Industrial culture & natural idyll in Lusatia on the lake

Everyone knows the Spreewald. Dresden, too. But Lower Lusatia, right in between, is still largely uncharted territory. Lignite was mined here starting in the mid-19th century. That came to an end in 1992. The open-pit mine was closed, and the remaining pits were flooded. Today, there are no more mines—just an idyllic lake landscape.

The F60 conveyor bridge remained standing. At 502 m long, 204 m wide, and 80 m high, it is a giant of industrial heritage. Today, the F60 is a visitor mine that you can explore on a guided tour. Of course, you’ll also get to climb around on the massive conveyor bridge. Your camper is parked on the spacious grounds of the visitor mine, away from the crowds and set against the backdrop of the world’s largest movable industrial machine.

The F60 conveyor bridge is also known as “the reclining Eiffel Tower.” Even when lying down, this tower is clearly visible from afar and tells the story of the past.

The present, on the other hand, is peaceful and idyllic. You stand at the edge of the forest, and instead of the noise of mining, you hear the soft chirping of birds and see Lake Bergheider. It’s just a short walk to the lake’s beach. Vast forests and numerous lakes now characterize the landscape, which you can explore on foot, by bike, or on the water.