What you must have seen in the Faltenbogen
The Muskau Arch has been recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark since 2015. What makes it so special is the interplay between the natural forces of the Ice Age and the human influence of mining. The German-Polish Global Geopark Muskauer Faltenbogen/ Łuk Mużakowa is the cradle of lignite mining in Lusatia. At times, over 60 mines were active at the same time. It was only with the emergence of large open-cast mines that the Muskauer Faltenbogen lost its importance and man withdrew, leaving the mines to nature. Today, relics of these times are omnipresent: natural valleys and hundreds of narrow mining lakes that shimmer in all colors. Particularly worth seeing is the Babina mine on the Polish side of the Folded Arch and the Devil's Stone, the largest boulder in the Folded Arch, with clearly visible notches from the devil's claws. The yellow brick houses, which can only be found in the Folded Arch, are also remarkable, as their bricks were fired from the local bottle clay. From the observation tower at Felixsee you have a great view of the unique landscape.
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The beauty of Lusatia lies not only above but also below ground - this becomes clear when you talk to Nancy Sauer, Director of the UNESCO Global Geopark Muskauer Faltenbogen / Łuk Mużakowa. In any case, what happens underground has an influence on the appearance and shape above ground.
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For me, the UNESCO Global Geopark is first and foremost a unique place. It is an area that is famous above all for its multicultural heritage, which is reflected in the architecture, history and culture of the place - says Agnieszka Janowska, Head of the Cultural and Educational Center of the UNESCO Global Geopark Muskauer Faltenbogen/ Łuk Mużakowa in Łęknica, Poland,
Impressions from the UNESCO Global Geopark Muskauer Faltenbogen/ Łuk Mużakowa
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