Freiwasserschwimmen am Senftenberger See

August in Brandenburg brings stable, temperate conditions to the Senftenberger See, where water temperatures typically hover in the low 20s Celsius, providing a comfortable environment for the 5km, 1250m, 750m, and 250m race distances. The lake is remarkably clear, often offering visibility reaching 5 meters, which allows swimmers to maintain a clear line of sight beneath the surface. This clarity is a byproduct of its origin: the basin was created between 1967 and 1972 by flooding the former Niemtsch open-cast lignite mine. The process was a feat of engineering, utilizing melt and rainwater to fill the void at rates that peaked at 140 cubic meters per minute.

Navigating the industrial landscape

As you swim, the surrounding topography tells a story of transformation. To the north rises the Koschenberg, the highest elevation in the Elster lowlands; this greywacke hill has been a hub for human settlement since the Bronze and Iron Ages. In the center of the lake, you will pass a 250-hectare artificial island, a mass of mining overburden that has been a protected nature reserve since 1981. Entry is strictly prohibited due to landslide risks, so swimmers observe its dense vegetation and evolving ecosystem from the safety of the open water. The race, organized by the SSV Senftenberg e.V., utilizes this expansive man-made horizon to create a competitive course far removed from the town's historical roots. Centuries ago, the settlement of Senftenberg was defined by the Black Elster river and surrounding marshes; the Sorbian name 'Zły Komorow' reflects this landscape, historically translating to 'bad mosquito place'. Today, the site of the former Laugk mine offers a different experience, where underwater topography—reaching depths of up to 25 meters—replaced the timber-framed houses and Iron Age ring walls uncovered during excavations in 1931. With entry fees ranging from 20 to 45 EUR, the event provides a controlled environment for participants to experience one of the largest artificial lakes in Germany, focusing on the calm, expansive waters that now define the region.