Brikettfabrik Louise

About the museum

The Brikettfabrik Louise near Domsdorf began operation in September 1882 and pressed large quantities of raw lignite into briquettes already in its first year. Over the decades it grew from two to seven presses, acquired plate and tube dryers, and from 1908 its own power plant hall.

After more than 110 years of uninterrupted production, the last briquette came off the line in November 1991; in early 1992 the factory was shut down and entered in Brandenburg's list of protected monuments as an industrial heritage site. Because the facility is almost completely preserved, the entire path from raw coal to finished briquette can be traced.

The owner and operator is the town of Uebigau-Wahrenbrück. The Freundeskreis Technisches Denkmal Brikettfabrik Louise (friends' circle), founded in 1994, takes care of the upkeep of the machines, supports the guided tours, and organizes events such as the Steam Day. The factory is a stop on the ENERGIE Route of Lusatian industrial heritage.

Highlights

• Oldest surviving briquette factory in Europe
• Original presses, dryers, and steam engines
• Power plant hall from 1908
• Ride on the mine railway
• Mineral collection "steinREICH"

Permanent exhibitions

• Brikettfabrik mit Originalmaschinen – Tour of the completely preserved production facility – from raw coal via dryers and presses to the finished briquette.
• Mineraliensammlung „steinREICH“ – Collection of minerals, included in the admission.

Founded

1882

Operated by

Stadt Uebigau-Wahrenbrück

Admission & discounts

Admission includes the tour; photography is included.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The factory can only be visited via stairs and is not accessible to people with mobility impairments. The Zechensaal (mine hall) for events is accessible for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Children's and family activities such as a Halloween afternoon for 6- to 14-year-olds or workshops; mine railway ride and hands-on coal stacking. For school classes there is an exploration tour with a mine railway ride.

Getting there & parking

GPS address: Louise 111, 04924 Uebigau-Wahrenbrück (district of Domsdorf).

Amenities & dining

In the village, the Bergmanns Café invites visitors to coffee and cake on weekends.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Power plant hall, Zechensaal (70 seats), Kaue (30 seats), outdoor areas, or the entire grounds for weddings, celebrations, and conferences; family and company events are reviewed in advance because of heritage protection.

Plan your visit