Cottbus

Brandenburg's second-largest city in the southeast is home to the impressive Cottbus State Theatre and the beautiful Cottbus Palace with its Japanese garden. The city serves as a gateway to the Spreewald and Lower Lusatia region.

Things to do

• Cottbus State Theatre — A stunning Art Nouveau building hosting opera, ballet, and drama performances in one of Brandenburg's most prestigious cultural venues.
• Cottbus Palace and Japanese Garden — An 18th-century palace surrounded by one of Europe's most authentic Japanese gardens, featuring traditional landscaping, stone lanterns, and a tea house.
• Spreewald Boat Tours — Guided canoe or punt journeys through the UNESCO-protected Spreewald wetlands with branching waterways, traditional villages, and pristine nature just outside the city.
• Lusatian Museum — Chronicles the cultural history and traditions of Lower Lusatia, including folk costumes, crafts, and the heritage of the Sorbian people.
• Branitz Palace and Park — A Baroque estate 20km away featuring ornamental lakes, earthen pyramids, and extensive grounds reflecting 19th-century landscape design ideals.
• Old Town Cottbus — A rebuilt medieval center with reconstructed half-timbered houses, market square cafés, and independent shops reflecting post-war restoration efforts.

Food to try

• Spreewald Gherkins — Locally-grown pickled cucumbers from the surrounding wetland region, brined with dill and spices, sold fresh at markets and served as traditional accompaniments.
• Lausitzer Leinöl-Linsenbrei — A traditional Lower Lusatian dish of lentil puree drizzled with flaxseed oil, representing regional agricultural heritage and earthy, nutty flavors.
• Sorbian Potato Pancakes — Crispy potato fritters seasoned with regional herbs, reflecting the culinary traditions of the indigenous Sorbian community in the area.
• Spreewald Smoked Fish — Fresh fish from local waterways, traditionally smoked and sold at markets, particularly pike and eel prepared using regional smoking techniques.
• Lausitzer Quarkkäulchen — Sweet or savory fried quark cheese pastries topped with apple compote or sauce, a beloved local dessert and breakfast specialty.

Local customs & good to know

• Sorbian Language Presence — The region is home to the Sorbian minority with bilingual signage and cultural events; showing respect for this indigenous heritage is appreciated by locals.
• Market Day Tradition — Cottbus's weekly farmers' market on the Altmarkt (Wednesdays and Saturdays) is where locals gather for fresh produce, regional specialties, and casual socializing.
• Cycling Culture — Cottbus and surrounding Brandenburg are highly bike-friendly with extensive flat cycling routes; renting a bicycle is the preferred local way to explore the Spreewald.
• Palace Visit Etiquette — When visiting Cottbus Palace gardens, walking paths and designated areas must be respected; photography is generally allowed but visitors should be quiet in the Japanese garden meditation spaces.