Hans Lufer

Why is Hans Lufer planning to go back to Schlema?

This mystery builds on and develops some of the other ideas in the Saxony website.

Pupils are considering the environmental changes taking place in Schlema in Saxony. Hans Lufer has decided to return to Schlema - why might this be?

Schlema is a small town, South West of Chemnitz, in Saxony, a region in Eastern Germany.

Schlema was a mining town where iron, copper, cobalt and silver were extracted.

In the 1920's a radioactive spring was discovered, this was used to treat rheumatism.

In 1947 the occupying Soviet forces began mining for uranium for use in nuclear weapons.

The uranium mining destroyed the landscape.

In 1990 the mine was closed down following the Unification of Germany. The whole area was contaminated and had an uncertain future.

In 1992 the decision was taken to decommission the mine works and rejuvenate the landscape.

The redevelopment will include radon-containing medicinal springs used to treat rheumatism.

Hans Lufer's father moved to Schlema in the 1920's. He suffered from rheumatism and was attracted to the town by the health spa.

Hans was born in Schlema and grew up in the town. He enjoyed living there until he left during the war.

Hans went back to Schlema in the 1950's but was horrified by what he saw. Although he still had relatives there he vowed he would never go back.

In 2001 Hans was diagnosed as having rheumatism.

Download the mystery cards as a Word file here, print them off, cut them up and let the pupils sort them into those which are relevant triggers and those which are background information and less significant to the question.

This page last updated 21 May 2002