The best road cycling routes around Schwarzheide

The train station isn't worth mentioning. However, there's now a good snack bar right next to it. Free parking is also available 100 meters away.

Memorial next to the bike path. It's very worrying how Jewish concentration camp victims locked in train cars could be forgotten for days.

In 1754, local judge Lehmann pushed through the construction of a church building "against the grumbling of a few stubborn people." The old wooden chapel in the plague cemetery outside the village (to the right of the former town hall) was in such a deplorable condition that "dogs and swine could pass under the threshold." We do not know the builder. It is highly likely that local craftsmen erected the church. Before this construction project began, there were apparently many disagreements among the residents at the time, so that even the building materials that had already been brought in were quickly sold. The church itself is a simple half-timbered structure with sparing Baroque elements. It is said to have seated 250 people. This number may have corresponded to the population of the village at the time. The communion vessels, chalice, two jugs, and two plates, as well as the candlesticks and baptismal font, all made of Zins, are still in use today. The interior of the chapel is quite simple. To save space, the pulpit was placed directly above the altar. There's nothing pompous about it, and that's precisely what makes it so beautiful. It's also noteworthy that only the morning and sunny sides have windows, while the other two sides of the nave remain windowless. In 1921, the church in Zschornegosda was thoroughly renovated. It also received a new roof, pews were repaired, and the church was modernized by replacing the old, inadequate lighting with electric light. At the same time, a large painted plaque of honor, listing the names and dates of the 74 Zschornegosda soldiers who died in World War I, was hung. A special purchase was a large pedal harmonium, as an organ was too expensive. The Luther Memorial in Zschornegosda was dedicated on December 3, 1933 (the first Sunday of Advent). Afterward, Luther's name was transferred to the village church. The boulder from an open-cast mine is approximately 1.20 m high and 1.35 m wide. The applied bronze plates are from the Lauchhammer art foundry. The upper circular one bears a relief of Martin Luther's head. The lower rectangular one bears the inscription: "In memory of Martin Luther * 1483 - 1546." The occasion was the 450th anniversary of Martin Luther's birth. Source: Schwarzheide Local Chronicle

Senftenberg has been situated on the shores of a lake for over forty years. The open-cast mine, flooded during the GDR era, has been successfully transformed into a popular leisure and recreation area: Lake Senftenberg. Since 1973, seven kilometers of gently sloping beaches, countless recreational opportunities, and vacation rentals have attracted not only locals. Thanks to countless recreational opportunities and modern accommodations, the family-friendly, 1,300-hectare lake is also popular with tourists.

Senftenberg has been situated on the shores of a lake for over forty years. The open-cast mine, flooded during the GDR era, has been successfully transformed into a popular leisure and recreation area: Lake Senftenberg. Since 1973, seven kilometers of gently sloping beaches, countless recreational opportunities, and vacation rentals have attracted not only locals. Thanks to countless recreational opportunities and modern accommodations, the family-friendly, 1,300-hectare lake is also popular with tourists.

Insider tip: Art collection An insider tip for art lovers: Among the treasures in the castle is the Lusatian Art Collection, with more than 2,500 works by around 130 artists – a multifaceted reflection of contemporary Lusatian art.

Lake Senftenberg is the family lake in the Lusatian Lake District. Seven kilometers of well-maintained sandy beaches and green lawns – with special areas for nudists and dog owners.

It's a very beautiful circular route with some fantastic views of the lake. A great way to engage even those less keen on cycling (I speak from experience). It's also suitable for children, as there are plenty of playgrounds and rest areas. Plus, the trail is completely flat.