October 7, 2026 - Former coal mines in eastern Germany are finding new uses through a reclamation program that has created 23 lakes across the Lusatian region.

Located between Berlin and Dresden in Brandenburg and Saxony, the Lusatian Lakeland includes approximately 14,000 hectares of water at former surface lignite mines. Regional authorities describe it as Europe’s largest artificial water landscape.

A milestone came on June 29, 2026, when navigable connections opened between five major lakes, providing a combined water area of roughly 5,100 hectares. Mining rehabilitation company LMBV says plans call for 13 navigable canals, with four completed.

The region’s redevelopment began in 1967 with the flooding of the former Niemtsch mine to create Lake Senftenberg. That lake opened to the public in 1973.

Reclamation work also includes stabilizing mine slopes, restoring surrounding land and establishing vegetation. Former mining areas now support forests, grasslands and wetland habitats.

Beaches, marinas, campgrounds, cycling routes and water-sports facilities are giving the reclaimed sites additional economic uses. Mining heritage attractions preserve the region’s connection to coal production as the landscape develops into a recreation destination.