Lehde – in the Sorbian language: Lědy (Błota) in the region Niederlausitz (Lower Lusatia) is located near the town of Lübbenau in the centre of the biosphere reserve Spreewald (Forest of the River Spree). The village Lehde is built on many small islands in the Spree - called Kaupen. The Lower Sorbian name of Spreewald is Błota - for swamp. The Spreewald is an area of more than 480 square kilometres with more than 200 small canals (Fließe) that sum up to a total length of about 1300 kilometres. The Spreewald is an area of major touristic interest. It’s a great region for canoeing and kayaking. For less sportive visitors punting tours are offered with punting boats large enough for more than 15 passengers. The Spreewald is also famous for its gherkins, its horseradish and its very tasty linseed oil. In 1957 the Open Air Museum Lehde was opened. It displays a fine collection of historical houses from all over the Spreewald. The museum also shows art and tradition from the Spreewald as well as the everyday life of its inhabitants. The family Koa still produces one of the best grinded horseradish of the Spreewald as well as a wide variety of extremely tasty mustards.