Jänschwalde Open-Cast Lignite Mines

In the 1970s, two huge open-cast lignite mines were opened up south-east of Peitz to supply the Jänschwalde power station. The Jänschwalde open-cast mine still produces the coal required for the Jänschwalde power plant. It was opened up in the 1970s immediately north of the Cottbus-Forst railway line and continues to “migrate” further in the direction of Guben. Villages such as Klinge, Weißagk and Hornow have had to make way for open-cast mining.
On a guided tour you can learn interesting facts about the work done by the coal miners on the huge conveyor bridge for the excavation material, on the excavator and on the kilometre-long conveyor belt. Those with a flair for adventure can take a quad bike tour to explore this extensive “lunar landscape”.
Viewpoints in Grießen offer fascinating perspectives on this temporary landscape structure. Information panels clearly explain the longstanding open-cast mining development project and the recultivation of these areas that is planned for the future. The Cottbus-Nord open-cast lignite mine, which was closed down in 2015, is currently being flooded. This is where a new body of water – the Cottbus Ostsee – is to be created in the future.