Lubbenau

Lübbenau/Spreewald is the main gateway town to the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognised (since 1991) inland delta of the Spree river about 100 km southeast of Berlin, threaded by more than 276 km of navigable channels through forest, fen, and meadow. First documented in 1315 as a fishing settlement on an island amid the Spree's channels, the town grew around a moated castle later remodelled by the Lynar family, who acquired it in 1621. Lübbenau is the traditional starting point for exploring the Spreewald by Spreewaldkahn — the flat-bottomed, pole-punted boats that have carried people, goods, and produce through the channels for centuries — as well as by canoe.

Lübbenau has its own station on the Berlin–Cottbus regional and Intercity rail line, making it an easy day trip or overnight base from either city; it's also reachable by road.

The town centre is walkable; the Spreewald's channels themselves are best explored by punt (Spreewaldkahn) or canoe from the harbour area, not on foot.

• Lübbenau Castle (Schloss Lübbenau) — the moated castle remodelled by the Lynar family from the 17th century onward, now set in parkland.
• The Spreewald channel network itself, departing from Lübbenau's harbour, is the town's central attraction.

Taking a Spreewaldkahn punt tour or paddling a canoe through the Spreewald channels is the signature activity.

• Berlin — Germany's capital city, reachable by regional train
• Nearby towns in Brandenburg — explore the surrounding region