Many people head to Germany with the intention of seeing the historically rich capital of the country, Berlin. But sometimes the city vacation can be a little overwhelming and you need some time out to just relax and get away from the craziness. For those visiting Berlin, just an hour south of the city is the Spreewald Nature Reserve, a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for having a wide variety of natural features and wildlife for visitors to enjoy.
This amazing and beautiful landscape borders the SpreeRiver and is a patchwork of forests, meadows, wetlands and river channels. All this diversity is remarkably contained within an area of less than 200 square miles. Due to the diversity, more than 18,000 species of plants and animals make their homes within the park’s boundaries. But since Spreewald is a biosphere reserve, many areas of the park are not open to visitors so that the potential damage from tourists is minimized.
There is much to do and see at Spreewald. Taking a boat down the many water channels is one of the more popular activities and a great way to both see the park as well as learn about it from a knowledgeable tour guide. Or, for those that want a more personal trip down the river, kayak rides are also possible. If you want to stay on land, you can opt instead for some hiking or biking or perhaps even taking a nature expedition. Many places within the park are not accessible by driving, naturally, so you’d best be prepared to go on foot if you want to see it all.
Apparently, Spreewald is a popular place for the residents of Berlin to go and relax as well, so you’ll also have the chance to meet some locals. A trip through the park can be a great way to both relax and chat with some of the country’s residents without being confined to the usual locales, such as bars and nightclubs.
The town of Spreewald presents its own set of activities for visitors, so a trip to the park can be extended to a stay at the town. The following site contains a good deal of information about the town and all the things around it, including places you can stay, tours, transportation and other attractions in the region.
Spreewald 1 and 3 photos courtesy of J.H. Jansen via Wikicommons
Spreewald 2 photo courtesy of Arihol via Wikicommons
