Cottbus, Germany - The Second Largest University Town in Brandenburg

Cottbus has long been recognized as an important cultural center, a Slavic minority found mainly in Eastern Germany. Modern architecture and Baroque palaces combine with numerous parks and gardens in this vibrant city, which makes for a wonderful base to explore the Spreewald, an expansive wooded area along the River Spree.

Modern Art Museum

If you are passionate about modern art and architecture, Dieselkraftwerk Cottbus's Brandenburg State Museum of Modern Art is an excellent option. This museum contains an expansive collection of paintings, sculptures and graphic works dating from 1900 onwards. The museum boasts an impressive film collection. This includes both classic feature films as well as lesser known pieces by less familiar filmmakers; Andy Warhol's eight-hour Empire is among its highlights, and Chris Cunningham created Bjork music video. Art lovers should pay a visit to Gallery Neue Meister, featuring an impressive collection of paintings dating from 19th and 20th centuries as well as hosting special exhibitions.

Though its building itself may not be especially striking, its vast collection of modern art makes it worth your while to visit its galleries. They showcase pieces by artists like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Joan Miro Aristide Maillol Piet Mondrian Marcel Duchamp Paul Klee and Fernand Leger among many others. In addition to modern art, the museum also houses an outstanding selection of contemporary pieces that explore such topics as the relationship between art and the environment. There are exhibitions dedicated to such topics. The museum boasts one of the world's finest film collections. Under its auspices are numerous rare movies from both Golden Age cinema and avant-garde cinema eras, as well as those produced in recent times.

During World War II, German film scholars living abroad used the film archive as a hub of research. A key figure was Siegfried Kracauer who produced an in-depth psychological history of German cinema between 1941 and 1943. This influential study laid the groundwork for future film criticism. Published as From Caligari to Hitler: A Psychological History of German Film in 1947. This museum is situated within a former diesel power station built in 1927 and operating until 1959, but restored in 2008 for a modern art exhibition. With its interesting collection and striking industrial architecture, this place makes for a must-visit.

Staats Theater

Cottbus is an under-the-radar university town in Lusatia that offers plenty to see and do, from visiting its modern art museum and Staatstheater performances, to going clubbing or just wandering its historic streets. You will certainly find something of interest here! The modern architecture of the city should also be explored, particularly the University Library completed by Herzog and de Meuron and awarded some prizes upon its completion in 2004. Kreuzkirche, founded in 1878 as part of the Free Evangelical Lutheran Church but now under Catholic dominion, should not be missed either. Buses make reaching the church easy, and it serves as a fantastic starting point for exploring Cottbus and its many museums and galleries.

Cottbus boasts several theaters, such as the Staatstheater. This special-looking theater offers beautiful Jugendstil architecture; however, most people visit to experience one or two performances. Cottbus's residents take great pride in this outstanding venue for entertainment, and multiple shows take place every week there. Also, visit the old market to view Oberkirche and Spremberger Tower, while exploring the old town with its lovely cafés and restaurants. City nightlife may not match that of Berlin, but there are still pubs and clubs with enjoyable music in the vicinity, in addition to large disco and dance events.

Cottbus's residents are also highly culturally aware, and make an outstanding effort in organizing shows and exhibitions to appeal to everyone. Furthermore, there are a host of small pubs and restaurants where you can find tasty food at reasonable prices. Take a ride on the Bimmelguste, which is a park railway that travels throughout the city and to Branitz Park. This ride gives a good impression of its surroundings, only 3 km away from the city center!

Postman’s Well

That is some small-town German charm, Cottbus is home of Brandenburg University and home to Germany's second-largest university town with the state theater and the second-largest university town population. Location: approximately 125 km (ca. 78 miles). On the way to Wroclaw in Poland. There is plenty to see and do in this charming yet bustling city, providing plenty of opportunity for exploration. There is something to offer for everyone in Berlin; museums, galleries, and parks. One of our favorites was Park Branitz: an oasis of greens and gardens designed by Hermann Furst von Puckler-- a generous philanthropist as well. His masterpiece: an octagon shaped space dedicated to fun where visitors could walk their dogs, release their inner children or simply enjoy watching sights pass by from a carousel or two!

Park Branitz

Cottbus is an exquisite town, filled with charming cobblestone streets lined with historic homes and buildings that create the atmosphere of an age gone by. The juxtaposition of old with new makes Cottbus even more fascinating for exploring and taking in. One of the best activities available in Cottbus is visiting Park Branitz - you won't be disappointed! If you enjoy gardening and history, then this park created by Count Hermann Furst von Puckler and his wife is a wonderful place for exploration! Visitors will delight in exploring its diverse features that were inspired by his travels through Egypt. As soon as you arrive at the entrance of the park, you are welcomed with a beautiful staircase leading you towards a small museum of its history. Open daily from 8 am until 5.00 pm and free to visit!

Guided tours of the park and palace offered by local guides provide another great opportunity to gain more insight into its history as well as that of its former residence, once the home of a prince! The tour will teach you all aspects of park design. Along the journey you can view several waterfalls, bridges, lakes, and ponds as well as different kinds of gardens and trees planted within it. After your tour of the park is complete, Cavalierhaus Branitz provides an outstanding restaurant where you can dine and unwind before returning to Cottbus city center. This guest house is also an affordable option for travelers seeking accommodation but looking for something other than expensive hotel rooms. Guesthouse features include a shared lounge, terrace, and restaurant as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Each room comes equipped with a desk, flat-screen TV and private bathroom, as well as car hire service and 24-hour front desk reception for added convenience.