Schmogrow-Fehrow: Waterways and Sorbian-Wendish Traditions
Accommodation in Schmogrow-Fehrow
Schmogrow-Fehrow appeals to travelers interested in a lowland landscape shaped by waterways and Sorbian-Wendish traditions. The area is defined by two distinct themes: the branches of the Spree, meadows and ditches on the one hand, and customs and traditional dress that are still maintained on the other. When planning your trip, you can decide which of these aspects you would like to explore in greater depth.
Waterways and Lowland Landscape
The Spree between Peitz and Burg Special Area of Conservation (SAC) extends as far as Schmogrow-Fehrow. Here, its waterways run through regeneration and development zones. Near Fehrow, the Malxe and Hammergraben extend to the boundary of the protected area. Extensive meadows lie in the Malxe-Spree lowland area, crisscrossed by drainage ditches.
Near Schmogrow, the Spree divides into numerous branches that flow northwest through the Oberspreewald. The contrast shapes the landscape: ditches structure the meadows in the lowlands, while near Schmogrow the Spree fans out into many branches.
The SAC can be explored on foot, by bicycle and by boat.
A route near Schmogrow follows banks lined with alders, poplars and oaks; the surrounding landscape is shaped by agriculture. Thus, wooded banks and an agricultural setting sit alongside the open meadows and ditches of the lowlands.
The history of water management is also part of the local landscape: the construction of the weir at Schmogrow Mill significantly improved water regulation in 1917. This historical development adds another perspective on water management to the Spree’s natural branching.
Sorbian-Wendish Cultural Heritage and Customs
Sorbian/Wendish customs and traditional dress continue to be maintained as cultural heritage in Schmogrow and Fehrow. In Schmogrow, the Zapust procession is the highlight of the village’s annual carnival. Girls in the Zapust procession wear Wendish festive dress. The Kljambaua, a bell tree, is also carried in Schmogrow’s carnival procession; the year 1875 is embroidered on its reverse. The traditional dress and procession object are tangible parts of the customs, while the embroidered year further identifies the Kljambaua.
Hahnschlagen is also still practiced in Schmogrow. The village is one of the few in Lower Lusatia to have preserved this custom. When the maypole is erected, young men and the fire brigade put up the village’s maypole; the village then gathers together. The details of individual events may vary.
A Wider Look at Spree-Neiße
The wider Spree-Neiße destination offers further landscape and cultural attractions. The East German Rose Garden in Forst (Lausitz) is a 17-hectare park where visitors can admire tens of thousands of roses in almost 1,000 varieties. The Spree Cycle Route crosses the region for about 60 kilometers, running mostly along paved river dikes. The Lower Lusatian Mining Tour passes active lignite open-cast mines and reclaimed landscapes. The Sorbian Impressions Tour offers insights into the lives and traditions of the Sorbian/Wendish minority living in the region.
Discover more destinations: Peitz, Döbern, Werben, Groß Schacksdorf-Simmersdorf, Hornow-Wadelsdorf, Neuhausen/Spree, Schenkendöbern, Turnow-Preilack.
Go to the main travel overview: Spree-Neiße.
