Markkleeberg

Following the cessation of lignite-mining, a number of lakes have emerged in the post-mining landscape south of Leipzig. One of them is Lake Cospuden on the outskirts of Leipzig, Markkleeberg and Zwenkau.

To create something distinctive on the recultivated land adjacent to the lake completed in time for the Expo 2000 world's fair, an imposing tower with an open timber structure was erected on an existing elevation. Bistumshöhe was deliberately chosen since it had already been home to a vantage point with tables and benches overlooking Zwenkau mine. The name Bistumshöhe ('Diocese Height') dates back to earlier times when the area belonged to the diocese of Merseburg.

The tower, which does not yet have a name of its name, was quickly built south-west of Lake Cospuden. The method of construction used is known as 'chimney style', and indeed the tower is intended to recall the many chimney stacks which, after dominating the area south of Leipzig for decades, have now all but disappeared.

Extremely robust and requiring almost no maintenance, this landmark built out of slowly growing Siberian larch provides an all-round view of Lake Cospuden, the mine dumps at Zwenkau and Espenhain, the reforested Neue Harth, and BELANTIS amusement park. And on a good day, visitors facing north have a wonderful view of the sights and attractions of Leipzig.