Burghammer, a village with about 250 inhabitants, was mentioned for the first time in 1596. An iron mill dominated the village until 1925. Here, bog iron ore was smelted to produce crude iron over decades.
The Burghammer opencast mine was opened in 1959. Some 70 million metric tons of lignite were extracted from this mine up until 1973. The remaining pit after discontinuation of lignite mining activity filled up with rising groundwater. It gradually transformed into a lake with a water surface of 1.9 square miles (4.8 km2), which roughly equals 690 football fields.
A huge amber deposit was found during the first excavations in the opencast mine. This is why the lake was named Bernsteinsee (Amber Lake). Since the stabilisation and redevelopment of the shoreline, the Bernsteinsee has become known for its tranquil and gentle tourism. Its 6.8 mile (11 km) fully tarmacked circular path and breath-taking lookouts draw many cyclists and inline skaters.
The shores are vegetated with the exception of two beaches. Anglers and ornithologists will appreciate this in future. The water quality in the lake is kept at a good level through regulated feed and drain and controlled liming. A landmark and jetty are planned to be built in the near future.
Burghammer itself boasts a developing beach park, a modern beach square near to the beach, a 110-year-old brick church and several holiday homes. The woodlands in the vicinity abounding in mushrooms and berries add to the appeal of the area.