald during the 19th century.
What else to do in Spreewald
When is the Best Time to Visit the Spreewald?
Typically, we try to avoid peak season for our travels. However, in the Spreewald, we believe that the months of June to August are the best time to visit. These months fall right in the middle of the peak season, which lasts from April to October. During this time, the temperatures are usually warm and ideal for all water activities, and the forest around the Spree is lush and in full bloom.
Alternatively, spring (April to May) can also be a great time to visit, especially if you are planning extended bike tours. During the winter, we imagine that the chimney rides and Christmas markets are particularly charming.
How to get to your Spreewald Getaway
- Since the Spreewald is about 1.5 hours southeast of Berlin, flying into Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is your best bet if you're arriving from outside Germany and don't plan to use a car or train for this leg of your journey. You can find the best flight deals on Skyscanner. From Berlin, you’ll need to either rent a car or take a train to get to the Spreewald.
Where to Stay for Your Spreewald Getaway?
If you’re after a touch of luxury and a stunning setting, Hotel Strandhaus is a great choice for a special occasion. This boutique resort with a spa is right on the water in Lübben. The rooms are light, airy, and decorated with natural materials. While the prices are on the higher side, we enjoyed a lovely dinner on the terrace.
For a relaxing stay after a busy day, check out the Spreewald Thermenhotel in Burg. The hotel is attached to the thermal baths, and your stay includes access to the spa, so you can unwind and soak in the warmth.
If you’re getting to Spreewald by car and you‘re looking for something more budget-friendly, Waldhotel in Cottbus might be just what you need. It’s a good base, with most Spreewald attractions about a 30-minute drive away.
For a unique yet affordable stay, consider Schlosshotel Fürstlich Drehna. Fürstlich-Drehna is a bit off the beaten path, and the rooms are a bit dated, but the castle grounds are really charming.
If you prefer vacation homes, there are plenty of options right on the water in the Spreewald, ideal for families or groups of friends. We saw lots of charming thatched cottages during our canoe trip. Notable options include the Spreewaldhaus am Wasser in Lehde, which accommodates up to 4 people, and Hopkas Stall in Lübbenau, with a south-facing terrace by the water and space for up to 4 guests.
If you’re visiting with a camper, there are several campsites, like Spreewald Natur Campingplatz in Lübbenau. You can easily explore the waterways with your SUP or kayak right from the campsite.
Now you know what to do in Spreewald in Germany. With these tips, your short getaway will be the perfect break. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and relaxed, and you might even start planning your next trip right away. If you have any feedback or if this post has inspired you to visit the Spreewald, we’d love to hear from you on Instagram.
