Schmogrow-Fehrow has two defining features: its winding waterways and the Sorbian-Wendish customs that continue to be practiced in Schmogrow and Fehrow. If you are looking for a destination where landscape and culture both help shape your experience, you can plan your stay around either of these themes, or both. The water landscape tells a story of waterways, meadows, and water management; the customs bring the cultural side of the place to life.
Waterways, meadows, and paths
The Spree between Peitz and Burg Special Area of Conservation (SAC) extends as far as Schmogrow-Fehrow. Its waterways run through restoration and development zones. Near Fehrow, the Malxe and Hammergraben rivers reach the boundary of the protected area. Extensive meadows stretch across the Malxe-Spree lowlands, crisscrossed by drainage ditches. Near Schmogrow, the Spree divides into numerous waterways that flow northwest through the Upper Spreewald. The protected-area boundary near Fehrow, the lowland meadows, and the branching Spree near Schmogrow each offer a different point of access to the landscape.
One route near Schmogrow follows riverbanks lined with alders, poplars, and oaks; the surrounding landscape is shaped by agriculture. Water management is also part of local history: in 1917, the construction of the Freiwehr at Schmogrow Mill improved water-management capabilities. The SAC can be explored on foot, by bicycle, and by boat. These three options offer different ways to experience the landscape.
Sorbian-Wendish customs in Schmogrow and Fehrow
Sorbian-Wendish customs and traditional dress continue to be upheld as cultural heritage in Schmogrow and Fehrow. The Zapust procession is considered the highlight of the annual carnival. Girls wear Wendish festive dress in the procession. The Kljambaua is a bell tree carried in Schmogrow’s carnival procession; the year 1875 is embroidered on its back.
The Hahnschlagen custom is also still practiced in Schmogrow. Schmogrow is one of the few villages in Lower Lusatia to have preserved this custom. For the local maypole, young men and the fire brigade raise the pole; afterwards, the village gathers for a celebration. Local customs thus include a procession, individual traditions that have been preserved, and communal festivities. If you would like a particular custom to shape your visit, check the dates and specific arrangements in advance.
Spree-Neiße as the wider region
Looking beyond the town to the wider Spree-Neiße destination, you will find other landscape and cultural themes. The Spreewald is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a characteristic inland delta landscape. The Spree Cycle Route crosses the Spree-Neiße region for around 60 kilometers and runs mostly along paved river dikes. The Sorbian Impressions tour offers insights into the lives and traditions of the Sorbian/Wendish minority living in the region. When choosing a theme, you can distinguish the local focus on waterways and customs from these broader regional themes.
Discover more destinations: Jänschwalde, Döbern, Spremberg, Peitz, Teichland, Werben, Turnow-Preilack, Neuhausen/Spree.
Back to the regional travel overview: Spree-Neiße.
