The best traffic-free bike rides around Schmogrow-Fehrow

At the Spree bridge, do not follow the instruction to go left and then ride on the left side. The path is a gravel track. Better to go straight ahead, i.e. on the right side of the river. Further ahead at the weir, you can cross the Spree and get back on the route.

During peak season there are often waiting times.

Coming from Schmogrow, this complex is located at a very interesting "junction" from which you can continue to Burg or the surrounding area.

Anyone traveling along the Gurkenradweg (Gherkin Cycle Path) cannot miss Straupitz – and they shouldn't. The castle, with its park-like surroundings, is located directly on the stream, where the Spreewald captains' boats leisurely float along. In the background, the imposing twin-towered church peeks through the trees. The cycle path runs within sight of the water here, offering an ideal opportunity for a longer rest. The meadow on the bank is perfect for a picnic, the café in the old castle tempts with cakes and shandlers, and if you're lucky, you'll snag a spot on the terrace overlooking the water. Children will also find their fill here – the rafts and boats look like toys from another era. Convenient: There's a bike rack, and signposts help with orientation. This is an ideal stop for anyone who enjoys nature, culture, and a touch of Spreewald romance. If you want to continue, follow the little yellow cucumber on the sign – it knows the way.

At the edge of the fields, slightly elevated, the "Burg Bismarckturm" (Sorbian: Borkowy Bismarckowy form) stop marks another stage of the Spreewald Railway route. Formerly called "Burg Jugendturm," the station was renamed in 1951 as part of the political realignment. Today, the station commemorates not only the railway, but also Germany's turbulent history. The plaque tells the story of the stop's creation and closure, its former railway operations with waiting shelters and bicycle racks—and how a simple train station became a small window into the history of mobility. An old black-and-white snapshot shows how a steam locomotive once stopped here—at the exact spot where you might now park your bike.

It lies right on the outskirts of Schmogrow: the lovingly reconstructed corrugated iron hut of the old Spreewald Railway stop. Anyone cycling past here should definitely pause for a moment – because this small town has great stories to tell. Opened in 1898, the stop once served passenger and freight traffic – two sidings led to the Spree River and a brickworks. The Spreewald Railway once connected the villages with Cottbus and was a lifeline for people, milk, and bricks. After the construction of the Nordumfluter (Northern Floodplain), the line ended in 1970. What remains is this green house with red window frames, an information board – and a quiet place of remembrance. Next door: a small playground, a bike rack, and a shady bench under the trees. Ideal for a break, a sandwich from your backpack – and a few minutes to pause.

If you've ever wanted to experience how relaxing a straight line can be, the Nordumfluter cycle path is the perfect place for you. The path runs parallel to the canal of the same name – a straight ribbon through meadows, with expansive views and a well-maintained asphalt surface. Ideal for touring bikes, e-bikes, or relaxed family outings. Especially on hot days, the open landscape has an almost meditative feel. Accompanied by the babbling of the canal, you cycle through the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve without being interrupted by the hustle and bustle of tourists. Those seeking peace and quiet will find it here. Those who want to cover distance can do so too. Every now and then, forks invite you to take small detours – for example, to the locks or rest stops. Benches are provided at regular intervals, usually with beautiful views of the water. An ideal section to really take a deep breath.

Anyone cycling along the cycle path through the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve will encounter a piece of unspectacular but functional hydraulic engineering history: The lock in the northern floodplain ensures the controlled flow of water from the intricate Spree system. Even if this may not sound spectacular to tourists, it is a central piece of the puzzle in the water-rich cultural landscape of the Spreewald. For cyclists, the lock is a good opportunity for a short stop: The facility itself is easily visible from the path. If you look closely, you can see the mechanics of the gates and the small walkways that the staff used to operate the lock. Today, everything seems somewhat deserted, but not dilapidated – a quiet place by the water, where technical infrastructure blends into the landscape.