The opencast mining history of Leipzig and the surrounding region lives on in the Mining and Technology Park.
The Mining and Technology Park is one of three stops on the Saxon Industrial Culture Route that are located in western Saxony. Highlights of the exhibits are two pieces of large-scale equipment, the 1,300-tonne bucket excavator 1547 and the 2,400-tonne spreader 1115. Built by the TAKRAF company in the 1980s, they are original artifacts illustrating the art of engineering. There is plenty more on offer too, including specially-created texts and audio guides for children to inform young visitors about not only geology and technology but also the miners and the countless "lost places" that disappeared to make way for the lignite mines. The Tertiär adventure playground informs visitors of all ages about the origins of lignite.
On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, at 11 am (or by appointment), former miners from the Espenhain opencast mine will guide you through the grounds and exhibitions in an entertaining and informative way.
Would you like to find out more about the Mining and Technology Park? Then listen to our podcast, "Willkommen in Leipzig" ("Welcome to Leipzig" - German only). Among other things, it includes an interesting interview with director and curator Thorsten Hinz!