Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

Spreewald Biosphere Reserve: Discover Berlin’s Natural Gem

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

Introduction to Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

Welcome to the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, a hidden gem located in the outskirts of Berlin, Germany. This unique natural wonder offers visitors a chance to explore a lush, green landscape that’s a stark contrast to the bustling city life of Berlin. The Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is known for its verdant forests, crystal-clear waterways, and rich biodiversity. In this article, we will delve into the wonders of Spreewald and provide tips on how to make the most of your visit.

The History and Significance of Spreewald

Spreewald is considered to be an ethnic micro-region that has a history that may be traced back to the 6th century and the inhabitants of the area – the Sorbs. The Sorbs saw the potential in that sort of terrain and they used a widespread and interdependent system of waterways, called Fließe to transport goods and people over swamps and wet grounds. Today these canals are the part of the biosphere reserve and are of considerable interest to tourists.

Exploring the Natural Beauty

A boat cruise through the Spreewald is quite among the most effective ways to explore the region and get close to the area’s essence. Lean back comfortably as your professional guide skillfully navigates through the many channels of this area and shares details of this unique ecological system. Be sure to look for kingfishers, herons, and maybe even otters while you are out on a boat. Secondly, a bike or walk through the beautiful trails of Spreewald is also a good technique of enjoying the natural scenery of the reserve.

Unique Flora and Fauna

Spreewald is special for nature lovers because it has an incredibly diverse number of plants and animals. A number of the endangered species of animals and birds are also seen in the reserve including the European otter, and the white-tailed eagle. Spreewald also consists of many anciient trees with cultural, social, and economic values with such varieties such as the Oak tree, Pine and Birch tree among others. Visiting this reserve is an excellent chance to become close to the mystery of this active biotope.

Culture and tradition as a Factor

Besides enjoyable scenery the Spreewald region is famous for its cultural values recorded in its history. The Sorbs have lived in the region for quite some time and have maintained their language, dancing, and even a form of dress. It will be quite interesting to attend one of the dance evenings or autochthonous performances together with folk showings of traditional Sorbian villages and to taste the genuine Sorbian cuisine as well as to get acquainted with their way of life.

Pickles and Paddleboats

One will not be complete when visiting Spreewald without tasting the yummy Spreewald pickles. These endearing little bites are sour and crispy, a flat Disk, originating from this area and presents abundantly here. Some have even made arrangements to allow you to pick your own cucumbers at one of the many pickle farms out there. So whether you are enjoying your pickles or not, why don’t you rent a paddleboat and take a cruise in the canals at your own sweet time? There are many companies where visitors can hire paddleboats and to my opinion it is one of the most enjoyable ways to navigate through the reserve .

Best Time to Visit and Tips

Spreewald can be visited at any time of the year as each time of the year has it unique atmosphere. The reserve and the plants and animals within start flowering in spring apart from there being new birds in the region. Summer is particularly preferred by visitors during this season you can enjoy sunshine, sports and cultural festivals. It is a good time to visit because the trees are withred and golden colours in the autumn. The winter makes Spreewald beautiful for a different reason – the freezing water in the channels and the neighborhood has a pretty fairy-tale feel.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

It will be wise to make an early booking when it comes to boat cruise or in case you want to book a hotel or an apartment for a vacation.

Two right: Dress appropriately; wear comfortable shoes and clothing for walking, or cycling, whichever preference is adopted.

It is also important to ensure you remember to pack insect repellent, sun tan lotion and a bottle of water for outside activities.

Good management of the natural resources around the reserve includes taking all your trash with you and following any rules laid down.

Therefore, it is a good idea to either book your boat tour or accommodation well in advance especially during peak season.

Wear comfortable shoes and casual clothes that could be appropriate for trek or cycling whichever option you decide to take.

Here are some essentials not to leave at home: insect repellent, sunscreen, and a water bottle for any outing in the sun.

Leave no trace: pickup your garbage and follow any rules of the game described in the reserve.

Conclusion

Spreewald Biosphere combines the beauty of landscapes which are fascinating and a break from the noise of the Berlin metropolis . People can see the channels and animals, traditions and pickles which in any case will be interesting for the tourists. Whether you enjoy hiking, the affected and the culture or just want to spend a day wandering, Spreewald will win Your heart and make You leave with only good impressions. Stop by this amazing and often overlooked place to check out the charm of Spreewald for yourself.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free