Lake Kulkwitz in Leipzig - the hotspot for water sports fans

With its 8-kilometre-long circular path and a water surface area of around 150 hectares, Lake Kulkwitz is one of the smaller lakes in Leipzig and the surrounding area. It was flooded from an open-cast lignite mine back in the 1970s, making it the first open-cast lake in Leipzig's Neuseenland. A fact that today proves to be an absolute advantage of the Kulki: The vegetation around the lake has therefore been thriving for a year or two, which is why the woodland has grown taller and denser than on 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 close to the city. The districts of Grünau, Miltitz and Lausen as well as the town of Markranstädt with the district of Kulkwitz (which originally gave the lake its name) border Lake Kulkwitz and guarantee easy accessibility by public transport. If you want to travel by train, take the S-Bahn line S1 towards Miltitzer Allee and get off at the "Miltitzer Allee" S-Bahn station. From there, it is about a 15-minute walk to the lake. Bus lines 62 and 65 will take you directly to Kulki (stop: Straße am See), while tram lines 1 (from the main train station) and line 2 (from Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz and Neues Rathaus respectively) will take you in the direction of Lausen. Neues Rathaus) in the direction of Lausen to the final stop and then only have to walk a few meters.

For all drivers: The address of Kulkwitzer See is Seestraße 1, 04207 Leipzig. There are plenty of parking spaces around Lake Kulkwitz - some of them are free of charge, others are subject to a charge. Alternatively, you can park a little further into the city and walk the last few steps to your destination.

A barrier-free access to the water is available on the western shore. The bathing jetty can be easily accessed with a wheelchair. A disabled-accessible ramp leads from the promenade into the water of Lake Kulkwitz. You can find more information in this video from Behindertenverein Leipzig e.V.

One thing is a fact: when you're out and about on the Kulki, you'll meet plenty of sports enthusiasts. Thanks to its 8-kilometre circular route, the lake is perfect for jogging - not too long, but not too short either. It is also highly recommended for hiking or nordic walking.

Why? The trail is easy to follow on foot or by bike, as the route is flat (apart from a small climb to the wooded area in the south) and almost entirely asphalted. However, the sandy paths without asphalt are also easy to cycle on. However, the dirt track in the short section of forest in the south can get a little muddy when wet - you may need to push your bike a little 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 several bathing spots at Lake Kulkwitz. But did you know that the water quality of the Kulki is "exceptionally good"? The quality of Leipzig's waters is tested every year - thanks to its unique underwater flora and fauna, it receives top marks from the EU Bathing Water Directive year after year. In addition to the crystal-clear water, this special feature also ensures above-average underwater visibility, which is why the lake is also considered one of the ten best diving waters in Germany. It goes without saying that diving is also one of the most important sports practiced here. With a water depth of 32 meters, there is plenty to discover.

You can immerse yourself in the underwater world, including fish, sunken objects and vegetation, via a total of three diving access points. Diving courses and equipment are available either from Tauchschule Florian on the south bank 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 northern shore. If you prefer fun and action in combination with the cool water, this is the place for you. Whether water skiing or wakeboarding - the professional facility teaches everyone how to easily stay afloat while enjoying the wind flapping around their ears. The lift is also suitable for children, making it fun for the whole family.

For those who want to take it a little easier, there are canoes, pedal boats and sailing boats to hire and explore the water on their own. The boat hire on Lake Kulkwitz is the first port of call on the eastern shore and is open daily from May to September. Or have you always wanted to try out the famous stand-up paddling? When you stand on the surfboard with a paddle and glide across the water, the lake seems almost endless. The right equipment and instruction is available at the Freizeitcampus on Seestraße.

Lake Kulkwitz also has something for climbing enthusiasts: the high ropes course on the eastern shore of the lake offers a great change from the extensive range of water sports on offer. There are also opportunities for table tennis around the Kulki and a small, sports field-like meadow on the east side, where all other ball sports can be played in addition to soccer.

The leisure campus also offers&nbspvarious beach games as well as outdoor yoga and Pilates. So there is plenty of variety. If you re looking for a little relaxation in addition to all the sport: In the Meri Sauna, you can cool off and relax with wellness and even a real cold chamber 

Due to its relatively short circular route, the Kulki is perfect for enjoying the beautiful nature on a walk. There are always benches, tables or larger meadows that invite you to rest and linger - or to take a dip in the water to cool off. As the Kulki already has a few more years under its belt (than its companions in the Leipziger Neuseenland), the vegetation is pronounced, the trees are large and the treetops are dense - so you are largely protected by shade while hiking, cycling or jogging.

The alternation of sandy beach and green areas creates a varied picture, while even the small wooded area at the south-western end of the circular route is almost completely untouched - only the field paths through the poplar forest have been created.

At Lake Kulkwitz, dogs must be kept on a lead. There is a separate dog beach on the western shore between the Markranstädt lido and the forest. Further prohibitions: Open fires (e.g. campfires), noisy harassment of animals, camping, tents and overnight stays

Whether you're looking for relaxation or action: You won't be disappointed at Lake Kulkwitz. Especially water sports enthusiasts will get their money's worth and can choose their favorite activities almost freely. So if you would like to try your hand at this or have already gained some experience, you should definitely include the Kulki on your next trip to the lake.