Four Days in the Spreewald: Paddling, Fliesse and Gherkins

This is where your journey begins. From the outskirts of Berlin, it's only about ninety minutes' drive south into the Spreewald.

Lübbenau is known as the gateway to the Spreewald and is the liveliest starting point for punt and canoe tours. Around the Großer Hafen you'll find restaurants, small shops and jetties from which the punts set off into the fliesse. A great place to arrive and let the landscape sink in.

This quietly located campsite on the edge of town is dog-friendly and within walking distance of the harbour and old town. Large grassy pitches leave plenty of room for your roof tent, and an on-site canoe hire saves you the trek down to the water. A relaxed base for all four nights.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Right at the campsite you can hire canoes and paddles and set off onto the water without any detour. No prior experience is needed for the trip to Lehde, as the water flows gently. Ask for the latest water level and route information before you set off.

The fliesse are the calm network of waterways in the Spreewald, a labyrinth of small channels weaving between alders, meadows and old farmsteads. From your canoe you'll glide silently past houses only reachable by water. Allow plenty of time to simply let yourself drift.

The Freilandmuseum in Lehde displays original Spreewald farmsteads with log-built houses, barns and gardens as they were over a hundred years ago. Wandering between the buildings, you'll learn how life among the fliesse once worked, from transporting hay by punt to harvesting gherkins. You can moor your canoe at the jetty and explore the site on foot.

The historic Wotschofska sits deep in the forest and can only be reached by water or on foot. Stop for a hearty snack or a fish dish before paddling on. There's a dedicated canoe jetty where you can moor up directly.

Schlossinsel in Lübben combines the historic castle with an expansive landscaped park full of waterways, footbridges and play areas. Viewpoints and little bridges invite a leisurely stroll, while the castle museum tells the story of the region. A calm morning between two days of paddling.

Lübben's small, well-kept marketplace is a great spot for a lunch break and a stroll. In the shops you'll find Spreewald specialities, and the stalls offer fresh fruit and regional produce. Relaxed and easy to navigate, without the crowds.

In the area around Lübbenau there are several farm shops selling Spreewald gherkins straight from the producer. Here you can pick up spiced, mustard and garlic gherkins fresh from the barrel, often with a chance to taste before you buy. Ask at the campsite reception for the nearest farm shop, as the selection changes with the season.

Burg is the largest and most spread-out village in the Spreewald, an officially recognised recreational resort with numerous farmsteads, canals and cycle paths. Punt trips set off from the harbour, and quiet paths lead through the so-called Hochwald all around. A great place to let your stay wind down gently.

The Gurkenradweg is a roughly 260-kilometre, well-signposted circular route through the Spreewald, named after the region's famous gherkin. A short stretch around Burg runs flat through meadows, past fliesse and farmsteads, and can be explored on foot or by bike. Along the way you'll regularly pass stalls selling gherkins and honey.

The Bismarckturm near Burg stands on the Schlossberg and is one of the highest viewpoints in the otherwise flat Spreewald. From the upper walkway you get a sweeping view over the forest and the fliesse landscape. A lovely way to finish before heading back towards Berlin.

To finish off, pick up some more gherkins and pickled vegetables straight from the producer for the journey home. In and around Burg there are several farms offering direct sales and tastings. Ask locally for the nearest farm shop that's open.