Cottbus offers the opportunity to discover picturesque landscapes and architectural gems that reflect the city’s rich history. Branitzer Park is a beautiful 19th century landscape park designed by the renowned landscape architect Hermann Fürst von Pückler-Muskau. The 19th century Cottbus State Theatre is not only a cultural centre, but also a testament to the city’s architectural heritage. And from the top of the Spremberger Tower, a medieval tower, you can admire breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Cottbus also offers a cultural side. The Brandenburg State Museum for Modern Art is a must-see for art lovers, with an extensive collection of contemporary works of art. The annual FilmFestival Cottbus attracts film buffs from all over the world, presenting a wide selection of films from Eastern Europe and beyond.
When it comes to cuisine, Cottbus offers a variety of options to suit every palate. From traditional German cuisine to international flavours, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés serving delicious meals. A must-try is the local specialty, Cottbus sour beef, a delicate and spicy dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
Location
Cottbus, a university city in the federal state of Brandenburg, on the Spree River in Germany.
Cottbuser Ostsee
The Cottbus Baltic Sea is an artificial lake under development on the grounds of the former open-pit lignite mine. With an area of 19 square kilometers, it will soon be the largest lake in the state of Brandenburg. This makes it approximately 1.5 times larger than Scharmützelsee, Brandenburg’s Märkisches Meer (Märkisches Meer).
The Cottbus Baltic Sea will create a harbor with a high level of leisure and recreational value just outside Cottbus’s old town. A connection to Lake Klinger is planned. The benefits of the new offerings on and around the lake are clear. A vacation by the water!
Branitzer Park
Branitz Park in Cottbus was designed by Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau between 1845 and 1871. He transformed a flat agricultural landscape into an artistic park landscape with hills, valleys, and waterways that flow into the central pleasure ground. A special feature are the two earth pyramids, including the lake pyramid, which serves as Pückler’s burial site.
Fürst-Pückler-Museum, Besucherzentrum & Museumsshop
The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau and his long-time partner, Lucie von Pückler-Muskau, née von Hardenberg. Its collections offer insights into various themes in European art and cultural history.
Exhibits provide information about the daily life of the princely park-lover, for example, which guests frequented the palace and the dishes Pückler had served for them. In addition to the works of art, furniture, books, and other objects presented in the palace.
Cottbus State Theatre
In 1997-1999, the theatre was transformed into a chamber theatre and officially opened with a performance of Goethe’s play “Clavigo”. Since then, the “Kammerbühne” has been a multifunctional theatre for drama, music and dance, as well as a venue for events such as the “Theatertreff” (“theatre meeting”) and the “Kaffeeklatsch mit Prominenten” (“coffee party with celebrities”).
Cottbus Flugplatzmuseum
The Cottbus Airport Museum offers an overview of the aviation history of the region and beyond, on an area of around 40,000 square metres. On display are more than 50 aircraft, an extensive collection of automotive, security and other military technology, as well as a unique historical exhibition in the room.
Spremberger Tower (Spremberger Turm)
Spremberger Turm is a historic tower dating back to the 13th century and is the symbol of the city of Cottbus.This 28-meter-high structure with its characteristic Baroque dome offers breathtaking views of the entire city and its surroundings. After climbing 131 steps, you can reach the viewing platform, where you will see a panorama that will amaze you. The tower was once part of the medieval fortifications and even survived the turbulent period of the Hussite Wars in 1429.
Upper Church of St. Nicholas (Oberkirche St. Nikolai)
The Oberkirche St. Nikolai is a late Gothic three-nave hall church from the 15th century. The church also houses several important tombstones from the 16th and 17th centuries. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the green city of Cottbus from the 55-meter-high church tower. In addition to regular services, the church hosts various cultural events, including musical performances, oratorios, organ concerts, choral and chamber concerts, and even theater performances.
Cottbus Zoo
The Cottbus Zoo, located in the city of Cottbus, is home to a diverse range of animals. With approximately 1200 animals from about 170 different species, the zoo offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about a variety of wildlife. In addition to its animal exhibits, the Cottbus Zoo also features a playground and dining options.
