Vetschau/Spreewald between moorland, water and culture

Vetschau/Spreewald can be explored through a range of very different themes: the distinctive architecture of the Wendish-German double church, village history in Raddusch, and paths through natural and moorland landscapes. Boat trips into the Spreewald start from the water in Raddusch; cycle paths offer opportunities to explore the district in different directions. When planning your trip, it is worth deciding first which experiences to prioritize: should culture be the main focus, or would you rather put nature trails and water activities at the forefront?

Architecture and village history

The Wendish-German double church consists of two churches standing wall to wall and sharing a sacristy and bell tower. The two churches thus use parts of the same building while retaining their individual identities within the complex. The church also serves as a cultural venue with a museum-like character; exhibitions, concerts and theatre performances are held there. Architecture and culture are therefore not simply side by side here: the shared building is itself a striking feature, while exhibitions and performances provide additional cultural attractions.

In Raddusch, the Heimatstube focuses on village life around 1900. Authentically furnished rooms depict this period, and the exhibition documents traditional occupations such as boatbuilding, blacksmithing, beekeeping, tailoring, shoemaking and farming. These different activities give a tangible impression of the kinds of work that were part of traditional village life. Those interested in culture and everyday history can combine this insight with the double church’s distinctive architecture and cultural use.

Water, moorland and trails in Raddusch

The district of Raddusch lies within the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve. The purpose-built natural punt harbor is a starting point for boat trips into the Spreewald; it is also a launch point for canoe tours. Cycle paths lead from Raddusch in every direction, making cycling a distinct way to explore the district. Alongside water activities, there are also trails that let you discover the surrounding area by bike.

The moorland nature trail runs through a nature reserve and explains different types of moor, the plant and animal life, and how the moor formed. At 13.5 kilometers long, it can be explored on foot or by bike. The trail is connected to the natural punt harbor in Raddusch, the Dubkow Mill and Boblitz as starting points. Its themes also make the route an opportunity to learn more about moorland habitats and pay attention to the natural relationships along the way.

Routes of different lengths

A paved circular route around Lake Gräbendorf is approximately nine kilometers long and can be explored on foot or by bike. Along with the 13.5-kilometer moorland nature trail, it offers a shorter route option; both trails are described as suitable for walking and cycling. When choosing, you can therefore take the stated distance into account, as well as the paved surface of the route around the lake. These are specific differences between the route descriptions; they do not, however, provide a basis for estimating walking time.

Tours in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district

The Oberspreewald-Lausitz district also has walking and cycling routes of various lengths. Hiking routes in the district range from four to 32 kilometers. Cycle touring routes start at 40 kilometers and include self-guided or guided multi-day tours with good places to stop and eat. More than 580 kilometers of signposted cycle routes connect the areas between the Spreewald and the Kmehlener Berge and continue beyond the region from southern Brandenburg to Saxony and northern Brandenburg. These options are part of the district and should be viewed as a regional touring framework.

In the south of the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district, the flooding of former open-cast mines is creating a waterscape of more than 20 artificial lakes: the Lusatian Lake District. The historic old town of Lübbenau/Spreewald, with its Neoclassical palace ensemble, offers another cultural facet of the district. The range of themes in this wider travel destination therefore extends from moorland and local history to longer cycling and hiking tours, as well as a landscape shaped by artificial lakes.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Fleißdorf, Calau, Hermsdorf, Großräschen, Ruhland, Schwarzheide, Laasow, Lübbenau/Spreewald.

Back to the main travel overview: Oberspreewald-Lausitz.