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Learn moreThe Spree Cycle Path follows the course of the Spree River for approximately 360 kilometers from its source in Upper Lusatia to Berlin. The route leads through very diverse landscapes – from the rolling hills of Lusatia, through the Lusatian Lake District and the Spreewald forest, to the water-rich Berlin countryside. Many cyclists particularly appreciate the varied yet generally relaxed nature of the route.
The mostly well-maintained cycle path often runs close to the river, connecting tranquil natural areas with historic towns like Bautzen, Cottbus, and Lübbenau. The interplay of water-rich landscapes, small villages, and longer, pleasantly rideable sections gives the route a very consistent rhythm. Whether as a multi-day cycling trip or in individual stages, the Spree Cycle Path is one of the most popular riverside cycle paths in eastern Germany.
Length: approximately 360 kilometers from the Spree springs in Upper Lusatia to Berlin
Trip duration: depending on planning, approximately 5 to 8 days – individual stages are also well suited for shorter weekend trips or a bicycle tour in the Spreewald.
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Quality: The Spree Cycle Path runs predominantly on well-maintained cycle paths, paved riverside paths, and quiet side roads. Especially in the Spreewald and Brandenburg regions, many cyclists find the route pleasant and consistently smooth.
Start and finish: The cycle path begins at the Spree springs in Upper Lusatia near Ebersbach-Neugersdorf and leads via Bautzen, Cottbus and the Spreewald to Berlin and on towards Havel.
Along the Spree Cycle Path, there is a selection of organized cycling tours that connect particularly scenic sections of the route. Many of these tours combine pre-booked accommodations with luggage transport, making it easier to plan a multi-day tour along the Spree.
The map of the Spree Cycle Path provides a good overview of the route from Upper Lusatia to Berlin. This allows you to better plan stages, larger towns, and scenic sections along the Spree River.
The distances between the individual stages help you plan your cycling trip on the Spree Cycle Path. This allows you to better adapt daily stages, breaks, and overnight stays to your own pace and desired tour style.
| From | To | Removal | Duration | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ebersbach-Neugersdorf | Bautzen | about 60 km | about 3,5 hours | Saxony |
| Bautzen | Spremberg | about 72 km | about 4 hours | Saxony |
| Spremberg | Castle (Spreewald) | about 57 km | about 3,5 hours | Brandenburg |
| Castle (Spreewald) | Alt Schadow | about 63 km | about 4 hours | Brandenburg |
| Alt Schadow | Fürstenwalde | about 70 km | about 4 hours | Brandenburg |
| Fürstenwalde | Berlin-Koepenick | about 59 km | about 3,5 hours | Berlin |
The Spree Cycle Path connects very different regions – from the gentle landscapes of Upper Lusatia to the water-rich Spreewald forest and on to the Berlin metropolitan area. It is precisely this mix of tranquil natural stretches, historic towns, and riverside paths that gives the route its diverse character.
The southern section of the cycle path begins in Upper Lusatia near the Spree springs at Ebersbach-Neugersdorf. Gentle hills, small villages, and wooded landscapes characterize the start of the route. Compared to the later stages, this section is somewhat quieter and more unspoiled. Many cyclists find this section particularly relaxing as a first step before the river widens and the landscape opens up.
Around Bautzen, the Spree Cycle Path connects historic architecture with the first longer stretches along the river. The well-preserved old town with its towers and bridges is one of the most famous stops along the route. Beyond Bautzen, the landscape gradually opens up, while quiet paths, small towns, and the first lakes accompany the route towards Spremberg.
Between Spremberg and Cottbus, the character of the route changes significantly. The landscape becomes flatter, more open, and more dominated by bodies of water. The Lusatian Lake District, in particular, adds further scenic variety to the region. At the same time, the route here often follows pleasant roads with longer, consistent stretches that many visitors describe as especially relaxing.
For many cyclists, the Spreewald is considered a scenic highlight of the Spree Cycle Path. Around Lübben and Lübbenau, the landscape is characterized by branching waterways, small bridges, forests, and traditional villages. The region is particularly popular for its idyllic paths along the waterways and its relaxed atmosphere.
East of Berlin, the route leads through a water-rich region with numerous lakes, forests, and picturesque stretches of shoreline. Around Fürstenwalde and Erkner, unspoiled natural sections alternate with smaller towns. Compared to the more touristy Spreewald, many cyclists find this section somewhat quieter. At the same time, the route's riverside character remains clearly noticeable.
In the final kilometers, the atmosphere of the Spree Cycle Path changes significantly once again. The route leads increasingly through busier and more densely populated areas and along urban riverbanks to the heart of Berlin. Nevertheless, green riverbanks, parks, and quieter paths alternate with more vibrant urban sections. It is precisely this contrast between nature and metropolis that gives the final stretch of the route its unique character.
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Traveling to the Spree Cycle Path by train is particularly straightforward, as many larger towns along the route are well connected to the regional and national rail network. Both the starting point in Upper Lusatia and later stages of the cycle path can be easily reached by train.
Important train stations: Bautzen, Cottbus, Lübben, Lübbenau, Fürstenwalde, Erkner and Berlin offer good connections along the route.
Taking bicycles on trains: Taking bicycles on regional trains is usually no problem. However, especially on weekends and during the summer months, early planning is recommended.
Note: Please check with the respective transport authorities in advance about current regulations and possible reservation requirements for bicycles.
Those who prefer flexible travel arrangements or only want to cycle individual sections of the Spree Cycle Path can easily reach many starting points by car. Larger towns and cities along the route, in particular, offer parking facilities, some even providing long-term parking.
Parking: Parking options can be found in Bautzen, Cottbus, Lübbenau, and Berlin, among other places. Some accommodations also offer parking spaces for the duration of the cycling trip.
Return journey: Thanks to the good rail connections along the route, the starting point can usually be reached again without difficulty, even after a one-way trip.
Traveling by long-distance bus can also be a cost-effective alternative – especially to Berlin or Cottbus.
Availability: Larger cities along the Spree cycle path are served regularly.
Booking: Bicycle transport is often limited and should be reserved in advance.
The Spree Cycle Path connects tranquil river landscapes with historic cities, well-maintained paths, and an infrastructure well-developed for cyclists. The combination of a relaxed tour character and the very diverse regions along the Spree makes the route particularly appealing to many visitors.
The character of the cycle path changes significantly several times along the route. While gentle hills and small wooded areas dominate in Upper Lusatia, the landscape becomes increasingly flatter and more water-rich from Bautzen onwards. The Spreewald, in particular, with its branching waterways, forests, and tranquil riverside paths, shapes the route. Further towards Berlin, lakes, forests, and more open stretches of river alternate.
Numerous historic towns and cultural attractions lie along the Spree Cycle Path. Bautzen, with its well-preserved old town, is one of the most famous stops on the route. In the Spreewald forest, traditional villages, small harbors, and Sorbian culture characterize many places along the way. Towards Berlin, the cycle path increasingly connects natural areas with more urbanized regions and historic industrial and riverside landscapes.
The Spree Cycle Path runs predominantly on paved cycle paths, well-maintained riverside trails, and quiet side roads. Especially in Brandenburg and the Spreewald region, many cyclists find the route pleasant and consistently smooth. Accommodation, rest areas, and bicycle services are regularly available in larger towns along the route. The infrastructure for e-bikes is also well-developed along many sections.
The Spree Cycle Path can be easily combined with other cycle paths and regional circular routes. Particularly in the Spreewald forest, there are connections to the Cucumber Cycle Path and smaller regional routes. Towards Berlin, there are also connections to other long-distance cycle routes and tour options in the Berlin area. This makes the cycle path suitable for both classic multi-day tours and individually combined cycling holidays.
The Spree Cycle Path is usually cycled in 6 to 8 stages. The exact division depends on the desired daily distance and possible stops along the way. Many cyclists plan somewhat shorter stages, especially in the Spreewald region.
The Spree Cycle Path is approximately 360 kilometers long and runs from the Spree springs in Upper Lusatia to Berlin. Depending on the route taken or additional detours, the actual distance may vary slightly.
The Spreewald region around Lübben and Lübbenau is considered the most famous section. The tranquil waterways, small villages, and flat terrain make this part of the route particularly attractive to many cyclists.
Yes, there are several connections to regional and long-distance cycle paths along the route. Especially in the Spreewald, the cycle path can be easily combined with shorter circular tours or the Cucumber Cycle Path.
