Tucked away between Berlin and Dresden lies one of Germany’s most underrated travel regions: Brandenburg. With its peaceful lakes, forested trails, eco-minded hotels, and old-world villages, this area invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. Away from the big city buzz and out into a holiday paradise, that's what comes to mind when I think of my trip to Lausitzer Seenland and Spreewald - both part of the Brandenburg region.
In this 4-day itinerary, I’ll take you through the heart of Lausitzer Seenland, Europe’s largest man-made lake district and the magical waterways of Spreewald, a UNESCO biosphere reserve rich in Sorbian culture and beautiful nature. Whether you’re cycling around tranquil lakes, paddling through canals, or savoring regional delicacies like Spreewald pickles or Lusatian fish, this itinerary blends slow travel with authentic discovery. There is so much to do for the active people but if you come for the relaxation and holiday vibe – trust me there is so much to enjoy as well.
How to Get to Brandenburg
Getting to Brandenburg is easy and eco-friendly. If you’re coming from Berlin, you can reach Senftenberg (the gateway to Lausitzer Seenland) in about 1.5 to 2 hours by regional train. It’s a very scenic route and I enjoyed the ride a lot.
From Dresden, the journey is even quicker, roughly 1 hour via direct train.
To reach Spreewald, most travelers head toward Lübbenau or Burg, both accessible by regional trains. Alternatively, if you’re staying at Michelberger Farm, the team can help coordinate local transfers or pickups for specific group stays. Or you get to Vetschau and take the bus from there.
Tip: Use the Deutschland-Ticket (49 EUR/month) for unlimited regional travel a great sustainable choice for exploring Brandenburg if you stay longer. Otherwise you can purchase single tickets conveniently at the station ticket machines or online with the DB app.
How to Get Around
Once you’ve arrived, the best way to explore Brandenburg’s nature is by bike or on foot. The region is built for it especially Lausitzer Seenland, which offers over 1’900 km of signposted cycling tours circling turquoise lakes, forests and vast green fields.
Most hotels, including Strandhotel Senftenberg, offer rental bikes. In the Spreewald, you can explore the iconic canals by paddle boat, SUP, or traditional Spreewald barge (Kahnfahrt). But also there, between the canals and charming towns are cycling trails which make it enjoyable and easy to navigate.
For longer distances, having a rental car (especially for visiting Spreewald after Lausitz) gives you more flexibility. Otherwise, local bus connections can cover short hops between towns too.
Best Time to Visit Brandenburg
Brandenburg is a year-round destination, but the ideal time to visit is from late May to early October, when temperatures are pleasant, the lakes are swimmable, and the forests are lush and green. However, spring bloom and autumn colors are also very attractive to enjoy the nature. Winter time is low season and quiet but can be magical on days when there is a light blanket of snow and maybe the lake water even freezes. Not to forget that it is perfect for Wellness stays as there are many resorts with Sauna and other offerings.
- Summer months (June–August): Best for swimming, cycling, water sports, and open-air events.
- Autumn (late September–October): Quieter, golden light, perfect for slow travel and photography.
- Spring: Fewer crowds, blossoming landscapes, and a fresh start to the paddling season.
- Winter: Magical calm in Spreewald’s frozen canals, ideal for cozy stays and wellness.
Day-by-Day Itinerary: 4 Days Through Nature, Culture & Conscious Travel
Day 1: Arrival in Lausitzer Seenland
Your journey begins in Senftenberg, a peaceful lakeside town with a strong post-industrial story. We took the train (RE7) from Berlin and arrived at the train station. Once a coal-mining region, the Lausitzer Seenland has undergone a powerful transformation into a sustainable lake district with vast open-pit mines now filled with clean water and turned into natural havens. The Mining and coal production have shaped Lusatia since the mid-19th century. More than 2 billion tonnes of brown coal have been mined in the region at depths of up to 60 metres. Since the mid 1990s the regional administration has been responsible to bringing back nature and making the area available for recreational purposes. The big project is taking shape and attracting now many tourists. It is aimed at becoming the largest artificial lake landscape in Europe.
Check into:
Strandhotel Senftenberg: a modern and welcoming hotel right on the lake, known for its regional cuisine and lakeside views. You can directly access the Senftenberger Lake from the hotel beach and already there relax if you had an exhausting journey.
Afternoon activity:
Take a scenic boat cruise across Senftenberger See, where you can learn about the lake’s ecological rebirth. Along the way, enjoy views of sailboats, bird sanctuaries, and modern lakefront architecture blending with the wilderness.
I highly recommend actually taking the hotels e-bikes and discovering the Senftenberger See on land. You can do a full cycle around the lake or head out to expeditours and rent a SUP, kayak or boat. It’s so relaxing and enjoyable with the calm water and scenic forests around. Afterwards you can enjoy a delicious ice cream in the various gelaterias around the port.
Recommended stop: Lutki Hütte
Dinner recommendation:
Enjoy regional dishes at the hotel restaurant, try the freshly caught Lusatian fish, a local specialty. Alternatively I highly recommend the Sonnenhof 1864, a charming restaurant which you can easily reach by bike within 20 min. Since it’s your first day here, go for a traditional German dish like Schnitzel.
Day 2: Cycling Adventure Around the Lakes
Fuel up with breakfast, get your e-bike at the hotel, and get ready to cycle along the stunning lakeside paths. The Lausitzer Seenland is an award-winning example of renatured landscapes, and the ride is as inspiring as it is scenic. If you have the chance, hire a guide that will share the inspiring story of the area, know a lot of hidden gems and will take care of your day trip.
Suggested Route (20–25 km loop):
Strandhotel → Geierswalder See → Rostiger Nagel → Partwitzer See → Grosskoschen → return via Senftenberger See.
On the way you can actually stop at many designated beach areas and enjoy swimming or simply relaxing.
Dinner recommendation:
Take the bike or walk to the center of Senftenberg and enjoy a delicious dinner at Die Drogerie. On the way, do not miss a stop at the Schlosspark. It’s a beautiful green space and impressive castle.
Overnight: Strandhotel Senftenberg
Day 3: Wine & Mining & Check-in at Michelberger Farm
For today, I highly recommend taking a little tour to some unique and impressive spots that just showcase how transformative the past years have been for the Lausitzer Seenland region. Our first stop is the Wein Wobar – a boutique vinery at Lake Großräschen. It is still a very young vinery and they are known for their PIWI wines and being the steepest of its kind in the region. The lake has just recently been fully flooded and opened to the public, so it is still very new coming here and enjoying your vacation. I highly recommend booking your tour in advance. It could be a stop on your bicycle tour or if you are by car just before heading back in time to the mining history.
Next stop is the Besucherbergwerk F60. The F60 conveyor bridge in Lichterfeld is one of the largest mobile machines in the world and is often called the “Horizontal Eiffel Tower of Lusatia.” Built between 1989 and 1991, it stretches over 500 meters in length and was used to move huge amounts of earth in open-pit coal mining. The machine could transport up to 29,000 cubic meters of material per hour about the size of a football field filled 8 meters high. Although it was only in use for a short time, the F60 remains an impressive symbol of industrial engineering. Today, visitors can walk along the bridge, enjoy panoramic views from a height of 75 meters, and learn more about the region’s mining history at the small museum and café inside the old maintenance wagon.
High season (March 16 - October 31): Monday to Sunday 10AM – 6PM Price: 14 EUR
Their snack bar is great for a quick lunch stop before we head out.
Now it’s time to say goodbye to the lakes and head into the wild green labyrinth of the Spreewald, a biosphere reserve where time seems to flow slower.
Check into:
Nestled in the gentle countryside of Brandenburg, just outside the village of Wilmersdorf, the Michelberger Farm is far more than a place to stay - it’s a creative sanctuary rooted in sustainability, community, and slow living. Founded by the team behind Berlin’s iconic Michelberger Hotel, the farm was imagined as a space for reconnection: with nature, with food, and with each other. Set on a historic estate surrounded by fields & forests, the farm now hosts intimate guest stays, seasonal retreats, and workshops in its beautifully restored stone buildings and timber-framed barns. One of the core experiences here is the farm-to-table kitchen, which serves nourishing, organic meals made from produce grown directly on the land or sourced from local partners. It’s literally some of the best food I ever tasted. The garden is a lush mix of herbs, flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees and is a living classroom on how to grow a sustainable and flourishing. Inspired by permaculture and biodynamic farming, it nourishes both the soil and the plants that grow from it.Whether you're here for a curated gathering, a moment of retreat, or just a slow weekend in nature, the Michelberger Farm invites you to step away from the noise and remember the rhythms of the land.
Afternoon activity:
Wander through the wild gardens, explore the farm’s permaculture beds, or simply relax by the fire in the communal barn. You can also opt to join a guided herbal walk or seasonal workshop if available.
Dinner:
Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner served family-style. Much of what you eat comes directly from the garden or nearby producers.
Day 4: Spreewald by Boat & Local Delicacies
No trip to Spreewald is complete without experiencing its iconic waterways.
The Spreewald is one of Germany’s most enchanting natural landscapes! A sprawling network of over 1,500 kilometers of natural and man-made waterways, shaped by centuries of human-nature interaction. Located about 100 kilometers southeast of Berlin, this biosphere reserve has been protected under UNESCO status since 1991, and it’s not just its beauty that earned it the title. The Spreewald is home to over 50 species of fish, including pike, perch, eel, and catfish, and its orchards and meadows are known for rare apple varieties and seasonal produce (1’500 different ones!). But what truly sets the region apart is its bilingual cultural heritage. The Spreewald is one of the last strongholds of the Sorbs/Wends, a Slavic minority whose presence dates back over a thousand years. Today, many villages still bear dual-language signs, and the Sorbian traditions, from colorful costumes to Easter egg painting remain alive and well. The region’s history as a settled agricultural and fishing community stretches back to the 6th century, and its canals, originally dug for irrigation and transport, are now a unique attraction in themselves. Visitors can glide through the peaceful waterways in traditional wooden punts, discover Spreewald gherkin farms (a regional delicacy with PGI status), and explore the biosphere’s rich diversity of flora and fauna. All while witnessing a living example of how cultural identity and nature conservation can go hand in hand.
Morning activity:
After a hearty and fresh breakfast at Michelberger Farm you’ll check out and head to Lübbenau for some water activities. You could go on a traditional Kahnfahrt (barge ride) a slow, peaceful journey through the narrow canals that make this region famous. Or for the more active people I recommend a kayak or kanu boat tour which is self guided and you can choose from 2 hours to full day tours. We chose a 3-4 hourse kanu tour and they indicated us the recommended route. It’s a magical experience paddling along the canalways – some narrow and surrounded by mystical trees and others wide and open with antique houses at the shore.
Recommended Rental: Bootsverleih Richter, Dammstraße 75, 03222 Lübbenau/Spreewald You can book online in advance and they even store your luggage. The staff speaks English and is very helpful and friendly.
Lunch idea:
Try Spreewälder Gurkensuppe or local quark & linseed oil specialties at a riverside tavern.
Optional afternoon activities: Visit the Freilandmuseum Lehde in Lübbenau or explore the Spreewald-Therme in Burg for a relaxing spa experience
Overnight: Michelberger Farm (if staying another night) or return to Berlin/Dresden in the evening for your departure or onwards journey. Just note when booking the trip: the farm is open from Thursday to Monday!
Things to Do in Lausitzer Seenland
- Take a panoramic boat tour on Lake Senftenberg
- Cycle the Lakeland Loop
- Relax at the South Beach (Südsee) for swimming and sunbathing
- Climb the Viewing Towers for lake panoramas
- Explore industrial heritage sites like F60
Find more extensive information here for download
Top Experiences in Spreewald
- Glide through the UNESCO Spreewald canals by traditional barge
- Learn about Sorb culture and the bilingual heritage of the region
- Taste Spreewald pickles, linseed oil dishes, and regional honey
- Paddle your own kayak or SUP
- Visit the Spreewald Museum or the Lehde Village Museum
- Explore healing rituals at Spreewald-Therme
Where to Stay
Strandhotel Senftenberg:
Modern lakeside hotel with direct access to the promenade, water activities, and bike trails.
Michelberger Farm:
Stylish eco-retreat and creative community hub, surrounded by wild gardens, nature, and deep inspiration.
Where to Eat
- Strandhotel Restaurant – Lakeside Lusatian fish dishes
- Die Drogerie – Modern city vibes
- Michelberger Farm Kitchen – Seasonal, organic, and soul-nourishing
Responsible Travel Tips
- Travel by train and rent bikes locally when possible
- Avoid single-use plastics and bring your own reusable bottles
- Respect quiet zones in nature reserves and biosphere parks
- Support regional producers and artisans
- Learn about the Sorb/Wendish culture and its traditions
Brandenburg might not be the first place that comes to mind when you dream of a nature-based getaway but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Far from the crowds, this region offers sustainable adventures, peaceful landscapes, and cultural encounters that stay with you.
From swimming in turquoise lakes in Lausitzer Seenland to gliding through forested canals in Spreewald, this itinerary is your invitation to explore a quieter, greener side of Germany one paddle stroke or pedal turn at a time. Maybe you want to extend your next Berlin trip and stay a little longer in Brandenburger…
