The Landmarke Lausitzer Seenland (Landmark Lausitzer Lake Land ) really stands out in the largest artificial lake landscape in Europe: The 30 metre-high viewing tower is both a symbol for the changes in the landscape and an accessible sculpture. Built as part of IBA see, it is a reminder of the region’s industrial history and speaks of its future. 

Mining shaped the Lausitz region for over 150 years. Up to 30 mining pits were in operation simultaneously, transforming a centuries-old cultural landscape to a lunar landscape with immense craters. When the mining era ended, they were remediated, flooded and recultivated. Overall, when flooding is complete, the Lausitz Lake District will consist of over 20 lakes with a total water surface of roughly 14,000 hectares. The lakes are man-made, and are designed to look that way in accordance with the vision of IBA It is these breaks and links between industry and nature that shape the Lausitz Lake Region and the area. At this connecting canal, IBA see staged this tension in the centre of the lake landscape with a landmark, an accessible sculpture. The result of an architectural competition, the rust-coloured corten steel viewing tower is a reminder of the industrial history of the lake region and of steel mining equipment. At the same time, as a modern sculpture, it also emphasises what is new, unique and unusual about this changing landscape. From a height of 30 metres, visitors can now see three lakes at once, and the Schwarze Pumpe, Boxberg and Jänschwalde power stations on the horizon.

Since its opening, the landmark has attracted a lot of attention and is a popular destination. The locals have already given it a nickname: The Rusty Nail.