Elsterheide: Lakes, Trails and Village History

Elsterheide combines lakes, forests and small beaches with trails for cycling, inline skating and walking. There are also opportunities for beach days, nature experiences and dining. Village history and Sorbian traditions also shape the character of the area.

Lakes and Waterways

The navigable Barbara Canal connects Lake Partwitz with Lake Geierswalde. It makes it possible to take a boat trip from Lake Senftenberg through Lake Geierswalde to Lake Partwitz. The lakes are therefore part of not only the landscape but also the region’s waterways.

Pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards can be rented on the southern shore of Lake Geierswalde; availability depends on the provider. Geierswalde also has a water-skiing and wakeboarding school. Water-skiing and wakeboarding behind motorboats are offered in designated areas of the lake. As the applicable areas and conditions may change, check the current local regulations before using these facilities. Kitesurfers can also be seen on Lake Geierswalde. One of the lake’s beaches also offers a beach bar serving food and drinks, as well as motorboat rentals.

Beaches with Different Conditions

At the southern beach of Lake Partwitz, the swimming area is relatively shallow and particularly suitable for families with small children. Swimming conditions can change. The beach near Klein Partwitz has a different character: it is below the riding stable, is unguarded and has no toilets. Take these specific conditions into account when planning, and check them on site.

Public toilets are listed along the route around Lake Geierswalde at the Rostiger Nagel and at the main beach in Geierswalde. The availability of facilities can also change. Activities vary along the shores and trails: a visit can range from a beach day to nature experiences and water sports, though not all activities are available in the same place.

Trails around Geierswalde and Bluno

The circular route around Lake Geierswalde is asphalted and mostly flat. Elsterheide OT Geierswalde is the recommended starting and ending point. Parking for the loop is available on the southern shore in Geierswalde, near the campsite and boat landing; parking conditions may change. A large visitor car park in Geierswalde provides access to the wider lake district by bicycle or inline skates. These parking details refer to different points of orientation on site and should not be confused when planning.

There are also three themed routes with seating, information boards, play equipment and freestanding information panels. Information about the walking trails in Elsterheide covers Sorbian customs, traditions and legends; QR codes are available at the stations. For those interested in longer hiking trails, a section of the Lausitzer Schlange long-distance trail passes through Elsterheide OT Bluno. The landscape itself offers paved trails for cycling, skating and walking.

Village Character and Memorial Sites

Geierswalde’s village center is characterized by closely spaced L-shaped, three-sided and four-sided farmsteads. The farmsteads are predominantly single-storey and built of brick; they are situated along the village greens. This gives the village a distinct focus alongside the water: the architectural styles and their arrangement define Geierswalde’s rural character. There is also a public playground in the center of Geierswalde.

The Groß Partwitz memorial commemorates the former settlement, which was displaced by lignite mining. Elsewhere on Lake Partwitz, the Scado peninsula is entirely designated as a nature reserve. Together, the trails, beaches and lakes offer different perspectives on the landscape, local history and nature in Elsterheide, which you can include in your stay according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Geierswalde, Hoyerswerda, Großnaundorf, Lauta, Bretnig-Hauswalde, Haselbachtal, Lohsa, Ralbitz-Rosenthal.

For the regional travel overview: Bautzen District.