Our day began with a light snack on the bus before we set off for a fascinating destination—the Nochten open-pit mine. Thanks to the kind support of Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG, we received an exclusive guided tour.

We discovered the impressive scale of the open-pit mine and learned about the variety of heavy machinery in use, including bucket-wheel excavators, an overburden conveyor bridge, and coal conveyor systems that transport the valuable raw material to the coal storage yard at the Boxberg power plant. Particularly impressive was the presentation of the post-mining landscape, which is being transformed through reforestation with native deciduous and coniferous trees into a natural paradise for both people and the environment.

After a refreshing lunch break, we visited the enchanting Nochten Glacial Erratic Park, which impresses with its seven garden areas and approximately 7,000 glacial erratics spread across 20 hectares. This unforgettable excursion offers insights into the fascinating interplay of nature and human creativity.