Overview of key facts
The Kulkwitzer Lake is one of the 8-kilometer circular route and a water surface of about 150 hectares one of the smaller lakes in Leipzig and the surrounding area. It was flooded in the 70s from a brown coal opencast mine and is therefore the first open-cast mining lake in the Leipzig New Lake District A fact that today turns out to be an absolute advantage of the Kulki: the vegetation around the lake has been thriving for several years, which is why the forest has grown higher and denser than at some other lakes in Leipzig and the region - protection from the blazing sun is sufficiently guaranteed here!
Another argument in favor of the lake is its optimal location near the cityThe districts of Grünau, Miltitz and Lausen as well as the town of Markranstädt with the district of Kulkwitz (which was originally the namesake of Kulkis) border on the Kulkwitz lake and guarantee good accessibility by public transport. If you want to travel by train, you have to use the S-Bahn line S1 towards Miltitzer Allee and get off at the S-Bahn station "Miltitzer Allee". From there it is about a 15-minute walk to the lake. The bus lines 62 and 65 take you directly to Kulki (stop: Straße am See), while you can take the tram lines 1 (from the main station) and Line 2 (from Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz or Neues Rathaus) in the direction of Lausen to the last stop and then you only have to walk a few meters.
For all drivers: The address of the Kulkwitzer See is Seestraße 1, 04207 Leipzig. There are plenty of parking spaces around Lake Kulkwitz - some are free, some are chargeable. Alternatively, you can park a little further into the city and walk the last few steps to the destination.
A barrier-free entry There is a water access on the west bank. The bathing jetty can be easily accessed by wheelchair. A wheelchair-accessible ramp leads from the promenade into the water of Lake Kulkwitz. You can find more information in this video from the Leipzig Disabled Association eV
Baden – beach feeling on your doorstep
Lake Kulkwitz is a destination for excursions and a recreational opportunity for a variety of activities. But it is also primarily one thing: A place to swim and to freshen up in the cool water. Bathing areas There is more than enough here: On the east bank you will find a long sandy beach that stretches from the ship restaurant in the north to the camping resort On the west side, a large meadow by the water, the specially designed dog beach As well as the Markranstädt beach opportunities, leisure campus for plenty of bathing opportunities. When you enter through the entrance gate of the lido, you are practically in a secluded outdoor pool that tempts you with its own floating water island.
In the south you will find between trees a secluded bathing area with sandy beach, which is probably only known to experts. The lower side of the eastern bank is then again provided with a long meadow, which also has a smaller sandy area on the bank. Here there is also a demarcated Nude areaBetween all these larger banks there are always separate places that allow you to enter the clear water (and in one or two niches even offer you complete peace and isolation).
It will be sporty – activities on land and water
One thing is certain: when you are out and about at Kulki, you will meet many sports enthusiasts. Due to its 8-kilometer circular path, the lake is perfect for a jogging session – not too long, but also not too short. Also for Hiking or Nordic walking it is absolutely recommended.
Why? The trail can be easily explored on foot or by bike, as the route is flat (except for a small climb to the forest in the south) and almost entirely asphaltedThe sandy paths without asphalt can also be accessed by bike without any problems. The dirt road through the short stretch of forest in the south could get a bit muddy when wet - you might need to push your bike a bit here. The connection to the Elster-Saale cycle path makes it possible to include the lake as part of a longer cycle tour.
There are a number of bathing spots at Lake Kulkwitz. But did you know that the water quality the Kulki "extraordinarily good" The quality of Leipzig’s waters is tested every year – due to its unique underwater flora and fauna It receives top marks year after year from the EU Bathing Water Directive. This special feature ensures not only the crystal-clear water but also above-average visibility under water, which is why the lake is also considered one of the ten best diving waters in Germany It goes without saying that diving is one of the most important sports here. With a water depth of 32 meters, there is a lot to discover.
Over a total of three dive entries you can dive into the underwater world including fish, sunken objects and vegetation. Diving courses and equipment are available either from the diving school Florian on the south shore or the diving center Leipziger Delphine on the eastern shore of the lake.
Another water sports must-try is the water ski facility on the north bank. If you prefer fun and action combined with the cool water, this is the right place for you. Water-skiing or Wakeboard – on the professional facility, everyone learns how to easily stay afloat and enjoy the fluttering of the wind around their ears. Lift is also suitable for children and therefore fun for the whole family.
If you want to take it a little easier, you can canoes, pedal boats and sailboats and explore the water on your own. The Boat rental Wittig is the first port of call on the east bank and is open daily from May to September. Or have you always wanted to see the famous Stand-up paddling Want to try it out? When you stand on your surfboard with your paddle and glide leisurely over the water, the lake seems almost infinitely wide. The appropriate equipment and instructions are available at the leisure campus on Seestraße.
Also for climbing enthusiasts Lake Kulkwitz has something in its repertoire: The High Ropes on the eastern shore of the lake offers a pleasant change from the extensive water sports on offer. In addition, there are opportunities for Table tennis and a small, sports field-like meadow on the east side, where football and all other ball sports can be played.
The leisure campus also offers various beach games and outdoor yoga and Pilates There is plenty of variety. If you are looking for a little relaxation alongside all the sport: In the Meri Sauna you can enjoy wellness and even a real cold chamber cool down and relax.
Gastronomy – Where can I find delicious food?
Anyone who lies in the sun or moves actively through the water will soon be struck by a small or large hunger. This is definitely not a problem at Kulki, because the culinary offer is extensive and spread around the entire lake. Particularly striking is the former MS Frieda on the upper east bank. The ship is now an event location and is called "at the lake", but you don't need to plan a wedding to get a snack here in the summer. summer garden patio has cool drinks, delicious burgers, lots of ice cream and the odd snack on offer. A DJ also provides you with the right beats and rounds off the chilled atmosphere.
A little further south you will find the Seegarten, which provides you with all the necessary little things to regain your old strength. The extraordinarily cute ambience gives you the feeling of being in a small front yard to sit and nibble on coffee, cake or something more hearty.
The already mentioned water ski lift In addition to sporting activities, it also offers a quieter atmosphere: On the covered terrace you can sit back, watch the water sports enthusiasts doing their laps on the board and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with a cool drink.
The Markranstädt beach on the west bank. A few meters further south, the Café Off to the shore for delicious cake, coffee and ice cream.
If you continue along the circular route anti-clockwise, over the south side to the east bank, the Klinke am Seeblick which provides you with shade and is well prepared for both large and small hunger pangs.
On the way along the east bank you will eventually come across the Red House, a (slightly larger) snack bar that provides you with everything your heart desires. On the Sun terrace You will also receive a great view over Lake Kulkwitz commanded.
Finally, you will walk past another beach hut with snack bar which is located on the east bank just before the holiday resort.
Tip: In addition, one or two mobile ice cream trucks along the circular path around the lake to cool off with ice cream specialties right there on the spot. So always keep your eyes open!
If you are on delicious grilled food you will have to make do with the above-mentioned locations at Lake Kulkwitz. At the Leipzig lakes, official barbecue ban, otherwise the recreational function of the visitors and the surrounding nature will be endangered and restricted.
Pure nature around the lake
Due to its relatively short circular route, the Kulki is perfect for a stroll through the wonderful nature There are also benches, tables and large meadows that invite you to rest and linger – or to jump into the water to cool off. Since the Kulki is already a few years older (than its companions in the Leipzig Neuseenland the case), the vegetation is pronounced, the trees are large and the treetops are dense – so you are hiking, cycling or jogging Mostly protected by shade.
The alternation of sandy beach and green areas creates a varied picture, while even the small forest area at the south-western end of the circular route is almost completely untouched - only the field paths through the poplar forest have been laid out.
At Lake Kulkwitz, Leash requirement for all dogs, a separate dog beach is on the west bank between the Markranstädt lido and the forest. Other prohibitions: open fires (e.g. campfires), loud disturbances of animals, camping, tents and overnight stays.
Tips for a family trip
If you are now wondering whether Lake Kulkwitz is also suitable for children then the clear answer is: Yes! Due to the clean and well-kept sandy beaches, the small but fine snack bars with chips, sausages, various types of ice cream and delicious cold drinks, your kids will not miss anything culinary. In addition, there are occasional smaller playgrounds There are also many beach areas scattered along the circular path where you can make yourself comfortable while the little ones romp around on the scaffolding. The many beach areas also invite you to spend a great day with the family by the water. Take a blanket with a picnic basket and a parasol, make yourself comfortable on the warm sand and let the kids splash around in the water or build sandcastles.
And if you take them into the big, wide world of water sports want to immerse yourself in it: Here too, (almost) all providers offer courses for beginners to try out and get a taste of it.
Conclusion – is Lake Kulkwitz YOUR lake?
Whether you are looking for relaxation or action: you will not be disappointed at Lake Kulkwitz. water sports enthusiasts get their money's worth and can choose their favorite activities freely. So if you want to try out this area or have already gained experience, you should Kulki at your next trip to the lake definitely include it in your plans.
The Leipzig Neuseenland has in addition to the Kulkwitzer See but of course there are many other great lakes to offer. If you are interested in exploring these too, then take a look at the respective blog posts on Lake Cospuden, Markkleeberger Lake, Zwenkauer Lake, Störmthaler See and Schladitzer See .
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