Set in Brandenburg's picturesque Lower Lusitania region, Lübben can trace its roots all the way back to 1150. A romantic rural spot, this little spa town has long offered a welcome respite to city dwellers based in nearby Berlin or Potsdam. Think charming heritage homes dotted along bucolic riverbanks, refreshingly clear waters and superb spas promising rejuvenating treatments aplenty. There’s a growing selection of great hotels and guesthouses in the area, but our pick of the best places to stay in Lübben is a beautiful boutique base, fusing contemporary style with nods to vernacular architecture.

Amble around town on foot to soak up the magic of Lübben’s heritage buildings, sun-drenched squares, and flower-framed houses. Twelfth century Lübben Castle is home to an excellent museum detailing the town’s history, and is not to be missed. Pick a perch for a lazy lunch in the sunshine, or catch a show at the annual Island Music Summer Festival or the Spreewald Festival, when the town is filled with revellers.

Much of Lübben’s charm lies in its idyllic setting. Navigate forest-fringed waterways by kayak or barge, try your hand at fishing in cool rivers, or follow winding paths into the woods on foot or by bicycle. Outdoorsy travellers of all ages will adore exploring the Spreewald, and tours of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve come highly recommended for those with a particular interest in understanding this unique ecosystem. Return to the best place to stay in Lübben for relaxed evenings at the spa or in the beer garden!