--- title: "Lake Cospuden - The all-rounder near Leipzig" url: "https://www.leipzig.travel/en/blog/lake-cospuden-leipzig" language: "en" type: "Article, BlogPosting" image: "https://dam.destination.one/883758/aff88d24248438fe02672bb0952fb12437d06379ba17830d6ba21eaf86d868bc/north-beach-on-lake-cospuden-leipziger-neuseenland.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Leipzig Travel > Special > Destination.Data Details > Blog" --- Share Lake Cospuden - The all-rounder near Leipzig ============================================ - Top highlight - 01/07/2026 North beach on Lake Cospuden - Leipziger Neuseenland As part of Leipzig's New Lake District, - also known colloquially as "Cossi" - is a **popular leisure and travel destination in Leipzig and the region**. Due to its proximity to the city center, it is mainly Leipzig residents who flock here, but tourists and visitors to the city usually don't miss out on a trip to Lake Cospuden either. So when the days get warmer again and the water temperature slowly rises, you should definitely consider a trip to the lake. Why? We have the full Cossi program for you! Key facts about Lake Cospuden at a glance Lake Cospuden is located on the southern outskirts of Leipzig and is one of two genuine Leipzig lakes alongside &nbsp. The circular route covers a whole 11 kilometers and is therefore not easy to walk. Around 436 hectares of water underpin its rather comfortable size for an urban body of water. The Cossi was Leipzig's first open-cast lignite mine, which was flooded to form a lake after reunification in 1989. The raw material was mined here from 1981 to 1992 and only flooded in 1993 with groundwater and water from the open-cast mines in , Profen and Schleenhain. This process continued until the turn of the millennium and was finalized with Expo 2000 - since then, the lake has been used as a **local recreation area and one of the city's most beautiful leisure oases**. The end of the flooding in 2000 also ensures that - the **Lake Cospuden is turning 25!** A lot has happened here since the flooding of the open-cast mine and its transformation into a leisure hotspot: today, the "Cossi" **attracts around 600,000 visitors** every year. Cafés, boat hire, a sauna in the lake, vacation apartments and lots of water sports make the lake the perfect destination for a day out. The has also been part of Lake Cospuden ever since. The family business was established following an international tender at the end of the 1990s - and has shaped the Markkleeberg waterfront ever since. Today, you will not only find boat moorings and a beach here, but also vacation apartments, restaurants, a beer garden, sauna and club life.</p - - Lake Cospuden Skyline – Leipzig New Lake District - A group of people sitting on the shore of Lake Cospuden, on which sailing boats and other water sports enthusiasts are sailing, in the background you can see the Leipzig skyline, leisure, water sports, Leipziger Neuseenland This is how you get there: Despite its proximity to the city center, Lake Cospuden is part of and borders the town of on the east side and the town of Zwenkau to the south. Leipzig residents can easily and conveniently get there by bike. The lake is also easy to reach by car - plenty of parking spaces at the lake and in the immediate vicinity ensure that you can park your car safely and enjoy your trip to the water. Parking spaces directly on Lake Cospuden can be found at Nordstrand Cospuden, Hafen Zöbigker (Süd), Hafen Zöbigker (Pier 1), Oststrand Cospuden and Belantis (Neue Harth). If you don't want or need to use your car, you can also get to the lake by public transport: bus line 105 (Freizeitpark Belantis stop) will take you to , line 106 (bus stop Zöbigker, Schmiede) to Zöbigker Hafen and line 65 (bus stop Cospudener See or Nordstrand) stops at Nordstrand. You can also take the S-Bahn from the city center in the direction of Markkleeberg (Markkleeberg, Großstädteln stop) - from here, however, it is a good 2 km walk to the lake. A barrier-free access to the water is provided by the inclined bathing jetty at Strandblick, the eastern beach pavilion. Here, wheelchair users can easily enter the water in a wheelchair and swim from the end of the jetty. There is also a wheelchair-accessible changing room and a toilet with a Euro key on the north beach. Parking is also possible near the barrier-free jetty. You can find more information about the jetty in from - Panoramic view of Lake Cospuden in the Leipzig region, jetty, water, blue sky, clouds Pure nature around Lake Cospuden Today, Lake Cospuden is a beautiful local recreation area and is located directly on the southern . Particular attention is paid to the Cospuden Landscape Park, which, with an area of around 300 hectares, was part of the "Landscape Use - Landscape Conservation" project during Expo 2000. The northern part of the lake is connected to the Pleiße via a newly created canal (the Floßgraben) and to the Weiße Elster via a lock at the Connewitz weir. The **water quality of the lake has been rated "very good"** - the Cossi has maintained this standing for years. Swimming, splashing around and water sports are therefore possible, permitted and absolutely welcome here! - On the southern shore of Lake Cospuden ### Our recommendations - Viewpoint/viewing tower Bathing - beach feeling on the doorstep If you want to cool off and jump into the cool water, Lake Cospuden is just the place for you. Two sandy beaches invite you to relax and linger, while the Cossi with the **Nordstrand** is even home to the **longest sandy beach in Saxony**. With a length of around 1 kilometer and a width of 70 meters, it beats any competition. On the eastern side is the **East Beach**, the second bathing beach for visitors, which is 100 meters long and 30 meters wide. Whether you want to swim, lie in the sun, build sandcastles or simply 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: There is a separate area on the north beach that is reserved for nudists. **You will also find a separate dog beach in the western part of the north shore**, near the Beach Lounge. It is spacious, clean and quiet. So your four-legged friend can let off steam during your . Another small dog beach is located south of Zöbigker harbour. **Watch out!** At all other bathing spots **dogs are prohibited** or must be kept on a lead. - A young man lies on the sandy beach of Lake Cospuden with a view of the water and enjoys the sun, Leisure, Water, Leipziger Neuseenland It's getting sporty - activities on land and water If you've ever been to the Cossi, you've probably noticed the many visitors who don't just lie around on their "lazy skin", but are active in and around the lake. **The topic of sport is written in capital letters here**, because the 11-kilometre circular route and the asphalt surface throughout is perfect for jogging, inline skating, cycling and actually (almost) all other means of transport that you can use to get around the lake. The entire route is probably a little long for beginners - but experienced runners should have no problems with the distance. It's always a **great route** and the **varied landscape** is the icing on the cake. - - A man and a woman cycling around Lake Cospuden on the Neuseenland cycle route, active vacation - Man with inline skates does a lap around Lake Cospuden in summer, Leisure, Water, Active, Leipziger Neuseenland Activities in the cool water So now that you know how to meander around the lake, it's time to dive straight into the cool water - **it's water sports time**! As with any body of water, the Cossi also has a wide range of activities on offer for all water lovers. One location you should definitely remember is Zöbigker Hafen, also known as : Here you will find a wide variety of water sports stores where you can find everything you need for your next water adventure - from information to rental to purchase, everything is available here! You can **, diving** and **sailing courses** can be booked and passenger boat trips can be taken on the lake. Lake Cospuden is a popular destination for sailing adventures in particular: simply hire the necessary equipment from and glide into the water with the wind. And if you've always wondered whether you can compete with the beach boys on their surfboards and move just as elegantly over the gentle waves of the water: At on Pier 1, you have the chance to do just that. **Sailing, surfing and boating without having to travel far to the sea or the coast**? It's possible at Cossi! By the way: at the northern beach, the , there is also a **stand-up paddling** (SUP) rental service - recommended for all those who prefer to take the helm themselves in the water and want to take it easy for the time being. In addition, **pitches for beach volleyball** and beach soccer can also be hired here. - - Paddleboarding at Lake Cospuden – Leipzig New Lake District - A group of people sitting on the shore of Lake Cospuden, on which sailing boats and other water sports enthusiasts are sailing, in the background you can see the Leipzig skyline, leisure, water sports, Leipziger Neuseenland Gastronomy - Where can I find delicious food? You won't go hungry after all the activities on Lake Cospuden - especially **on the north and east side you will find numerous restaurants with great lake views** and an atmospheric vacation feeling. But let's start on the north beach 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 bar** with barbecue and **beach BBQ**, which can draw from the full range of delicious summer refreshments and hearty delicacies to go. Numerous seating options, either shaded with shade or comfortable deckchairs in the sun, invite you to relax and linger. A DJ also plays **fresh and summery beats for your ears** - what more could your heart desire? A few meters further east, the next snack bar with feel-good flair awaits you: The lives up to its name, because here too you can sit almost directly on the beach, in the sand, on the lakeshore and simply enjoy yourself. What's on offer? Ranging from a huge portion of chips and delicious cakes to cool Fritz Kola and refreshing ice cream, it covers the usual repertoire for a quick bite to eat 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 **Mekka of gastronomy at Cossi**, as the finest eateries can be found here - all in one place. Do you like fresh, Mediterranean delicacies with a view of the lake? Then - the Italian restaurant on Lake Cospuden - with its inimitable lakeside terrace is the place for you. It's especially romantic in the evening, when the sun is about to set and the sky is bathed in a deep red-orange color. - Cospudener See - Hafen Zöbigker mit Bootshaus - Zöbigker Hafen - Lakes in Leipzig - The sun sets over the Kandler café and patisserie on Pier 1 in the harbor of Lake Cospuden in Leipzig's Neuseenland region, bathing the sky in pinkish-yellow light For the small appetite During the day, the invites you to enjoy cool drinks and refreshments, as well as fish, coffee, cake and good music. Café Kandler and the Pressoway coffee shop are available for the often much-needed coffee break. The also has a large terrace and is known not only for its delicious coffee but also for its appetizing cake creations. With a **freshly made ice cream**, you can enjoy the wonderful view over the lake and let the breeze blow around your nose. The can be reached via the entrance to the large jetty on the pier - in addition to iconic coffee specialties, you can also enjoy croissants, donuts, paninis and hot dogs here. If you're not on the north or east side of the Cossi, then **keep an eye out for the mobile ice cream vans** that chug around the lake. These are perfect for a little refreshment between meals and are always parked for a while in bays away from the well-known restaurants - so keep your eyes peeled! In case you didn't know: Barbecuing on Leipzig's lakes is . If you don't comply and get caught, you can expect to pay a hefty fine. So if you want something tasty from the barbecue, you should stick to the locations mentioned above! - Beer garden Pier 1 on Lake Cospuden - Leipziger Neuseenland - - At the summery Lake Cospuden there is an ice cream van, surrounded by people walking with dogs and bicycles, summer, leisure, region, Leipziger Neuseenland ### Our recommendations - Beer garden Tips for a family outing Are you wondering whether your kids will feel at home at Lake Cospuden? Then we'll give you a **clear YES** as an answer! The two sandy beaches on the north and east shores alone will provide plenty of opportunities for playing, digging, building sandcastles and splashing around at the "edge of the pool" - just like you would on vacation at any beach or hotel pool. You will also find small and large playgrounds on the walk around the lake: on the east shore path you will find a small climbing facility made of walls, nets and poles, which is accessible all year round. Further south - at Zöbigker Hafen - **a huge sandpit invites you to play and run around**. Here, your children can climb over a suspension bridge, slide, swing, seesaw or dig around in the sand. There's something for all ages! - A family with children in swimwear sits on the sandy beach of Lake Cospuden in summer, all around people go swimming and enjoy the sun, Family, Leipzig with children, Leisure, Leipzig New Lake District 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 and you can see the highest peaks of individual roller coasters from almost anywhere on the Cossi. Located in the south-west of the lake, it is particularly suitable for a trip in advance of your visit to the lake, so that after all the adrenaline **you can ride back down properly** on the beach at the end of the day. If that's not enough, you should take your relaxation level to a whole new level with the . Sauna IN the lake? Yes, you heard right! Here you can sweat all the stress out of your body and then cool off with a dip in the lake if necessary. In between, you can relax on the terrace, which offers an **incredible panoramic view** of the lake. The sauna is located at Pier 1, so you can't miss it. An absolute must: . From this viewing platform, you have a **fullminant view over the entire lake** and can also spot one or two of Leipzig's buildings on the horizon. A feast for the eyes, especially at sunset! - A view from above of the various attractions at Belantis AbenteuerReich, excursion destination, leisure attraction, active, vacation, Leipzig with children - Hot tub sauna in the lake - Wellness in Leipzig and the region - Two men stand on the Bistumshöhe viewing platform and enjoy a panoramic view over Lake Cospuden and the adjacent green spaces, Leisure, Leipzig New Lake District ### Our recommendations - Viewpoint/viewing tower - Leisure park - Sauna centre Conclusion - is Lake Cospuden YOUR lake? The fact is: Lake Cospuden is probably **the most popular of all Leipzig's lakes** and attracts many locals and tourists every day, especially in summer. In addition to its proximity to the city center, it also owes its great popularity to these numerous other factors. Leisure activities, gastronomy, relaxation: you really can find everything here. The Cossi is a real **all-round talent**. Why not pay the lake a visit and find out for yourself. Have we managed to convince you to take a trip to **Lake Cospuden**? Or have you already been there and would like to explore the Leipzig New Lake District further? Then take a look at the , , , or and embark on a new lake adventure in the Leipzig region! Tom Williger01. July 2026 Conclusion Do you still have **questions**? Then get in touch with us! Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH Tourist Information Tel.: **+49 341 / 7104 - 260** E-mail: