Spreeradweg

The Spree Cycle Route follows a remarkable journey from three small springs in Upper Lusatia to the heart of Berlin, offering cyclists an exceptional variety of landscapes and experiences. The route begins with challenging climbs through the hilly Lusatian region, then transitions to the peaceful Upper Lusatian heathland with its distinctive pond landscapes, continues through Europe's largest man-made lake district, and culminates in Germany's vibrant capital.

The route showcases an impressive blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage - traditional timber frame houses featuring characteristic wooden door arches, the intricate canal network of the Spreewald, medieval Bautzen with its thousand-year history, pristine lakeside swimming spots, and significant industrial landmarks including prominent power stations that define the region's modern identity.

Essential Route Information

• Difficulty Level: Moderate with some tough climbs early on
• What to expect: Hilly terrain from the springs to Bautzen, then mostly flat riding through lakes and heathland
• Road surfaces: Mostly good asphalt with well-kept cycle paths, some cobbles and concrete sections
• Traffic situation: Minimal exposure to busy roads - mostly dedicated paths and quiet routes
• Bonus: Route passes through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and extensive lakeland

Route Marking & Navigation

The signage along this route varies significantly in quality and consistency. When visible, waymarkers display the River Spree, Brandenburg Gate, and a green hill on white background - distinctive symbols that are easily recognizable. From Ebersbach to Bautzen, cyclists benefit from excellent waymarking that ensures straightforward navigation.

However, the Saxon section presents considerable navigation challenges, particularly where signage maintenance has been neglected. The most problematic stretch runs through the former brown coal mining area between Uhyst and Schwarze Pumpe, where waymarking virtually disappears. Cyclists should prepare by downloading offline maps or obtaining detailed paper maps before reaching this section, and GPS navigation is strongly recommended.

Best Direction & Season

Cycling from the sources toward Berlin offers several advantages - following the river's natural flow provides a logical progression, and the existing signage system (where present) is optimized for this direction.

Best times to ride:

• Late spring through early fall for optimal weather conditions
• Summer provides maximum service availability and accommodation options
• Winter cycling is not recommended due to potential path closures and limited facilities

Main Stages & Highlights

Getting your legs warmed up: Upper Lusatian Hills to Bautzen

The initial section presents the route's most challenging terrain as cyclists tackle the steep Lusatian Hills. These climbs reward riders with panoramic views and showcase the region's distinctive Upper Lusatian architecture. The stage concludes in historic Bautzen, a city with over a millennium of documented history.

Time to relax: Bautzen to Lusatian Lakeland

This section marks a significant transition to gentler, flatter terrain through the Upper Lusatian heathland and pond region - designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The riding becomes considerably more relaxed, with the imposing Boxberg power station serving as a prominent navigational landmark.

Lake hopping: Lusatian Lakeland Section

Covering approximately 62 kilometers, this stage traverses Europe's largest artificial water landscape. Lake Bärwalde stands out as a particular highlight, offering excellent swimming facilities and featuring the notable 'Ear' landscape sculpture. The Klitten marina and adjacent Nochten Boulder Park provide ideal rest stop opportunities.

The grand finale: Spreewald to Berlin

The final stretch leads through the distinctive Spreewald region with its extensive canal system. After the river reconverges, the route continues through Fürstenwalde to Erkner at Berlin's eastern boundary, where it connects with the European Cycle Route R1.

Key Attractions Along the Route

Natural Landmarks:

• Three sources of the Spree in Upper Lusatia (Kottmarberg, Neugersdorf, and Ebersbach)
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Upper Lusatian Heathland and Ponds
• Lake Bärwalde with swimming beaches and 'Ear' landscape sculpture
• Nochten Boulder Park
• Spreewald canal system with traditional punt boat opportunities

Cultural Sites:

• Historic city of Bautzen with medieval architecture
• Traditional timber frame houses with wooden door arches
• Wooden chapel in Sprey hamlet made of hand-hewn logs
• Schwarze Pumpe power station with multimedia visitor center
• Spremberg's lovingly restored old quarter and castle housing the Lower Lusatian Heath Museum
• Historic city of Cottbus

Accommodation Options

The entire route features extensive cyclist-specific accommodation infrastructure. The Bed & Bike certification system ensures establishments meet touring cyclists' specific needs - secure bike storage, flexible breakfast times for early departures, and laundry facilities for essential gear maintenance.

What you can expect:

• Bed & Bike certified hotels and guesthouses with cyclist-specific amenities
• Traditional pensions in the historic towns
• Camping spots near the lakes and recreation areas
• Youth hostels in the bigger cities like Cottbus and Berlin

Access & Transportation

Getting There

Three starting points offer flexible access options for cyclists. Ebersbach, Neugersdorf, and Walddorf/Eibau all maintain regular connections through regional bus and train services, facilitating straightforward arrival at any chosen starting point.

Getting Back

Berlin's comprehensive transport infrastructure provides excellent departure options. Upon reaching Erkner, cyclists can seamlessly access Berlin's extensive public transport network. The connection with European Cycle Route R1 also enables route extensions or alternative cycling routes for those seeking additional adventures.

Practical Considerations

The navigation challenges in certain sections require serious preparation. The Saxon section's inadequate signage can significantly impact route-finding for unprepared cyclists.

What you'll find along the way:

• Bike repair shops positioned at strategic intervals
• Consistent overnight accommodation availability
• Regular food and beverage options in towns and villages
• Swimming and recreational facilities in the lake areas

The route encompasses diverse riding conditions - peaceful, traffic-free paths alternate with urban sections requiring increased awareness. Weather conditions vary notably between the exposed hills of Upper Lusatia and the sheltered canal paths of the Spreewald.

Final Tips

Successfully completing the Spree Cycle Route requires balancing appreciation for its diverse landscapes with practical navigation preparation. Offline maps or detailed paper maps are essential - particularly for the challenging Saxon sections where signage becomes unreliable.

The route's appeal lies in its remarkable variety - challenging hill climbs give way to peaceful lakeside cycling, medieval streetscapes contrast with impressive industrial sites. Taking time to explore unique experiences enhances the journey - consider exchanging bike for boat in Ruhlmühle or visiting the multimedia center at Schwarze Pumpe power station. This eastern German route effectively showcases the region's successful integration of industrial heritage with outstanding natural landscapes.