Senftenberg


Senftenberg is a town in southern Brandenburg, Germany, capital of the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district.

Geography

Senftenberg is located in the southwest of the historic Lower Lusatia region at the border with Saxony. Its town centre is situated north of the river Black Elster and the artificial Senftenberger Lake, part of the Lusatian Lake District chain, approximately northwest of Hoyerswerda, and southwest of Cottbus.
Senftenberg station is north of the centre and a major railway freight yard is located to its north-east, with a locomotive depot.

History

Senftenberg was first mentioned in a 1279 deed issued by Henry III the Illustrious of Wettin, then margrave of Lusatia. With Lower Lusatia, the settlement was acquired by the Kingdom of Bohemia under Charles IV of Luxembourg in 1368. Elector Frederick II of Saxony acquired Senftenberg in 1448, whereafter the area as a border stronghold of the House of Wettin was separated from Bohemian Lusatia, until in 1635 all Lusatian territories fell to Saxony by the Peace of Prague. According to the 1815 Congress of Vienna, Lower Lusatia was annexed by Prussia and incorporated into the Province of Brandenburg.

Names

Senftenberg is twinned with:
Lake "Senftenberger See"
The Senftenberger See is a popular destination for both day trips and holiday. In 1973, the former open cast mine, was officially opened to the public. Today, the lake is known for its excellent water quality. It is part of the so-called Lusatian Lakeland, a group of 23 artificial lakes.
On Senftenberger See one can stay at the Wellnesshotel Seeschlößchen - Privat-SPA & Naturresort. Here there are multiple saunas, fine dining restaurants, peaceful gardens, and services such as massage available.

Demography

After the second half of the 19th century the inhabitants increased because of workers coming to Senftenberg to work in the coal mines. After the German Reunion, many inhabitants moved to the western part of Germany.

People