Senftenberg, Brandenburg, Germany

🇩🇪 Senftenberg is a town in southern Brandenburg, Germany, capital of the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district.

Geography Senftenberg is located in the south-west 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 km (12 mi) north-west of Hoyerswerda, and 35 km (22 mi) south-west 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. From 1952 to 1990, it was part of the Bezirk Cottbus of East Germany.

Lake Senftenberg Lake Senftenberg is a popular tourist destination. 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 so-called Lusatian Lakeland, a group of 23 artificial lakes.

Sport In Senftenberg is the soccer club FSV Glückauf Brieske-Senftenberg.