There are ten districts in Vetschau (Spreewald), a town where you’ll find the world’s largest wind turbine and a bunch of storks. Wow, if that’s two things at the opposite ends of a municipal spectrum!
Vetschau sits within the Spreewald Biosphere that sees the return of the famous white storks every Spring. These birds winter in Africa, so their return is a great indication of warmer weather to come. The storks are so important that they even have their own informative Stork Center, known as the Storchenzentrum Vetschau.
Whether you come to see these incredible birds or some of Vetschau’s man-made sites (how about both?) you won’t be disappointed. Though, chances are if you hike or bike through the biosphere between March and September, you’ll most likely see the storks.
Veetschau Castle was once a 10th century Slavic hill fort. Now it’s a 3-storey Renaissance castle that has a castle park and greenhouse. Legend says the castle has all these underground passages. But, most medieval castles had them so I would be more surprised if it didn’t have any!
Speaking of Slavic forts, Vetschau is where you’ll find something called the Slavs Raddusch. This is a pretty awesome place. It’s a reproduction of a Slavic stronghold and one of only forty in the entire region. Its large courtyard acts as a theater, concert “hall,” has a restaurant, and an event hall for children’s events.
In case you don’t actually come to Vetschau, but find yourself traveling on the Autobahn A15, you can still see it from a distance. And you’ll impress your travel mates by knowing what it is. ;-)
The last place on your list to see in Vetschau is the 13th century Double Church because of its two naves. Whether it has one nave or twelve, the Double Church is a really beautiful piece of religious architecture. So, try to take in a service while you’re here.
Then go have a bite to eat at the Slavs Raddush restaurant.