The F60 visitor mine is located in the Elbe-Elster district, south of Lichterfeld. The Bergheider See lake is right next door: visitors to the mine can explore it by bike, Segway or on a walk along its long beach. This combination of industrial history and lakeside scenery makes F60 a vivid introduction to the region’s diverse attractions. If you’d like to experience both, you can combine a visit to the mine with an exploration of the lake.
Industrial history in a range of locations
The Louise briquette factory in Domsdorf is Europe’s oldest surviving briquette factory; it began operating in 1882. Visitors can experience historic machinery in action and discover steam engines. Plessa power station offers a different perspective on industrial history: it is one of Europe’s oldest lignite-fired power stations and has retained its original structure. Visitors can see authentic power station technology from the 1920s. The guided “Coal Trail” tour takes you through the outdoor bunker, boiler house, turbine table, control room and transformer area. Check the current booking conditions for the tour in advance.
Routes also tell the story of energy. The 200-kilometre “Coal, Wind and Water Tour” brings the history of energy production to life through the elements. The Elster Cycle Route has a different focus: it is a circular route that passes old mills and runs through the Niederlausitzer Heidelandschaft Nature Park. When choosing a route, you can take its length, circular format and theme into account.
Museums and paths through history
Since January 2015, four major museums in the Elbe-Elster district have formed a joint museum network. Museum Mühlberg 1547 explores the meeting of armies in 1547, which shaped the course of the Reformation; it bears the European Heritage Label. There are several bus connections to the museum: routes 433/437 run from Riesa, route 536 from Falkenberg or Bad Liebenwerda–Koßdorf, and route 565 from Bad Liebenwerda. The museum is about 300 metres, or a four-minute walk, from Mühlberg bus station. Check connections before travelling, as transport information may change.
Winegrowing and historic cellars come together in Schlieben. Wine has been grown again on the southern slope of the Langer Berg since 1992; more than 2,000 vines of the “Müller-Thurgau” and “Bacchus” varieties now grow there. On a guided tour, you can learn about and taste Schlieben wine. The historic cellar lane is home to more than 30 wine cellars, dug into the Langer Berg from around 1540 onwards. Check current options for tours and tastings.
Nature, gardens and city walks
On excursions with a ranger from the Nature Watch, visitors to the Elbe-Elster region can identify birdsong, find rare plants and observe wildlife. Dates may vary, so check what’s currently on offer in advance. Another way to explore the region is the 65-kilometre Apple Route, which includes a guided tour of the Pomological Garden in Döllingen. Check current dates for visiting the garden before planning your trip around it. Towns with historic centres also offer interesting walking tours.
These experiences offer a variety of highlights: historic technology takes centre stage at the mine and power stations, while Schlieben offers winegrowing and cellar culture, and ranger excursions focus on observing plants and animals. Discover Elbe-Elster according to your interests and choose the places that suit your stay.
Discover more destinations: Röderland, Schönewalde, Finsterwalde, Elsterwerda, Falkenberg/Elster, Schlieben, Hohenleipisch, Massen-Niederlausitz, Doberlug-Kirchhain, Wahrenbrück, Gorden-Staupitz, Herzberg, Bad Liebenwerda, Sallgast, Sonnewalde, Mühlberg, Fichtwald, Lebusa, Schönborn, Plessa, Gröden.
See the wider travel overview: Brandenburg.
