Bergbau-Technik-Park
Open-air museum between Markkleeberger See and Störmthaler See: bucket-wheel excavator, spreader and 23 stations on lignite open-pit mining.
About the museum
The Bergbau-Technik-Park goes back to a citizens' initiative that wanted to save two large machines from the decommissioned Espenhain open-pit mine from being scrapped. In February 2002 a sponsoring association was founded for this purpose in Großpösna, joined by municipalities of the region, former miners and experts. Supported by the Free State, the mine rehabilitation company LMBV and MIBRAG, the bucket-wheel excavator 1547 and the belt spreader 1115 went to the park.
An open-air museum then developed on a site of about 5.4 hectares on the west shore between Markkleeberger See and Störmthaler See, which started its season with regular opening hours for the first time in April 2012. The municipality of Großpösna owns the land.
In 23 stations the park recreates the entire process of a lignite open-pit mine – from drainage and overburden removal through coal transport with electric locomotives and conveyor systems to recultivation. Further stations recall the villages that had to make way for the Espenhain open-pit mine and the work of the miners. Many association members are former employees of the open-pit mine and contribute their memories to guided tours and eyewitness work.
The park also sees itself as a bridge to the present: only through mining and the subsequent flooding did the Leipzig Neuseenland (New Lake District) come into being as a recreation area.
Highlights
- Bucket-wheel excavator 1547 weighing about 1,300 tons
- Belt spreader 1115 weighing about 2,400 tons
- 23 stations on the complete process of a lignite open-pit mine
- Electric locomotives with overburden and coal wagons as well as conveyor systems
- Adventure playground "Tertiär" with a walk-in prehistoric shark
Permanent exhibitions
- Förderzyklus eines Braunkohletagebaus – Tour through 23 stations with large machines, locomotives, conveyor systems and information boards from drainage to the post-mining landscape.
- Founded
- 2012
- Operated by
- Bergbau-Technik-Park e.V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6Children aged 6 and over, pupils, students, people with severe disabilities (with proof) |
| Children & teens | €6free up to age 5 |
| Visitors with disabilities | €6companion free · A necessary companion has free admission. |
| Students & apprentices | €6 |
| Groups | –School classes €3 per person. For group tours see guided tours. |
| Families | €182 adults with up to 5 children |
| Park tour (Sat, Sun and public holidays 11:00) | €3per person plus admission, no registration |
20% discount with the Saxon Ehrenamtskarte or LEIPZIG REGIO Card. The snack bar is accessible without an admission ticket.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €18 · 2 adults with up to 5 children |
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
All display boards also include easy-to-understand texts for children. The adventure playground "Tertiär" offers a walk-in prehistoric shark, a climbing forest and a labyrinth made of old conveyor belts. Children up to 5 years free.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Auenhain (Markkleeberg), Seepark · 2.2 km
Bus lines 141 and 106 to Kanupark/Auenhain (Markkleeberg), from there about 2 km on a signposted footpath and cycle path; Markkleeberg-Gaschwitz S-Bahn station is 4.4 km away.
By car
Parking available
Parking lot at the park.
GPS address: Am Westufer 2, 04463 Großpösna. Via the A 72, exit Böhlen/Zwenkau/Zentraldeponie, then follow the signs for "Zentraldeponie" and "Bergbau-Technik-Park". The park is about 10 km south of Leipzig.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Snack bar "Zum Bagger 1547" at the park entrance (during opening hours, accessible without admission); catering for groups of up to 50 people.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The park can be rented for events, company, club and family celebrations; prices on request.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography and filming for commercial purposes only with written permission. |
| Good to know | Public park tour on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 11:00 (no registration). Group tours by advance registration (for 18 or more people €3 per person, below that a minimum fee of €55, each plus admission); English tours (60 or 90 minutes) by arrangement. Scavenger hunts and hands-on activities are available for school classes. Sturdy footwear is recommended; the spreader and the bucket-wheel excavator are currently not accessible. Dogs on a leash allowed (not on the playground). |
