Deep in the heart of Dresden lie the Ziegeleigruben Prohlis und Torna. These aren’t just any old pits. They’re a testament to Dresden’s industrial past and a haven for nature today.
The Ziegeleigruben Prohlis und Torna were once bustling clay pits. A brickworks thrived here for generations. Its clay fuelled the construction of much of Dresden. The large lake you see today wasn’t always there. It’s the result of extensive clay extraction. Smaller lakes dot the landscape. These are remnants of the brickworks operation. Many are overgrown wild.
Imagine the sounds of industry. The clatter of machinery. The rhythmic thud of clay being processed. This once-busy site now enjoys a surprising quiet. Nature has reclaimed much of the area. The deep holes are now lush green. A fence protects them. On the Prohlis side the oldest parts of the pits still exist. They are the most secluded and overgrown areas of all. Parts of the old kilns still stand as silent monuments. They are a testament to the area’s heritage.
After the brickworks closed in the 1990s it was demolished. Parts of the pits on the Torna side were used as a rubbish dump during the DDR era. They were filled in after reunification. This land was developed as an industrial estate but has since become overgrown again. A small birch forest has sprung up. It has its own unique charm. Only the parts near the S 172 highway are used for car sales car rental and a car wash. There is also a petrol station and Dekra testing center here.
The construction of a Hornbach DIY store was a major intrusion. Its huge car park impacts the area’s natural character. The car park drainage affects the lake. The brightness of the store’s lights at night also disturbs the lake’s natural environment. Sadly the area remains a dumping ground for some. Litter accumulates in and around the lake.
Before the fall of the Berlin Wall the large lake was heavily used for swimming. Nowadays in winter the lake offers wonderful ice-skating. Few people know this secret. It is often a peaceful solitary spot.
Near the Prohlis part of the pits an environmental center is being built. It incorporates parts of the old kilns. It is being created in cooperation with the Dresden Environmental Center. The Ziegeleigruben Prohlis und Torna are a perfect example of industrial heritage merging with natural beauty. It shows how nature can reclaim even the most scarred landscapes. A place for both reflection and recreation. A true Dresden hidden gem.