Spreewald Holiday: Tips for Lübben, Lübbenau & Burg – Nature, boat trips and culinary delights

Tips for a Spreewald Vacation

Those gliding through the tranquil waterways of the Spreewald for the first time hear only the gentle lapping of the water and the rustling of the alders. Here, between Lübben, Lübbenau, and Burg, time seems to slow down. The Spreewald is a place for connoisseurs, nature lovers, and anyone looking to unwind. In this article, you'll find current Spreewald tips for excursions, boat trips, and accommodations. We'll also show you when a Spreewald vacation is particularly worthwhile and where you can experience the Spreewald at its most peaceful.

 

 

 

Why a Spreewald holiday is particularly worthwhile

The Spreewald is located in southern Brandenburg and is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Over 1.000 kilometers of waterways crisscross the landscape. Here you'll find wooden bridges, meadows, and quaint villages where pickle barrels and old punts lie in front of the houses.

Today, the Spreewald region stands for gentle tourism, sustainability, and regional cuisine. Besides the famous Spreewald gherkins, cozy inns, cycling tours on the Gherkin Cycle Path, and wellness facilities in Burg are sure to attract visitors. A particularly nice feature: many towns and villages consciously focus on environmentally friendly options – ideal if you want to travel mindfully.

Perfect for a weekend trip from 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.

Our Spreewald holiday led us We traveled to Lübben, Lübbenau, Lehde, and Burg. Invited by Tourism Brandenburg, we explored the region by water. The tranquil waterways were ideal for experiencing the landscape up close.

Lehde, with its traditional farmhouses, particularly impressed us. In Burg, we discovered hidden paths that led us deeper into nature. The local hospitality reflected the unique character 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 is right for your short trip to the Spreewald?

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!

 

Lübben: The perfect start to your Spreewald holiday

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.

Lübben is considered the gateway to the Lower Spreewald. The castle island, with its park, water playground, and open-air stage, is ideal for families. Many boat trips through the tranquil waterways depart from here.

👉 Our tip: Rent a paddleboat early in the morning. Then you'll glide almost alone through the canals, and the reflections of the trees in the water are magical.

Things to see in Lübben:

• Lübben Castle with Spreewald Museum
• Harbor with boat rental
• Cucumber Cycle Path towards Lübbenau

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.

 

 

Hotel in Lübben

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 best way to experience the Spreewald is on a boat trip along its canals. The Strandhaus Spreewald is the perfect starting point for exploring the moorland from the water.

This is certainly one of the most beautiful ways to explore the area. Even today, the long, flat-bottomed boats are used for transportation on the waterways of the Spreewald, as these waterways are called.

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 board one of the flat boats in front of the beach house, where the passengers sit in front of small round tables, where tablecloths and floral decorations create a cozy atmosphere.

This is called a "Mummelkahnfahrt" (Mummel boat trip). 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 will forgo this, as we are expected at the Spree-Blick restaurant after our boat trip through Lübben in February, a country inn in the center of the town, where we will fortify ourselves with turkey schnitzel and fresh fish.

 

 

 

 

 

Lübbenau: Capital of boat trips

Lübbenau is the heart of the Spreewald. Daily boat trips depart from the harbor – short, half-day, or even with a picnic basket. The route to Lehde, a museum village with old farmhouses and a pickle factory, is particularly beautiful.

Insider tip: Go in the early evening when the sun is low. Then the light looks golden and the water sparkles like glass.

Highlights in Lübbenau:

• Lehde Open-Air Museum
• Lehde Cucumber Factory (with tasting)
• Old town with cafes and small galleries

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.

 

 

Unlike Lübben, Lübbenau still has its historic town center, which appears all the more authentic with its newly laid cobblestone streets. The drive from Lübbenau in the Spreewald to Berlin takes about an hour.

Im Café Timeless * In the heart of the city center, we finally try another specialty, a slice of Cold Dog: a cake made from biscuits and melted chocolate that makes a delicious afternoon snack without baking.

Sights in Lübbenau

In Luebbenau the Spreewald Museum is worth a visit.Here, the exhibition captures the pre-reunification era, offering glimpses into life in East Germany. A shop interior also demonstrates the goods available in stores at that time. A shoemaker's workshop evokes the lives of craftsmen, and traditional costumes of the Sorbian minority illustrate their diversity.

As we learn, the regional differences in traditional clothing depend on the wearer's affiliation with a particular church play group.

Note: There are new exhibitions on the history of the region.

Another tip in Lübbenau: the Spreewelten*. These have expanded their offerings and now provide additional wellness options.

 

 

Holidays in the Spreewald in Lehde are perfect for a Spreewald holiday with children

The people of Lehde, a small village just a few kilometers from Lübbenau, live in pretty wooden houses. The views are most beautiful from the water, but a stroll through the village also reveals what life is like along the waterways.

We learn that even the fire brigade arrives here by barge and see the fire station of Lehde, whose gates are closed with orange-red canvases, behind which the barges wait 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 * familiarize yourself with it. Here you can see what it looks like and what the pretty wooden houses look like inside.

Vacation in Burg: Wellness, open spaces & water

Burg is quieter and greener – perfect for those seeking relaxation. The Spreewald Therme spa, with its saltwater pool, sauna garden, and massages, is one of Brandenburg's best wellness destinations.

Active holidaymakers will also find plenty to enjoy: cycle paths lead through forests and fields, past traditional Spreewald houses.

Our impression: We stayed overnight here and enjoyed the peace and quiet after a long day on the water – simply perfect for switching off.

Relax with wellness in the Spreewald at the Spreewald Therme in Burg

After exploring the two towns of Lübben and Lübbenau, we're ready for some relaxation. So we continue our Spreewald tour with a trip to the new Spreewald Therme in Burg The fact that the Berlin to Spreewald Burg route can be covered in one and a half to two hours makes a visit to the Spreewald Therme Burg interesting even for a day trip.

Those who wish can certainly stay comfortably in the adjoining thermal spa hotel. All rooms are identically furnished and perfectly equipped for wellness enthusiasts. A wristband serves as both a key and ensures that all electrical devices are switched off as soon as you leave the room.

We also find it practical that this wristband doubles as a payment method. If, for example, a guest chooses a massage or a special treatment at the adjacent spa in the thermal baths, their details are saved. Payment is only made upon check-out from the hotel.

 

 

Hotel access to the thermal baths in Burg

We found the bathrobe corridor connecting the hotel to the thermal baths to be very convenient. Here, too, wristbands serve as keys, granting guests access to the thermal area. Hot and cold pools stimulate circulation, while the steam sauna and the brine inhalation room provide perfect deep cleansing for the skin.

Even in winter, guests can relax in the 36°C outdoor pool, even in snow and ice. And for those who prefer a more active experience, the exercise equipment on the first floor allows them to combine relaxation with healthy movement.

All this physical activity is sure to work up an appetite. We can either eat at the thermal baths themselves or in the brightly colored restaurant at the spa hotel. The dishes are prepared with ingredients preferably from the region, and the pork chop with mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts is delicious. A visit to the thermal baths in Burg is definitely the perfect way to end a Spreewald tour.

If you are looking for special restaurants in this region, maybe one of these restaurants in the Spreewald is, what you like?

Active in the Spreewald: Experience nature by boat, bike or board

Besides boat trips, the Cucumber Cycle Path is another highlight. It runs for around 260 kilometers through the region – past farm shops, fields, and small villages. You can cycle individual sections or plan multi-day tours.

Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are also becoming increasingly popular. Many providers rent boards and boats directly at the harbors in Lübben and Lübbenau.

👉 Tip: Start early, pack sunscreen and definitely bring water – the sun reflects strongly off the tiles.

Culinary delights in the Spreewald: From cucumbers to fish from the waterways

No visit is complete without cucumbers! Be sure to try different varieties – from sweet and sour to spicy.
However, the Spreewald offers more than just vegetables in terms of cuisine: fresh fish, game dishes and seasonal specialties.

Restaurant recommendations (as of November 2025):

• ???? Inn at the Old Mill * (Lübbenau) – traditional cuisine with regional ingredients
• ???? Spreewald Beach House Restaurant * (Lübben) – modern kitchen with a view of the Spree
• 🧂 Castle pantry * – small menu, everything homemade

 

Events 2025/2026 in the Spreewald region

Spreewald Marathon

April 16-19, 2026
Castle, Lübbenau, Straupitz
Marathon event with running, cycling, skating and paddling
https://www.spreewaldmarathon.de

Spreewald and Shooting Festival Lübbenau

03. – 05.07.2026
Lübbenau
Folk festival with boat parade, market and stage program
Website

Burg Local and Traditional Costume Festival

28.08.2026-30.08.2026
Castle (Spreewald)
Traditional costume gathering with music, dancing as well as regional crafts
Website

Spreewald Light Nights

Summer 2026 (various dates)
Lübbenau
Boat trips at night with lights and music
Website

Spreewald Christmas Lübbenau

November 29/30 and 6/7, 2025, as well as December 5/6, 2026
Lübbenau
Christmas market with festive boat trip and regional flair
Website

Further Spreewald tips

• 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 the temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities such as boat trips or hikes. Autumn and winter are perfect for relaxation and wellness. Autumn, with its colorful forests, is a truly beautiful time. In winter, you can even enjoy a Spreewald boat trip with mulled wine by the fireplace.

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.

Where is the best place to stay in the Spreewald?

Lübbenau is centrally located and offers many restaurants, Burg is quieter and ideal for wellness, Lehde and Leipe stand for authenticity.

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 provides insight into the region's traditional life, is particularly exciting for children. The castle island and numerous farms also offer plenty of variety for families.

How long should one stay?

At least two to three days are needed to experience several places. However, five days are ideal to combine boat trips, bike tours, crafts, and wellness.

Is it possible to swim in the Spreewald?

Yes, at designated bathing areas in Lübben and Burg. The water quality is regularly tested.

 

 

Practical tips for your Spreewald holiday

• Best time to travelApril to October for boat trips, November to February for wellness and relaxation.
• arrival onVia the A13 (Berlin–Dresden), exit Lübben or Lübbenau. Rail connections * From Berlin, it takes about an hour.
• ParkingMain parking areas can be found, for example, at the harbors in Lübbenau, Burg (thermal baths) and Lübben (castle island).
• Sustainable travelMany hotels offer e-bikes and e-boats.
• Tip:Early boat trips * Reservations recommended – especially on public holidays as well as weekends.

Culture & History of the Spreewald

The Spreewald is the traditional settlement area of ​​the Sorbs, a Slavic minority. Many place names and customs originate from their culture. Even today, bilingual place-name signs and traditional costumes can be seen.

This combination of history and nature is what makes the region so appealing – here, the past lives on quietly in the present.

Here's how to extend your Spreewald vacation to 5 days

Those who only come to the Spreewald for a weekend often only see half of it. Only when you take your time does the full charm of this river landscape reveal itself: tranquil waterways, pickle factories, villages with wooden boardwalks, as well as hosts who give you their time. Five days are perfect for enjoying the Spreewald – slowly and with all your senses.

Day 1 – Arrival & first boat trip

The best time to visit Lübbenau or Burg is in the early afternoon. A peaceful boat trip at sunset will really get you in the mood for the Spreewald atmosphere.

 

 

Day 2 – Cucumbers, Crafts & Villages

Visit the Spreewald Museum in Lübbenau or a pickle factory. In Lehde and Leipe you can experience traditional island life.

 

 

Day 3 – Actively experiencing nature

Rent a bicycle or paddle boat and discover quiet waterways between Burg, Byhleguhre and Straupitz.

 

 

Day 4 – Wellness & regional cuisine

After the excursions, relaxation is welcome – many hotels in Burg offer brine and herbal baths.

 

 

Day 5 – Markets, workshops & farewell

Buy specialty items like linseed oil, honey, or cucumbers directly from producers.
A stroll through the Spreewald villages at the end of the day makes you want to come back again.

 

Conclusion: Why a Spreewald holiday is always a good idea

A holiday in the Spreewald means slowing down, enjoying life, and being close to nature. Among waterways, wooden bridges, and jars of pickles, you'll find a peace and quiet you rarely experience elsewhere.

Whether you paddle, cycle or simply enjoy the peace and quiet – the Spreewald shows that happiness can sometimes be found right on your doorstep.

Those who dedicate five days to the Spreewald will be rewarded with tranquility, regional flavors, and genuine encounters. Every trip along the waterways reveals a different light, and after a week, saying goodbye feels almost like the end of a little adventure.

 

 

About the authors:

Monika and Petar Fuchs are experienced travel journalists and have been running the travel blog TravelWorldOnline for 20 years. They have explored the Spreewald region multiple times – on foot, by car, and of course, by punt. Their reports are based on their own experiences, intensive research, and conversations with locals. Their goal: authentic and insightful travel tips. Their many years of experience make them reliable sources for individual and enjoyable travel itineraries in Germany and Europe.

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Travel organization Spreewald Holiday:

Airport parking before your Spreewald holiday

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 your journey by rental car. Alternatively, you can travel by train to Lübbenau or Lübben 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:

For example, we stayed overnight at Beach House Spreewald (book here *). 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.

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By the way: Further suggestions for Vacation in Germany by car You can find it here, for example. More Slow Travel Destinations you can also find here.

 

 

 

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Source: Spreewald Tour. On-site research conducted at the invitation of TMB Tourismus-Marketing Brandenburg GmbH. We are very grateful for the invitation. However, our opinion remains our own. Spreewald Berlin is also well-suited for a day 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