Key Facts about Lake Cospuden at a Glance
Lake Cospuden is located on the southern outskirts of Leipzig and is therefore next to the "Kulki" one of two genuine Leipzig lakes. The circular route is 11 kilometers long and is therefore not a walk away. Around 436 hectares of water surface underpin the relatively comfortable size for an urban body of water.
The Cossi was also formerly a brown coal opencast mine: From 1981 to 1992, the raw material was mined here and only in 1993 was it supplemented with groundwater and water from the opencast mines in swing car, Profen and Schleenhain. This process lasted until the turn of the millennium and was finalized with Expo 2000 – since then the lake has been used as local recreation area and one of the most beautiful leisure oases the city.
How to get there:
Despite its proximity to the city centre, Lake Cospuden is part of the Leipzig Neuseenland and borders the city on the east side Markkleeberg and to the south to the town of Zwenkau.
For Leipzig residents, it is easy and convenient to get there by bike. The lake is also easy to reach by car - there are enough parking spaces at the lake and in the immediate vicinity to ensure that you can park your car safely and enjoy your trip to the water. Parking spaces directly on Lake Cospuden are on the north beach of Cospuden, at the Zöbigker harbor (south), at the Zöbigker harbor (Pier 1), on the east beach of Cospuden and at Belantis (Neue Harth).
If you don’t want to use your car, you can also get to the lake by public transport: Bus line 105 (stop Freizeitpark Belantis) takes you to BELANTIS, line 106 (stop Zöbigker, Schmiede) to Zöbigker Hafen and line 65 (stop Cospudener See or Nordstrand) stops at Nordstrand. You can also take the S-Bahn from the city center in the direction of Markkleeberg (stop Markkleeberg, Großstädteln) - but from here it is a good 2 kilometers on foot to the lake.
The sloping bathing jetty at Strandblick, the eastern beach pavilion, allows barrier-free entry into the water. Here, wheelchair users can easily enter the water with their wheelchair and swim from the end of the jetty. On the north beach there is also a wheelchair-accessible changing room and a toilet with a Euro key. Parking is also possible near the barrier-free jetty. You can find more information about the jetty in this video from Disabled Association Leipzig eV
Pure nature around Lake Cospuden
The Cospudener See is now a beautiful recreational area and is located directly on the southern floodplain forestSpecial attention is paid to the Cospuden Landscape Park, which, with an area of around 300 hectares, was part of the "Landscape Use - Landscape Care" project during Expo 2000. The lake is connected to the Pleiße in the northern part via a newly created canal (the Floßgraben) and further to the White Elster via a lock at the Connewitz weir.
The The lake's water quality is rated "very good" The Cossi has maintained this standing for years. Swimming, splashing and water sports are possible here without any problems, are allowed and absolutely welcome!
Baden – beach feeling on your doorstep
If you want to cool off and jump into the cool water, Lake Cospuden is the right place for you. Two sandy beaches invite you to relax and linger, while the Cossi with the North beach even that longest sandy beach in Saxony With a length of about 1 kilometer and a width of 70 meters, it beats all competition. On the eastern side is the east beach the second bathing beach for visitors, which has a length of 100 meters and a width of 30 meters.
Whether you want to swim, lie in the sun, build sandcastles or just enjoy life - in Leipzig you don't have to book an expensive flight because you have a sandy beach and water almost right on your doorstep.
Tip: On the north beach there is a separate area reserved for nudists. You will find a private dog beach in the western part of the north shore also near the Beach Lounge. This is spacious, clean and quiet, so your four-legged friend can really let off steam. Another small dog beach is located south of the Zöbigker harbor. Watch out! At all other bathing areas dogs are prohibited or to put it on a leash.
It will be sporty – activities on land and water
If you have ever been to Cossi, you have probably noticed the many visitors who are not just lying around doing nothing, but are actively moving around in and around the lake. The topic of sport is very important here, because the circular route with its 11 kilometers and the asphalted surface is perfect for jogging, inline skating, cycling and actually (almost) all other means of transport that you can use to get around the lake.
Running the entire route is probably a bit long for beginners – but experienced runners should have no problems with the distance. great route it is always and the varying landscape is the icing on the cake.
activities in the cool water
So now that you know how to meander around the lake, you can head straight into the cool water – it's water sports time! As with any body of water, the Cossi has a wide range of activities for all water lovers. A location that you should definitely remember is the Zöbigker harbor or also known as Pier 1 known: There are a variety of water sports shops where you can find everything you need for your next water adventure - from information to rental to purchase, everything is available here!
It can boats rented, diving and sailing courses and can be booked for passenger boat trips on the lake. Lake Cospuden is a popular destination especially for sailing adventures: rent a Segelshop Herold Simply select the necessary accessories and glide into the water with the wind. And if you have always wondered whether you can compete with the beach boys on their surfboards and move just as elegantly over the light waves of the water: In the Surfcenter Leipzig You have the chance to do so at Pier 1. Sailing, surfing and boating without having to travel far to the sea or coast? This is possible at Cossi!
By the way: On the north beach, the Hacienda Cospuden, there is also a stand-up paddling rental (SUP) – recommended for those who prefer to take the oars in their own hands in the water and want to take it easy. In addition, you can also beach volleyball courts and beach soccer can be rented.
Gastronomy – Where can I find delicious food?
You won’t starve after all the activities at Lake Cospuden – especially on the north and east side you will find numerous restaurants with great lake views and atmospheric holiday feeling.
But let us start at the northern shore of the lake, where the popular Hacienda Cospuden is located. The area borders directly on the longest sandy beach in Saxony and offers a snack with grill and Beach BBQ, who can choose from the full range of delicious summer refreshments and hearty delicacies to go. Numerous seating options, either shaded or comfortable loungers in the sun, invite you to relax and linger. In addition, a DJ also provides fresh and summery beats for your ears – what more could the heart want?
A few meters further east, the next snack bar with a feel-good atmosphere awaits you: The "beach view" lives up to its name, because here too you can sit almost directly on the beach, in the sand, on the lake shore and just enjoy yourself. What's on offer? Ranging from a huge portion of chips and delicious cakes to cold Fritz Kola and refreshing ice cream, covering the usual repertoire to quickly fortify yourself or to sit down on one of the sun loungers and enjoy the breathtaking ambience in the sun. Pure summer!
The highlight of the culinary delights can be found further south at Pier 1. You could call it the Mecca of gastronomy at Cossi because the finest restaurants are found here - all in one place. Do you like fresh, Mediterranean delicacies with a view of the lake? Then this is Sole Mio - the Italian restaurant on Lake Cospuden - with its inimitable lakeside terrace is the right place for you. It is especially romantic in the evening when the sun is setting and the sky is bathed in a deep red-orange.
For the small appetite
During the day, the beer garden at Pier 1 for cool drinks and refreshments, but also for fish, coffee, cake and good music. For the often urgently needed coffee break, the Café Kandler and the Coffeeshop Pressoway are available. The Café Kandler at Pier 1 also has a large terrace and is known for its delicious coffee and especially for its appetizing cake creations. With a freshly made ice cream Here you can enjoy the wonderful view over the lake and let the occasional breeze blow around your nose. Pressoway Coffee You can reach it via the entrance to the large jetty on the pier - in addition to cult coffee specialties, you will be served croissants, donuts, paninis and hot dogs here.
If you are not currently on the north or east side of the Cossis, then look out for the mobile ice cream trucks, which chug around the lake. They are perfect for a quick refreshment and always park for a while in bays away from the well-known restaurants - so always keep your eyes open!
In case you didn’t know: Grilling at the Leipzig lakes is officially bannedAnyone who doesn't comply and gets caught can expect to face heavy fines. So if you want something tasty from the grill, you should stick to the locations mentioned above!
Tips for a family trip
Are you wondering whether your kids will feel comfortable at Lake Cospuden? Then we hereby give you a crystal clear YES in response! The two sandy beaches on the north and east shore alone will provide plenty of opportunities for playing, digging, building sandcastles and splashing around at the “pool edge” – just like you would at any beach or hotel pool on holiday.
There are also small and large playgrounds when walking around the lake: In the north there is a water playground (Lauerscher Weg), which invites your kids to climb on tree trunks and ropes. In summer, the ground is flooded, which could make the whole thing a wet and cheerful affair. On the east bank path you will also find a small climbing facility made of walls, nets and poles, which is accessible all year round. Further south - located at Zöbigker Hafen - a huge sandpit invites you to play and rompHere your children can climb over a suspension bridge, slide, swing, seesaw or dig around in the sand. There is something for every age!
Sights around Lake Cospuden
Did you know? You can also combine your trip to Lake Cospuden with other activities. The Adventure Kingdom is located in the immediate vicinity BELANTIS, whose highest peaks of individual roller coasters can be seen from almost anywhere on the Cossi. Located in the southwest of the lake, a trip is particularly suitable before your visit to the lake, so that after all the adrenaline you wind down properly at the end of the day on the beach can.
If that is not enough for you, you should increase your relaxation level with the sauna in the lake to a whole new level. Sauna IN the lake? Yes, you heard right! Here you can sweat out all the stress of everyday life from your body and then cool off with a jump into the lake if you need to. You can relax in between on the terrace, which has a incredible panoramic view over the lake. The sauna is located at Pier 1, so you can't miss it.
Also an absolute must: The Bishopric HeightFrom this viewing platform you have a brilliant view over the entire lake and you can also see one or two of Leipzig's buildings on the horizon. A feast for the eyes, especially during sunset!
Conclusion – is Lake Cospuden YOUR lake?
The fact is: Lake Cospuden is probably the most popular of all Leipzig lakes and attracts – especially in summer – many locals and tourists every day. It owes its great popularity not only to its proximity to the city centre but also to these numerous other factors. Leisure activities, gastronomy, relaxation: you really can find everything here. The Cossi is a real All-round talent. The best thing to do is to visit the lake and find out for yourself.
Were we able to tell you about a trip to Lake Cospuden Or have you already been there and would like to explore the Leipzig Neuseenland further? Then take a look at Zwenkauer Lake, Kulkwitzer See, Markkleeberger Lake, Störmthaler See or Schladitzer See and embark on a new lake adventure in the Leipzig region!
You still have Ask? Then please contact us!
Leipzig Tourism and Marketing GmbH
social media editorial team
Phone + 49 (0) 341 7104-340
E-Mail: info@ltm-leipzig.de
