Senftenberg

Senftenberg is a town in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district of Brandenburg, Germany. It lies north of the Black Elster river and borders a large lake whose shoreline shapes much of the surrounding landscape.

A document from 1279 mentions the settlement officially for the first time under Henry III of Jawor. Later, control passed between Silesian duchies and the Kingdom of Bohemia until the area became Prussian over the centuries.

The name comes from the Slavic word for mustard, which grew wild in this area long ago. The Sorbian language calls the town Zły Komorow, a form that still appears on bilingual street signs in the center.

The town hall in the center offers services for official business and stays open on weekdays. Paths around the water are suitable for walking and short bike rides in almost any weather.

The water body formed by flooding a disused lignite mine and was gradually transformed from 1973 into a leisure area with sandy beaches and boat docks. Today, windsurfers and sailors come here because the wind over the open surface creates favorable conditions.

Location: Oberspreewald-Lausitz District

Elevation above the sea: 102 m

Part of: Sorbian settlement area

Shares border with: Lauta, Elsterheide

Website: https://senftenberg.de

GPS coordinates: 51.51667,14.01667

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:55