A Sightseeing Tour in Cottbus (Cottbus)
Gateway to Lusatia between baroque architecture and Saxon nature

Introduction

The city of Cottbus, located in the federal state of Brandenburg, is the second-largest city in the state after the capital Potsdam and lies between Berlin and the Polish border.
What truly makes Cottbus special is its geographical and cultural role as the unofficial capital of the Sorbian Lausitz, its rich history, royal-style parks and charming old streets.
If you are looking for a quiet, uncrowded destination with a strong local character, Cottbus will be a delightful discovery.

1. Old Town (Altstadt) – A walk between old walls

Although not very large, the Old Town of Cottbus has a lot of charm, with historic buildings, remnants of old fortifications and towers such as the Spremberger Turm, which you can climb for a panoramic view over the city.

Don’t miss: Sit down at one of the cafés on Altmarkt square and enjoy the relaxed local atmosphere, far away from big-city noise.

2. Fürst-Pückler-Park Branitz – Fairy-tale gardens

The Fürst-Pückler-Park Branitz is one of the most beautiful English-style landscaped gardens in Germany.
It was created in the 19th century by Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau.
The park stretches across a vast area with lakes, gently shaped hills and spectacular symbolic pyramids – one of which is the prince’s own burial place.

Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the park in comfort, or take a small boat out onto the lake.

3. Branitz Castle (Schloss Branitz) – The elegance of garden nobility

Located within the park, Branitz Castle offers a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle of the Pückler family.
Original furniture, paintings and richly decorated halls convey the taste and status of the period.
Together, castle and park form a unique work of art combining architecture and landscape design.

4. Sorbian Cultural Centre (Sorbisches Kulturzentrum) – A window into a unique culture

Cottbus is an important centre for the Sorbs, a Slavic minority native to eastern Germany.
At the Sorbian Cultural Centre, you can learn about their language, traditional costumes, customs and folk songs.
You’ll gain insight into how this special culture has survived and adapted over the centuries.

Good to know: Street signs in Cottbus are often bilingual – in German and Sorbian – reflecting the city’s deep cultural diversity.

5. State Theatre Cottbus (Staatstheater Cottbus) – An Art Nouveau gem

The State Theatre Cottbus is an architectural jewel in Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) style.
It hosts high-quality productions of drama, opera and concerts.
Even if you don’t attend a performance, the building itself – both inside and out – is well worth a visit.

6. Cottbus Zoo (Tierpark Cottbus) – A family-friendly green escape

The Tierpark Cottbus is located close to the city centre and is home to more than 120 animal species from Europe, Asia and Africa.
Playgrounds, lawns and picnic areas make it an ideal destination for families or anyone seeking a relaxed break in nature.

7. Madlower See – A natural getaway

Just a few minutes from downtown lies Madlower See, a lake perfect for swimming in summer or walking in spring and autumn.
It is surrounded by forests and equipped with benches and barbecue spots, providing a peaceful retreat from everyday life.

8. Evening life and local cuisine

Though Cottbus is generally calm, it still has a modest evening life, especially around the Altmarkt and in the Old Town, with restaurants and cafés offering cosy atmospheres.
Here you can try traditional Lusatian dishes such as Plinse (local pancakes) or taste beers brewed in the region.

Key German words from the article

• Schloss – castle / palace

• Park – park / landscaped garden

• Turm – tower

• See – lake

• Museum – museum

• Theater – theatre

• Tiere – animals

Conclusion

Cottbus is not a loud metropolis, but a city that quietly finds its way into your heart.
Thanks to its parks, its rich Slavic heritage, its local atmosphere and proximity to nature, it is an ideal destination for anyone wishing to experience Germany from a slightly different angle.
Take your time in Cottbus – and you’ll understand how peacefulness itself can become an adventure.

The team of authors and editors behind this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nonetheless, errors may occur or some details may remain unconfirmed. Please regard the information presented in these articles as an initial reference and always consult the relevant authorities for definitive, official information.