Cottbus Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful city of Cottbus with our detailed travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Cottbus.


Introduction to Cottbus

Cottbus is a charming city located in the heart of Brandenburg, in Germany. Known for its picturesque landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture, Cottbus is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the region.

List of Places to Visit in Cottbus

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Branitz Park
  • Cottbus Museum of Natural History
  • Staatstheater Cottbus
  • Wendish Museum
  • Piccolo Theater Cottbus

Natural Attractions of Cottbus: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Cottbus is a nature lover’s paradise. With its rolling hills, scenic trails, and crystal-clear lakes, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. Some of the top natural attractions include:

  • Spreewald Biosphere Reserve
  • Lusatian Lake District
  • Spreeauenpark Cottbus
  • Schorheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cottbus

For those looking to explore the great outdoors, Cottbus has plenty of hiking and biking trails to enjoy. Some of the top routes include:

  • Spreeradweg
  • Niederlausitzer Bergbautour
  • Rundweg Spremberger Turm
  • Forstweg Grüner See

Best Things to Do in Cottbus: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Cottbus. Some other popular activities and tours include:

  • Cottbus Zoo
  • Haasowsee Swimming Beach
  • Cottbus Maritime Museum
  • Cottbus Adventure Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Cottbus

Day 1: Branitz Park and Cottbus Museum of Natural History Day 2: Spreewald Biosphere Reserve and Spreeauenpark Cottbus Day 3: Lusatian Lake District and Wendish Museum Day 4: Haasowsee Swimming Beach and Piccolo Theater Cottbus Day 5: Forstweg Grüner See and Cottbus Adventure Park Day 6: Schorheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve and Staatstheater Cottbus Day 7: Niederlausitzer Bergbautour and Cottbus Maritime Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Cottbus

Must-Try Dishes

Cottbus is known for its hearty cuisine, which combines traditional German dishes with local ingredients. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Spreewald Gurken (pickled cucumbers)
  • Traditional Lusatian potato soup
  • Spree Forest Trout in lemon butter
  • Lusatian Quarkkeulchen (pancakes made with quark cheese)

Local Beverages

Cottbus has a thriving craft beer scene, with plenty of local breweries to explore. Some other popular beverages include:

  • Spreewaldhof Spreewald Gurken liqueur
  • Grenzgänger Kirschbier (cherry beer)

Where to Stay in Cottbus: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cottbus has plenty of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some top picks include:

  • Radisson Blu Hotel, Cottbus
  • Sorat Hotel Cottbus
  • Jugendherberge Cottbus

What to Buy in Cottbus: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Cottbus, be sure to pick up some local souvenirs and products to bring home. Some popular items include:

  • Spreewald Gurken
  • Traditional Lusatian linens and fabrics
  • Lusatian pottery and ceramics

Local Culture and Customs of Cottbus

Cottbus has a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of German and Wendish traditions. Some cultural events and customs to look out for include:

  • Slavic cultural festivals
  • Traditional Easter egg painting
  • Wendish Christmas customs

Best Time to Visit Cottbus

The best time to visit Cottbus is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and sunny. The city is also known for its vibrant cultural events and festivals, which take place throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cottbus

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Explore the nature reserves and national parks
  • Attend a cultural festival or event

Don’t:

  • Leave without trying the Spreewald Gurken
  • Ignore the local customs and traditions
  • Forget to bring your walking shoes for exploring the scenic trails.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cottbus

Cottbus is generally a safe city to visit, but like anywhere, it’s important to take precautions. Some safety tips to keep in mind include:

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
  • Take precautions against pickpocketing
  • Avoid dark or deserted areas at night

Health in Cottbus

Cottbus has excellent healthcare facilities, with several hospitals and clinics located throughout the city. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance when traveling to any foreign country.

Getting to Cottbus: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cottbus

The closest airport to Cottbus is Berlin Brandenburg Airport, which is located approximately 80 kilometers away. From there, it’s possible to take a train or bus into the city.

Bus Stations Near Cottbus

Cottbus has several bus stations, with regular connections to cities throughout Germany. Some of the top bus companies include Flixbus and Eurolines.

Other Options

For those traveling from within Germany, it’s easy to reach Cottbus by train. There are several daily connections to major cities throughout the country.

How to Get Around in Cottbus

Cottbus has excellent public transport options, with a network of buses and trams that cover the entire city. Taxis are also readily available, and there are plenty of bike rental options for those looking to explore on two wheels.

Where to Go Next from Cottbus: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cottbus is ideally located for exploring the surrounding region, with plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to choose from. Some popular options include:

  • Berlin, the vibrant German capital
  • Dresden, with its stunning Baroque architecture
  • The Saxon Switzerland National Park

Conclusion

Cottbus is a hidden gem in the heart of Germany, with plenty of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine to discover. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, there’s something for everyone in this charming city.

University library University library The art nouveau Staatstheater Cottbus The art nouveau Staatstheater Cottbus streetcar network streetcar network African ground squirrel at the Cottbus Zoo African ground squirrel at the Cottbus Zoo Cottbus Castle and Courthouse Cottbus Castle and Courthouse Gerber Cottages Gerber Cottages Old Powerhouse Old Powerhouse