Lauta in eastern Saxony sure is charming and quaint enough, but I’m sorry to admit you might be a bit bored at first.
Yikes!
But still, Lauta is in the wonderful Lower Lausitz and next to Brandenburg, with a couple of lakes for when life’s got you feeling a little blue.
Hey, can you think of a better way to cheer up than either fishing or a lakeside picnic (or camping) with family (or away from the family if they’re the ones making you a bit batty)? ;-)
A few centuries ago, Lauta wasn’t such a Utopia. It was totally sacked during the 17th century Thirty Years’ War, including its church which had to be rebuilt afterwards.
Then during WWI, the town became a bit more known due to the Lautawerke, an aluminum plant that’s also known as Aluminiumhütte or Vereinigte Aluminiumwerke. Following up on this they established a lot of condos around the factory for their workers.
During World War II the town suffered again when thousands of forced laborers were put to work at a nearby labor camp for the Lautawerk. Throughout Lauta you’ll find war memorials, a memorial plaque to resistance fighters (one at the entrance to the Lautawerk), and graves in the cemetery for those who lost their lives in this dark time.
Interestingly enough, Lauta’s landmark is the Wasserturm (Water Tower), one of the last vestiges of the Lautawerk.
For some quiet time the City Park is a nice stop. But, if you want something a bit more active Lauta’s got you covered. There are many bicycling trails throughout the stunning Lusatian Lakeland District; and get some more bike action at the Euro Speedway Lausitz.
I think I’d prefer just to sit fishing, if you don’t mind. Have fun in Lauta, accepting it for what it is — just like I did.