Spreewald (Spree Forest) Overview

About 100km southeast of Berlin, the Spree River splits into an intricate maze of small streams and canals, weaving between meadows, forests, and farmland that were once home to the Sorbs, Germany's native Slavic minority. In broad terms, the 1000 sq. km of this area is termed the Spreewald (Spree Forest), and, of the many small villages scattered around the area, the most famous is Lübbenau.

Spreewald is a popular daytrip destination for Berliners seeking their pastoral-idyllic fix in its hiking trails, gondola rides, and kayaks. Tourists drift down scenic canals lined with thatched roofs and birch trees, catching glimpses of the wildlife. For quaint German towns, Lübbenau simply can't be beat. Even as it's increasingly corrupted by the knick-knack shops that sell decorated eggs and jars of pickles, there is still something refreshingly authentic about the ambience. Many of the buildings from the original Sorb settlement have either been preserved or recreated, and the virtue of simplicity and wholesome living are echoed in the rough-hewn wood siding and bare floors of the homes. And however tourist-oriented the city centers may be, there's no denying the incredible beauty of the Spreewald landscape. Vast meadows of tall grasses and pockets of densely packed birches make for an endlessly refreshing view as you tramp across hiking trails or paddle through streams in your canoe.

A small second town, officially considered part of Lübbenau, is 3km away from city center. Lehde is truthfully less of a town, and more of a sight; it's here that you'll find a higher concentration of preserved homes clustered together in a densely forested area.