Besucherbergwerk F60 in Lichterfeld

In the Elbe-Elster district, the former overburden conveyor bridge F60 towers visibly into the Lusatian sky. At 502 meters long, it is considered one of the largest working machines in the world and attracts technology enthusiasts and day-trippers from Berlin and Brandenburg as the "Lying Eiffel Tower of Lusatia".

F60 Visitor Mine: A Steel Giant in the Heart of Brandenburg

If you’re planning a trip to Brandenburg on the weekend, the F60 in Lichterfeld should be on your list. The 502-meter-long overburden conveyor bridge from an opencast mine in Lower Lusatia is one of the largest working machines in the world. The steel structure is also known as the “Lying Eiffel Tower of Lusatia” and surpasses it by 182 meters. What once worked in lignite mining is now a first-class industrial monument. The bridge is the last of five series-built machines and only operated from March 1991 to June 1992. Therefore, it is still in remarkably good condition.

Whoever enters the site quickly gets a sense of how massive this machine truly is. 502 meters long, 204 meters wide, and weighing over 11,000 tons, this colossal monument of Brandenburg’s industrial culture welcomes thousands of guests every year. Guided tours up to a dizzying 80 meters high offer deep insights into the masterful construction and views of the former opencast mining landscape. It’s also worth looking down: the bridge spans approximately 1.3 kilometers, and from its viewing platform, the structural transformation of the region becomes particularly evident.

The Surroundings Make the Day Worthwhile

The F60 Visitor Mine is more than just a guided tour. In the summer season, the steel giant is a popular backdrop for open-air concerts, festivals, and shows of various music styles and genres. Those who still have energy after the climb will find plenty of activities in the surrounding area. Visitors enjoy exploring Bergheider See, in the immediate vicinity of the F60, by bike, Segway, or during a leisurely stroll along the long beach. Afterwards, it’s back to the canteen: the visit is rounded off with hearty but delicious miner’s fare in the workshop wagon’s “Canteen” on the sun terrace.

Those who prefer to experience the evening at the F60 can book one of the coveted night light tours. Additionally, the operators offer a guided tour along the paved path under the bridge to the lake’s flooding point, which is wheelchair-accessible and also recommended for technology-enthusiastic guests with a fear of heights. The admission price for adults is 16 Euros for a grand tour of approximately 90 minutes. During the peak season from mid-March to the end of October, the F60 is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.