Cottbus

Introduction

You will find a vibrant atmosphere in Cottbus, a university city situated within the Sorbian settlement area of Lower Lusatia. Located along the River Spree, the city offers a distinct regional character as you explore its surroundings near the shores of the Cottbuser Ostsee, Germany's largest artificial lake.

Before you go

Before you arrive, understand that the name Cottbus originates from the Sorbian word for "pretty little houses." While the city is often associated with coal mining and its industrial past, you will find a well-preserved medieval core and 19th-century districts shaped by a historic textile boom. The surrounding area is known for its green spaces and proximity to the Spreewald forest. If you enjoy local treats, look for traditional Baumkuchen, a circular layer cake resembling tree rings, or regional specialties like cloth, grain, and beer.

When navigating the city, be mindful of your surroundings during weekend nights near the local football club's grounds. Because the layout is flat and compact, many locals commute by bicycle; stay alert for cyclists traveling quickly on sidewalks or around blind corners, especially in low light. Additionally, keep a close watch on your belongings to prevent bike theft.

Getting there

You can reach the city via several rail connections. The local station links you to the Intercity network with arrivals from Hamburg and Berlin, as well as daily regional trains connecting you to Dresden, Leipzig, and Frankfurt (Oder). Once you arrive at the station, you can easily transfer to the municipal streetcar network or various bus lines that stop directly at the terminal.

If you prefer to travel by car, Cottbus is accessible via the federal Autobahn Route A15, which connects toward Lübbenau and provides routes toward Berlin and Dresden. The city also sits along several secondary regional roads, including the B97, B115, B122, and B169. For those arriving by plane, you can reach the city from Berlin Brandenburg International Airport or Dresden Airport, both of which offer train connections to the region.

Getting around

Because of the compact size of the city, you can reach most destinations easily on foot or by bicycle. If you choose to cycle, a bicycle sale and repair shop is located in the northern part of the city.

The local transit authority operates a network of streetcar lines and primary bus routes throughout the area. For those traveling late at night, several bus lines provide service that meets at the train station.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations that cater to different preferences and locations within the city. For those seeking a historic atmosphere, stay in a half-timbered house on the monastery square near the medieval city wall. If you prefer a more traditional experience, several establishments offer home-style cooking featuring regional specialties, fish, grill, and game dishes.

Depending on your needs, you can find lodging in various areas:

• Stay in the old town for a central experience near the Schlosskirchplatz.
• Choose a location in the northeastern part of Willmersdorf.
• Find a retreat on the south edge of Cottbus in the quarter of Gallinchen.
• Select a spot with leisure amenities like a sauna and bowling alley.
• Stay near the main train station for convenient transport links.
• Choose a prominent location next to the town hall that is easily accessible by tram lines.

Food & drink

You can enjoy a variety of dining experiences across the city, ranging from casual spots to more refined settings. For a relaxed atmosphere, visit Brau und Bistro or head to Die Suppenbar for a selection of soups. If you are looking for mid-range options, you can choose from Italian cuisine at Deniro or Roma, find local flavors at Stadtwächter and Da Nando, or enjoy an ice cream at Da Capo. For those seeking specific cuisines or late-night dining, Mythos and Restaurant Shiva offer diverse menus in the heart of the city.

For a more upscale experience, you can dine at Primo.

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of the city by taking a guided tour with the Cottbus Coachman, which includes a climb up the Spremberger Tower to view the surrounding area. For a nostalgic journey, you can ride a traditional streetcar that has been in operation for over a century or hop aboard the Park Railroad. This light-gauge railway travels through the Sandow neighborhood and into Branitzer Park, where you can walk toward the Kiekebuscher Dam on the Spree river. If you prefer to explore the landscape at your own pace, cycle along the path surrounding the massive artificial lake known as Cottbuser Ostsee or visit the Merzdorf observation tower for views of the area.

Immerse yourself in the local culture and history by visiting several distinct sites:

• The State Theatre, a rare example of art nouveau architecture.
• The Wendish Museum, which showcases regional art and traditions.
• The Dieselkraftwerk Kunstmuseum, housed in a historic power plant that now displays paintings and sculptures.
• The Apothekenmuseum, featuring historical pharmacy objects from the 18th through the 20th century.
• The Flugplatzmuseum, where you can view various airplanes and helicopters.
• The Raumflugplanetarium, which offers projections of stars from both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Three days in Cottbus

Day one, you can begin your stay in the heart of Cottbus. You might wander through the historic area near Schlosskirchplatz to experience the local atmosphere of Lower Lusatia.

Day two, explore the surrounding region and discover the charm of the Spreewald. You can find a local bistro to enjoy a meal while taking in the scenery along the River Spree.

Day three, you can relax and sample traditional treats like Baumkuchen before preparing for your journey toward other destinations such as Berlin or Dresden.