Leipzig in summer: lakes, canals and the Neuseenland
Experience nature
Lake Cospuden: A beach atmosphere in the Neuseenland region of Leipzig
The Neuseenland region around Leipzig, comprising Lake Cospuden, Lake Zwenkau, Lake Markkleeberg and Lake Störmthal, offers a vast recreational area. Lake Cospuden is the closest to the hotel in Leipzig. How far is Lake Cospuden from Leipzig? Just about seven kilometres as the crow flies. The lake, which covers around 400 hectares, is affectionately known as ‘Cossi’ and was created on the flooded site of a former opecoke open-cast mine. It is also home to Saxony’s longest beach: one kilometre long and around 70 metres wide. Thanks to its size, you can not only swim here, but also sail, surf and dive. You can take a leisurely cycle along the 11-kilometre tarmac – stopping off at beaches and jetties along the way. Accessible swimming is available at the Nordstrand jetty.
From Leipzig to Lake Cospuden: by bike, bus or boat
What’s the best way to get there? Day-trippers have a choice here.
The quickest way is to through the Auenwald.
If you don’t have a bike and want to travel from Leipzig to Lake Cospuden by , it’s best to take bus routes 105, 106 or 65. Alternatively, you can take a train or S-Bahn and then change to a bus.
Got lots of swimming gear, a SUP board and more with you? Then a is the best option. There are parking facilities at the harbours and on the north and east beaches. There are currently no electric charging points at Lake Cospuden (as of February 2026). A taxi is also a convenient option, but the other options are significantly cheaper.
The most relaxing way to cover the distance between Leipzig and Lake Cospuden is : via the Floßgraben and the canal, you can paddle directly from the centre of Leipzig to the lake by SUP, rowing boat or inflatable dinghy.
Distance: approx. 7 km, journey time: from 30 minutes
A stop-off on the way to Lake Cospuden
Anyone cycling from Leipzig to Lake Cospuden can stop off at Villa Hasenholz. In this old villa on the edge of the floodplain forest, you can relax in hammocks. After a quick bite to eat, you can continue along the short stretch of the Leipzig–Cospudener See cycle route.
Leipzig from the water: canals and the Water Festival
Leipzig, a city on the water? At first glance, you might not think so. 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. Once a year, the waterways take centre stage at the Water Festival: in August, celebrations take place between Stadthafen, Lindenauer Hafen, the Elster flood control reservoir and the Karl-Heine Canal, featuring fireworks, music, art and more.
Leipzig Zoo: a wild animal paradise in summer
Giraffes, lions, tigers and more: Leipzig Zoo is regarded as one of the most beautiful zoos in Germany. Across six themed areas, you can observe animals from all over the world in habitats designed to mimic their natural environments, whilst learning a great deal about nature conservation and species protection. For a summer’s day offering shade, walking trails and plenty to see, the zoo is a lovely addition to the swimming lake near Leipzig.
A panoramic view with a sweeping vista: Fockeberg and the Monument to the Battle of the Nations
Even without striking mountains, you can still enjoy the views in Leipzig – for example, from the Fockeberg. The Trümmerberg barely stands out against the city skyline, but once at the top, it offers a surprisingly sweeping view. Another option is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, just outside the city centre. You can spend relaxing summer evenings there too, whilst the sky slowly changes colour.
Open-air cinema in Leipzig: films under the stars
Fancy going to the cinema on a balmy summer’s evening? Absolutely – and under the open sky, at that. Leipzig has plenty of open-air cinemas in unique locations. At the Moritzbastei, films are shown free of charge, whilst at Conne Island, original-language versions are screened beneath the treetops. At the Scheibenholz Film Nights, you can sit on the historic grandstand of the racecourse, or in the old spinning mill, amidst the industrial atmosphere of a former cotton factory.
Summer sounds: from radio plays to Highfield
Whether it’s classical music, audiobooks, piano music or electro beats – every musical genre is celebrated in Leipzig. The ‘Hörspielsommer’ in July is the biggest festival dedicated to radio drama. During this four-day open-air event at the Elster flood basin and in the Richard Wagner Grove, live radio plays and performances for children and adults are staged. The Sommerbühne at the Arena am Panometer offers concerts, spoken word and events for children in June and July. The former brick gasometer with its open roof provides a unique backdrop. At The Newcomer International Variety Festival in July, artists perform acrobatic dances and comedy shows. Things get a bit wilder at the Highfield Festival 2027 on Lake Störmthal in Großpösna, where indie rock is celebrated in August.
Leipzig: A lakeside sensation in Saxony
Leipzig is famous for its romantic Christmas market, international trade fairs and Saxony’s longest beach. Hang on, a beach? Yes: a large recreational area with several lakes has sprung up around the Saxon city, making Leipzig particularly charming in summer. Those who want to immerse themselves not only in the water but also in culture can do so from the Motel One hotels on Augustusplatz, by St Nicholas’ Church or at the Leipzig-Post. They are centrally located and ideal for exploring the historic old town.