Industrial culture

In 1867, the railway brought new opportunities to Weißwasser. Under Count von Arnim's leadership, lignite mining in the Muskau Fold Belt experienced a boom. The forest railway efficiently connected the businesses.

Experience this history firsthand with a ride on the Muskau Forest Railway. Discover the landscape and immerse yourself in the industrial past.

Discover the fascinating history of the Muskau Fold Belt! Here in Lusatia, glacial tectonic deformations brought sand, gravel, clay, and above all, lignite to the surface in a small area during the 19th century. Mining, initially underground and later in open-pit mines, shaped the landscape for decades. Today, more than 300 colorful post-mining lakes invite exploration and offer a unique glimpse into this industrial era.

Discover and experience architectural innovation and historical significance in the Konrad Wachsmann House in Niesky. This wooden house, built in 1927 based on a design by Konrad Wachsmann, is an outstanding example of industrialized wooden house construction. After extensive restoration work, it was reopened in 2014 with the permanent exhibition “Modern Wooden Buildings,” which highlights the development of industrial wooden house construction.

Discover the groundbreaking ideas of 1927 at Christoph & Unmack in Niesky: affordable, durable, thermally insulated, practical, modern – this advertisement marked a turning point in prefabricated house construction. Today, visit the meticulously restored director's residence, designed by Konrad Wachsmann in the Bauhaus style, and explore other show homes that bear witness to an innovative era in timber construction. Immerse yourself in the history of this pioneering architecture!

Discover the fascinating history of Weißwasser, once the center of globally important glass production. Visit the glass museum in Edmund Gelsdorf's historic villa, where an impressive collection of glass products and tools awaits you. Immerse yourself in the world of Wilhelm Wagenfeld, a pioneer of glass design who left his mark here. Experience the exciting connections between the industrial development of Weißwasser and the rich raw material history of the Muskau fold on a guided tour.

Discover the Königshainer Berge Granite Mining Museum, a fascinating piece of Saxon industrial culture! Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the museum shows the history and hard work of the stone workers. Experience the journey of granite from quarrying to processing in the historic buildings. Marvel at geological features and impressive machines. Visit us and immerse yourself in the world of granite mining, where nature and technology meet. The museum is part of the Industrial Heritage Route in Saxony.

Discover and experience the development from crafts to industry in seven buildings and outdoor areas in the Muskau fold area. Almost 4,000 exhibits await you here, from steam engines to dollhouses. Visit the sawmill, site of a board mill mentioned in the 16th century, and see woodworking machines in operation. The ceramic collection includes vessels from 350 years ago, 1000 liter stoneware containers from the industrial age and current products from regional potters, roofing and wall tiles.

At Lake Berzdorf near Görlitz, you'll find the "Bucket Wheel Excavator 1452," a technical monument. This impressive relic of the former Berzdorf open-cast lignite mine, which operated until 1997, can be explored independently or on expert-led tours. The nearly 2,000-ton giant is maintained by the Berzdorf OL e.V. Association of Mining History Witnesses. The site also features other exhibits, such as an electric locomotive and drainage technology, offering insights into the history of mining. We look forward to an exciting discovery tour!

In the small, originally rebuilt house with its courtyard and garden you can gain an insight into the life of the so-called “farmers” around 1900. In addition to their work in the factory, in trade and commerce, the residents of Reichenbach ran modest farming as a sideline to secure their livelihood. Every inner-city property also had a small field in front of the city. The reconstructed interior of the house reflects the small-town way of life.

Discover fascinating aircraft from the second half of the last century in the Rothenburg Aviation Technology Museum! Immerse yourself in the world of aviation and experience various models up close, including several MiGs, a Sukhoj Su-22, Czech jet trainers and Bundeswehr aircraft such as the F-104 Starfighter and an OV-10 “Bronco”.