Italian Lakes and the English Lake District aren’t the only European UNESCO lakes that should be on your radar. Lausitzer Seenland is also a picture-perfect wetland tucked near Germany’s eastern borders.
Translating to the Lusatian Lake District, this area is a maze of man-made lakes, navigable canals, cycle paths, forests, hikes, and unique attractions. Lausitzer Seenland stretches 50 miles from the northern part of Saxony to the southern Brandenburg region. So, there’s lots to do here!
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It’s part of the Muskau Bend UNESCO Global Geopark and Spreewald Biosphere Reserve and is the perfect getaway in Germany for active nature lovers. This is an up-and-coming destination, so now is the best time to go! Follow this guide to discover everything you need to know to plan a trip there.
History of Lausitzer Seenland
Believe it or not, Lausitzer Seenland was the location of lignite mining and energy generation for over 150 years. From the 19th century, over two billion tonnes of coal were extracted from this region.
With the reunification of Germany in 1990, the decision was made to cease mining in this area due to the CO2 emissions. Most mining activity had wrapped up here by 1999. So far, the German government has spent over 10 billion euros filling in the craters and reclaiming the arid landscape left by the mines.
It’s really an extraordinary place! Today, Lausitzer Seenland is Europe’s largest artificial lake district with over 20 man-made bodies of water. It’s a unique area of natural beauty sprinkled with repurposed structures and architecture left from the mining industry.
How To Get to Lausitzer Seenland
While Germany boasts some of the best public transport networks in the world, Lausitzer Seenland is a burgeoning holiday spot. It’s still a little tricky to reach by bus or train.
Renting a car is the best way to travel to Lausitzer Seenland. It’s within driving distance of several major German cities.
- Dresden to Lausitzer Seenland: 88.8 km/55 miles taking 70 minutes
- Berlin to Lausitzer Seenland: 151 km/94 miles taking 2 hours
- Leipzig to Lausitzer Seenland: 194 km/120 miles taking 2 hours and 15 minutes
It’s a large region, so renting a car will be handy to get around Lausitzer Seenland, but not essential. Cycling is by far the best (and most fun!) way to get around.
Where to Stay in Lausitzer Seenland
We stayed in the Lighthouse Hotel (also known as Der LeuchtTurm-Lausitz). It’s located in the town of Elsterheide on the banks of Geierswalder See. And yes, it’s literally a hotel that used to be a lighthouse!
This cosy and charming four-star hotel offers the most incredible panoramic views of the serene lake, which is a lovely vista to wake up to every morning. The nautical red, white, and blue bedrooms complement the lighthouse’s exterior and the decor in the onsite restaurant and bar.
The Lighthouse Hotel offers free private parking and bicycles can be rented from reception for only €12 per day. This is a great perk as Lausitzer Seenland is best explored on a bike. You’ll struggle to find a better Lausitzer Seenland hotel in a more convenient location!
Things To Do in Lausitzer Seenland
Cycle Around Geierswalder See and Senftenberger See
One reason why the Lighthouse Hotel makes a great base is because it’s close to this fantastic cycle path. Hire bikes from the hotel and enjoy a leisurely ride around the interconnected lakes of Geierswalder See and Senftenberger See.
These scenic bike trails are well-marked and there are cool things to see along the route. You’ll pass the Senftenberg Amphitheatre and the Koschener Kanal. There are plenty of picturesque spots to stop and enjoy the views.
Swim in the Lakeshore Beaches
Another thing to do while cycling around the lakes is to take a break and swim in the waters off the lakeshore beaches. Lausitzer Seenland boasts over seven km of soft beaches with clean waters.
There’s a small beach next to Stadthafen Senftenberg harbour and another near public swimming area near Buchwalde Campsite. Seestrand Niemtsch is a favourite swim spot amongst visitors, with the softest white sand in the area.
Taste Wine at Weinbau Dr. Wobar Vineyard
Resting next to the waters of Großräschener See is Weinbau Dr. Wobar vineyard. Yes, Germany has a thriving wine production mostly famous for riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).
You can drop by the winery for a tasting most days in the peak summer season and Saturdays in the off-season. Contact the winery before you make the trip! Wine tastings cost €25 per person.
The vineyard is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM – 5:30 PM. There’s an extra opening time on Friday nights from 6:00 PM until midnight.
Visit the Rusty Nail (Rostiger Nagel)
Rostiger Nagel is a landmark of Lausitzer Seenland and you’ll find it on the southern banks of Sedlitzer See. This iconic 30-metre observation tower offers spectacular views across the region, including the Schwarze Pumpe, Boxberg, and Jänschwalde power stations.
Its geometric design harks to the area’s industrial past but its function looks to the future. The ‘Rusty Nail’ is completely free and it’s easy to cycle there.
Check out the Aussichtsturm Meuro-Stolln Viewpoint
Lausitzer Seenland has more than 20 observation decks and viewpoints. Many are former processing towers from the mines and they all offer an original vantage point across the region.
Another viewpoint you should check out if you have time is the Aussichtsturm Meuro-Stolln Viewpoint. It was constructed on the grounds of an old briquette factory (a plant that processes waste materials).
The 144 steps lead up to the 27 m observation deck. On clear days, you can witness the efforts to regenerate the area with renewable energy sources. The Meuro solar park, the Klettwitz wind park, the lakes, and power plants are all within sight.
Walk Across the F60 Bridge
The Rusty Nail isn’t the only Lausitzer Seenland attraction with a nickname. The F60 is a former overburden conveyor bridge known as the ‘lying Eiffel Tower’. It’s a 35-minute drive from the Lighthouse Hotel near Bergheider See, so it’s a bit of a trek but worth it.
There are several ways to explore and appreciate this magnificent industrial structure. You can walk around 1.3 km of the bridge, see it from a 74 m tall viewing cab, or take a 90-minute guided tour. It’s absolutely fascinating and awe-inspiring to visit the F60.
It’s open every day from 10 AM – 6 PM in summer and Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM – 4 PM in winter.
Rent a Stand-up Paddle Board
Lausitzer Seenland is the perfect place to stand up paddle board, especially if you’ve never tried it before. Thanks to their clean, serene waters and beautiful views, you won’t even mind if you fall in!
Head to OSTufer on Geierswalder See to rent an SUP board. Prices start from €13 for a one-hour rental. Or, you can rent boards from Hafencamp or Wassersportschule if you’d prefer to sail on Senftenberger See. Their prices are similar as you’ll pay €14 for a one-hour rental.
Stand-up paddle boarding might be the most popular watersport activity in Lausitzer Seenland, but it’s not the only one! You can also sign up for windsurfing classes or hire a catamaran.
Note that most water sports rental companies close at the end of peak season in early September.
Dine With Views of the Lakeside
Who wouldn’t want to dine with a view? There are lots of cafés and restaurants dotted around the dozens of lakes in Lausitzer Seenland and here are some suggestions of places to enjoy an alfresco dinner.
- Lutkie Hütte in Wellnesshotel Seeschlösschen is a brand new restaurant on the banks of Senftenberger See with a spacious beer garden
- Café Eispause is an ice cream shop perfect for a mid-bike ride break located near Hafencamp Senftenberger See
- Seelounge is a chill, beachy bar on Senftenberger See
- OSTufer might be an equipment rental shop, but it’s also a beach bar with spectacular sunset views over Geierswalder See
Best Time to Visit Lausitzer Seenland
The best time to visit Lausitzer Seenland is undoubtedly the summer. The weather is the warmest, the days are longer, and all the restaurants and attractions are open. Summer is also the busiest time in Lausitzer Seenland, but it’s such a huge region that it never feels overcrowded. You have nothing to stress about as long as you’ve booked your hotel and activities in advance.
Another great time to visit is between September and November when traditional fish harvesting takes place in the ponds. You’ll find an abundance of fresh fish served in the restaurants around Lusatia.
Visit Germany’s Hidden Gem of Lausitzer Seenland
Look no further if you’re seeking an active, outdoorsy break in a beautiful and unique location. Lausitzer Seenland is unlike anywhere else in the world, let alone Germany. Use this guide to plan your trip to this transformative place before everyone else discovers it!
