The Spreewald is a mix of water, barges and pickles

Deep relaxation can be found a mere 70 kilometres (43.5 mi) from Berlin: in the Spreewald with its maze of countless water veins. These streams flow out of the river Spree. They were formed during the glacial melting of the last ice age. For hours and days you can by glide by boat along the rivers - well away from the hustle and bustle and without any traffic noise.

A must for most tourists is a trip in a traditional Spreewald barge. For centuries, keel-less barges have traversed the shallow rivers. In the past they transported crops and livestock, but today mainly holidaymakers. Special offers are moonlight, mulled wine or river wildlife watching boat rides in the evening.

One of the most beautiful villages in the Spreewald is Lehde. It is built on several islands, which are called Kaupen here. On them you will find typical Spreewald farmhouses, where each plot has its own mooring. For a long time Lehde could only be reached by water. The mail is still delivered by barge.

In Lehde visitors can take a trip back into the Spreewald history of the last 150 years. In preserved and authentically furnished farmhouses you can learn how large farming families lived together, how a Spreewald barge is built, a log house is constructed or which plants grew in a farm garden.

For centuries, life in the Spreewald has been shaped by the Sorbs, an ethnic minority recognised in Germany. They have their own language and customs. In February, for example, they celebrate Sorbian Carnival, called Zapust, to drive out the winter. For the carnival procession the Sorbs dress in traditional costume.

The Sorbs also created many mythical stories and legendary figures. The water sprite, for example, is said to summon floods and storms. He also draws inquisitive people who try to pick his water lilies into the depths. A cross of snakes with crowned heads on the roof gables on the other hand represent the Snake King. He's here to protect the people living in the house.

This mighty wooden round structure in the Spreewald town of Raddusch is an accurate replica of a Slavic refuge. In the 9th and 10th centuries, the Slavic tribe of Lusizi built several such fortifications in the region. Behind the walls, the inhabitants were able to retreat in the event of an attack. Inside the Slavic Fort Raddusch however there is a museum displaying archaeological finds.

Whether as a classic pickle, with garlic, mustard or chilli: pickled gherkins in different variations have been a Spreewald bestseller for decades. They are even exported to the USA. The moist, humus-rich soil in the Spreewald lets the delicious vegetables flourish magnificently. Each supplier has his own secret recipe for his Spreewood gherkins.

Visitors can admire historic town houses in the old town of Lübbenau. Cafés and restaurants are ideal for a break, small shops offer souvenirs and handicrafts from the region. On the outskirts of the city is Lübbenau Castle, which houses a hotel, an orangery and a castle park.

The fascinating landscape clearly plays the main part in the Spreewald. Everywhere along the river there are boat rentals where you can get kayaks, canoes or equipment for standup paddle boarding. So nothing stands in the way of sporting relaxation on the water.