Burg (Spreewald): Experience nature, culture and water

Burg (Spreewald) reveals its distinctive character on different levels. At the Schlossberghof, the scattered settlement comes to life as a walkable aerial image; outdoors, the Nature Experience Clock guides visitors into nature through the senses. On the water, there is a paddling tour and a traditional punt boat trip through the locks, while the Bismarck Tower and nature trail add insights into the landscape and local history. Nature experiences, active pursuits and historical discoveries therefore offer different highlights for your trip.

Sensory experiences and the scattered settlement

The Schlossberghof Burg outdoor grounds are home to the fully accessible Nature Experience Clock. Its areas, each dedicated to one of the senses, invite visitors to taste, smell, touch and listen to nature. The Schlossberghof also features a walkable aerial image on the floor, giving visitors an impression of the scattered settlement. Sensory experiences and a spatial view of the settlement form offer different ways to explore nature and the local landscape.

Water and trails in Burg

The Kolonistentour Burg & Burg Kolonie is an easy 7-kilometre paddling tour. The start and finish are at the harbour in Burg, and the tour takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. A traditional punt boat trip through the locks also starts at a harbour in Burg. As it is offered seasonally, check its operating period before making plans.

The local history trail near Burg starts and finishes at the Bismarck Tower and is 5 kilometres long. Sights along the way include the Willischza and the natural and cultural landscape with its waterways. In terms of distance alone, the trail’s 5 kilometres can be compared with the paddling tour’s 7 kilometres; the two experiences also differ in how you travel.

Views and architectural history

The 27-metre-high Bismarck Tower offers panoramic views across the Spreewald landscape. It was built between 1915 and 1917 using 1.5 million clinker bricks. The Annemarie Schulz House takes visitors back to a much earlier period: the historic Burger residential and barn house dates from 1726 and is made of wood, clay and brick. Together, the two buildings offer insights into different periods of local history.

More topics in the wider Spree-Neiße destination

The wider Spree-Neiße destination offers more regional nature, culture and culinary experiences. The Spreewald is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a distinctive inland delta landscape. Regional routes each have their own focus: the Gurkenradweg explores the landscape and themes related to the popular pickled vegetable; the Sorbische Impressionen tour offers insights into the life and traditions of the Sorbian/Wendish minority living in the region. The Spree Cycle Route crosses the Spree-Neiße region for about 60 kilometres and runs mostly along paved river dykes.

Another regional highlight is the East German Rose Garden in Forst (Lausitz). Visitors can admire tens of thousands of roses in almost 1,000 varieties across the 17-hectare park. The Spreewald’s diversity can also be found in its cuisine: specialities include pickled cucumbers in sour, spiced or mustard varieties, linseed oil with quark, yeast pancakes and Spreewald fish.

Discover more destinations: Spremberg, Forst, Schenkendöbern, Groß Schacksdorf-Simmersdorf, Kolkwitz, Tauer, Drebkau, Welzow.

Back to the wider travel overview: Spree-Neiße.