Hoyerswerda is a town in the state of Saxony, Germany, located in the historical region of Lusatia. It is divided into an Old Town (Altstadt) with traditional architecture and a New Town (Neustadt) built largely during the East German period with extensive prefabricated housing blocks.
The town grew rapidly in the mid-20th century due to nearby lignite (brown coal) mining and the development of industrial facilities, which shaped its economy and demography. Since reunification, Hoyerswerda has undergone significant structural changes, including population decline and urban redevelopment.
Notable sites include Hoyerswerda Castle, the Zoo and Adventure Centre, and the surrounding lakes created by former open-cast mines, which are now part of a developing recreational landscape.