Braunsteich, Pond in Weißwasser, Saxony, Germany

Braunsteich is a large reservoir located east of Weißwasser in Sachsen, covering about 44 hectares of water. The pond features a southern section dense with reeds and wetland vegetation, while the northern half remains clear and open for fishing and recreation.

Braunsteich was created in the 15th century by damming the Rotwassergraben creek to supply water to the Keulahütte ironworks in nearby Krauschwitz. This industrial purpose shaped the pond for centuries before it became a recreational site for the local community.

The pond's Sorbian name, Brusnik, is still used alongside the German one. The Waldhaus on the northeast shore, first built in the early 20th century as an excursion inn with a dance hall, burned down in March 1936 and was rebuilt in 1938; it now has a beer garden by the water and hosts celebrations for up to 120 people.

The footbridge restored in 1994 crosses the pond from west to east; it is a pedestrian bridge, not a wooden one. The northern half of the water is open and used by anglers, while the southern part turns into reeds and moor. The dam of the Rotwassergraben can still be walked along. The Waldhaus on the northeast shore serves groups and celebrations for up to 120 people.

The pond's southern section, about half of its 44 hectares, has turned into a moorland thick with reeds, while the northern half stays open water used by anglers. The whole southern part including its inflow is protected as a 124-hectare nature reserve.