Ships can sail on Saxony's largest lake from April

From April, passenger ships and pleasure craft will be able to navigate Saxony's largest lake without an individual permit. Two general decrees issued by the State Directorate of Saxony allow the permanent use of Lake Bärwalde in Lusatia for shipping purposes, as the authority announced.

"This is an important milestone in the transformation of the former Bärwalde open-cast mine into a supra-regional center for recreation and water sports," said Béla Bélafi, President of the State Directorate. At the same time, the approval allows Lusatia to shine even more brightly as an up-and-coming water sports and water tourism region. The municipality of Boxberg (Upper Lusatia) and the investors now have planning security for the development of further tourist offers.

Three protection zones remain for nature conservation

For nature and species conservation reasons, three areas of the approximately 13 square kilometer body of water may not be navigated. As before, a trapezoidal area in the middle of the lake is closed. There are also restricted areas in the western bay north of Uhyst and in the eastern bay south of Boxberg beach.

In the approved areas, use is possible without restrictions between June 1 and September 30, but is prohibited from November to March. In April, May and October, ships and boats can navigate the lake from sunrise to sunset.

"Users of the lake, especially amateur captains, now know exactly what is possible where and at what time on the lake," said Bélafi. At the same time, the protection of rare birds is ensured.

In the past, individual permits had to be applied for for boat trips - which involved a great deal of effort for users and authorities, according to the regional directorate. This regulation now no longer applies.