Neu Zauche lies directly on the northern edge of the Spreewald lowlands. The village also bears the Lower Sorbian name Nowa Niwa and was first mentioned in a document in 1334. Waterways, cycling and hiking routes, and local culture offer different perspectives on a stay. When planning, it is worth distinguishing activities directly connected to the village from the larger routes and excursion destinations in the wider travel region.

Exploring by punt and paddle boat

Punt trips through the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve depart from Neu Zauche punt ferry harbour, which is located right in the alder floodplain forest. Trips from there go to Wotschowska, Burg and Lehde. In addition to trips from the harbour, paddle-boat tours from Neu Zauche offer another way to explore the Spreewald. Neu Zauche borders one of the largest remaining alder floodplain forests in the Spreewald. A trip near the village may take you beneath the canopy of alders, ash trees, elms and oaks. For specific departure times and conditions, it is advisable to check the latest information in advance.

Cycling and hiking

When cycling, it is important to distinguish between a section connected to Neu Zauche and the entire route. A 50-kilometre section of the Cucumber Cycle Path includes Neu Zauche and connects Burg, Straupitz, Alt Zauche, Lübben and Schlepzig. The Cucumber Cycle Path as a whole is 260 kilometres long, runs through the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve and passes waterways, villages, sights and regional food producers. The two figures therefore refer to different scales: the section that includes Neu Zauche and the themed route as a whole.

For hikes through the Spreewald, Weinberg is a starting point; it is considered the highest elevation in the Oberspreewald. In the wider travel destination of Dahme-Spreewald, more than 400 kilometres of marked hiking trails run through the Dahme-Seenland and the northern Spreewald. Most follow nature trails alongside meadows and rivers or through forests. Thus, the specific access point at Weinberg and the larger regional network of trails are on different scales.

Village character and culture

The neo-Gothic village church shapes the character of Neu Zauche. At the local history room, visitors can learn about local customs and traditions. At the candle-making workshop, visitors can make their own candles; the availability of this hands-on activity may change. Therefore, check before visiting whether candle-making is offered on your chosen date. The cultural offering ranges from the landmark church building and local traditions to hands-on craft activities.

In the wider travel destination of Dahme-Spreewald

The Dahme lake district and the Spreewald together form part of the travel region in the district of Dahme-Spreewald, whose attractions cover natural, historical and cultural themes. The Schlepzig Farm Museum offers another perspective on cultural history. It is housed in a fully preserved ensemble of farm buildings dating from 1818; the faithfully furnished farmhouse depicts life on a small farm.

Discover more destinations: Caminchen, Märkisch-Buchholz, Mittenwalde, Groß Köris, Lieberose, Heideblick, Spreewaldheide, Luckau

Back to the wider travel overview: Dahme-Spreewald.