Lübbenau Spreewald Discovery canoe tour

Just under 100 kilometres south-east of Berlin there is a veritable labyrinth of riverways – countless branches of the River Spree: a genuine discovery tour to be taken at an individual pace. Paddle, rest and enjoy fascinating stops: in this way, 4 hours of pure paddling time gives you an entire day of fascinating exploration and enjoyment. Visit to Lehde open-air museum Lehde – a stopover with lots that is typical of the Spreewald region – or simply stay on the water and discover the Spreewald in a way that is completely different from a traditional Spreewald punting tour. This circular tour passes through the inner Oberspreewald with its unspoilt high forest, fields, arable land and pastures. Ancient pastureland with tree branches hanging into the river, creating a mythical atmosphere.
The virtually unspoilt floodplain landscape has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1991 and provides an ideal habitat for rare animals and plants. With a little luck it is possible to spot storks, ospreys and even the corncrake. It is also exciting to discover how beautiful the sounds of nature are, with your own paddle strokes guiding the boat through this aquatic maze. Boats with accessories and tips for the tour are available from the boat rental companies in Lübbenau before the discovery tour starts.

Length/duration: 19 kilometres (4 hours)

Start/finish: Lübbenau

How to get there:

• Public transport from Berlin central station (Hauptbahnhof) on the RE2 (Cottbus) to Lübbenau (approximately 1 hour) 
• Car from Berlin via the A113/A13 as far as the Lübbenau exit, then on Luckauer Landstrasse to Lübbenau (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes)

Return journey:

• Public transport from Lübbenau on the RE2 (Wismar) to Berlin central station (Hauptbahnhof) (approximately 1 hour) 
• Car from Lübbenau via Luckauer Landstrasse, then A13/A113 going north to Berlin (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes)

Route: The starting point is the main River Spree (Hauptspree) in Lübbenau. From here the tour continues via the Spreewald village of Leipe, Leiper Graben and further on via Großer Fliess, Wehrkanal, Bürgerfließ and Lehder Fliess back to Lübbenau.

On-shore outings

• Lübbenau: Palace complex, Spreewald Museum, Gasthaus Wotschofska, Großer Kahnfährhafen
• Leipe: Leipe local history parlour
• Lehde: Lehde open-air museum, gherkin museum

Recommendation:

• Visit to the Spreewald UNESCO Biosphere Reserve information centre in Lübbenau

Nautical information: unique aquatic labyrinth, 300 kilometres of riverways can be accessed. Observe nature conservation rules! In the core zone of the Spreewald you may not depart from the waterways or paddle down individual riverways; paddling is only allowed until 1 hour after sunset; no motorboats until Leibsch; Spreewald punts always have right of way; lots of branch-offs; numerous smaller manually operated locks, in some cases with boat hoists.

Maps/Literature: “Kanu Kompakt Spreewald - mit topografischen Wasserwanderkarten", Spiralbindung, Thomas Kettler Verlag, 4. aktualisierte Auflage 2019, ISBN: 978-3-934014-80-0, Euro 12.90