Peaceful Waters and Plinsen

Our first full day in the Spreewald started with an early breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a day that promised nature, culture, and a whole lot of calm.

We drove south to the village of Lehde, one of the most charming spots in the region. Our destination was the Freilandmuseum—an open-air museum similar in spirit to the one we visited in the Black Forest. Traditional houses from across the Spreewald have been relocated here, lovingly restored, and turned into a living archive of regional history. It’s an immersive look into rural life over the centuries.

The Spreewald is home to the Sorbs—a Slavic minority with their own language, traditions, and folklore. Over time, German and Sorbian cultures have woven together into something beautifully unique. The museum does a great job of capturing that blend.

We wrapped up our visit with a traditional treat: Plinsen. These yeasty crepe-like pancakes are thicker than their French cousins and were served with butter, cinnamon, sugar, and apple sauce. Comfort food at its best.

In the afternoon, we headed to the Spreehafen in Burg and boarded one of the region’s iconic boats for a glide through the network of forested canals. There’s something so timeless and serene about drifting slowly past weeping willows, wooden houses, and ducks paddling alongside.

After a little stroll through the village of Burg, we ended the day with dinner at Kolonieschänke. Sitting outside by a small pond in the golden evening light, we shared Soljanka and Spreewald Bruschetta as starters. For the main course, I had a classic of the season: asparagus with potatoes and ham, while Sanjay went for breaded chicken breast with spätzle. Local, hearty, and full of flavor—just like the region itself.En savoir plus