The 10 Best Attractions in Spreewald

There's so much to discover in Spreewald! Even sightseeing is possible in the region. The travel bettercities.net has compiled ten attractions for you that you shouldn't miss.

As the name suggests, at Schlossinsel Lübben, a castle awaits you. It houses the City and Regional Museum, which exhibits historical items from Spreewald and Lausitz, as well as medieval treasures and finds from the Iron and Bronze Ages.

But the island has much more to offer: There's a bustling harbor with boat departures (more info can be found here), restaurants and tourist information, a sound garden, a large water playground for children, and several swimming spots perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.

During your stroll, you'll find many places to linger or take photographs and it's a great starting point to continue your Spreewald tour by boat, bicycle, or rowboat.

Schlossinsel Lübben | Address: Ernst-von-Houwald-Damm 15, 15907 Lübben | Museum Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday and holidays from 10 AM to 5 PM

Since 1957, the open-air museum in Lehde has been in existence-making it the oldest of its kind in Brandenburg. In just about an hour, you can explore 35 kilometers of Spreewald, as the museum showcases not only the typical family and working life of the 19th-century Spreewald residents but also various architectural styles and local peculiarities of the different Spreewald locations.

This museum allows you to truly immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Spreewald. Besides the historic farmhouses, you can see the oldest boat workshop in town and a beautiful farmer's garden-a perfect way to get to know this unique region.

Open-Air Museum Lehde | Address: An der Giglitza 1a, 03222 Lübbenau/District Lehde | Opening Hours: March 30 to September 30: Daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. October 1 to October 31: Daily from 10 AM to 5 PM

A very special structure awaits you in Schlepzig. Here stands the willow dome 'Arena Salix'. This church-like structure is made almost entirely of pollarded willows that have grown around a metal framework over the years. It's particularly eye-catching in the spring and early summer.

The unique atmosphere under the green dome is just romantic-it's no wonder many couples get married here.

Right next to the willow dome is a boat harbor and boat rental. A little tour through the Lower Spreewald is thus nothing in the way.

Willow Dome | Address: Dorfstraße 53, 15910 Schlepzig

The village church of Straupitz is an architectural landmark. It's not just the bright white of the church that stands out, but also the twin towers that tower into the sky in the Spreewald village. It was designed by the Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel.

After making an appointment (information on booking can be found here) you can participate in a church tour from May to October. There are also limited dates for church tower climbs, offering a stunning view over the town.

Village Church Straupitz | Address: Kirchstraße, 15913 Straupitz | Opening Hours: From May to October, volunteer church guides provide insight into the Schinkel Church. Schedules: Tuesday and Friday between 11 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 4 PM

Want to reach new heights in Spreewald? Then you should check out Climbing Forest Lübben. It features a versatile climbing course that includes sections suitable for children as young as six years old.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, there are a variety of challenges and puzzles, as well as slides and shaky paths. There's also a ten-meter-high climbing tower to conquer.

Climbing Forest Lübben | Address: Hartmannsdorfer Straße 27 c, 15907 Lübben | Opening Hours: Off-Season (April, May, September, October): Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Peak Season (June, July, August): Daily from 10 AM to 7 PM | Contact: Inquiries and reservations under 01573/0051727

In the Spreewald town of Straupitz, there is a unique structure: Europe's last producing triple-windmill. The Dutch mill is over 150 years old and today it's a European cultural monument.

During your visit, there's plenty to discover. For example, in the tower, you can admire the historic and fully preserved technology of the old craft mill. In the historic oil mill, you can learn a lot about flaxseed oil production, and you can also explore an old sawmill.

Outside the miller's house, you can relax with potatoes and quark or coffee and sheet cake, buy fresh flaxseed oil or mill breads in the mill shop, or simply watch the sails of the mill turn.

Mill Association Dutch Windmill | Address: Laasower Straße 11a, 15913 Straupitz | Current opening hours can be found online

Large harbors in Spreewald are usually bustling places. In Lübbenau, it's no different. Numerous boat tours start here and there are plenty of dining options. It's particularly worth strolling along the small stalls on the forecourt.

On the so-called Pickle Mile, numerous farmers and local producers present their Spreewald delicacies. You can stock up not only on delicious honey, mustard, or garlic pickles but also buy oils, horseradish variations, Spreewald honey, or spreads.

Large Spreewald Harbor Lübbenau | Address: Dammstraße 77A, 03222 Lübbenau | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM

A unique place of worship is the Sorbian-German double church in Vetschau. Over 500 years, this building ensemble has developed, which today combines two church buildings under one roof. It's a beautiful symbol of how two languages and cultures meet in a common confession in peaceful coexistence, and a wonderful building too.

Here, you can admire both the splendid city church in late Baroque style and the simpler but no less beautiful Sorbian village church with its altars and organs. The two churches are connected by a corridor, and if you go through it attentively, you will discover the point where the wall between the churches is located.

Sorbian-German Double Church | Address: Kirchstraße, 03226 Vetschau | Opening Hours: April to October, Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, and on Sundays and holidays from 2 PM to 5 PM | Contact: Group bookings through Tourist Information 035433/77755

Is it a café or a museum? A photo gallery or an eatery? It's best to see for yourself at this unique place, which Ingmar Steffen established just a few steps from the harbor in Burg: The Café Geschichtsstübchen.

The history of Spreewald and its people has been documented by Steffen, his father, and great-grandfather with numerous photos. You will find diary entries and unique pictures of costumes, festivals, and landscapes from bygone times, all embedded in a cozy café atmosphere.

In the summer garden, you can also discover a model train that chugs through a small Spreewald setting. There are also quark pancakes and homemade cream puffs. A wonderful place to linger.

Café Geschichtsstübchen | Address: Am Hafen 2, 03096 Burg | Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday from 12 PM to 6 PM

In Leipe, you've arrived in the idyllic heart of the Spreewald. This small and charming island village, with fewer than 150 residents, is surrounded by Spreewald streams and was only accessible by water until the 1930s.

Today, you can also reach it by bike and theoretically by car, but a paddle or boat tour to Leipe is a must-do to discover the Spreewald (more information on water sports can be found here). Small farms, plenty of nature, and cozy places with Spreewald hospitality await you here.