Discover Elsterheide: Lakes, Trails and Local History

Elsterheide offers forests, lakes, small beaches and well-developed paths for cycling, skating and hiking. There are also opportunities for beach days, nature experiences and stopping for a meal. The landscape can be explored in different ways: on the water, on a loop around the lake or through the history of the local area. The experiences you want to shape your stay can also be a helpful guide when searching for accommodation in Elsterheide.

Waterways and lakeside experiences

The navigable Barbarakanal connects Lake Partwitz with Lake Geierswalde. By boat, the route runs from Lake Senftenberg via Lake Geierswalde to Lake Partwitz. At Lake Geierswalde in Elsterheide OT Geierswalde, options include water sports, a beach bar serving food and drinks, and motorboat rentals. On its southern shore, you can also rent pedal boats and SUP boards; these services depend on the operator. There is a water-skiing and wakeboarding school in Geierswalde. Water-skiing and wakeboarding are possible in designated areas behind motorboats. Kitesurfing also takes place on Lake Geierswalde; conditions and water-sports rules may vary.

For a day at the beach, consider a different lake: the southern beach at Lake Partwitz has a relatively shallow bathing area and is considered particularly suitable for families with young children. Bathing conditions may vary. The beach in Klein Partwitz, below the riding stable, is unguarded and has no toilets. These differences are useful to keep in mind when planning a day of swimming: beaches, water sports and available facilities are not the same everywhere.

Circular routes and trails through the lakes district

The circular route around Lake Geierswalde runs along paved roads and is mostly flat. Elsterheide OT Geierswalde is recommended as the starting and finishing point. Parking for the route is available on the southern shore in Geierswalde, near the campsite and the boat landing. Public toilets are located at the landmark Rostiger Nagel and at the main beach in Geierswalde. Parking regulations and the seasonal availability of facilities may change; check the current situation before setting off.

A large visitor car park in Geierswalde provides access to the wider lakes district by bicycle or inline skates. The three themed routes also help you find your way: they are equipped with seating, information boards, play equipment and freestanding information panels. Information at stops along the Elsterheide hiking routes covers Sorbian customs, traditions and legends; QR codes provide additional content. If you would like to include a long-distance hiking trail in your plans, a section of the Lausitzer Schlange passes through Elsterheide OT Bluno.

Village life and remembrance

In the village center of Geierswalde, closely spaced angular, three-sided and four-sided farmsteads shape the streetscape. Most of the farmsteads are single-storey brick buildings arranged along the village greens. There is also a public playground in the center of Geierswalde. Here, insight into the village’s architecture and a place to play sit side by side.

The Groß-Partwitz memorial commemorates the former village site, which had to make way for lignite mining. It adds another, historical perspective to a stay, distinct from experiences along the shores and waterways. Those interested in local traditions can learn more about Sorbian customs, oral traditions and legends on the Elsterheide hiking routes.

Choose accommodation to match your travel plans

If you are travelling with young children, the relatively shallow bathing area at the southern end of Lake Partwitz is one specific point to consider; however, it says nothing about the bathing conditions on the day of your visit. Then check the location of each accommodation option against the places and experiences that matter for your trip. This way, you can tailor your search to your own plans rather than assuming that particular facilities will be available at your accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Oßling, Großpostwitz/Oberlausitz, Crostau, Cunewalde, Hoyerswerda, Neukirch/Lausitz, Lichtenberg.

Go to the overview of destinations: Bautzen District.