Burg (Spreewald) – Prussian memorial sites

The Prussian kings’ settlement policy

The area around Burg im Spreewald formed part of the settlement strategy pursued by the Prussian kings in the 18th century. Frederick William I had his retired soldiers settle on flood-free hills (Kaupen). This was how Burg Kauper was founded in 1725 (a district of Burg since 1960).

State prosperity through resettlement of subjects

Frederick II continue this settlement policy and by granting land to 100 mostly foreign settlers, he enabled the foundation of Burg-Kolonie in 1766. Even clandestine settling was tolerated once settlers had completed construction of a home. The construction of a linen weaving factory (1748), in which 18 weaving families from Saxony, Silesia and Bohemia worked, and a bleach house (1172) also fitted in with the royal strategy of increasing the prosperity of the state by resettling subjects.

Colonist village in the Spreewald

The impact of the settlement policy pursued by the Prussian kings can still be seen in the village of Burg: there are numerous byre-dwellings and large rural buildings in the typical style of Upper Lusatia combining log cabin, timber-framing and building stone methods of construction which date back to the reign of Frederick II. The previously independent villages of Burg-Kauper and Burg-Kolonie were incorporated in the municipality of Burg in 1960. The linen weavers’ bleaching plant is now a hotel. Burg local history museum offers fascinating insights into the history of Burg im Spreewald.

Further information

Museum Heimatstube Burg (Spreewald)
Am Hafen 1
03096 Burg (Spreewald)
Telephone: +49 35603-75729