Two stories that belong together: a ship with over 50 years under its belt, and a lake born from an open-cast mine. Discover the natural paradise of the Berzdorfer See at its very best.
One of Saxony's largest lakes — and one of its youngest. It wasn't fully flooded until 2013.
Where sailing boats cruise today, brown coal was mined for nearly 150 years. The transformation is one of the most remarkable in Lusatia.
Brown coal mining begins south of Görlitz — initially in small underground shafts.
Conversion to open-cast mining. Over the following decades the pit grows into a large-scale mine producing up to 7 million tonnes per year.
After the war, extraction runs at full throttle in three shifts. Entire villages — Berzdorf, Neuberzdorf and Deutsch Ossig — are displaced, and hundreds of people are resettled.
After more than 150 years, coal extraction ends. With the closure, the idea of a lake is born.
The remaining pit is flooded — first with water from the Pließnitz, then from the Neiße from 2004 onwards. In 2013 the target level is reached: the Berzdorfer See is born.
The EMS Berzdorf launches regular services — as Saxony's first and only electric passenger ship.
Our ship is older than most people think — and already crossed an entire republic before finding its home port in Görlitz.
Built in 1969, our ship sailed for five decades as "MS Hennesee" on the Hennesee in Sauerland, near Meschede — until 2022. Then the storied Lux-Werft in Mondorf near Bonn brought it out of retirement, overhauled it from the ground up, and converted it to 100% electric propulsion. "The ship is like new," says owner Stefan Menzel.
But how does a 32-metre vessel travel from the Rhine to a lake in Oberlausitz that has no river connection? The answer: first by water, then by road. A journey of more than 700 kilometres across Germany.
In Magdeburg the waterway ended — from there it was a spectacular heavy-haulage transport overland towards Cottbus, crawling at walking pace through tight village streets near Bad Muskau. On 19 August 2023 the EMS Berzdorf set off on her maiden voyage.
A special design feature: the ship moors directly bow-first on the shore. Guests board and disembark comfortably via a ramp — even where there is no jetty.
The electric drive makes no noise and no fumes. All you hear is the water, the birds — and not the engine.
The 900-kWh battery lasts around three full days of sailing. Charging is CO₂-free, directly at Hafen Hagenwerder.
960 hectares of water, a 17-km circular path, and lots to discover. Here you can see what's where around the Berzdorfer See.
Our home port with a waterfront promenade, harbour café, and free parking — the starting point of every boat tour.
A large sandy beach right at the gates of Görlitz, with a view of the Landeskrone.
A viewing jetty in the north with a wide panoramic view across the entire lake.
Observation tower and a soil-profile nature trail — where the mining history becomes visible.
The most beautiful swimming beach with a Caribbean vibe — plus a climbing park, mini golf, and a campsite on the south shore.
A historic moated castle with roots in the 13th century, idyllically situated on the south-east shore.
A walk-through mining monument in Hagenwerder — a giant from the open-cast era that you can get up close to.
First documented as far back as 1306, the manor house was built on oak piles in the marshy shoreline and surrounded by moats. After a fire in 1683, the present baroque castle was built in 1686/87.
Today the romantic castle is a popular photography subject right on the lake — the adjacent estate welcomes guests at its restaurant "Gut am See", just a short stroll from the south shore.
Because the EMS Berzdorf travels whisper-quiet, nature remains undisturbed — and shows itself at its finest. Large stretches of the shoreline are protected nature reserves.
With a bit of luck, Germany's largest bird of prey will circle above the south shore — from the water you have the best view of its majestic sweeps.
Tufted ducks, coots, grey herons, and great white egrets: the quiet shore zones are an important breeding and refuge area for numerous waterbirds.
The crystal-clear water teems with sizeable predatory fish — popular with anglers who try their luck from the shore with a valid permit.
Extensive reed beds and shallow-water zones are developing around the lake — a nursery for fish, dragonflies, and amphibians.
The former open-cast spoil heaps are gradually being transformed into a diverse landscape of dry grassland, hedgerows, and young woodland.
Far from major cities, evenings here are remarkably dark and quiet — perfect for simply taking a deep breath.
The boat trip is the perfect opener — all around there's a full day of possibilities waiting, for every age and every kind of weather.
North Beach, Hagenwerder harbour beach, Blue Lagoon & Tauchritz — fine sand, crystal-clear water.
Paved and flat — perfect for cycling, skating, pushchairs, or a long walk. Bikes are welcome on board.
An official sailing area since 2007. Rental & access via Tauchritz and the Blue Lagoon.
Zip lines, suspension bridges, and Tarzan swings across several courses at the Blue Lagoon.
A large mini golf course right next to the Blue Lagoon — fun for the whole family.
A historic castle with a history stretching back to the 13th century, idyllically situated on the south-east shore.
A walk-through mining monument — an experience in any weather, especially for fans of engineering.
Neuberzdorfer Höhe, Jauernicker Berg, and the 420 m Görlitz landmark hill all offer panoramic views.
Pike, pike-perch & perch in clear water — with a valid permit from the shore.
Pitches and tent sites at the Blue Lagoon holiday park — wake up with a view of the lake.
Tip: Combine your boat tour with a beach day or a bike ride — Hafen Hagenwerder is the ideal starting point.
On every scheduled cruise we show you the most beautiful spots on the lake.
One hour and fifteen minutes of whisper-quiet cruising all around — through a piece of Lusatian history.
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