Cultural landscape

From natural space to cultural landscape

The Spreewald is a unique natural and cultural monument in Germany, characterized by its geographical, historical and agricultural conditions. This impressive region is located in the south-east of Brandenburg and is one of the most important and best-known wetlands in Europe. The Spreewald was recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in 1991, which underlines the importance of its ecological and cultural diversity. Here, nature and man merge in a way that has created a harmonious cultural landscape over the centuries.

A landscape monument with deep roots

The Spreewald dates back to the last ice age around 20,000 years ago, when glaciers and rivers created today’s network of streams and watercourses. But it was the people who reclaimed the region in the centuries that followed and shaped it into what it is today: a cultural landscape criss-crossed by water. The Slavic tribes who settled here in the early Middle Ages began to use the land for agriculture. In the 6. and The Sorbs and Wends settled in the Spreewald in the 7th century and shaped the culture and way of life of the region.

Over the centuries, the Spreewald has been increasingly shaped by human activity. The inhabitants created a complex network of canals, known as “rivers”, which are still of crucial importance for agricultural use and as transportation routes. This water system was once used to irrigate the fields and as a transportation route for people and goods – and it still shapes the lives of people in the Spreewald today.

Growing vegetables in the Spreewald

One of the best-known agricultural traditions of the Spreewald is the cultivation of vegetables, in particular the famous Spreewald cucumber. The cucumber, which was first cultivated on a large scale in the 19th century, has gained not only regional but also national fame. It is the trademark of the region and even enjoys the protection of a protected geographical indication (PGI). Thanks to its humid microclimate and fertile soil, the Spreewald offers ideal conditions for growing these and other vegetables such as horseradish – the “white gold of the Spree” – as well as onions and cabbage. The vegetables were also used to supply Berlin for many decades.

For centuries, the region has been used for agriculture and at the same time lovingly cared for in order to preserve the natural character of the river landscape. Vegetable growing in the Spreewald is characterized by sustainable cultivation methods that ensure the preservation of natural resources and the unique landscape. Farmers use environmentally friendly techniques to maintain soil quality and protect the sensitive ecosystem of the Spreewald. This includes the avoidance of chemical fertilizers and the use of natural irrigation methods via the region’s flow system. Vegetable cultivation is now in decline for economic reasons.

Sustainable landscape management

Maintaining the cultural landscape of the Spreewald requires a great deal of commitment from the people who have been carrying on these traditions for generations. Many of the maintenance tasks, such as weeding or meadow care, are still carried out by hand and often collectively.

The work of the Spreewälder is not only a practical necessity, but also an expression of a deep connection with their homeland. The knowledge of how to care for the landscape and traditions is passed down from generation to generation.