Discover Straupitz (Spreewald)

Straupitz (Spreewald) brings together striking architecture, milling history and evidence of its former transport links. The Schinkel Church, granary, Dutch windmill and history of the Spreewaldbahn railway offer a variety of cultural highlights; the Florentine oak adds a natural monument. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth looking at two levels: the special features of Straupitz and the wider range of options in the Dahme-Spreewald travel region.

Church, granary and mill

The Schinkel Church was consecrated on 5 August 1832. Its two towers are a landmark in the Spreewald and can be seen from well beyond Straupitz. The design also has its own history: planning began in 1826; Karl Friedrich Schinkel was asked to prepare a design on 28 October and sent it on 12 November. Those interested in architectural history will find two specific historical points of reference in the consecration and the design process.

The granary in Straupitz is part of the palace grounds and lies between the Schinkel Church and Straupitz Palace. The Friends of the Straupitz Granary association runs a local history exhibition and a café there. Before visiting, check whether the exhibition and café are currently open.

The Dutch windmill in Straupitz is Europe's last functioning threefold windmill. It adds a technical dimension to the town's architectural history. As its operating status may change, check before visiting.

Nature and outdoor activities in Straupitz

The Florentine oak, also known as Florentine, is a dead pedunculate oak in the Byttnahain near Straupitz and is registered as a natural monument. Its tree species, condition and natural monument status provide a different focus from the historic buildings and add a specific nature-related feature to the picture of the town.

Hiking and cycling tours offered in and around Straupitz start at the tourist information office on Kirchstraße; guided tours can also be booked. Ask there about current packages if you would like to include a tour in your plans.

Spreewaldbahn: regional transport history

The metre-gauge Spreewaldbahn carried passengers from 1898 to 1970. Straupitz was its operational hub; routes from there ran to Lübben, Goyatz, Lieberose and Cottbus. These destinations illustrate the railway's former regional role.

At the former Straupitz railway station, the Spreewaldbahn interest group is putting together an exhibition featuring many original Spreewaldbahn carriages. The development of an exhibition is thus also part of the local railway history.

Dahme-Spreewald as a wider travel region

The wider Dahme-Spreewald travel region encompasses the Spreewald and the Dahme lake district within Dahme-Spreewald county. The region is shaped by scenic, historical and cultural attractions. This allows you to distinguish the special features of a place like Straupitz from the possibilities offered by the wider destination.

In Dahme-Spreewald county, more than 1,000 kilometres of well-developed, fully signposted cycle paths connect landscapes and excursion destinations in the Spreewald and the Dahme lake district. This provides cyclists with a regional point of reference; check the conditions on your chosen route before setting off.

Another offering in the wider destination is Schlepzig harbour, which serves as a starting point for punt or paddle boat trips along a three-kilometre circular route through the Spreewald village. Services may be seasonal, so check current options before making plans. At the Schlepzig Farmers' Museum, an authentically furnished farmhouse illustrates small-scale farming life. The museum is housed in a fully preserved rural building complex dating from 1818.

Choose accommodation based on what you want to focus on

If your stay is to focus primarily on the Schinkel Church, the granary, the mill, Spreewaldbahn railway history and tours in and around Straupitz, focus your search on Straupitz. This lets you first decide between a stay centred on the town and a broader mix of regional attractions.

Discover more destinations: Neuendorf Am See, Luckau, Groß Köris, Schlepzig, Wildau, Bersteland, Schulzendorf, Heidesee.

View the wider travel overview: Dahme-Spreewald.