A Winter day at Spree Forest in Brandenburg
It was a quite spontaneous decision to go for a short weekend break to East Germany, south of Berlin. The nature environment peaceful, calm and without any bigger cities is simply perfect to recharge batteries while walking along frozen seasides and abounded campsites. The Winter arrived around here with up to minus 9 degrees during day time. Ice crystals on reeds and footprints in the scrunching snow.. what a beautiful day in the winter sun.
Footprints in the snow
During Winter time, the Spree Forest in Brandenburg, or so-called "Spreewald" in The German language, is laying in deep winter dormancy. We only found the numerous footprints of the animals and even from a wolf in the forests between Lübbenau and Werder along the branch streams of the main river Spree.
Where is the Spree Forest in Brandenburg?
We are sure about that some of you do not really know where this green spot on the map actually is. Well, let us explain a bit where the Spree Forest is and how you can reach it and plan a trip there. The Spree Forest is located in the South of Berlin as south-east part of the German State Brandenburg. It is quite a big nature area with thick pine forest mixed with wide, abounded lake landscapes. The river Spree, which is also running through the German capital Berlin, has its origin in this area. If you want to add some calm and fresh air days to a city trip Berlin, for example, take the train for 1 – 1,5 hours to the Spree Forest „capital“ Lübbenau and relax in the middle of nowhere. That's how it feels on a weekend break in Spree Forest at least for us. The closest airport is Berlin Schönefeld in the south border to Berlin. Book a car to be flexible for a longer stay or the comfortable train of the DB by easy booking on the bahn.de website. Berlin as the German capital and a German City State at the same time is surrounded by the state Brandenburg. A perfect match for a trip: spend some days in Berlin combined with a time in Spree Forest in Brandenburg.
What to do in Spree Forest in Winter time?
There are plenty of options you can do in this East German part away from the busy everyday life. And to be honest: even if you do not really know what is the right choice for you: there are diverse activities you should take in consideration while planning before but also during your holiday itself.
The Winter time of the year is also the time the whole countryside is falling into a deep hibernation. Farmhouses are closed, most of the lakes are frozen and even the wild animals taking the speed out of their life's. Perfect for a weekend or a couple of days in total solitude and repose. Cosy Hotels and also bigger Wellness and Spa Resorts are offering perfect options to relax while having a day full of Sauna, Massages and good local food. In a good balance with long winter walks, animal and bird watching but also time to visit some of the local musea and castles to get to know more about the long tradition of the Spree Forest in Brandenburg, this is a great inside tip for an affordable but special trip in the normally grey and cold time of year.
travel plans for a Summer break by the Spree
In Spring and early Summer time the countryside at Spreewald (german for Spree Forest) is starting to get awake. Farmhouses starting their annual service and people from all over the world are coming to the Spree Forest to enjoy and discover the nature canals, lakes and thick wood by bike on the famous biking way "Spreeradweg" or around the dozen of connected canals through the forest and over the fields by canoe, boat or cruises. We are looking forward to being here this Summer again to enjoy the freshness and cleanness of the air and water and the intense colors of the Spree Forest trees and plants. And of course, the fresh farmed and biological planted vegetables from the farm house next to the accommodation or Hotel. Our special tip: Try the famous Spree gherkins, the most delicious pickles worldwide!
Is the Spree Forest a gay-friendly place?
Let us try to tell it like this: The people of the villages are very friendly, heart warming helpful but very, very shy and sceptical about everything which is new to them but might be normal for the most of us coming from bigger cities with a more open minded mind setting. A happy kissing gay couple might be unusual for the most them and you might get one or two sceptical looks from the people. But we never experienced violence or felt offended in any way. As a tip and to explain why that is like that: think about the smallest and most countryside place or village you know and ask yourself how you would experience it there. Then you will know what to expect. But violence and aggressivity were never part of what we experienced there. More about a summer break when we are there in July.
There is something about snow that I find so peaceful and quiet… this place looks beautiful! Lovely photos, especially with the sun out 🙂