Discover Boxberg/O.L. on Lake Bärwalde

Boxberg/O.L. reveals a landscape shaped by striking change on Lake Bärwalde: the lake is Saxony’s largest inland lake and was created by flooding the former Bärwalde lignite opencast mine, completed in 2010. For planning your trip, the lakeshore, a cycling loop and the OHR offer different ways to explore the area—from a longer route to a path of about one kilometre leading to a viewpoint.

A landscape of lakes, heathland and ponds

The wider Boxberg/O.L. area is characterised by pine forests, heathland, river meadows and ponds. The Lake Bärwalde landscape park is located within the municipality of Boxberg/O.L., next to the UNESCO Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape Biosphere Reserve.

The creation of Lake Bärwalde by flooding the former opencast mine connects today’s lake landscape with the region’s mining history. You can use this transformation as a guide when planning your stay: the lake is a destination on a large scale, while the landscape park and surrounding landforms offer further ways to explore the area.

Cycling loop and viewpoint at the OHR

The recommended loop around Lake Bärwalde starts and ends at the tourist information office in Boxberg/O.L. It is 21 kilometres long, follows a mostly flat, paved lakeside path and passes through Klitten and Uhyst. For cyclists, the distance and surface provide a practical basis for fitting the loop into a day’s plans.

A shorter route leads to a viewpoint on the OHR, where you can look out over Lake Bärwalde. The walking route is about one kilometre long. The OHR itself comprises an amphitheatre with 270 seats and is about 350 metres long, 250 metres wide and 18 metres high. This gives you two different scales to consider when planning: the 21-kilometre loop around the lake and the approximately one-kilometre walk to the viewpoint.

At the Boxberg lakeside promenade

The Boxberg lakeside promenade has a marina with boat hire and an inline skating arena. These add more ways to spend time by the lake alongside the cycling loop and the walk up to the OHR. As details about such facilities can change, check the current status of the boat hire and arena before your visit.

The Sternencamp campsite on Lake Bärwalde is right next to Boxberg Beach and offers pitches for motorhomes and caravans. If you’re travelling in either type of vehicle, it’s a specific overnight option to consider in your search.

Food and practical information

Arche restaurant is on Lake Bärwalde, near Klitten Marina, and offers lake views. Its menu includes breakfast, lunch, coffee and dinner. Markise beach bar is right on the Boxberg Beach promenade next to the lake. It operates seasonally, so check whether it is currently open before visiting. Details of restaurant offerings can also change.

The certified Lake Bärwalde tourist information office provides information about excursions and leisure activities around Boxberg/Oberlausitz, the Lusatian Lake District and Saxony. Visitor services can change, so check the current offerings before your visit.

The tourist information office can help you find and book accommodation. This lets you tailor your travel plans to your preferred activities without combining the different routes and places into a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Drehna, Hähnichen, Rietschen, Vierkirchen, Lawalde, Schönau-Berzdorf Auf Dem Eigen, Hohendubrau, Beiersdorf.

Return to the main travel overview: Görlitz.