Initial situation

The Berzdorf opencast mine was opened up in 1923, redrained from 1946, and then operated again as an opencast mine until 1997. A total of 662 million m³ of spoil was removed, and 305 million tonnes of coal produced for the Hagenwerder power station. Approximately 2,000 hectares of land were devastated. The mine is to the south of the city of Görlitz and is characterised by its basin-like deposit.

Approach

The outline rehabilitation plan and the final operation plan were adapted during a number of stages to meet the target requirements as they became clearer. The movement of large quantities of soil to meet landscaping requirements formed the topographical basis for the planned uses. Recultivation is being carried out on the basis of detailed plans of specific projects that have been drawn up by LMBV staff in collaboration with interest groups. It has been shown to be possible to successfully combine objectives involving tourism amicably with the economic interests of those acquiring land.
At the same time, extensive areas are to be developed for the nature conservation, and others are to be made available for economic use. The 960- hectare Berzdorfer See Lake will also have to meet a wide range of uses. It is being filled with water from the rivers Neiße und Pließnitz.

Result

Filling the lake will continue until 2009. The intention is that the Berzdorfer See Lake will develop into a tourist, local leisure, and tourist area attracting visitors from all over the entire region and as far away as Poland and the Czech Republic.
The leisure amenities and camping area will be on what will be the northern shore. A marina including a water sport centre and leisure facilities will be built in the Deutsch-Ossig area, and on the Berzdorfer Heights there will be a full-size golf course and an observation tower. Since 2006 the first new uses, which have already included the laun