Dear Mr. Scaduto,
Water Activities in the Leipzig New Lakeland Area
With the start of the new school year in Saxony, summer in Leipzig is far from over. Leipzig’s New Lakeland area (Leipziger Neuseenland) consists of more than 20 lakes with a combined surface area of 70 km² and offers a wide range of water activities until late autumn – depending on the weather conditions. The sporting highlight of the season, the German Canoe Slalom Championships, will take place from 30 September to 1 October 2023 on Lake Markkleeberg in the south of Leipzig.
Each lake has its own distinct character and provides diverse attractions from leisurely boat trips to trendy water sports. However, all of the bathing lakes in the Leipzig New Lakeland do have two things in common: firstly, the water quality is excellent. The second common feature is the artificial history of their creation. Today’s popular swimming and active sports resorts were once open-cast mines where lignite had been mined since the 19th century. Most of the former opencast mines have been revegetated and were gradually transformed into lakes from the early 1990s onward. Today more than 20 flooded pits, connected by a network of cycle paths and hiking trails, make Leipzig’s New Lakeland area a tourist attraction for the whole family.
Lake Cospuden – The All-rounder (436 hectares)
Lake Cospuden was inaugurated in 2000 and is the closest lake to the Leipzig city centre with a shoreline of 11 km and a depth of 54 m. The “Cossi”, as the locals call the lake, can be reached by bike in about 30 min from the Leipzig market square and has to offer plenty of sporting activities in and around the water. The Zörbigk Harbour at the eastern part of the lake has water sports facilities, passenger ships, pedalos and boats to hire. Pedal mobiles for a ride around the lake can be rented and there is even a sauna with direct access to the lake. On the north shore, the longest sandy beach in Saxony is ideal for (sun) bathing and playing beach volleyball. Those preferring to travel on the water itself can paddle along Route 1, which leads from the Leipzig City Harbour all the way to Lake Cospuden. Further info: https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/lake-cospuden and https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/sauna-in-the-lake-lake-cospuden
Lake Kulkwitz – Diver’s Favorite (180 hectares)
Lake Kulkwitz, with a shoreline of 8 km, has been popular with swimmers since the 1970s and is also considered a gem by scuba divers in particular. With a water depth of 32 m, crystal-clear visibility of over 10 m, the so-called “Kulki” is known as one of the ten best diving waters in Germany. Three diving entrances allow exploring the underwater world with its various fish, underwater forests and even a sunken boat. Surfing, sailing and fishing lovers will also be in their element here. From wakeboarding, water skiing and hiring a boat to stand-up paddling, relaxing in the sauna and at the beaches or hiking and cycling, visitors will never get bored. The lake is reachable by public transportation and a subsequent walk or by bike in about 40 minutes from the Leipzig city centre. Further info: https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/lake-kulkwitz
Lake Markkleeberg – Whitewater Paradise (252 hectares)
Inaugurated in 2006, Lake Markkleeberg in the south of Leipzig has a shoreline of around 9 km and a depth of 57 m. Regarding water activities, sailing, diving and surfing are popular. Paved trails make it easy to either walk or cycle around this lake. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can explore the lake on modern passenger boats. From April to October, the main attraction is the Canoe Park Markkleeberg – Germany’s unique attraction for white-water fun such as rafting, wave surfing, bodyboarding or hydrospeed. It has one of the most cutting-edge white-water rafting facilities in the world, with canoe slalom courses technically on a par with the Olympic facilities in London, Sydney and Rio de Janeiro. About 250 athletes are expected to attend the German Championships in Canoe Slalom, which will be held from 30 September to 1 October 2023. Further info: https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/lake-markkleeberg and https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/markkleeberg-canoe-park
Lake Schladitz – Northern Sport Resort (223 hectares)
The only bathing lake in the north of Leipzig is Lake Schladitz, which opened in 2003. With a shoreline of 7 km and a depth of 25 m, it has a wonderful sandy beach, deep-blue water and a Mediterranean feel, making it a popular spot for bathing, swimming, or enjoying the water fun park at the Schladitz Bay. Beginners and the experts alike can learn or improve the art of sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, or freediving at the lake’s very own water sports school, CAMP DAVID SPORT RESORT by ALL-on-SEA. Other than that, there are plenty of sport activities around the water like beach volleyball, archery and horseback riding at the lake. Cyclists and inline skaters enjoy numerous paved and signposted trails stretching for around 11 km in total. Lake Schladitz can be reached by bike in about 50 min from the Leipzig market square. Further info: https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/lake-schladitz and https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/camp-david-sports-resort-by-all-on-sea-at-lake-schladitz
Lake Störmthal – The Extraordinary (733 hectares)
Opened in 2014, Lake Störmthal is the younger but bigger brother of its neighbouring Lake Markkleeberg, expanding with a shoreline of 23 km and a depth of 56 m. The particular shape of the lake, which resembles a question mark, fits well with its extraordinary activities on and around. The Mining and Technology Park is an eye-catching tourist attraction also visible from afar. The VINETA is a floating venue accessible by vintage amphibious vehicle or by the ferry. At a height of 15 m, the VINETA on the Lake Störmthal is currently considered to be the tallest floating structure on a German lake. The so-called “floating church” swims just above the church of the over-excavated village of Magdeborn, commemorating all places that had to make way for lignite mining. In addition to ordinary swimming, motorboat rides, sailing and windsurfing, it is possible to fly over the surface of the water with the Jetpack “VINETA-Fly”, a flyboard or an E-Foil. With each of these water sport trends, adrenaline and speed are guaranteed. In contrast, the LAGOVIDA waterside holiday resort is an ideal destination for pure relaxation close to the water. Lake Störmthal can be reached by bike in about 50 min from the Leipzig market square and is only a 5 min bike ride from the Canoe Park Markkleeberg. Further info: https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/lake-stoermthal and https://www.vineta-stoermthal.de/touren-angebote/jetpack-vineta-fly-flyboard
Lake Zwenkau – The Largest of All (963 hectares)
About 12 km south of Leipzig lies the largest lake in the Leipzig New Lakeland area, which opened in 2015: Lake Zwenkau reaches almost 10 km² water surface, is about 50 m deep and has a shoreline of more than 22 km. It can be easily explored during a round trip with the passenger ship MS Santa Barbara starting at the Zwenkau Harbour. It is also perfect for paddling, motor boating and especially for sailing and surfing, thanks to a fair amount of wind and waves. The Eichholz and Neue Harth forest areas are close by and perfect for leisurely strolls and long hikes with a view of the lake landscape. Lake Zwenkau can be reached in about 1 hour by bike from the Leipzig city centre or in about 30 min from Zörbigk Harbour at Lake Cospuden. Further info: https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/lake-zwenkau and https://www.ms-santa-barbara.de
Further General Information
