© TMB photo archive / Steffen Lehmann

Winter

in the Oder-Spree Lake District

Winter magic in the Oder-Spree Lake District

When the first snowflakes dance from the sky, the landscape is covered in a glittering white blanket and the clear, cold air smells of winter, then the contemplative season arrives in the Oder-Spree Lake District.

The days are short, but full of atmospheric experiences. The charming towns and villages shine with lights, and the Christmas markets smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds. Those interested in culture can experience special moments in festively decorated museums and theaters. Whether it's a stroll through the wintry old town, attending a concert or enjoying regional specialties - winter in the Oder-Spree Lake District invites you to enjoy the festive atmosphere to the full.

To help you discover the most beautiful cultural highlights and Christmas markets in the Oder-Spree Lake District, we have put together our best tips.

A remarkable natural spectacle

Brieger geese on the Oder

The winter cold is currently causing a special natural spectacle in the Oder-Spree lake district: the so-called Brieger geeseThey owe their name to the city of Brieg, today Brzeg in Poland. These are round ice floes with a bulbous edge that, when they collide, produce sounds reminiscent of geese honking. They originate from ice crystals that form above the gravelly riverbed and rise to the surface in a rotating motion. Through constant collisions, they continue to grow and develop their characteristic, convex edge.

Those who want to experience the spectacle up close will find particularly good viewing opportunities from the bridges. The following is recommended: barrier-free hiking trail across the Europabrücke Neurüdnitz–Siekierki.

Other beautiful viewpoints can be found on walks along the Oder river, for example from the parking lot at the Theater am Rand in Zollbrücke or in the city center of Frankfurt (Oder) on the tour. City tour Frankfurt (Oder) – Słubice: Boundless beauty.

The Brieg geese can also be easily observed around Lebus, Neuzelle and Aurith at the moment – ​​for example on the tour “Adonis and the Episcopal City", at a hike to the Oder or when Birdwatching in the Ziltendorf lowlands.

 

Discover new perspectives

High up on the region's observation towers.

Even in winter, the climb is worthwhile: clear air, expansive views, and tranquil landscapes make this season the perfect opportunity to gain some altitude. Over 20 observation towers – from historical structures to modern platforms – offer breathtaking views across the lake-rich region.

Each tower has its own story, each view is different. And those who look closely will discover: There is something to win.

© Bad Freienwalde Tourism GmbH / Mr. Kämpfe

Time for wellness and relaxation

relaxing retreats Feel-good time

In winter, the Oder-Spree Lake District reveals its quiet magic—the ideal time to allow body and soul to find peace. When snow covers the landscape in a white blanket and crisp winter air clears the mind, the SaarowTherme, the Satama Sauna Resort & Spa, and the Märkisches Meer Hotel-Resort, among others, invite you to enjoy soothing winter moments.

Take advantage of the winter silence to retreat to these oases of relaxation, recharge your batteries, and strengthen your well-being in a very special way amidst snowy nature!

SATAMA Sauna Resort & SPA 

Discover the most beautiful sauna park 
Berlin and Brandenburg

© Sebastian Gotthardt

Your stay in the Märkisches Meer region can be easily combined with a special day spa experience at the SATAMA Sauna Resort & SPA – Berlin-Brandenburg's most beautiful sauna park. SATAMA is more than just a sauna: Here you'll find nine different saunas, dreamy relaxation areas, a theater bar with cocktails, winter cuisine, and impressive infusion shows. Whether you're enthusiastic about Well-Tainment® in the SATAMA Theater, prefer to relax with gentle infusions in the Dream Magic Hut, or try out the traditional rituals in the Siberian banya – you decide what's good for you. And if you're looking for even more peace and quiet, treat yourself to a massage in the SATAMA SPA or retreat to the library with a book.

HOTEL-RESORT Märkisches Meer

Enjoy culinary delights and relaxation

Pool area at the Hotel Resort Märkisches Meer
© MeineZeit HOTELS & RESORTS

The Märkisches Meer Hotel-Resort is located directly on the eastern shore, just two kilometers from Bad Saarow. The 8.000 m² site features a pilot's lodge, a villa with a small wellness area, THEO's Restaurant, and a panoramic lakeside terrace with one of the most beautiful views of the lake. Here, you can linger, enjoy, and leave everyday life behind. In the evening, the day is best ended in the cozy Skipper Bar – with a glass of wine or a freshly tapped beer from the in-house Spreewald brewery by the fireplace.

As a guest at the Hotel "Märkisches Meer" you can be shuttled exclusively to SATAMA in Wendisch Rietz and even save on admission!

SaarowTherme

Two unique health offers 

© Yorck Maecke

Bad Saarower Natural Moor – Experience the Black Gold 
The natural mud from the Saarower Wierichwiesen meadows is a true treasure. Rich in humic acids, it has anti-inflammatory properties, promotes cell regeneration, and revitalizes your skin. Immerse yourself in a warm natural mud bath or enjoy a soothing mud pack—like a gentle hug that deeply relaxes muscles and joints and relieves pain. The mud unfolds its healing powers, particularly for back pain or rheumatic inflammation. The cool version also has the same effect: With cold mud, the cooled mud is applied directly to joints or muscles. It relieves inflammation, improves mobility, and gently strengthens your muscles. 
A true natural remedy. Floating – relax weightlessly
Make yourself comfortable in the warm saline water, close your eyes, and let yourself drift – almost like in the Dead Sea. Your body loses all its weight, you float between water and air, and feel everyday life gradually melt away. For an hour, there is only you, the silence, and the feeling of weightlessness. An experience that puts body and mind into a deep state of rest – and refreshes you like a mini-vacation.

aja Bad Saarow 

Relax between lake, sauna and soft hands

© a-ja Resort und Hotel GmbH

When the leaves glow golden and the air becomes fresher, it's the perfect time for a relaxing break. Hit the pause button and treat yourself to your personal oasis of well-being at aja Bad Saarow, surrounded by nature bathed in warm autumnal tones. The spacious spa and pool area features a heated outdoor pool, a large indoor pool for laps or simply relaxing, and a diverse sauna world with a Finnish sauna, sanarium, and steam bath. There's a separate children's pool for families, while those seeking peace and quiet can unwind in the quiet retreat area.
The highlight for body and soul: Let yourself be pampered with a soothing massage or a customized treatment – ​​from relaxing to invigorating, always with high-quality products and the trained hands of the spa team.
Whether you're alone, as a couple, or with your family, at aja Bad Saarow you'll find just the right mix of activity, relaxation, and enjoyment that makes autumn your favorite season.

 

Schwapp adventure pool

Sauna, sports and relaxation

When it gets cooler outside, the schwapp in Fürstenwalde is just the right place to do something good for body and soul. In addition to bathing fun for all ages, the spacious sauna area is a particular draw: a refuge for relaxing, breathing deeply, and recharging your batteries. Five individually designed indoor and outdoor saunas – including an infrared cabin, a steam bath, and a whirlpool – provide soothing warmth and variety. Nestled in a green setting with a swimming pond, relaxation house, and sun deck, everyone will find their own personal retreat here. The aroma times are particularly atmospheric: guests choose their sauna ball according to their taste – whether eucalyptus, lavender, orange, or pine – and enjoy the individually tailored infusion. Experienced sauna masters accompany visitors with varied rituals, while the stylish relaxation rooms invite you to peace and relaxation. But the schwapp is not just a place of rest; it is also for those who want to stay active. Aqua fitness, water aerobics, aqua jogging, and rehabilitation sports bring movement into the mix. A particularly attractive feature is that the rehabilitation sports courses are covered by health insurance and can be customized. And if you feel a little peckish after the sauna, the Hafenschänke bistro provides a culinary treat – with fresh, vegetarian, and regional dishes.

Would like more? 

Discover more feel-good places in the beautiful Oder-Spree Lake District!

© Bad Saarow Kur GmbH

leisure magazine

sea ​​view

Our leisure & guest magazine “Lake View” invites you to discover the most beautiful aspects of 
Oder-Spree Lake District to discover. With inspiring favorite spots, special excursion ideas, and selected restaurant and accommodation tips, we'll show you how diverse and surprising our travel region is.

These are the topics you'll find in this issue of Seeblick:

  • Active in nature – Our tour tips for the cooler months
  • Culinary Gems – Warm Hosts Introduce Themselves
  • Christmas Magic – The most beautiful markets and events

 

More about the lake view Order directly to your home here
© Seenland Oder-Spree/Jennifer Ehm

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See you in the Oder-Spree Lake District!