Unterspreewald: Waterways, Boat Trips and Nature

In Unterspreewald, water is more than just a backdrop: boat trips, paddling excursions and fishing waters offer different ways to experience the landscape. The mostly slow-flowing waterways also provide opportunities to observe nature. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering which activities you would like to enjoy.

Waterways and Boat Trips

Boat trips are one way to explore Unterspreewald. Check in advance which providers and seasonal trips are available during your travel dates. Boat routes head towards Groß Wasserburg and Leibsch; along the way, there are opportunities to sample local Spreewald cuisine. Check separately which places to eat and dishes are available. Leibsch has two departure points for traditional boat trips, although services may vary by season.

You can also explore the Inner Unterspreewald by canoe or pedal boat, with the possibility of spotting beavers along the way. Sightings are, of course, not guaranteed. Kayaks and pedal boats can be launched in Leibsch and Neu Lübbenau. Access may be subject to biosphere reserve regulations and seasonal restrictions, so check the conditions before your trip.

Nature Watching and Fishing

The slow-flowing waterways offer opportunities to observe nature. The fishing waters in Unterspreewald are also within the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve. Pike, zander and European catfish are found in many parts of the fishing area. Fish stocks and fishing regulations may change, so check the current rules and whether a permit is required before fishing.

The area around Neuendorfer See can also be explored on foot, by bicycle or from the water. Check the local conditions before setting out. This adds another way to discover the surroundings actively to the range of water-based and nature experiences.

Neu Lübbenau and Leibsch as Points of Reference

The Spreeradweg (Spree Cycle Route) passes through Neu Lübbenau, giving cyclists a useful point of reference when planning their trip. The village is also home to a Neo-Gothic brick church built in 1939. It connects the cycle route with a historic building, without requiring a visit inside.

In Leibsch, the Puhlstrom and the main Spree meet. The old needle weir there is also described as a well-preserved technical monument. Along with the two departure points for traditional boat trips, this provides several ways to connect with the water. When looking for accommodation, you can weigh up whether the cycle route and church in Neu Lübbenau or the boat departures and water engineering history in Leibsch are a greater priority for your trip.

A Broader Look at Dahme-Spreewald

The broader destination of Dahme-Spreewald includes both the Dahme Lake District and the Spreewald as part of the travel region in Dahme-Spreewald district. The area’s range of attractions also includes natural, historical and cultural highlights. Cyclists can explore more than 1,000 kilometres of well-developed, fully signposted cycle paths across the district, connecting landscapes and destinations in the Spreewald and Dahme Lake District. Check the exact route if you are planning a cycle tour.

The Schlepzig Farm Museum offers another way to explore the region’s cultural history. It is housed in a fully preserved ensemble of farm buildings dating from 1818. The faithfully furnished farmhouse depicts small-scale farming life. The museum’s rooms thus complement the nature and water experiences with a glimpse into past ways of life in the broader destination of Dahme-Spreewald.

Discover more destinations: Neuendorf Am See, Zeuthen, Märkische Heide, Lübben, Jamlitz, Teupitz.

Return to the overview of destinations: Dahme-Spreewald.