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Photo: Ralf Roletschek, Resolution restricted-by-sa via Wikimedia Commons
The Cottbuser Ostsee is a massive artificial lake created from the former "Cottbus Nord" open-cast mine. Although it reached its target water level in late 2024, covering , it remains a "landscape construction site". As of 2026, swimming and boating are still prohibited while the shores are stabilized. Visitors can already use the cycling path around the lake or enjoy views from the Merzdorf observation tower.
The Cottbuser Ostsee is an artificial lake under development on the grounds of the former open-pit lignite mine de:Tagebau Cottbus Nord near Cottbus, Brandenburg, Germany.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Park Railroad
A light-gauge railway, built in the 1950s, that runs primarily in the summer months between the stations of Sandower Dreieck (with ample parking) and Friedenseiche. The nearly 4-km-long line runs from the Sandow neighbourhood, passing by the Football Stadium, stopping at the Cottbus Zoo, and then on into Branitzer Park to the "Peace Oak". From here, it is a 15-minute walk to the Kiekebuscher Dam on the Spree river.
Branitz Castle
The castle of Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau. It features two permanent exhibits and a regularly rotating theme exhibition of "... all that is different than elsewhere, fantastical, or fairytale" - Everything about the famous landscape artist, bookseller, and world-traveler, who lived from 1785 to 1871. The permanent exhibit featuring Carl Blechen (1789-1840), is also worth seeing. The castle is located in scenic Branitzer Park, which was created by the Prince in the English garden style.
Conservatory
Projection planetarium, built in 1974 and named in honour of Yuri Gagarin, it has been modernized and now offers daily shows and educational content featuring 3,000 stars from the northern and southern hemisphere skies.
Old powerhouse
The 19th-century power plant, near the old city castle, provided hydroelectric power for the city's many textile mills. It was later home to a discotheque, which has subsequently closed due to neighborhood complaints, but guided tours can still be made by special arrangement.
Cottbus Castle
The former city castle (first mentioned in the 10th century!) is now the seat of the district courthouse, but is still beautiful in its own right, with its imposing 46-m spire springing from the peak of the castle hill. The castle grounds feature a waterfall on the back side of the hill.