Located in Brandenburg, this bilingual German-Sorbian city lies one hour from Berlin. Its streets lead to the UNESCO Spreewald wetlands and the medieval buildings of Luckau.
Cottbus (Chóśebuz in Lower Sorbian), located 125 kilometers southeast of Berlin, is Germany's largest bilingual city where German and Sorbian languages coexist in daily life. The city of 100,000 residents includes the 1908 Art Nouveau State Theater, Branitz Park with its unique grass pyramids, and the Wendish Quarter with its traditional Sorbian buildings. The East Europe International Film Festival and the city's centuries-old Baumkuchen bakery tradition add cultural depth to life in Cottbus.
Getting Around Cottbus
Trams and buses run through all major districts, with clear signage in both German and Sorbian. You'll find direct train connections to Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig at the central railway station. For international travelers, both Cottbus-Drewitz and Cottbus-Neuhausen airports connect the city to major European destinations.
Daily Life in the Bilingual City
German and Sorbian languages blend naturally in everyday life in Cottbus. At the Wendish Museum, you can learn about Sorbian customs and history, while the Lower Sorbian Gymnasium shows how students study in both languages. The Wendish Quarter's buildings display characteristic Sorbian architectural elements, including peaked gables with wooden decorations and carved stone doorways.
Exploring Branitz Park
Prince Pückler-Muskau created Branitz Park along the Spree River, incorporating two grass pyramids - the only ones in Europe - into the landscape. Inside the 1770-built Branitz Castle, you can explore the prince's living quarters and personal collections. The park's paths wind past artificial lakes and flower gardens, leading to viewing spots of the pyramids.
Arts and Entertainment
The Art Nouveau State Theater, with its 1908 interior of carved wood panels and painted ceilings, hosts opera and theater performances throughout the year. During the East Europe International Film Festival, screenings and director talks take place across city venues. Local bakeries continue the Baumkuchen tradition from the 1800s, creating these cylindrical layered cakes using traditional recipes.
Academic Environment
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) focuses on renewable energy projects and environmental technology research. The university campus includes specialized research centers for energy transition and sustainable development. The Max-Steenbeck-Gymnasium maintains the city's scientific education tradition through its advanced mathematics and physics programs.
