The village of Schwarzkollm, about 8 km northwest of Hoyerswerda, is the setting for the Sorbian legend of Krabat — a miller's apprentice who serves a dark master at a mill that operates on supernatural power. The legend was retold in Otfried Preussler's 1971 novel, which became a beloved work of German children's literature and introduced Sorbian folk tradition to a much wider audience.
The KRABAT mill in the village has been developed as a visitor attraction around the legend, with displays on the story, Sorbian folklore, and the history of milling. It functions as a cultural centre for the Upper Sorbian community and hosts events and workshops throughout the year. The setting — a working mill in flat forested countryside — captures something of the atmosphere of the original legend. Combine with a stop in the village to see the traditional Sorbian half-timbered houses.