Sustainable travel in Brandenburg means cycling, paddling and eating local, and it is a good way to explore this region of Germany. From cycling and canoeing, to learning about the local history, and enjoying local produce, there are many ways to explore Brandenburg sustainably.
By visiting this region responsibly and respectfully, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and help protect the environment.
Outdoor fans and culture lovers will both find plenty to do in Brandenburg. From an outdoor enthusiast to a culture connoisseur, this German state has plenty of experiences to offer. One of the best ways to explore Brandenburg is to do it sustainably. Here are a few tips for sustainable travel in this beautiful region.
See also: A Sustainable Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Travel Guide and A Sustainable Bavaria Travel Guide, Germany
Here is an overview:
- Start planning a sustainable trip to Brandenburg
- Sustainable attractions and things to do in Brandenburg
- Freilandmuseum Lehde in the Spreewald
- Enjoy a boat trip through the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve
- Canoe trip “On the tracks of the beaver”
- Driftwood Raft in the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park
- eBike tour to the NABU Nature Experience Center Blumberger Muehle
- Bicycle Rental Stations
- BarUm Ebike Rental
- Fahrradwerk Angermünd
- Fuchs and Hase Fahrradservice
- Eco-Friendly accommodations in Brandenburg
- Strandhaus Spreewald
- Gut Boltenhof
- Schloss and Gut Liebenberg
- Coconat
- Flair Hotel Reuner
- Gutshof Kraatz – Wine Tavern
- Landgut Stober
- Mill Himmelpfort
- Sustainable, vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants in Brandenburg
- Strandhaus Spreewald
- Konrads at Spree Balance
- Speisenkammer Burg
- Gut Boltenhof
- Blumberger Muehle
- Making sustainable choices while exploring Brandenburg
Start planning a sustainable trip to Brandenburg
If you’re looking for a holiday that is both enjoyable and sustainable, a trip to Brandenburg is the perfect way to explore a region that is rich in culture, history and natural beauty. With plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy and a range of eco-friendly accommodation options, Brandenburg is the ideal destination for a sustainable holiday. From cycling and hiking to canoeing and camping, you can find a number of great ways to explore the region without harming the environment.
To make your trip to Brandenburg as sustainable as possible, consider the following tips: research sustainable travel options, invest in eco-friendly products, and be conscious of your carbon footprint. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can make the most of your trip to explore Brandenburg and help protect the environment at the same time.
Sustainable attractions and things to do in Brandenburg
Exploring Brandenburg sustainably is a great way to get to know the region and its culture while preserving the environment. From cycling and hiking trails to nature reserves, Brandenburg offers a variety of activities for eco-conscious travelers. Cycle along the Havel River, explore the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Schorfheide-Chorin, or go for a swim in the pristine rivers and lakes of the Uckermark.
Alternatively, you can explore the small towns and villages, take a walk in the forests, or visit one of the many museums and castles. No matter what you decide to do, you will be making a positive contribution to the environment.
Here are a few sustainable things to do in Brandenburg.
Freilandmuseum Lehde in the Spreewald
The Oberspreewald-Lausitz district museum team warmly welcomes visitors to the Open Air Museum Lehde, inviting them to step into the 19th century!
The open-air museum in Lehde rebuilds a Spreewald village of the 19th century, with thatched farmhouses, a smokehouse and wooden punts, so you see how families here lived and worked on the water. Inside the historic farmhouses you learn how Spreewald families worked and celebrated, about the Sorbian language still spoken here, and about the figures from local legend that children were warned about at bedtime.
Enjoy a boat trip through the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve
Embark on a delightful cruise through the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve at the Bootshaus Conrad, meandering along tranquil waterways. Your skipper poles the punt through the maze of channels, and apart from birds and the splash of the pole it is quiet. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty that is found here; let go of all worries back home as city life fades away into nothingness behind you.
The Spreewald is a network of hundreds of small channels, so much of it is easiest to reach by boat or paddle. It has been protected as a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1990.
Canoe trip “On the tracks of the beaver”
Behind the dike gates the landscape turns wild. The floodplain before Mescherin, in the old arms of the Oder, has been left to grow wild, and the side channels are full of reeds and water birds.
The presence of beavers here is undeniable with their unmistakable traces scattered around. The river courses offer an ideal habitat for these furry creatures, which can shape their environment according to their needs.
A guided tour will give you a fascinating insight into the rare flora and fauna such as the white-tailed eagle or the marsh harrier that call this place home.
While you’re on the raft, there are two barbecue buffets to choose from. You can choose the standard one with meat and side dishes like potato salad and Spreewald gherkins, or you can opt for the vegetarian option with vegetables, cheese, potato salad and of course some delicious Spreewald gherkins!
Address: Park-Restaurant, Obere Dorfstr. 16 in Mescherin. On the right there is a large parking lot, on the left at the Park-Restaurant at the large meadow is the insertion point.
Driftwood Raft in the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park
The Uckermark Lakes Nature Park is a mix of beech forest and connected lakes, and the slowest way to see it is from the water. The Treibholz team also runs hiking and cycling trips on land.
Did you know that rafting in Lychen dates back to 1720? The abundance of lush forests and pristine lakes provided perfect conditions for this activity. In fact, with several sawmills nearby, rafting was once considered a major industry.
Today Treibholz runs slow trips on the same waters, with guides who tell the story of the old timber rafters. The rafts are electrically powered and have a roof and a toilet on board, so you sit back and watch the shore go by. Public trips run from May to September; check current days and rates with Treibholz.
Address: Oberpfuhlstraße 3a, 17279 Lychen
eBike tour to the NABU Nature Experience Center Blumberger Muehle
The reserve has large areas of near-natural beech forest, which give the forest landscape of northeastern Brandenburg its distinctive character.
The Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve’s main information center is a good place to learn about these beech forests, which are one of the main themes of the indoor exhibition.
There are all sorts of fascinating things to discover, such as how different forms of management and inhabitants affect this type of forest. And if you take a tour of the outdoor areas, you’ll get an even better sense of the variety of landscapes that make up this region.
Have you ever wondered what’s hidden beneath the rough exterior of a tree stump? Or why they call the information center Blumberger Muehle, “mill”? The outdoor trails answer both questions.
After your visit, why not enjoy a delicious meal at their organic, locally-owned restaurant? It’s sure to leave you feeling full and energized!
Address: Blumberger Mühle 2, 16278 Angermünde
Bicycle Rental Stations
BarUm Ebike Rental
Address: Templiner Str. 12, 16278 Angermünde
Fahrradwerk Angermünd
Address: Rosenstraße 4, 16278 Angermünde
Fuchs and Hase Fahrradservice
Address: Berliner Str. 58, Angermünde
Eco-Friendly accommodations in Brandenburg
There are a variety of eco-friendly accommodations available in Brandenburg that provide comfortable, affordable, and sustainable options for travelers. From hotels and resorts to camping sites and eco-lodges, there is something to suit everyone’s needs. For those looking to experience the great outdoors, camping sites give you a good chance to see wildlife and nature in its natural environment.
Here are a few sustainable places to stay in Brandenburg.
Strandhaus Spreewald
Strandhaus Spreewald is a 4-star hotel situated right on the River Spree in Lübben. The hotel has got some really chic and roomy suites with comfy beds, a flat-screen TV, minibar and oak parquet floors.
You can also enjoy their small spa area which includes an panoramic sauna with relaxation space, massage & cosmetics lounge along with a sunbathing spot that directly overlooks the river!
They take pride in being eco-friendly while supporting local customs of Spreewald region both economically as well socially. Experience luxury blended seamlessly into nature’s beauty at its best!
Gut Boltenhof
The estate’s former worker’s apartments have been converted into ten beautiful vacation units, while the country hotel occupies the second floor of the old manor house. The owners take pride in gradually renovating all the rooms, preserving original features such as windows, doors, floors and furniture.
Their hotel is a cozy retreat from the chaos of everyday life, where guests can relax and recharge in serene surroundings.
They also run an organic farm that celebrates plant diversity with the utmost care for sustainability and animal welfare. Their animals are allowed to grow naturally in stress-free, species-appropriate conditions.
Address: Lindenallee 14, 16798 Fürstenberg/Havel
Schloss and Gut Liebenberg
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few days? Look no further than Liebenberg, where you can unwind in peace and quiet with all the space you need. The estate also gives you a taste of country life.
Schloss & Gut Liebenberg is a hotel in a park by the lake, and also a cultural center, an eco-friendly conference center, a wedding venue with historic charm, and a haven of social responsibility. Their team takes great care to preserve natural resources while providing professional opportunities for those who face challenges.
They have big ideas about how events are organized at Schloss & Gut Liebenberg and what is on your plate! They are committed to imaginatively shaping the future by being socially conscious and ecologically responsible every step of the way.
Address: Parkweg 1, 16775 Löwenberger Land
Coconat
Coconat is all about bringing together a community of like-minded people who want to work in nature. It is also an impact-driven company that puts money into projects for the local community. They do this by combining elements such as coworking and coliving with special projects aimed at promoting rural development.
At Coconat, you’ll find a welcoming and diverse environment where everyone can pursue their own goals while still being part of something bigger than themselves. The goal? To create an inclusive space that inspires people from all walks of life!
Experience historic architecture with a modern twist at the Mansion and Park. They offer rooms for every budget, including upscale rooms furnished with upcycled pieces, desks, and private bathrooms, or cozy wooden bunks in common areas for those on a tighter budget.
Nature lovers also have plenty of options! Choose from glamping tents that are spacious enough to accommodate you comfortably; circus-style trailers that are perfect for couples who want to get away together; and hovering tents that float above the ground, with a view over the grounds and off the ground, away from ants and damp. And if camping is more your style? Their orchard provides plenty of shady spots where campers can pitch their own tent or park a camper van.
Address: Klein-Glien 25, 14806 Bad Belzig
Flair Hotel Reuner
The hotel is family-owned and run, and the owners are on site. Set next to the Prierowsee nature reserve, Flair Hotel Reuner and Restaurant 1A are dedicated to sustainability in everything they do. From day-to-day operations to long-term planning, this team prioritizes ecological practices that benefit guests and locals alike.
One way they achieve this goal is by growing much of what appears on your plate! The Reuner family grows fruits, vegetables, and salad in their own garden. They even raise chickens, quail, rabbits & wild lambs for animal products! And if something can’t be sourced locally? Anything else, such as fish or asparagus, is bought from local producers whenever possible.
The hotel is in Zossen, south of Berlin, and much of what you eat at Restaurant 1A comes from the family’s own garden.
Address: Machnower Ch 1, 15806 Zossen
Gutshof Kraatz – Wine Tavern
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and spot cranes, tree frogs, nightingales and toads as you explore the area by foot, bike or boat.
Take a break from your adventures in the antique shop, where you can sip coffee or fresh herbal tea while indulging in homemade cakes and handcrafted ice cream. If art is more your thing, stop by the local artists’ studios for some inspiration.
The two cottages offer plenty of space with private decks with barbecue facilities for uninterrupted relaxation. The kitchens are fully equipped so you can cook up a storm, but if cooking isn’t your forte, they’ll be happy to fill your fridge with local delicacies on request! For families traveling with young children, they have cribs, high chairs and bicycle seats available for rent.
In the wine tavern, you can enjoy delicious wines and homemade juices made from over 30 varieties of apples, as well as seasonal cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, such as venison sausage followed by warm apple strudel. Opening days vary, so call ahead before you go. The kitchen team bakes fresh pies every day that are perfect with hot beverages such as tea or coffee, no matter what the season; stay cozy indoors by the fireplace in the winter, and enjoy the blooming roses on the patio in the summer.
Address: Schloßstraße 7, 17291 Nordwestuckermark
Landgut Stober
Located in Brandenburg, Germany, this eco-certified hotel has 300 rooms, including 23 junior suites. Get ready to sleep like a king on COCO-MAT beds made from natural materials and enjoy electro-smog reduced rooms good for a restful night.
Start your day off right with an organic breakfast buffet made with local produce.
But wait, there’s more: this eco-friendly hotel is powered by its own photovoltaic system, which produces more electricity than it uses. In addition, the use of rainwater reservoirs reduces fresh water consumption, while two woodchip heating systems provide ample heat generation capacity at 500 kilowatts each.
Stay here and experience sustainable luxury firsthand!
Address: Behnitzer Dorfstraße 27-31, 14641 Nauen
Mill Himmelpfort
On the fourth floor of the Himmelpfort Mill, you’ll find guest rooms with a large shared kitchen and several bathrooms. There is no restaurant, so you cook for yourself or eat in the village.
These cozy accommodations are perfect for one or two people who want to mix work, creative projects and downtime. If you’re looking for peace and quiet in the great outdoors or just want to get away from it all, these rooms are the perfect getaway.
The Paradise Bird room can comfortably accommodate up to four guests in spacious quarters.
Each room has its own theme, colors and furniture.
Address: Stolpseestraße 2, 16798 Fürstenberg/Havel
Sustainable, vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants in Brandenburg
Brandenburg is a great destination for those who are looking for sustainable, vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants. You find good options in towns and out in the countryside. From farm-to-table restaurants to vegan fast-food joints, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.
Not only are these establishments dedicated to sustainability and healthy eating, but they also cook food worth the trip. Plus, you can rest assured that the ingredients used are sourced locally and responsibly.
Strandhaus Spreewald
Based on the season, they provide a variety of menus and seasonal options. Their half-board selections are updated daily. They primarily use ingredients sourced from the Spreewald region and Brandenburg.
The Spreewald has always offered everything for a varied and healthy cuisine. Nevertheless, curd cheese with potatoes, linseed oil and onions remains the favorite dish of the Spreewalders.
Konrads at Spree Balance
Experience the perfect combination of traditional and contemporary vibes at Konrads. Indulge in a culinary journey that showcases both global flavors and local specialties. With an emphasis on sensory appeal, this restaurant offers a delightful feast for your taste buds as well as your eyes.
Expect fresh salads, local fish and seasonal desserts made from regional ingredients. Come dine at Konrads located inside the elegant Spree Balance, where food meets art!
Speisenkammer Burg
At the heart of their philosophy is a deep respect for the seasonal rhythms of nature, which they proudly display on every plate. Their kitchen team seamlessly blends traditional techniques such as smoking, salting, and pickling with cutting-edge cooking methods to create an innovative Spreewald cuisine that reflects the region’s cosmopolitan spirit.
When guests exchange plates while nibbling on delicious dishes and grinning from ear to ear, it feels like high praise indeed!
Gut Boltenhof
Their first choice is regional.
At their estate, you can indulge in the delectable cuisine of GUTESS Restaurant: traditional Brandenburg dishes cooked in a modern way from local ingredients. The farm kitchen offers a lively ambiance where loved ones gather to enjoy soulful dishes made with fresh produce straight from the fields.
They have also created a cozy café and market store under one roof, selling regional products, including what they grow themselves.
Animals are a big part of life at Gut Boltenhof. They treat them with the utmost care and respect, ensuring that they’re raised in an environment that’s both organic and natural. Each animal is given individual attention, so the folks at Gut Boltenhof can guarantee the highest quality meat products every time.
Address: Lindenallee 14, 16798 Fürstenberg/Havel
Blumberger Muehle
At Blumberger Mühle, you are in for a treat with their focus on organic and regional cuisine. The chef takes pride in using only the freshest ingredients available to create delicious dishes that showcase the best of what’s available locally. Most produce comes from nearby farms or is certified organic.
Dining at their summer restaurant, located in an idyllic courtyard with umbrellas, allows you to soak up all that nature has to offer while enjoying your meal. It is a quiet place to eat, surrounded by meadows and wetland.
Address: Blumberger Mühle 2, 16278 Angermünde
Making sustainable choices while exploring Brandenburg
Exploring Brandenburg sustainably is an easy and rewarding choice. With a wide array of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and historic sites, you can find the quieter corners of the region without compromising your commitment to sustainability. Most of the places in this guide are within two hours of Berlin by train or bike.
Start by opting for public transportation or carpooling to your destination. This will help reduce your carbon footprint and make your trip more sustainable. Also look for green lodging options and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients and promote sustainable practices.
When you’re out and about, take your reusable water bottle and don’t forget to carry a bag for any litter you may find. By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy your trip to Brandenburg while also making sustainable choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit the Spreewald without a car?
Yes. Regional trains from Berlin reach Lübben and Lübbenau in about an hour, and from both towns you can explore by punt, canoe or bike. Most guesthouses and boat landings are within walking or cycling distance of the stations.
When is the best time for a punt trip in the Spreewald?
Most punt operators run from spring to late October, and the open-air museum in Lehde is open from late March to early November. Summer weekends are the busiest, so take an early boat or go on a weekday for quieter channels.
What is the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve known for?
Its beech forests, lakes and moors. Part of it, the Grumsin beech forest, belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient beech forests in Europe. The NABU center at Blumberger Mühle near Angermünde is the best place to start, with an exhibition, outdoor trails and an organic restaurant.
Is Brandenburg good for cycling holidays?
Very. The region is mostly flat, and long-distance routes follow the Havel, the Spree and the Oder. Regional trains carry bikes with a bike ticket, so you can ride one way and return by rail, and the rental stations listed above have e-bikes for longer days.
