Leipzig
Explore nature
Worth seeing
The New Lake Region near Leipzig is a large recreation area consisting of Cospudener Lake, Zwenkauer Lake, Markkleeberger Lake and Strömthaler Lake. Cospudener Lake is the closest to our hotels in Leipzig.
How far is Cospudener Lake from Leipzig? Just seven kilometres as the crow flies. This around 400-hectare lake is affectionately known as "Cossi" and was created on the flooded site of a former lignite mine, where you can also find the longest beach in Saxony – one kilometre long and 70 metres wide. Thanks to its size, you can not only swim here, but also sail, surf and dive.
You can comfortably complete the 11 km paved circular route by bike (cycle hire is available on site) while cooling off at the various beaches and jetties. One of the bathing piers of the north beach also has disabled access to allow wheelchair users to swim.
From Leipzig to Cospudener Lake
What’s the best way to get there? Day-trippers are spoilt for choice.
The quickest route is by bike through the floodplain forest.
If you don’t have a bike and want to travel from Leipzig to Lake Cospuden by public transport, it’s best to take buses 105, 106 or 65. Alternatively, you can travel from Leipzig to Lake Cospuden by train or S-Bahn and then change to the bus.
Got lots of swimming gear, a SUP board and more with you? Then it’s best to drive from Leipzig to Lake Cospuden. There are plenty of parking options at the harbours, as well as at the north and east beaches. There are currently no electric charging points at Lake Cospuden (as of February 2026). You can also travel comfortably by taxi from Leipzig to Lake Cospuden – though the other options are significantly cheaper.
The most relaxing way to cover the distance between Leipzig and Lake Cospuden, however, is by water. You can paddle directly from the centre of Leipzig to the lake by SUP, rowing boat or dinghy via the Floßgraben and the canal.
Distance: 7 km, journey time: from 30 minutes
A stopover on the way from Leipzig to Cospuden Lake
Anyone cycling from Leipzig to Lake Cospuden should stop off at Villa Hasenholz during their ride through the countryside. In this old villa on the edge of the floodplain forest, you can relax in hammocks and refuel with some tasty treats before tackling the short stretch of the Leipzig–Lake Cospuden cycle path.
Some time-out on the water
Leipzig, a city of water? You wouldn’t think so at first glance. Yet the city is criss-crossed by several canals. The Karl-Heine Canal, for example, runs through the west of Leipzig, passing various sights along the way. The waterways also take centre stage once a year at the Water Festival. In August, celebrations take place between Stadthafen, Lindenauer Hafen, Elsterflutbeet and the Karl-Heine Canal, featuring fireworks, music, art festivals and more.
Wild life
Giraffes, lions, tigers and more – Leipzig Zoo is considered one of the most beautiful zoos in Germany. Across six themed areas, visitors can observe animals from all over the world in habitats that closely resemble their natural environments, whilst learning a great deal about nature conservation and species protection.
Enjoy the view
A panoramic view
Even without any striking mountains, you can still enjoy the views in Leipzig, including those from Fockeberg. You don’t even notice it whilst you’re in the city – but once you’ve climbed the Trümmerberg, the view is all the more surprising. An alternative is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, just outside the city centre. Here too, at Europe’s largest national monument, you can spend wonderfully relaxing evenings watching the sky as it changes colour.
Movies underneath the stars
Fancy a trip to the cinema on a balmy summer’s evening? Absolutely – and to an open-air cinema, no less. Leipzig boasts numerous open-air cinemas in spectacular locations. Films are shown free of charge at the Moritzbastei, whilst at Conne Island, watching films in their original language beneath the treetops creates a romantic atmosphere. At the Scheibenholz Film Nights, you can enjoy blockbusters from the historic grandstand of the racecourse and in the old spinning mill, amidst the industrial ambience of the former cotton factory.
Listen up
Whether it’s classical music, audiobooks, piano music or electro beats – every musical genre is celebrated in Leipzig:
The Hörspielsommer in July is the largest festival dedicated to radio drama. During this four-day open-air event at the Elbflutbecken and in the Richard Wagner Hain, live radio plays and performances for children and adults are staged.
Concerts, spoken word, events for children – in June and July, the Sommerbühne takes place in the Arena am Panometer. The event’s unique atmosphere is created by the spectacular backdrop of the former brick gasometer with its open roof.
Fancy a bit of dancing to the music? At The Newcomer International Variety Festival in July, artists put on spectacular shows featuring acrobatic dances and plenty of humour.
Fancy a slightly wilder atmosphere? You’ll find it at the Highfield Festival 2026. Every August, several thousand people gather at Störmthaler See in Großpösna to celebrate indie rock.
A lakeside-sation in Saxony
Leipzig is known for its romantic Christmas market, international trade fairs and the longest beach in Saxony. Wait, a beach? Yes, because a huge recreation area with several lakes has been created close to the Saxon capital, making Leipzig an ideal summer destination. And if you not only want to immerse yourself in water, but also in culture, you can do so within a few minutes’ walk of Motel One Leipzig-Augustusplatz, Motel One Leipzig-Nikolaikirche and Motel One Leipzig-Post. These offer a perfect view of the sights from the lobby and make the ideal base for exploring the historic old town.