Eighth Stage “Lower Lusatian Mining Tour”: Spremberg - Senftenberg

Our last stage begins in the tranquil Spree town of Spremberg and leads along the northern edge of the active Welzow-Süd open-cast mine. Viewpoints in Wolkenberg, Steinitz and at the Geisendorf estate offer views of imposing expanses and towering open-cast mining equipment. 
Then an excursion takes you to Pritzen, where you can discover the impressive and ephemeral works of art from two European biennials. Continue to Großräschen, where you can enjoy the panoramic view over Lake Großräschen from the IBA terraces. Finally, you reach the state-recognised resort of Senftenberg. The best example of successful recultivation is Lake Senftenberg. The former open-cast mine was opened for tourism more than 50 years ago. Guests can expect excellent bathing beaches, numerous water sports facilities, marinas and an amphitheatre. 

Length: 67 kilometres
Start: Spremberg
Finish: Senftenberg

Logo/route sign: Red devil with bicycle

Arrival: Take the RE2 from Berlin central station to Cottbus. From here continue with the OE65 to Spremberg (about 3 hours).
Departure: From Senftenberg take the RB24 (Eberswalde) to Berlin Ostkreuz. From here take the S5 to Berlin central station (about 2 hours).

Route: Spremberg, Papproth, Steinitz, Welzow, Neupetershain, Neupetershain-Nord, Ressen, Lubochow, Lubochowmühle, Pritzen, Kunersdorf, Woschkow, Großräschen, Dörrwalde, Sedlitz, Senftenberg

Points of interest/background information:

• Spremberg: Castle with Niederlausitzer Heidemuseum
• formerly Wolkenberg: Viewpoint on the vineyard
• Steinitz: Steinitzer Treppe viewing platform, Steinitzhof
• Neupetershain: Gut Geisendorf
• Welzow: Welzow-Süd surface mine, excursio visitor centre, archaeotechnical centre, Welzow Window viewpoint at the surface mine, adventure tours
• Pritzen: Lake Altdöberner See, art landscape
• Großräschen: IBA Terraces visitor centre with pier, exhibition and vineyard, Victoriahöhe viewpoint, Allee der Steine. Lake Großräschen
• Senftenberg: Castle and fortress with mining gallery and exhibition “Experience – Mining – Lakeland”, Lake Senftenberger See, town harbour, neue Bühne Theatre

Possible combinations

• Prince Pueckler Cycle Path
• Tour Brandenburg
• From miner to sailor

Trail conditions/surface: 
mostly asphalted cycle paths and cycle roads, some sections also on side roads, unpaved paths or paved roads, some root break-ups, few gradients

Maps/Literature: 

• Upper Spreewald-Lausitz district, 1:50,000, Sachsen Kartographie GmbH, ISBN 978-3-86843-058-5
• Lusatian Lakeland, 1:50,000, Sachsen Kartographie GmbH, ISBN 978-3-86843-021-9
• Niederlausitz/Lausitzer Seenland, 1:75,000, ADFC regional map, BVA Verlag, ISBN 978-3-87073-783-2