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The Spreewald

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The Spreewald (German for Spree Woods) is a very unique nature reserve about 80 km south east of Berlin.

In 1991 this unspoilt inland delta with its compact network of waterways that branches out for about 1,300 kilometres and consists of more than 200 small channels, was designated as UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Spreewald © danielfoster437/flickr.com

Spreewald © danielfoster437/flickr.com

In the Spreewald you usually don’t get around by car but by punt. From April to October even the postman comes by punt.
Besides the small channels you can find alder forests on wetlands, pine forests on sandy dry areas, and even grasslands and fields in this extremely beautiful landscape shaped during the ice-age.

You might be surprised to see that in the Spreewald the names of places, roads and waterways are bilingual. This is so because the Spreewald is home to a small population of Slavs, Sorbs and Wends, whose traditional language, customs and clothing are still preserved.

Because of the nicely decorated Easter eggs, also part of the tradition of the Sorbs and Wends, Easter is a good time to visit the Spreewald. Some other Easterly custom is the Easter ride in Zerkwitz the starting point of the 20 km ride. The horsemen announce the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even visitors can take part if they manage to borrow a horse.
Spreewald kids usually play Waleien at Easter which is a game of egg rolling.

But with its about 18,000 species of flora and fauna, the Spreewald is of course worth a visit at any time of the year.

And of course you shouldn’t miss out on a trip on one of the traditional punts. To discover the many waterways you can also rent a canoe or kayak at many places. Dedicated maps will help you find your way.
You can also explore the Spreewald by pushbike. There are special cycling trails like the Gurkenradweg (Gherkin cycling trail) with a length of about 260 km. This trail is named after the Spreewald gherkins which are said to be better known than the Spreewald itself. The Spreewald has a long tradition of both cultivating and conserving vegetables. Apart from the famous sour gherkins you can also get spiced gherkins, hot pepper gherkins, garlic gherkins and mustard gherkins.

In the Spreewald all kinds of accommodation are available to match every taste and budget.


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