The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Unterspreewald

Shortly after entering the village, at the first fork in the village road, in front of two large oak trees standing one behind the other, a stele surrounded by an iron fence with the names of the fallen of the First World War. Above it, an Iron Cross surrounded by a bronze wreath. To the right and left, carved in stone, the years 1914 - 1918. Below, a plaque with an inscription. The names of the fallen of the Second World War are on two granite slabs to the left and right of the stele.

At the Leibsch lock group, you can launch into the Spree (upstream and downstream) as well as into the Dahme diversion canal. You can drive directly up to the lock, and parking is also possible to a limited extent.

The barge lock was easy to lock through in July 2025 (in Leibsch they said the lock was closed).

Anyone paddling on the Spree will sooner or later reach the weir and lock system in Leibsch – and then face a choice: lock or tow. The self-service lock works surprisingly reliably, but requires some time, strength, and technical understanding. Large levers, clear indicators – those who dare will be rewarded with a piece of true hydraulic engineering practice. Alternatively, a portage route leads over several sturdy concrete steps, which, while easy to navigate, are quite challenging with heavy luggage or a loaded boat. You're rarely alone here – whether you're a local walker or other paddlers, a quick chat is almost guaranteed. The surroundings are well-maintained, and getting back into the water is easy with a little caution. If you want to take a break, there's a small, honest restaurant with a terrace right on the river nearby: self-service drinks, food is brought to you, all paid in cash. No tourist crowds, just real local charm and solid home cooking. Particularly recommended: jacket potatoes with linseed oil and quark, served with a cold wheat beer.

On the southern edge of Neuendorf am See, directly on the Spree Cycle Path and the Spree River, lies a small but charming bivouac site, ideal for a break—or even a simple overnight stay in a tent. The centerpiece is a weatherproof wooden pavilion with a seating area, offering welcome shelter in both rain and shine. Right next door is a small, solidly built washroom building—simple but functional. The area is well-maintained, with plenty of room for a tent or picnic blanket.

Anyone paddling near Leibsch should rest their paddles for a moment – because here lies a rare piece of technical history: the Leippsch Needle Lock, a technical monument with a roller gate and boat lane. The lock, originally part of the Hermsdorf Mill weir system, was built at the beginning of the 20th century to regulate the water level on the Dahme River and consists of a roller gate and a double gate – constructed of riveted steel. Since 1999, the historic lock has been dismantled and rebuilt as a technical demonstration object directly at the old lock site. Anyone interested in historical hydraulic structures or simply wanting to see how water was controlled in the past will find what they are looking for here: rusty, powerful, and rich in detail. The location is easily accessible for canoeists, even though the lock itself is no longer in operation. Those approaching from the Spree can rest at a suitable spot and look at the monument – an information board explains the technical data (e.g. dam height 1.8m, flow width up to 7m).

Anyone paddling on the Spree from Leibsch towards Schlepzig will pass through one of the region's most beautiful and at the same time most tranquil stretches near Groß Wasserburg. Here, the river meanders through the Wasserburger Spreewald nature reserve – a place where the landscape breathes a sigh of relief. The Spree is narrow, shallow, and crystal-clear in this section. The river meanders through meadows and floodplain forest, past dense reed beds, willows, and small oxbow lakes. In summer, dragonflies flutter above the water, and in autumn, colorful treetops reflect on the surface – a picture-perfect stretch for nature lovers. Water hikers benefit from the tranquility: there are no motorboats here, the current is gentle, and orientation is usually clear. Those who wish can briefly land – flat meadows along the banks are ideal for a rest. However, there is no infrastructure – no jetty, no trash can, no kiosk. Instead, there is all the more peace, birds, and a picture-perfect landscape.

Anyone traveling upstream or downstream on the Spree will find a rest area in Neuendorf am See that offers almost everything you could wish for after a long day of paddling: a well-kept meadow right by the water, ideal docks for landing, and – this isn't a given – restroom facilities within easy reach. The area is lined with old willow trees, offers space for tents or simply to stretch out on a sleeping mat, and in the evenings, someone usually stops by to collect a small overnight fee – fair and uncomplicated. A particularly pleasant feature: a small hotel is right next door. Anyone who likes it can stop for a drink or, in a pinch, even switch to a bed. The atmosphere in the evening is peaceful: dragonflies dance over the water, the occasional boat chugs by, otherwise only the sounds of birds and the gentle lapping of the dock. Perfect for ending the day – whether alone, as a couple, or in a small group.