Former Coal Mines Transformed Into Europe’s Largest Lake Landscape

Germany has transformed former coal mines into Europe’s largest artificial lake region, turning industrial land into a vast water landscape that supports tourism, ecosystems and local economies.

“The largest man-made water landscape in Europe is taking shape, marking an important step for sustainable tourism in the region,” said Kathrin Winkler, managing director of the Lusatian Lakeland Tourism Association.

The Lusatian Lakeland, located in Eastern Germany, now includes 23 post-mining lakes covering around 14,000 hectares, with plans to expand to 144 square kilometres, almost the size of Lake Como. Built over decades at a cost of about €13.8 billion, the project will connect multiple lakes through canals to create a 5,000-hectare navigable network. The transformation is already driving economic growth, with around 800,000 overnight stays recorded in 2025, while also providing water storage, supporting biodiversity and offering a long-term model for regenerating former industrial regions.