Straupitz (Spreewald) brings together architectural history, technology and nature. The Schinkel Church, granary, Dutch windmill and Florentine Oak each offer a different perspective. For planning purposes, it is helpful to distinguish between the attractions in Straupitz and the additional topics in the wider Dahme-Spreewald destination.
The Schinkel Church and the granary
The Schinkel Church was consecrated on 5 August 1832. Its two towers are a landmark in the Spreewald and can be seen far beyond Straupitz. Planning began in 1826. Karl Friedrich Schinkel was asked to prepare a design on 28 October and sent it on 12 November. These dates mark several specific stages in the building’s history: from the start of planning to the design and consecration.
The Straupitz Granary is part of the castle grounds and lies between the Schinkel Church and Straupitz Castle. The Straupitz Granary Friends’ Association runs a local history exhibition and a café in the granary. If you plan to visit both, check the current opening arrangements before your visit.
Mill, natural monument and tours
The Dutch windmill in Straupitz is Europe’s last operational triple windmill. As its operating status may change, check whether it is currently running before your visit. Florentine Oak, also known as Florentine, offers a different point of interest: it is a dead pedunculate oak in Byttnahain near Straupitz and is registered as a natural monument. This gives you a choice between industrial history and a named natural monument when planning your trip.
Hiking and cycling tours offered in and around Straupitz start at the tourist information office on KirchstraĂźe and are also available as guided tours. Contact the local tourist information office for current arrangements. This lets you combine architectural and technological themes with a tour as a separate focus, without assuming a particular route.
Traces of the Spreewald Railway
In the wider Dahme-Spreewald destination, the metre-gauge Spreewald Railway operated passenger services from 1898 to 1970. Straupitz was its operational centre; routes ran from there to LĂĽbben, Goyatz, Lieberose and Cottbus. At the former Straupitz station, the IG Spreewaldbahn is setting up an exhibition featuring many original Spreewald Railway carriages. The historic rail link and the exhibition project at the former station offer two different insights into railway history: one into passenger services in the past, the other into the current development of an exhibition.
Dahme-Spreewald as a wider travel destination
In the wider Dahme-Spreewald destination, the Dahme Lake District and the Spreewald are both part of the travel region in Dahme-Spreewald district, which offers scenic, historical and cultural attractions. More than 1,000 kilometres of well-developed, fully signposted cycle paths connect landscapes and places to visit in the Spreewald and the Dahme Lake District. Check route conditions before setting off.
The Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park is part of the region’s nature attractions. It lies in the districts of Dahme-Spreewald and Oder-Spree and encompasses more than 100 lakes. The Buchenhain nature trail also leads to a 7-metre-high observation tower with views of the surrounding area; check trail conditions in advance.
Other distinctive examples from Dahme-Spreewald connect nature and culture: Schlepzig harbour is the starting point for boat or canoe trips on a 3-kilometre circular route through the Spreewald village. Services may be seasonal, so it is advisable to check departure dates when planning your trip. The Schlepzig Farm Museum is housed in a completely preserved farmstead dating from 1818 and depicts small-scale farming life in an authentically furnished farmhouse. The Funkerberg Museum, meanwhile, is located at the original site of the first German radio broadcast, which was transmitted from Königs Wusterhausen on 22 December 1920 with a Christmas concert.
Discover more destinations: Eichwalde, Unterspreewald, GolĂźen, Byhleguhre-Byhlen, Drahnsdorf, Teupitz, Jamlitz, Lieberose
Back to the wider travel overview: Dahme-Spreewald.
