The Wendenkönig, “serbski kral”, is one of the most colourful characters in the Spreewald mythology. The legend says he still lives on the Burger Schlossberg today, waiting to take over the reign over his people again.

There are many tales around the Wendenkönig. For his enemies he was a criminal and a thief, but the Slavic people loved him for being a noble ruler. He is said to have fought the invading conquerors until the very end. Because he was invincible, he escaped the cruel massacre of Margrave Gero, who had 30 Slavic princes murdered during a banquet.

He is said to have kidnapped a child named Rinetta during one of his raids. But there was something about the girl that moved him, so he brought her back to her father. The Wendenkönig never forget her though. In the end, he and Rinetta became a couple. This relationship transformed him from a cruel ruler to a beloved king sharing his treasures and showing gentleness and justice.

It is quite likely that Boleslaw Chrobry had been a role model for the “serbski kral”. The Duke and King of Poland expanded his rulership on the westside of Oder and Neisse in 1000. He also expanded the Ciani Castle on the Schlossberg which was abandoned after 1030.

It is therefore not surprising that the Spreewald community of Burg feels particularly connected to the Wendenkönig legend. You can “meet” him here in many ways, as a street name, in the name of a restaurant, as a statue in the spa gardens or in other traditions such as the symbolic “reign” of the Wendenkönig couple.

Important duties during this traditional one-year reign are the opening of the season in March with the official handover of the barge bar to the barge men, participation in the annual parade, the presence at tourism- and other trade fairs, presentations and regional festivals. The chosen couple continuously promotes the Spreewald region throughout the year to guests and potential visitors.