History

Our town is over 850 years old. That is an estimate as no precisely dated records or documents of Lübben's origins exist. There is, however, a written fragment from the Nienburg Monastry which first mentions the town's name as "urbs Lubin", Burg, or fortress Lubin, estimated to date back to around 1150.

Sheltered by this Burg, the town was built on a sand hill between the two arms of the Spree, probably around 1200 - again this date has no written verification. There was probably a pre-existing settlement because this site could offer some security, and was a bridging point over the Spree. The site favoured the settlement's development for trade and transport. However its strategic importance meant that it was often the focal point for warring factions. So the town was frequently subject to pillaging and destruction. Also disastrous fires brought distress and misery to the citizens, destroying their goods and chattels. In 1494 a fire razed the town to the ground leaving only 4 buildings; a further devastating fire in 1611 destroyed the entire town in only a few hours.

In 1743 Lübben became the headquarters of the Second Company Squadron of Count Brühl's infantry regiment. From then on the military influence played a major role in the town's life. Many craftsmen and tradesmen made their living by working for the military. Also soldiers were put up in town lodgings before barracks were built in 1883. Only in 1991, when the last Soviet soldiers left, was Lübben's military period finally over. The barracks were demolished except for the Marstall (duke's stables) which is listed as a historic building, and the site was prepared for residential building.

In the last two days of the Second World War, 80% of Lübben's centre was destroyed. Miraculously many historic buildings such as the Schloss, the Ständehaus (Houses of Diets) and the Paul-Gerhardt Church survived. These edifices have been extensively restored and are well worth visiting.

The latest crucial stage of Lübben's history took place with the reunification of Germany in 1989/90. The different economic system of the Federal Republic of Germany resulted in the closure of some local enterprises, and the local authorities and politicians had to find new ways to bring growth and business to the town. Amongst others, tourism and medical facilities were identified as particularly strong candidates for development. This resulted in the successful establishment of a brand-new medical rehabilitation clinic which is now operating in addition to the Landesklinik and Spreewaldklinik hospitals. Two large geriatric care centres have also been built in recent years.

Intensive efforts were made to make Lübben attractive for visitors. Buildings were renovated or restored by the owners of residences and businesses, guesthouses and hotels, and the town itself invested heavily in building restoration. Streets, paths, and squares were built or renewed. One of these projects was the development of the Schloss Island. Thousand of tons of debris had been deposited in this area of town after the Second World War. The spot was later used as a car park. Today you'll find here spacious public gardens with parks, streams and paths, a water playground and pleasure grounds for young and old alike. All these improvements and achievements led to Lübben being granted officially approved holiday resort status in 1999.