Discover Finsterwalde

Finsterwalde can be explored through several distinct themes: musical tradition and the town’s history sit alongside hikes and the animal park. Finsterwalde Animal Park is on the edge of town in the Bürgerheide recreational area and is home to around 250 animals from more than 55 species and breeds. Bürgerheide is also the setting for two hikes of different lengths. Nature, local history and cultural events offer different focal points for planning your visit. The duration of the walks and recurring events are particularly relevant when choosing when to stay.

Two hikes with different time requirements

The “Runde von Finsterwalde” (Finsterwalde Loop) runs through Bürgerheide and is an easy hike of about 4.5 kilometres, taking roughly one hour. The “Die Sänger von Finsterwalde” (The Singers of Finsterwalde) route is moderately difficult and runs through Finsterwalde and Bürgerheide. It is about 15 kilometres long and takes roughly four hours; a good basic level of fitness is required. This gives you two clearly different time commitments to choose from when planning your day. Route details may change if local signs are updated. So check the latest route information before setting off.

Town history and singing together

The historic town hall, built in 1492, stands in the market square. Finsterwalde Tourist Information is located in the building and offers guided town tours and bicycle rental. Check availability before your trip. The Sänger- und Kaufmannsmuseum (Singers’ and Merchants’ Museum) uses the “Chorwurm” to present the history of singing together over nine centuries and explain why people have sung together down the centuries. Two large dioramas showcase the flora and fauna of the area around Finsterwalde. The museum thus brings musical history and depictions of nature together.

Cultural events and venues

Finsterwalde celebrates its Sängerfest (Singers’ Festival) every two years; the town also hosts an annual chamber music festival. Kulturweberei is a multifunctional event and conference hall for dance, readings, theatre, concerts, seminars and conferences. If you want to plan your stay around a particular festival, check the specific dates. This lets you align your travel dates with the recurring cultural events.

Cycling and choosing accommodation

Finsterwalde offers active visitors many kilometres of cycle paths. At the railway station, a secure bicycle storage facility built in 2022 has space for 24 bicycles. If you want a festival to determine your travel dates, check the specific date; for a hike, you can factor the duration and difficulty of the route into your plans.

In the wider Elbe-Elster destination

In the wider Elbe-Elster destination, industrial history is a distinct theme. The Louise briquette factory in Domsdorf is the oldest preserved briquette factory in Europe. Plessa Power Station is one of Europe’s oldest lignite-fired power stations and has retained its original building fabric.

Discover more destinations

Massen-Niederlausitz, Mühlberg, Bad Liebenwerda, Gorden-Staupitz, Falkenberg/Elster, Doberlug-Kirchhain, Sallgast, Plessa.

Back to the wider travel overview: Elbe-Elster.