Things To Do
in Cottbus
Cottbus is the largest city in Brandenburg, situated on the Spree River in eastern Germany. It blends a historic town core with a vibrant university scene and a growing arts culture. Notable landmarks include Branitz Park and Castle, which showcase nineteenth-century landscape design.
The city is proud of its Lusatian Sorbian heritage, which is still visible in bilingual signage and local festivals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Cottbus and check into your cozy hotel in the city center. Spend the morning exploring the nearby Cottbus StadtPark, where you can absorb the serene atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful parkland. Grab a coffee at a local café to energize yourself for the adventures ahead.
Visit the Cottbus Museum to dive into the local history and art scene, featuring fascinating exhibitions that showcase the region's rich heritage. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Spree River, soaking in the scenic views and charming architecture. Enjoy a light lunch in the vicinity, perhaps trying some traditional German cuisine.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for dinner, sampling local delicacies paired with German wine or beer. After your meal, take a relaxing walk through the city center, where you can admire the illuminated historical buildings. Conclude your day at a cozy bar, sipping on a nightcap while mingling with locals.
Wake up early to explore Cottbus' historic Old Town, beginning with a visit to the stunning St. Nicholas Church. Admire the intricate architecture and the beautiful stained glass windows that define this remarkable structure. Stop by a bakery for a delicious pastry and fresh coffee to fuel your morning explorations.
Continue your journey with a guided walking tour that highlights significant landmarks like the Cottbus City Hall and the charming marketplace. Enjoy lunch at one of the many eateries, where you can taste authentic local dishes. Don't forget to pick up some souvenirs from local shops that carry handcrafted items.
After a day of exploration, treat yourself to dinner at a popular local restaurant known for its warm ambiance and friendly service. Opt for an outdoor seating area and enjoy a meal under the stars while savoring regional specialties. To end the evening, consider catching a performance at Staatstheater Cottbus for an evening of culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚆One-way public transit ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room (per night) | $70-120 |
| 🛒Grocery basket (basic items) | $35-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact and walkable city with easy access to nature
- Rich Lusatian Sorbian heritage and cultural events
- Relatively affordable compared with Western Germany
- Good university town with a lively student scene
- Smaller nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Limited international flight options directly from Cottbus
- Rail connections can be slower than in larger hubs
- Weather can be unpredictable with frequent rain in some seasons
- "Guten Tag" - Good day
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
Places to Visit in Cottbus
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic landscape park with lakes, trees, and the pyramidal tower; a classic spot for landscape photography.
Scenic waterside path with reflections, boats, and bridges along the Spree.
Brick facade and historic market square offer architectural photography opportunities.
Gothic style church with a striking silhouette; great views from the square and riverside.
Food in Cottbus
Cottbus Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty potato soup with vegetables and sometimes sausage; a comforting staple you’ll see in many traditional eateries.
Must-Try!
A Sorbian-inspired sweet pancake made with quark and potatoes, often enjoyed as a dessert or snack from local bakeries.
A Lusatian style lard sandwich, simple yet flavorful and commonly found in taverns serving regional fare.
A classic German pot roast option that demonstrates regional hospitality and fits well with seasonal menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, bread, sausages, and regional specialties; ideal for sampling local flavors.
Stalls featuring Spreewald pickles, regional snacks, and ready-to-eat bites during market days and festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be on time for appointments and train arrivals; Germans value promptness.
A polite hello or guten Tag when entering shops; use Sie with strangers and switch to du only with consent.
Follow local recycling rules; separate waste and use the bins provided.
While many speak English, showing respect for Sorbian heritage and local customs is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Cottbus
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving about 5-10% is customary if you are satisfied.
Cash is widely accepted, but cards (debit/credit) and contactless payments are common; some small venues may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days and abundant outdoor events; expect warm temperatures with occasional thunderstorms. Great for lake trips, markets, and open-air performances.
Crisp air and colorful foliage; harvest festivals appear in markets; ideal for city walks and museum visits.
Cold, with Christmas markets and festive lights; buy warm clothing and enjoy hearty meals and mulled wine.
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens; perfect for biking, parks, and outdoor museums.
Cottbus at Night
Hiking in Cottbus
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible day trips with marsh trails, boardwalks, and canoeing through waterways.
Accessible walking and forest trails around Branitz Castle.
Hiking in the distant uplands with forests and panoramic views, a short drive away.
Airports
How to reach Cottbus by plane.
Approximately 100-120 km northeast; frequent rail and road connections to Cottbus.
Approximately 150-180 km southwest; good rail connections via high-speed services.
Approximately 160-190 km west; accessible by rail and road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population with a mix of traditional and modern urban demographics.
A recognized minority with cultural and language preservation; you may see bilingual signage.
The presence of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg brings a youthful population and cultural events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular spectator sport; locally known clubs and a strong amateur scene.
Excellent bike-friendly terrain around Spree and Lusatia; local routes and clubs.
Local clubs participate in national competitions and recreational leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cottbus.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many German restaurants offer vegetarian options; ask for plant-based dishes, salads, or potato-based sides.