Discover Neu Zauche: Waterways, Forest and Village Culture

Neu Zauche lies directly on the northern edge of the Spreewald lowlands. The village is also known by its Lower Sorbian name, Nowa Niwa, and was first mentioned in 1334. Between waterways, alder floodplain forest and village culture, Neu Zauche combines nature experiences with craft and historical discoveries.

Waterways and Alder Floodplain Forest

The Neu Zauche punt harbour is located directly in the alder floodplain forest. Boat tours through the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve start here; the harbour also offers trips to Wotschowska, Burg and Lehde. Punt trips and canoe tours offer different ways to explore the Spreewald from Neu Zauche. On a trip near Neu Zauche, the boat can glide beneath a canopy of alder, ash, elm and oak leaves. The landscape around the village is also characterised by alder trees: Neu Zauche borders one of the largest remaining alder floodplain forests in the Spreewald. If you want to make a trip a firm part of your plans, check the current departure times in advance.

Village Culture and History

The Neo-Gothic village church defines the townscape and adds an architectural accent. The Neu Zauche local history room presents local customs and traditions to visitors. The candle workshop offers a hands-on experience where visitors can make their own candles. Each attraction has a different focus: the local history room centres on customs and traditions, while the workshop focuses on creating something yourself. As the availability of candle-making may change, it is advisable to enquire before your visit.

Walking and Cycling Perspectives

Those wishing to explore Neu Zauche on foot will find a starting point for walks through the Spreewald at Weinberg. Weinberg is also considered the highest elevation in the Upper Spreewald. This named landmark therefore combines a distinctive feature of the landscape with a specific connection to walking.

Cyclists can explore the Gurkenradweg (Cucumber Cycle Route): this 260-kilometre route runs through the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve and passes waterways, villages, attractions and regional food producers. Neu Zauche lies on a 50-kilometre section connecting Burg, Straupitz, Alt Zauche, Lübben and Schlepzig. Weinberg is thus a named starting point for walks, while the Gurkenradweg places Neu Zauche on a longer cycling route connecting several villages.

Dahme-Spreewald as a Wider Travel Region

The wider travel destination of Dahme-Spreewald also offers a glimpse of regional trail networks. More than 400 kilometres of marked hiking trails run through the Dahme Lake District and the northern Spreewald. Most follow natural paths alongside meadows and rivers or through forests. Dahme-Spreewald district also has more than 1,000 kilometres of well-maintained, fully signposted cycle paths connecting landscapes and attractions in the Spreewald and the Dahme Lake District. In Dahme-Spreewald, you can explore the region on marked hiking trails and fully signposted cycle paths.

Discover more destinations: Caminchen, Golßen, Lieberose, Krausnick-Groß Wasserburg, Lübben, Straupitz, Jamlitz, Schwielochsee

Return to the wider travel overview: Dahme-Spreewald.