1. Overview of the Spreewald
The Spreewald is known as the “green lung” of Brandenburg, a region surrounding Berlin. This forested paradise bears a resemblance to tales from the Brothers Grimm and is recognized as a UNESCO protected biosphere. Thousands of man-made waterways traverse idyllic meadows lined with historic houses that remain largely unchanged since the formation of modern Germany. Conveniently located just an hour southeast of Berlin, and accessible by car or train, the Spreewald is the perfect retreat from urban life.
2. Cities of the Spreewald
- Lübbena – This is the largest and most visited town, with plenty of restaurants, markets, and boat rentals.
- Lübbem – Slightly smaller than Lübbena, it serves as a charming alternative.
- Burg (Spreewald) – Only reachable by car, this quaint town offers a quieter atmosphere compared to other areas.
- Schlepzig – Another picturesque small town within the Spreewald.
- Leipe – A unique village on an island that was once only accessible by water, with no roadway access.
3. How to Get to the Spreewald From Berlin
- By car: Take the A113 south out of Berlin. At Schönefelder Kreuz, continue south on the A13 towards Dresden. You may exit at Lübbem or Lübbena, or proceed to the “Dreieck Spreewald” junction to take the A15 towards “Vetschau.” Exit the A15 at “Vetschau” and continue to Burg (Spreewald).
- By train: There are hourly regional trains departing from Zoologischer Garten, Hauptbahnhof, Friedrichstraße, Alexanderplatz, or Ostbahnhof to Lübbem or Lübbena. Some accommodations may offer pick-up service when arrangements are made in advance.
4. Getting Around the Spreewald
Upon arrival, explore the enchanting villages by foot, bike, or boat. Larger towns offer rentals for both boats and bikes; however, public transportation is not available.
5. Accommodations in the Spreewald
Accommodations range from camping sites to cabins and rustic B&BS (known as Pension). The larger towns of Lübbena and Lübbem present the widest selection of options, easily accessible by train or on foot. If you’re without a vehicle, inquire about pick-up service while making reservations.
It is wise to secure your accommodations well in advance since the German tradition involves planning ahead, especially before the summer holiday season begins.
The spreewald.de website provides an extensive search function for finding hotels across the Spreewald region.
6. Spreewald Campsites
- Spreewald-Camping Lübbem – Am Burglehn, 15904 Lübbem
- EuroCamp “Spreewaldtor” am Gurkenradweg – Neue Strasse 1, 15913 Märkische Heide OT Groß Leuthen
- Camping Briesensee – PF 1420, 15904 Lübbem
- Campingplatz “Am grossen Mochowsee” – Camping- und Heimatverein Lamsfeld e. V.
- 15913 Lamsfeld
- Spreewald-Natur-Camping “Am See” – Seestraße 1, 03222 Lübbena OT Hindenberg
- Campingplatz “Am Schlosspark” – PSF 10 11 25, 03215 Lübbena
- Kneipp- und Erlebniscamping an den Spreewaldfließen – Vetschauer Straße 1a, 03096 Burg (Spreewald)
7. The Sorbic Community of Germany
In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, the Spreewald is home to Germany’s indigenous Slavic community, the Sorbs. This vibrant community, consisting of around 60,000 people, are descendants of the Slavic tribes that settled in the Central German Uplands more than 1,400 years ago. Their distinct language is evident in bilingual road signs, and elements of their unique culture can be observed throughout the Spreewald region.
