Lausitzer Findlingspark Nochten

About the museum

The idea for the park emerged in the early 1990s in connection with lignite mining in Lusatia: geologist Hans Ulbrich wanted not merely to scatter the boulders that surfaced in huge numbers during excavation at the Nochten open-pit mine across the reclaimed land, but to compose them into garden spaces. After an initial rough design, the Förderverein Lausitzer Findlingspark Nochten (friends' association) was founded in June 1999; it still owns and operates the site today.

Construction on the heaped spoil area began with the groundbreaking in July 2000. By 2003, an artificial landscape of hills with streams, a central pond, and themed gardens had been created on roughly 20 hectares, in which about 7,000 blocks of rock of Scandinavian origin were set. Heather, cushion perennials, succulents, grasses, and rhododendrons are planted so that a different area is always in bloom from March to November.

In the following years, an adventure playground (2005), the visitor and information center (2007), and the Waldsee (forest lake) area were added. In the visitor center, the interactive exhibition "Eisig, riesig, spannend – Abenteuer Eiszeit" (Icy, Giant, Exciting – Ice Age Adventure) explains how glaciers transported the stones from Scandinavia to Lusatia; a nature trail presents selected rock types on the grounds.

The park is regarded as an example of the successful reuse of post-mining landscapes. The association employs around 20 people and continues to develop the site through funded projects, for example adapting the plantings to climate change and in a German-Polish park partnership with Łomnica.

Highlights

• Some 7,000 Scandinavian glacial boulders in seven themed gardens
• Exhibition "Eisig, riesig, spannend – Abenteuer Eiszeit" in the visitor center
• Viewpoints overlooking the open-pit mine and the reclaimed landscape
• Succession of blooms from winter heath in March to summer heather in November
• Adventure playground "Die Wüste" (The Desert) with water play area

Permanent exhibitions

• Eisig, riesig, spannend – Abenteuer Eiszeit – Family-friendly exhibition in the visitor center about how Ice Age glaciers brought the boulders from Scandinavia to Lusatia; with stations for children and a park cinema.
• Sieben Gartenwelten mit Findlingslehrpfad – Stone, pond, heath, and rock gardens, heath bog, Waldsee, and "Klein Skandinavien" (Little Scandinavia), with labeled rocks and a discovery trail on botany and geology.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Förderverein Lausitzer Findlingspark Nochten e. V.

Director

Anita Schwitalla (Geschäftsführerin)

Admission & discounts

Parking fee €2 per day. School classes, after-school and daycare groups from the region can use the educational programs free of charge through the KulturPfadFinder program.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description

Almost the entire park can be navigated by wheelchair or stroller on firm gravel paths. Accessible restroom in the visitor center, a "Toilette für alle" (changing places restroom) at the playground. Wheelchairs, rollators, and handcarts can be borrowed at the entrance for €2 each; the electric-vehicle park tour is wheelchair-suitable. Free audio guide, also available in Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) and in a version for visually impaired visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Large playground area "Die Wüste" (The Desert) with bridges, caves, and a treasure area, water playground, and adventure trail with a mascot. Almost all paths are stroller-friendly, balance bikes and scooters allowed; wagons for a fee. Baby changing area in the visitor center, high chairs and a play corner in the snack bar. Children's birthday parties in the play area can be booked.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Snack bar and cafeteria "Stein-Zeit – Café & Bistro" (mid-March to early November); tour groups should pre-order food. Park shop with plants from the park's own nursery, stones, books, and souvenirs. Picnics allowed, deck chairs in the park.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 100 guests.

Large hall (up to approx. 100 people), cafeteria (up to 30 people), small meeting room (10 people), picnic meadow, and the "Die Wüste" play area for parties, conferences, and children's birthday parties; catering and equipment on request. Civil weddings in the park through the municipality of Boxberg.

Plan your visit