On this tour, which will skirt the periphery of the third-largest open-cast lignite mine, you will experience an ever-changing landscape. The Blaustein Lake Route circles this artificial lake, which was built as part of the reclamation of the area around the Zukunft-West open-cast mine. Where once this land was dotted with villages and fields, today it is covered by 100 hectares of water 46 metres deep, offering water recreation for the whole family. Diving, sailing, surfing, swimming, canoeing… for fans of fun on the water, Blaustein Lake has it all. Today, monuments and road crosses on the paths around the lake and the surrounding green belt stand in testament to the places that had to give way to the advance of open-cast mining.

Limiting the route to this newly created lake and the idyllic landscape surrounding it would not be long enough. As you move away from the water, there is only more to discover. From afar, you can see the 36-metre tall Indemann observation structure, on Goltstein Hill, right arm raised towards the ever-changing landscape of the Inde region. Head for it to discover an unforgettable experience with views. It is a 36-metre-tall icon with its upraised arm pointing towards the ever-changing landscape of the Inden open-cast mine. Anyone who has an interest in open-cast lignite mining is encouraged to take the slight detour off the route to the RWE Info Centre at the Weisweiler power station, where you can learn all about the process flow from lignite mining to power generation to the development of a sustainable recultivated open-cast mine. Along your way, you will pass several castles (some with moats), such as Haus Kambach, Burg Kinzweiler and Haus Palant, all recalling the ancient days when nobles ruled here and knights roamed the countryside.

Highlights along the way:

• Blaustein Lake with water recreation
• Memorial paths around Blaustein Lake
• Indemann on Goldstein Hill
• Weisweiler Power Station - RWE Information Centre
• Haus Kambach
• Burg Weisweiler
• Haus Palant