The best gravel rides around Bersteland

Old concrete slab road from the former airbase for the Luftwaffe of the Wehrmacht (Brand airfield).

Anyone cycling south from Schlepzig along the Spreewald Dam will pass through a landscape like something out of an old nature film: shallow ponds, quiet waterways, a causeway path with crunching gravel, and then – almost unexpectedly – a small jetty overlooking a body of water that takes your breath away. This is the Inselsteich (Island Pond): framed by reeds, birch trees, and pines, perhaps a swan in the distance, a gentle rippling, nothing else. This place is far removed from any rush – and it's noticeable: there are no restaurants, no benches with a view, no picnic area. But if you park your bike, pause for a moment, and watch the light play on the water, you'll understand why it's worth stopping here for a while. Tip: Early in the morning or during the golden hour, the Inselsteich seems almost magical. Then the trees and sky are reflected with a clarity otherwise only seen in Canada. And if you're lucky, you might hear the rustling of otters or the call of a crane from the nearby reeds.

If you let yourself drift a little northeast along the Gurkenradweg (Cucumber Cycle Path), you'll come to a place so unspectacular that it's almost something special: the Schäferteich (Shepherd's Pond). No swimming area with a kiosk, no camping bustle, no sign with eight prohibitions – just water, forest, and wind. The pond lies quietly and elongated along the edge of the Spree, within sight of Hartmannsdorf. The path there is easy to navigate – compacted earth, softened in places by rain, but overall solid. The view opens up with every meter, until the surface of the water suddenly appears almost like a small lake. Forest edges to the left and right, a few old fishing boats to the north. No noise, no concrete. Those who rest here can hear the rustling of leaves and the gentle lapping of the waves. Birdsong is omnipresent – geese, ducks, sometimes even cranes passing through. Especially in the early morning hours or in the faint evening light, an almost melancholy calm hangs over the pond. Ideal for a sandwich from your backpack, a long look over the water and a deep breath of Spreewald air.

Anyone cycling through the quiet heart of the biosphere reserve in the late afternoon shouldn't miss this place: The Heron Sleeping Pond isn't a spectacular photo spot, but a quiet natural theater for the patient—and perhaps one of the most magical places at dusk. Dozens of herons gather in the shallow waters, striding through the water on their long legs or simply remaining motionless. In the evening, they fly in in small squadrons, stoic and with the wide beat of their wings that cradle the sky. If you're lucky, you might see them gliding over the reed belt like white shadows from the forest at sunset. The pond is a bit off the beaten track—a short detour is worthwhile. No bench, no observation tower, no ice cream stand. Just nature. There's nothing to speak here except the birds, the wind, and the gentle rustling of the reeds. Practical tip: The path is natural, partly sandy, but easily accessible by bike. It's best to bring binoculars and time. Particularly worthwhile in autumn and spring when migratory birds rest.

Anyone who wants to experience the Spreewald beyond the boat and is willing to put their foot on the pedals will find a genuine dose of nature on the gravel paths between Lübben, Burg, and Leipe – and all without any filters. The path is the opposite of paved comfort: sometimes compacted, sometimes washed out, with grass in the middle or puddles in the shade of the trees. Not a place for road bike dreams – but perfect for robust tires and an open mind. The trail leads through sparse marsh forests, along tranquil streams, and over dams that once held more water than tourists today. The interplay of sun and shade, birdsong, and the crunching sound of tires quickly makes it clear: this isn't a transit area, but a place to breathe. Encounters with deer, herons, or a tractor going astray are not out of the question.

Groß Lubolz, as a border town in the Prussian territory, received its own church, while the Klein Lubolzer in the Saxon territory went to church in the densely populated Lübben.

Very nicely done between the train station and the city.

Beautiful picture in the sunshine 🌞