Lübbenau Spreewald & Marksmen's Festival

What the Spreewald and Marksmen's Festival is

The Spreewald- und Schützenfest in Lübbenau is a town festival in the heart of the Spreewald, the river landscape in Brandenburg where the Spree splits into hundreds of small channels. Its best-known feature is the Kahnkorso, a parade of decorated punts on the water. Around it, as the name says, sit marksmen's traditions, music and a funfair-style festival atmosphere in a town that otherwise lives from quiet boat trips and nature tourism.

For 2027 our data lists the festival from Friday 2 July to Sunday 4 July, three days on the first weekend of the month.

Dates in 2027 and why they are provisional

The 2027 date has not been published, and the window is derived from the pattern of previous years: the festival is held on the first weekend of July. Friday 2 July is the first Friday of the month in 2027, so Friday to Sunday, 2 to 4 July, is the logical estimate.

That is an estimate, not an announcement. The detailed programme, including the time of the Kahnkorso and the opening of the marksmen's events, is set locally. Check the Brandenburg tourism page and the Lübbenau town information before you book, and use cancellable rates until it is confirmed.

Character of the region and what to do

The Spreewald is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and a boat trip on a flat-bottomed punt through the channels is the classic experience. Lübbenau is the traditional starting point, with harbours in the town. In festival weekend conditions the water is busier than usual, so for a quiet trip choose a weekday or the early morning.

The Spreewald is also home to Sorbian (Wendish) culture, which you can notice in local customs and bilingual signs in parts of the region. Walks and cycle rides on flat paths along the channels suit almost every fitness level. The Lübbenau castle park is another low-key stop near the town centre.

Food and drink

The Spreewald is famous for its pickled gherkins, the Spreewälder Gurken, which carry a protected geographical indication. Another regional classic is linseed oil with jacket potatoes and quark, a simple dish that visitors often try once. Fish from the region and local beers appear on many menus. At the festival itself, expect the usual grill and beer-tent offer; ask at the stalls what is actually served.

Getting there and where to stay

Lübbenau is on the regional rail line between Berlin and Cottbus, with a journey from Berlin of roughly one and a half hours. The station is a short distance from the old town and the harbours. By car, Lübbenau is reached from the Berlin ring and the A13; parking on festival days fills early.

Accommodation ranges from guesthouses and holiday apartments to hotels in Lübbenau and neighbouring Lehde. The first weekend of July is the start of the high season for the Spreewald, so book as early as you can, with a flexible rate until the date is confirmed.

Planning around public holidays and bridge days in 2027

There is no public holiday around 2 to 4 July 2027 in Brandenburg. The nearest ones are Whit Monday on 17 May and German Unity Day on 3 October, which is a Sunday in 2027, as is Reformation Day on 31 October. So this edition has no bridge day.

A visit from Friday to Sunday costs one vacation day if you want to arrive by Friday afternoon, and none if you take a late train after work. For a longer Spreewald trip with slow days on the water, take Monday 5 July to Friday 9 July, five vacation days, and you get ten days in a row from Friday 2 July to Sunday 11 July. Note that school summer holidays vary by state and can raise prices and crowds, so check them for your travel party.

Tips and who it suits

The festival suits families, nature lovers and those who like local traditions. Bring mosquito repellent for the evenings near water, a hat for the sun and cash for small stalls. Confirm the date and the Kahnkorso schedule locally before travelling.