Senftenberg

Senftenberg is a town in southern Brandenburg, Germany, capital of the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district. The river Schwarze Elster runs through Senftenberg and the town is located on the shores of Senftenberger See (Senftenberg Lake), one of the largest artificial lakes in Germany.GeographySenftenberg is located in the southwest of the historic Lower Lusatia region at the border with Saxony. Its town centre is situated north of the river Black Elster and the artificial Senftenberger Lake, part of the Lusatian Lake District chain, approximately northwest of Hoyerswerda, and southwest of Cottbus.Senftenberg station is north of the centre and a major railway freight yard is located to its north-east, with a locomotive depot.HistorySenftenberg was first mentioned in a 1279 deed issued by Henry III the Illustrious of Wettin, then margrave of Lusatia. With Lower Lusatia, the settlement was acquired by the Kingdom of Bohemia under Charles IV of Luxembourg in 1368. Elector Frederick II of Saxony acquired Senftenberg in 1448, whereafter the area as a border stronghold of the House of Wettin was separated from Bohemian Lusatia, until in 1635 all Lusatian territories fell to Saxony by the Peace of Prague. According to the 1815 Congress of Vienna, Lower Lusatia was annexed by Prussia and incorporated into the Province of Brandenburg.