It is situated on the Nuthe river north of the Fläming Heath, at the eastern rim of the Nuthe-Nieplitz Nature Park, about 50 km (31 mi) south of Berlin.

Lukenwalde Castle was first mentioned in a 1216 deed as a burgward of the Bishopric of Brandenburg, it was acquired by Zinna Abbey in 1285.

Originating in the 17th century, Luckenwalde's cloth and wool factories did not spring up till the reign of King Frederick II of Prussia and soon were among the most extensive in Germany.

Other traditional industries were cotton printing and a dye works, brewing, and the making of metal and bronze goods.

In 1921 the two biggest hat ateliers, Herrmann and Steinberg, merged and set up their factory on an industrial estate in Luckenwalde.

[citation needed] Seats in the municipal assembly (Stadtverordnetenversammlung) as of 2014 elections:[5] Luckenwalde station is located on the Berlin–Halle railway.