It was designated a biosphere reserve by the UNESCO in 1991 and it looks every bit of it. After your paddling adventure, you might want to check out some of the surroundings in Spreewald. Trains from Berlin to Lbbenau (Spreewald) Dragonflies and grass snakes inhabit the deltas landscape. Recommended option Train, line 502 bus Take the train from S+U Alexanderplatz Bhf to Lbben, Bahnhof If not, we've got plenty more guides to inspire your travel in Europe, simply tap the one youre interested in to find out more. Spreewald is a biosphere reserve and forest located in Brandenburg, southeast of Berlin, Germany. When we went to Spreewald in Autumn 2020, there was plenty of space for boats in the canals. Other notable towns are Vetschau/Spreewald (Wtoow/Bota) with its reconstructed Old Slavic fortified wooden settlement (gord) Slawenburg Raddusch (Raduaske sowjaske groio), and Burg (Spreewald) (Brkowy (Bota)). At first, it right remind you of the gondolas of Venice, but the water in Venice is actually too deep for this technique to work. 25 to 30 people fit into one boat, which obviously will have a huge impact on navigability and the draft. Would you want to visit this unique part of Germany? Spreewald (Spree Forest in English) is famous If you purchase something For the best seats, youll definitely want to reserve in advance Aug 24, 2012; Spreewald in one day? At the train stop for Tropical Islands, a theme park with white sand and palm trees built inside the otherworldly dome of the former Brand-Briesen Airfield, passengers in board shorts and flip-flops file out. In autumn, large numbers of waterfowl stop by on their journey south, and sea eagles search for prey. travel | Not a Nomad Blog , which was first mentioned as early as 1302. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class. Sleep Eat Stay safe The Spreewald is a region in Brandenburg in the east of Germany . Trains from Berlin to Lbbenau (Spreewald) - Trainline Gurkenradweg Either you are canoeing at one of the over 200 streams branching out from the Spree River during Summer or wandering through snow-covered villages and rivers during Winter, Spreewald is always a good choice if you want to experience something new and different of . (Lbbenaus is more Austen than Grimm.) Above all, it is a nature reserve. Only worth a stop if you The unique advantage: Instead of driving along the standard tourist channels, I told my driver to explore the lesser known parts of the Spreewald. 1. cycling, hiking, and other sights in Spreewald. The Spree Forest gave its name to the following German districts: Alder forests on wetlands and pine forests on sandy dry areas are characteristic of the Spree Forest region. Compare prices from over 270 rail and coach companies in Europe, Buy your tickets with us and easily find them on your phone, Safely pay with PayPal, Visa and all international payment cards. Full-Day Excursion to Spreewald Forest from Berlin By City Circle by BEX 0 reviews Ages 0-95, max of 10 per group Duration: 7h 30m Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket German, English What's included What to expect Departure and return Accessibility Additional information Cancellation policy FAQ Help Currently unavailable from Follow me along on social media: A massive list of the top tourist attractions and places to see on the island of Madeira. Regions The Spreewald (Spree Forest) is a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1991. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with. If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat. Typical Spreewald atmosphere. On that first visit, we followed our fellow passengers off the train at the Lbbenau station, feeling sartorially unprepared in our jeans and sneakers, and cut through the town to the kayak rental shop. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet. The flat-bottomed river boats work on skill and sweat instead of a motor. The weather is great, and the trees offer a lot of shade during Youll notice The route can be broken into 8 different stages, usually started in Lbbenau. The Spreewald is the perfect getaway from the city and it is a relaxing and fun place to visit. They also got a private beach and a very lovely little spa. in the Kromlau Rhododenron Park. to check availability. There are normally 45 trains per day traveling from Berlin to Lbbenau (Spreewald) and tickets for this journey start from $14.59 when you book in advance. On offer youll mostly find standard German fare, like Schnitzel and Pommes (French fries). Spreewald is the perfect nature getaway and makes a wonderful day trip from Berlin. on , and Vetschau Ive been there many times and always a have a chance (and the weather is beautiful) I go there. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. But believe it or not, the water quality is actually so high in and around Lbben that you can drink it. The landscape was shaped during the last Ice Age. But it is mining in the region that has had the most enduring impact. Spreewald Die Brnde kmen bei der anhaltenden . a super popular bus network for budget travel around Europe, for about 10 each way. places to rent a boat best way to get here from berlin - Brandenburg Forum We were now floating down a watery avenue framed by vines dripping white flowers into the river; a stork flew overhead. And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter: Each week youll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world. I am You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. It wasn't easy. Personally, I recommend It is a bit overpriced considering what youd pay for something similar in Berlin, The Spree forest (Spreewald) follows an extended river system of the same name, roughly from Dresden (check out my guide) to Berlin. Buy Eat Drink Sleep Stay safe Go next The Spreewald is a region in Brandenburg in the east of Germany . Dung, hay and tractors are transported by Kahn. Escaping Berlin for the Watery Wonders of the German Outdoors Final Thoughts. Especially considering that the area is just so utterly beautiful. outdoor seating, so you can sit near the canal and enjoy the weather while you have something You see, the Spreewald is not just pretty water channels, pretty boats and pretty little houses (even though there is a lot of that!). A Kahn boat leaves the main harbor of Lbbenau. In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. Spreewald Therme in Burg is the Best German Spa Getaway Ten minutes after leaving Leipe, we had taken a fork in the river, and since then we hadnt seen another soul. posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. I wish I had known of it when I lived in Germany. The smallest Spreewald boat tours will take one hour, but there are also tours taking as much as 6 or 8 hours. Importantly, sport boats are not allowed Plan your perfect itinerary. When, for instance, years of heavy rain caused the water collected in nearby open-pit mines to pour into the Spreewalds tributaries in the early 2010s, iron ochre from the mines water turned Spreewald a murky brown: a threat not only to the ecosystem, but also to the health of tourism in the area and, by extension, the livelihoods of the Spreewalds residents. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, Deutsche Bahn and IC (Intercity) trains from Berlin to Lbbenau (Spreewald). It's one of those places where it's just as magical in photos as it is in real life. A version of this article appears in print on, Escaping Berlin for the Watery Wonders of the German Outdoors, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/06/travel/spreewald-berlin-kayak.html. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too. Spreewald Therme We recommend purchasing it online, as the ticketing machines can be confusing. We didnt On weekends, holidays or other exceptional times, fewer services may be available. The Spree Forest (German: Spreewald, pronounced [pevalt] (listen); Lower Sorbian: Bota, i.e. Looking to experience a truly German spa experience? Kayakers in Leipe, in front of the local cafe. It feels like fairy tale. If you pick the spa suite (like I did), you will even have your own private sauna in the room. For the best Autumn foliage, Id recommend the very end of October The larger cities of Lbbenau and Lbben have the largest variety of options with access by train and by foot. This includes an average layover time of around 7 min. With IC, you can travel with your pet. Pretty much everywhere offers But pickles. (During a later trip in May, I spent a night in Lbbenau in the top bunk of a cabin designed to resemble a pickle barrel.). On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and dont need a ticket. Mitten im Spreewald finden Sie eine einzigartige Badewelt mit Pinguinanlage, wie es sie in ganz Deutschland kein zweites Mal gibt. But Kahn boats are not just a way to ferry tourists around; they are also a vital means of transport. We didnt have time for this, but it costs just 5 to enter so worth checking out if you have the time. While youre in Vetschau, you can also pop by Vetschau Castle Everyone, even those with small children, appeared to be in a genuinely good mood. Being the perfect getaway from Berlin, Spreewald offers an enchanting scenery, green dense forests and labyrinthic water canals. a permanent exhibition of the region (known as Lower Lusatia) from the Stone Age through the Middle Ages. It lasts 7 1/2 hours and includes transit, a traditional boat tour, and local snack on arrival for a very fair price considering the cost of everything separately. The charming little luxury hotel has its own spa and a very modern (almost Scandinavian) look to it. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle. These will give you absolute freedom to explore the whole river system at your own pace. Exploring Spreewald - The Venice of Germany - Travelers Buddy Anyways, Ledhe is a museum village and beautiful beyond belief. About 50,000 people live in the biosphere reserve (1998). As of July 2021, Spreewald is fully open for visitors and doesnt require a negative COVID test for key activities like Finally, you can An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. It feels like fairy tale. Just an hour southeast from the city, accessible by car or train, the Spreewald is the ideal escape from city life. Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. Book in advance, and the cost isnt much more than taking the train if youre traveling in a group of two or more people. Lapwings and snipes breed in the area. whether your train requires a transfer (Umstieg) because many trains have just a 5-minute transfer window in Ostkreuz. As you can imagine that is usually a bit hard on a crowded group board with 25 people enjoying the cold beer. is a 260 kilometer bike trail that winds through the Spreewald, including its famous villages and nature. . There are normally 47 trains per day travelling from Berlin to Lbbenau (Spreewald) and tickets for this journey start from $14.86 when you book in advance. If you're ready to book, why not start a search in our Journey Planner at the top of the page? Some 60,000 Sorbs and Wends live in Lusatia, a region encompassing sections of both Germany and Poland, and comprise one of Germanys few recognized minorities. just like Champagne from the Champagne region of France. Spree Forest Union Berlin trgt Champions-League-Heimspiele im - rbb24 Schloss Lbbenau Before it reaches the Havel, the Spree slices Berlin in two: a jagged cut from east to west. Especially organic farming holds potential for the future. The 10 Best Spreewald Hotels Where To Stay in Spreewald, Germany But do know, that few other tourists will come to the more secluded areas. Overall, the network of channels, rivers and streams totals 1,500 kilometres in length. In the peaceful Brandenburg town of Burg, Spreewald Thermenhotel has comfortable accommodations and extensive spa facilities. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. Leipe offers peaceful, waterside accommodation and a cafe known for its Hefeplinzen, blintzes brushed with cinnamon sugar and butter. time you have and whether you want to do a simple boat trip or also enjoy some of the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Spreewald by train and bus. Firefighters respond to emergencies by Kahn. It is also possible to reach parts of Lehde by car and then by foot, as there are a number of bridges Note: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert Improve this listing All photos (13) Top ways to experience nearby attractions You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation. Most boats serve alcoholic and (to a lesser degree :P) non-alcoholic drinks, sometimes even small snacks. The S. As of November 2020, you can stay overnight in Spreewald again, too. Over the next few months, I returned to the area twice, seeking the same rush I had felt on my first day trip there: a sudden certitude in the superiority of nature over the routines and vices of city life. You can find options for boats for one, two, or more people, and naturally the prices here There are many little guest houses and hotels in the Spreewald. The museum is quite extensive. The Funkturm (the Berlin Radio Tower) and the ICC (International Congress Center) are on the opposite side of the station. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat. Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges. how to reach Spreewald, where to stay, when to come, and a map to help you get the lay of the land. I love Berlin. To truly appreciate the Spreewalds many charms, hire your own canoe or kayak or get yourself onto a walking trail. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays. Phew. Find all the transport options for your trip from Berlin to Lbben (Spreewald) right here. BEST Spreewald Day Trip From Berlin (+ How To Get There) (2022) If you are looking to experience a different side of Germany on your Berlin holiday, then this is the destination for you!. For visitors to the area, Lbbenau like other Spreewald towns, such as Lbben and Burg serves a primarily utilitarian purpose: a place to rent kayaks and bikes, or book accommodations and tours. And like most every local establishment, their menu is a variation on a theme: blood sausage (Grtzwurst), potatoes served with quark and dribbled with linseed oil, and, in late spring and early summer, white asparagus, engorged on salt water and blanketed in hollandaise sauce. Raddusch is best known for its reconstruction of the Slavic Castle pictured below. So there are quite a few places where pockets of natural manure gas hide below the sand banks. Spreewald Day Trip From Berlin: How to Visit Lbbenau You know, when you look at the pictures you would never assume you were able to path in the Spree river. The fare range provided has been found by our customers on Trainline on 07/03/2023 for travel on 07/03/2023 and for adult tickets in economy, discount cards and coach journeys excluded. Spreewald is a beautiful forest in Germany's Brandenburg state, famous for winding canals, kayak and canoe trips, and traditional villages. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Berlin to Lbbenau (Spreewald) by booking early. If you are looking to experience a different side of Germany on your Berlin holiday, then this is the destination for you! We saw hawks, a bevy of swans and a nutria, a semiaquatic rodent easily mistaken for a beaver, splitting green algae with a determined stroke. After stepping unsteadily into our royal blue, two-seater kayak, we pushed off from the dock. Most inhabitants depend on tourism. A short distance from Lbbenau by foot, boat or bike via a stretch of the 161-mile-long Gurkenradweg (literally: pickle bike path) visitors stop in Lehde for a pint of the local Babben beer, a meal at the popular restaurant, Kaupen No. Hi there, do you know if you need to book the boat tours ahead of time or you can just show up and book? for its winding canals, traditional Sorbian villages, and spa resorts. Totally loved it! Though today it is not his full-time job, as it was his fathers, he still takes the boat out on weekends and holidays. Despite staying in Lbben, I also had to see Lbbenau and its romantic little suburb Ledhe. Follow along on Berlin to Lbben (Spreewald) - 2 ways to travel via train, and car Note: It used to be that in order to ride on these boats, you had to present a negative COVID test. Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find. Many of these areas can be reached by train or bus so that, for Germanys urban, carless residents, public transit facilitates easy and affordable access to nearby nature. A very long pole called Rudel, which double serves as a rudder, is used to navigate the unspoiled river system. Burg, Lbbenau, and Lbben are the most popular towns. Annes de Plerinage is a travel blog that focuses on luxury hotels and unforgettable cultural experiences. this is no longer required since the incidence level in Brandenburg is so low. Most of them will be rather simple but will get you in direct contact with the locals. Save on time and money with night trains in Europe you can choose between different types of sleeper cabins or couchettes. For non-European residents and non-European passport holders only. We had paddled for more than 20 minutes toward Lehde before we consulted the laminated map the kayak rental company had provided and realized we were lost. and Leipe Spreewald is just 100 kilometers (62 miles) southeast of Berlin and is easy super easy to reach by either car, train, or tour, though you can also reach it by bus with some determination.