Landscape & island location

A gem

Lehde, a small village in the middle of the Spreewald, is a true treasure of nature and culture. This idyllic village, which belongs to Lübbenau, impresses with its unique island location, embedded in the extensive network of rivers and canals that are so characteristic of the Spreewald. Lehde is located on several small islands surrounded by rivers and connected by bridges. This special location has shaped the village over the centuries and made it a unique place – both scenically and socially. With only 160 inhabitants and its direct location on the water, Lehde fascinates visitors with its idyllic atmosphere.

Even Theodor Fontane, the great poet and author, raved about the beauty of Lehde:

It is a pocket-sized lagoon city, a Venice as it might have been 1,500 years ago when the first fishing families sought shelter on its marshlands.

The natural idyll

Lehde is located in the heart of the Spreewald biosphere reserve and is surrounded by a fascinating landscape characterized by watercourses, meadows and alluvial forests. Numerous rivers branch out here, criss-crossing the landscape like a dense network. In the middle of these river arms, the village lies on several islands that can only be reached by boat, a traditional wooden boat, or via small wooden bridges. Motorized traffic is largely absent – which makes Lehde particularly quiet and peaceful. The silence is only interrupted by the lapping of the water and the calls of the local birds.

The landscape of the Spreewald is a unique natural phenomenon. A labyrinth of rivers, surrounded by lush meadows and dense forests, where flora and fauna unfold in their full splendor. In spring and summer, green colors dominate, while in autumn the leaves glow in warm golden tones and the Spreewald is transformed into a fairytale landscape. This natural spectacle, which changes with the seasons, attracts those seeking relaxation from near and far.

The island location

The unique island location makes life in Lehde special. The water is omnipresent and serves as a natural transportation route. People traditionally use “Kähne” (kɛːnə), a type of barge, to travel on the rivers to get from one island to another. These waterways are not only a romantic element of the landscape, but still play an important role in everyday life today. The post, all necessary transportation and, of course, visits to neighbors – all this is often done by barge. For the “Lehd’schen”, life on the water is a matter of course, which they master with great composure.

The community

The geographical location and the need to organize themselves by the water have created a special community among the people of Lehde. The inhabitants of the village are dependent on each other and have maintained a close neighborhood for centuries. This solidarity is also reflected in the traditions that are still alive here. In Lehde, Spreewald customs are particularly cultivated – from traditional festivals to traditional costume culture.

The community comes to life in a particularly impressive way at the annual Lehdefest. The villagers decorate their barges with flowers, ribbons and anything else that can be transported on the water to celebrate together on the rivers. These festivals not only strengthen the cohesion of the village community, but also attract numerous visitors who want to experience the special atmosphere of this village.

The cultural and historical significance

Lehde is not only a scenic gem, but also historically significant. The Lehde Open-Air Museum, one of the oldest in Germany, provides an insight into the traditional life of the Spreewald inhabitants around the 19th century. Visitors can admire historic farms, old tools and typical barges and learn how people used to live and work in this water-rich region.

The connection between past and present can be felt everywhere in Lehde. Although the village is a popular excursion destination, it has retained its authenticity and originality.

Lehde in the Spreewald is more than just a village – it is an oasis of nature and community, nestled in one of the most unique landscapes in Germany.