A self-guided stop at Gurken Paule, a Spreewald specialty shop on Lübben's castle island selling pickled gherkins straight from wooden barrels alongside other Spreewald products, open to browsing and small tastings during shop hours.
Gurken Paule has operated on Lübben's Schlossinsel, the small castle island in the middle of the town's Spree channel, since the early 1990s, selling gherkins pulled directly from wooden barrels alongside jars of horseradish, mustard, and other Spreewald specialty products. The shop at Hauptstraße 6-7 works on a walk-in basis rather than scheduled tours, letting visitors browse the barrels, ask the counter staff about the different pickling styles on offer, ranging from mild to sharply sour, and buy gherkins by weight or by the jar to take away. It functions as a quick, low-commitment complement to a Lübben harbor Kahnfahrt, since the castle island sits a short walk from the town's Kahnfahrt harbor, making it an easy stop before or after a boat trip without needing to plan a separate outing. There is no formal guided tasting menu, so visitors who want more than a casual taste should ask the counter staff directly about trying a couple of varieties before buying.
| Duration | 20–30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Booking | No booking required; visit during shop opening hours. |
What is included
- Browsing of barrel-pickled gherkin varieties and other Spreewald products
- Small tastes offered informally at the counter
Good to know
- Operator
- Gurken Paule
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Highlights
- Barrel-pickled gherkins sold and tasted straight from the source
- Located on Lübben's historic Schlossinsel castle island
- Walk-in shop with no appointment needed
- Wide range of pickling styles from mild to sharply sour
- Short walk from the Lübben Kahnfahrt harbor
Tips for visiting
- Ask the counter staff directly for a taste before buying, since there is no formal tasting menu posted
- Bring a cool bag if buying gherkins to travel with on a hot day
- Combine with a Lübben Kahnfahrt, since the shop is a short walk from the harbor
- Bring small cash, as a small specialty shop may not process large card transactions smoothly
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the small shop feeling crowded during peak tourist hours
When to visit
Year-round; July through September aligns with the fresh gherkin harvest for the widest selection.
Accessibility
The shop is at street level on a pedestrianized island with generally flat access, though the interior may be tight for wheelchairs during busy periods.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Do the gherkins need to be booked in advance?
No, this is a walk-in shop; no booking or appointment is needed.
Are the gherkins made on site?
The shop sells gherkins pickled and barreled using traditional Spreewald methods; specific production details can be asked about at the counter.
Can gherkins be shipped or only bought in person?
The shop's main business is in-person retail on Lübben's castle island; visitors wanting products shipped should check current shipping options directly with the shop.
Is there parking near the shop?
Lübben's Schlossinsel is a pedestrian area; visitors typically park in the town center and walk the short distance to the island.
How does this differ from Spreewaldgurken sold in supermarkets?
Barrel-pickled gherkins bought directly from a Spreewald producer are typically fresher and more varied in style than the pasteurized jars found in supermarkets elsewhere in Germany.