Picture a landscape shaped by the last Ice Age. That’s Dahme-Spreewald, a district in Brandenburg. It lies southeast of Berlin. Dahme-Spreewald is more than just a place. It is a historical cultural landscape.
Dahme-Spreewald is known in Lower Sorbian as Wokrejs Damna-Błota. This translates roughly to “the Swamps.” The region is officially bilingual. German and Lower Sorbian are both spoken here.
The Spree River winds through Dahme-Spreewald. Its wooded banks form the Spreewald. The Spreewald is the westernmost part of Lusatia. It’s a major tourist draw. People come for boat trips and relaxing holidays. The Dahme River, a Spree tributary, creates many lakes. These lakes dot the northern part of the district. The Dahme eventually joins the Spree near Berlin.
The Spreewald is a unique inland delta. It features a traditional irrigation system. Over 200 small canals crisscross the area. These canals total 1,300 kilometers in length. The area spans 484 square kilometers. In 1991, UNESCO designated the Spreewald a biosphere reserve. It is called Biosphärenreservat Spreewald.
Lübbenau and Lübben are popular towns in Dahme-Spreewald. Lübbenau is known for its canal villages. Lehde and Leipe have canals instead of streets. Vetschau features a reconstructed Old Slavic settlement. Burg is another notable town.
About 50,000 people inhabit the Dahme-Spreewald biosphere reserve. Many are descendants of the Sorbs and Wends. These Slavic tribes were the first settlers. They maintain their language, customs, and clothing.
Tourism is a major source of income. Many explore the Spree Forest by punt. Agriculture, forestry, and fishery are also important. The region is famed for Spreewald gherkins and other pickles. This economic area is protected by the EU.
The Dahme-Spreewald coat of arms tells a story. The bull represents Lusatia. The eagle symbolizes Brandenburg. The crown stands for the Prussian kings’ hunting lodge. It was located in Königs Wusterhausen.
When Brandenburg was re-established in 1990, three districts existed. These were Lübben, Luckau, and Königs Wusterhausen. In 1993, they merged to form Dahme-Spreewald.
So, as you journey through Dahme-Spreewald, remember its rich history. Envision the Sorbian culture and the unique landscape. Appreciate the blend of nature and tradition that defines this special place.