Forsthaus Prösa

Forsthaus Prösa is a nature reserve with mixed pine and oak forests and two large heathland areas in the center of Lower Lusatia. The landscape covers about 3,800 hectares and provides diverse habitats for rare plants and animals.

The area was used by the National People's Army from 1960 to 1988 as a military training ground, which led to major landscape changes. After this period, it was developed and protected as a nature reserve.

The name Prösa comes from the Slavic word 'breza', meaning birch, which reflects the historical Slavic settlement of the region. This linguistic trace shows how long people have shaped this forest.

The nature reserve can be explored via six hiking trails ranging from 2.5 to 6.5 kilometers in length. The trails start from various forest parking areas distributed around the reserve.

The reserve has run a capercaillie reintroduction program since 2011, introducing birds from Sweden. This project aims to establish a new population of this rare species in the extensive oak woodlands.

Location: Plessa

Location: Elsterwerda

Location: Bad Liebenwerda

Location: Rückersdorf

Location: Schönborn

Inception: May 21, 1996

GPS coordinates: 51.51450,13.51850

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:02