Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2) Population 27,029 (31 Dec 2008) | Elevation 102 m (335 ft) Area 127.6 km² Local time Wednesday 4:49 PM | |
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Postal codes 01945 (Peickwitz), 01968 (Brieske, Großkoschen, Niemtsch, Sedlitz, Senftenberg), 01996 (Hosena) Weather 13°C, Wind NW at 13 km/h, 69% Humidity Points of interest Lake Senftenberg, Tierpark Senftenberg, Museum Schloss und Festu, Rostiger Nagel, Museumshof | ||
Senftenberg (Sorbian: Zły Komorow) is a town in southern Brandenburg, Germany, capital of the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district.
Contents
Map of Senftenberg, Germany
Geography
Senftenberg is located in the southwest of the historic Lower Lusatia region at the border with Saxony. Its town centre is situated north of the river Black Elster and the artificial Senftenberger Lake, part of the Lusatian Lake District chain, approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Hoyerswerda, and 35 kilometres (22 mi) southwest of Cottbus.
Senftenberg station is north of the centre and a major railway freight yard is located to its north-east, with a locomotive depot.
History
Senftenberg was first mentioned in a 1279 deed issued by Henry III the Illustrious of Wettin, then margrave of Lusatia. With Lower Lusatia, the settlement was acquired by the Kingdom of Bohemia under Charles IV of Luxembourg in 1368. Elector Frederick II of Saxony acquired Senftenberg in 1448, whereafter the area as a border stronghold of the House of Wettin was separated from Bohemian Lusatia, until in 1635 all Lusatian territories fell to Saxony by the Peace of Prague. According to the 1815 Congress of Vienna, Lower Lusatia was annexed by Prussia and incorporated into the Province of Brandenburg.
Names
International relations
Senftenberg is twinned with:
Tourism
Lake "Senftenberger See"
The Senftenberger See (Senftenberger Lake) is a popular destination for both day trips and holiday. In 1973, the former open cast mine, was officially opened to the public. Today, the lake is known for its excellent water quality. It is part of the socalled Lusatian Lakeland, a group of 23 artificial lakes.
Demography
After the second half of the 19th century the inhabitants increased because of workers coming to Senftenberg to work in the coal mines. After the German Reunion, many inhabitants moved to the western part of Germany.