Lausitz

Lausitz, also known as Lusatia, is a historic cross-border region in Central Europe, centered on eastern Germany and extending into western Poland. In German, the area is divided into Upper Lausitz (Oberlausitz) in Saxony and Lower Lausitz (Niederlausitz) in Brandenburg, with the Polish portion traditionally referred to as Łużyce. The region is characterized by a mixed German and Slavic heritage and by the presence of minority languages.

Geography and landscape are defined by the Spree and Oder river basins. Major German urban centers include Bautzen (Budyšin) and Görlitz (Zgorzelec) in the east, and Cottbus in the south. A notable feature is the Lusatian Lake District (Lausitzer Seenland), created through flooding of former lignite mines, which has become a popular destination for water sports and outdoor recreation.

Language and culture: Lausitz is the homeland of the Sorbs, a West Slavic minority. Upper Sorbian is spoken in Upper Lusatia, while Lower Sorbian is used in Lower Lusatia. The area maintains Sorbian cultural institutions, bilingual signage in some towns, and festivals that preserve Sorbian traditions, particularly around Bautzen and the Görlitz area.

History and economy: The region has medieval roots and later formed part of the Holy Roman Empire. It was divided after the 17th century between Saxony (Upper Lusatia) and Brandenburg (Lower Lusatia). After World War II, the eastern part was transferred to Poland, where it is known as Łużyce. Historically linked to mining, Lausitz has undergone economic shifts toward energy transition and tourism, with the lake district playing a central role in regional development.