Boat trips in the Spreewald: an experience

Book a traditional Spreewald punt trip with Spreewald gherkins or coffee and let yourself be paddled from Spreewald village to Spreewald village. A punt trip through the extensive network of rivers is one of the most popular activities for visitors to the Spreewald. Your personal punt ferryman will take you past picturesque Spreewald villages, peaceful meadows and imposing forests. You will learn exciting facts about sights, traditions and customs while paddling and be treated to Spreewald gherkins and bread.

The main season for boat trips is from April to October. During this time, the barges depart every hour. You should allow about two to three hours for a punt trip, special themed punt trips can also take longer. The winter timetable applies from November to March. During this time, selected harbours and boathouses offer winter punt trips or mulled wine punt trips. Equipped with woollen blankets and mulled wine, you are on your way for about an hour. In particularly cold winters, when the rivers are frozen over, the barges are replaced by push sledges and ice skaters.

BARGE FERRY PORTS & BARGE CRUISE PROVIDERS

Barges have always served the Spree Forests as a means of transport for crops, livestock and mail. Therefore, almost every village and homestead has a corresponding landing stage. You can start your tourist boat trip with our providers and experience the biosphere reserve in an impressive way.

Our recommendations

Group boat trips

For groups, we recommend booking a boat trip before arrival. You can either book one of our day offers for groups (e.g. with a visit to the distillery) or get an individual offer.

Frau sitz im Kahn vorne, hinten weitere Personen, werden durch den Spreewald gefahren.
© TVS | Malte Jaeger

Spreewald boat trip: Discover the Spreewald on an unforgettable boat trip.

The Spreewald is a unique natural paradise in south-eastern Germany and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. A boat trip on the rivers of the Spreewald is a wonderful way to get to know the unique landscape of the Spreewald. In this article we will look at the different types of punt trips in the Spreewald, what they offer and how to choose the best punt trip.

What is a punt trip in the Spreewald?

A punt trip is a boat trip on the numerous canals and rivers in the Spreewald. The boats used for these trips are called barges. These traditional boats are flat and about eight metres long. They are steered by an experienced bargeman with a long paddle.

What types of barge trips are there in the Spreewald?

There are different types of barge trips in the Spreewald, each offering a different experience. Here are some of the most common:

1. private punt trip

A private punt trip is an exclusive experience where a personal punt is available just for you and your group. This is a great option for couples, families or small groups of friends who want an intimate and tailor-made tour.

2. public barge tour

A public barge tour is a shared tour with other visitors. This type of punt tour is often cheaper than a private tour, but you may have to wait until enough people gather to start a tour.

3. round trip

A round trip is a punt tour that covers different places in the Spreewald and usually takes about two to three hours. This type of punt tour is perfect for visitors who want to see the Spreewald in a short time.

4. boat trip with food

Some punt tours also offer a boat tour with food. This is a great way to try traditional Sorbian dishes while enjoying the scenery of the Spreewald.

5. evening tour

An evening tour is a punt trip that usually starts at sunset and lasts about two hours. This is a great way to experience the Spreewald at night and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

How do I choose the best punt trip in the Spreewald?

When planning a punt trip in the Spreewald, there are a few things to consider to ensure you have the best experience:

1. type of punt trip

Think about what type of punt trip you want - private or public, round trip or boat trip with food.

2. duration of the punt trip

Think about how much time you have for the punt trip and how long you want to spend on the boat. Round trips usually last two to three hours, while private tours can be longer.

3. group size

Consider whether you want a private or public barge tour and how large your group is. Private barge tours are more expensive but offer a more tailored experience, while public tours are cheaper but you may be on the boat with other visitors.

4. departure point

Consider where you would like to start your punt trip. There are several departure points in the Spreewald, and some may be closer to your hotel or accommodation.

5. price

Consider how much you want to spend on the punt trip. Prices vary depending on the type of punt trip, duration and group size.

What is there to see on a punt trip in the Spreewald?

There is a lot to see and discover during a punt trip in the Spreewald. Here are some of the highlights:

1. the flora and fauna of the Spreewald.

During the boat trip you can admire the unique flora and fauna of the Spreewald, including numerous plant and animal species that are native to this region.

2. traditional sorbian villages

Along the canals and rivers you can also visit traditional Sorbian villages and learn more about Sorbian culture.

3. historical buildings

There are also some historical buildings along the rivers that you can admire during the boat trip, including old water mills and fish ponds.

Conclusion

A punt trip in the Spreewald is an unforgettable experience and a great way to get to know the unique landscape and culture of this region. However, before you decide to take a punt trip, consider the different types of punt trips, duration, group size, departure location and prices to ensure you get the best experience.

 

FAQs

 

1. Do I need to book in advance to go on a barge trip?

It is recommended that you book in advance to ensure you get a place on the barge trip of your choice.

2. What clothes should I wear for the barge trip?

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for the weather and the water.

3. Can I bring my own food on the barge trip?

This depends on the type of barge tour. Some boat tours provide meals, while others allow you to bring your own food.

bring your own food. It is best to check in advance what type of food is provided on the barge trip.

4. Is there an age restriction for taking part in a barge trip?

No, there is no age restriction to participate in a barge trip. However, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I book a private punt ride?

Yes, it is possible to book a private punt trip if you want a more personalised experience. However, private punt tours are more expensive than public tours.

 

Summary

A punt trip in the Spreewald is an unforgettable experience where you can get to know the beautiful landscape and culture of this region. There are different types of punt trips to choose from, including public and private tours, and it is important to consider factors such as duration, group size, departure location and price before deciding on a punt trip. During the punt trip you can admire the unique flora and fauna of the Spreewald, visit traditional Sorbian villages and admire historic buildings along the canals and rivers. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure you get a place on the barge trip of your choice.