Holidays in Leipzig: 12 tips for a short break

Top Highlight
13.05.2026
The big ones Summer are coming up. No problem! In Leipzig and the region there are plenty of opportunities to relax and have fun. Just spend your holidays in Leipzig. With our 12 Reviews for one short vacation in Leipzig Fun and relaxation are guaranteed.

parks in Leipzig

Relaxation in nature is closer than you might think. Leipzig has more than 20 beautiful, lush parks No matter which part of town you live in: In Leipzig, the next green space is not far away. So grab a picnic blanket, relax and watch the clouds in the sky. In Palmengarten and Richard Wagner Grove For example, you will find the necessary Restto read a book - right by the water, namely the Elsterbecken. The lively Clara Zetkin Park is also not far away and invites you to Barbecue with friends Of course, you can also be active in sports. Whether slacklining or playing Frisbee – here you have space to let off steam.

In addition, you can find out on our blog which of the most beautiful parks in Leipzig suits you best.

Maybe you prefer something a little smaller but at least as green? Then let's go and head to the Botanical Garden of the University of Leipzig. On 3,5 hectares you can grow around 10.000 different plant species some oldest botanical garden in Germany The Botanical Garden also offers a variety of interesting Events .

our recommendation

View of the flora of the Botanical Garden, with green beds in the foreground and one of the buildings in the background; summer, blue sky, blossoms
From a bird's eye view you can clearly see how green Leipzig is.
Clara Zetkin Park
park/garden

On the trail of nature in Zoo Leipzig

Should it South America, Asia, Africa or maybe the complete Rainforest be? All at once, please! In Zoo Leipzig you don't have to decide. Because here you go on a little trip around the world - and all in the middle of Leipzig. This is how the Gondwanaland into the world of the jungle. With around 500 different plants and around 200 animal species on 16.500 square meters, it is the largest tropical hall in EuropeThe zoo's spacious outdoor enclosure is just as unique in summer. At this time of year, the Kiwara Kopje and Savannah are home to African savannah dwellers roam freely: from giraffes to zebras, black rhinos, cheetahs and hussar monkeys to the feathered ostrich. Right next door, the spotted hyenas run through the summer sun on their own “kopje”, for which the Zoo Leipzig credentials for world's most successful breeding to be recorded.

In the evenings after the end of regular opening hours, special events such as the “Hakuna Matata” in the zoo, where young and old can be transported to sub-Saharan Africa for an evening with live music, dances, fire shows and traditional cuisine.

Culture for the whole family

Culture with children - is this even possible on a short holiday in Leipzig? Definitely! Get an overview of the City Museums and find your favorite.

You might be thinking: A museum visit during the holidays? Perhaps not the most obvious option for children. However, there are numerous facilities in Leipzig that are not only informative, but where curious kids can also get active and try things out. Mendelssohn House will have its own program for children which depicts the life and work of the famous composer, pianist and conductor Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy in Leipzig actively and playfully. Effectorium You can wave the baton yourself and conduct a virtual orchestra, while the exhibition dedicated to composer Fanny Hensel, Felix's sister, invites you to slip into 19th-century fashion and have your photo taken. An unforgettable memory of your visit to the Mendelssohn House!

Mendelssohn also plays a key role in our next tip: The Leipzig University of Music and Theatre “Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy” (HMT) offers annually over 600 public eventsFrom opera and drama to jazz—many performances are free. Around 1.300 students from all over the world regularly showcase their talents to a large audience. The prestigious university was founded in 1843 by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and is one of the... oldest music academies in GermanyBesides concerts, the impressive buildings can also be explored through guided tours or by attending events. Up-to-date information on the diverse program is available on the [website/platform name]. Website.

But things also get really creative in the Unikatum Children's Museum! Summer holidays are really fun here! Currently you can find great Exhibitions Visit: An interactive virtual reality hands-on exhibition in the VR-Lab, the interactive exhibition HandWerkStadt, the world of games and crafts The Kingdom of Fantasy and brand new: An outdoor exhibition under the motto Zoo of Mythical Creatures.
 
Build robots and program computer games at the holiday camp? Perform on stage in music and theatre within a week? Immerse yourself in the circus for a week? Or would you prefer to learn to produce electronic music, photos or films in a workshop? socio-cultural center "The Villa“ in the heart of Leipzig, all this is possible this summer. A wide range of holiday offers invites the kids to gain great experiences… and at the same time gain input into what they might become later.
 
On the trail of nature in the Leipzig region: Nestled in wild hills and between numerous castles waiting for the Kriebstein Dam We look forward to your visit. The dam includes the largest hydroelectric power plant in Saxony and the lake created for this purpose is the perfect destination. Here you can dreamlike scenery sailing, swimming and camping, in the “Kriebelland“ tree houses and a high ropes course await you, tours are offered on the lake itself and hiking trails around the lake invite you to explore. The fairytale Kriebstein Castle for young and old visitors and directly on the shore the Kriebstein Lake Stage performed by the Central Saxon Theater throughout the summer.
 
If you haven’t had enough of Kriebstein Castle, we can recommend a visit to Rochlitz Castle recommend. The castle on the banks of the Mulde is Holidays for royal children offer a comprehensive and family-friendly summer holiday program: The kids get the opportunity to get involved with various medieval themes They can try out the skills of sword and bow, among other things. Furthermore, the rooms of the castle are available for Visit open.

our recommendation

Exterior view of the Unikatum Children's Museum, in the windows is stuck among other things in capital letters "UNIKATUM", on the facade hang large posters and a colorful garland, family, cultural institution, leisure facility
UNIKATUM Children's Museum
museum/collection
View of the Bach statue in front of the side entrance of St. Thomas Church, where the composer was the director of the THOMANERCHOR LEIPZIG (St. Thomas Choir of Leipzig), cultural institution, Leipzig, city of music, monument, sights
Bach Competition Leipzig
Klangkörper & Ensemble
Kriebstein Castle sits high on the rock above the Zschopau River.
Kriebstein
Historical site

High up on the Mockau climbing tower

During the holidays you have plenty of time to doing sports and To try new things, At the Mockau climbing tower come climbing fans While the large tower used to be a water tank – which supplied the whole of Mockau with water – you will find a Climbing Secured with a rope and hooks, you can then climb high. If you are a bit more adventurous, you can leave the rope out altogether – because in the climbing hall there are also bouldering walls, where you can get to know this very special sport. The climbing rock K4 in the west of Leipzig offers you a unforgettable climbing experience. It also contains a Peculiarity: It was built from demolished concrete slabs from former GDR high-rise buildings in Grünau. You can find out where else you can climb in Leipzig on our climbing blog.

our recommendation

View of the entire KletterTurm Leipzig in Mockau where you can also boulder
KletterTurm Leipzig
climbing

Time to cool down – outdoor pools in Leipzig

If the lake is too cold, too sunny or too far away, you can also enjoy the Leipzig outdoor pools. Schreberbad is the oldest bathing facility still in use and still has a lot to offer. Not only paddling pool, swimming pool and non-swimmer pool are waiting for you, but also volleyball courts and table tennis tables. If you prefer something more natural and without chlorine and chemicals, you should Ökobad Lindenthal pay a visit.

our recommendation

View of the main swimming pool in the Schreberbad, with yellow slide and many bathers on a summer day, leisure activity, swimming fun
Schreberbad
outdoor pool
Ökobad Lindenthal
outdoor pool

Water Fun in Leipzig

In summer, cooling down is good. Leipzig has many Waterwayswhere you can refresh yourself. For example, you can city ​​port not only rent canoes and dragon boats, but also Stand-up paddling boards This is the best way to explore the Karl-Heine-KanalFor a truly idyllic experience, we also recommend the paddling tour along the Elstermühlgraben - right across the floodplain forest up to Lake CospudenNot so much of a water freak? No problem! The city harbor also invites you to play beach volleyball. Beach vibes guaranteed!

Even more beach feeling - without having to drive to the sea - is practically right on Leipzig's doorstep. Leipzig Neuseenland comprises about 20 lakes. Where lignite was once mined, you can now swim in the flooded open-cast mines. Among the most famous lakes, besides the already mentioned Lake Cospuden, also the Kulkwitzer See and Markkleeberger Lake. Swimming here almost has a Caribbean feel, because the water is crystal clear. Well then, let's get in there!

If you have had enough of swimming, then a round trip on one of the excursion steamers is the right thing for you. The MS Santa Barbara takes you directly over the Zwenkauer Lake, With the passenger shipping company in Neuseenland On the other hand, it goes on the Markkleeberger and Störmthaler See over the water.

Also the Hainer Lake is worth a trip. Here you can not only swim and enjoy regional, Mediterranean cuisine, but also spend the night in one of the 20 new holiday apartments right on the bay. You can also find accommodation for the night in Seepark Auenhain, where you can look directly out over the water of Lake Markkleeberg at dusk. There are more Accommodation options for your trip.

Cooling, Adrenalin and 10 out of 10 points on the coolness scale: whitewater rafting in Canoe Park Markkleeberg is simply the perfect holiday activity! Together as a team and with a raft guide at your side, you will embark on a unique adventure. You can also learn to surf in the canoe park under supervision: A "standing wave“ makes it possible! There is also a pole for surf rookies to hold on to, while the pros can have fun surfing at special times. Aside from that, there is also DUO rafting, hydrospeed, whitewater kayaking, bodyboarding, as well as dragon boat and team canoe trips on offer. Our advice: It's best to book your place for the foaming, beautiful rapids fun early. The canoe park is always very busy!

No less challenging, but with an extremely high fun factor, the big water fun park of  All-on-Sea am Schladitzer See on you. What exactly is that? It's not easy to explain; you just have to experience it for yourself.

our recommendation

Aerial view of Lake Zwenkau with a view of the harbor in the Leipzig New Lakeland.
Z1 - THE MARINE PORT
Watersports
A person rides a wakeboard across the crystal clear waters of Lake Kulkwitz while visitors relax on a sunny terrace.
ALL-on-SEA Water Sports School Markkleeberger See

adventure trip into the surrounding area

Action and fun for the whole family can be found in East Germany's largest amusement park BELANTIS. You can find the park in Leipzig Neuseenland, near the Lake Cospuden. Eight themed worlds can be discovered here. Especially for Adrenaline junkies There is a lot to discover here. Our highlight: A ride on the HURACAN. With this thing you rush down at a 95° gradient. The family roller coaster "Cobra of Amun Ra"Even the little ones can try this roller coaster. Kids as young as four can ride.

Technology fans and history buffs will also be happy just a stone’s throw away. Mining Technology Park you will experience why and how the New Lakeland became what it is today. Imposing steel giants form the authentic backdrop, where you can learn about the mining cycle of open-cast lignite mining. This was and is Leipzig's history at your fingertips.

How long does it take to build a car? How do you become a test driver? And why is Porsche Weddings celebrated every day? Questions that should be particularly interesting for younger guests and visitors interested in technology. tour Through the production facilities of the well-known automobile manufacturer, you will learn how the Porsche Panamera and the Macan are created here in Leipzig. Behind the tax The kids are allowed to sit down – only in the stationary sports car, of course. Unless they get factory tour a separate ticket for a trip as Co-Pilot on the Porsche test track. That is also possible here.

our recommendation

Porsche Experience Center Leipzig
Motorsport
Panorama of the entire BELANTIS amusement park area with all its attractions at sunrise on an autumn day, as well as the adjacent Lake Cosupuden and Lake Zwenkau.
BELANTIS – The Adventure Kingdom
amusement park

Camping in the region

camping and Holiday with the mobile home are absolutely trendy. All the better that you can pursue this perfectly in the Leipzig region!

Our tip: The Campsite Seepark Auenhain, which is located directly above the Markkleeberger See Here you can find a total of six caravan pitches The holiday park has 32 holiday homes and 12 holiday apartments as well as a pool and sauna paradise. A restaurant is also part of the complex.

Campers can use all the facilities and services of the holiday park on site. All pitches are paved and have their own electricity connection. "Haus Waschbär" For example, there are showers, a washing machine and a dryer available. Fun is also guaranteed for the little guests: The children's playhouse "Seahorse" and a private Adventure playground are here ready for conquest.

The Seepark Auenhain is also the perfect starting point to explore the surrounding area. The Markkleeberger Lake with its natural beach, the canoe park, the adventure golf course or the climbing park - there is a lot to see and experience here. But it is also a starting point for bike tours The Seepark could not be better located in terms of the adjacent city or the extensive southern area.

our recommendation

Seepark Auenhain
Other recreational and health facilities
A young woman balances on a wooden beam in the Markkleeberg climbing park, with Lake Markkleeberg visible in the background.
Climbing Park & ​​Adventure Golf at Markkleeberger See
climbing

Cycling in the region

Get on your bike! Leipzig and the region are perfect by bicycle However, if you don’t have your own, you can nextbik to You can rent a bike and return it at many places in the city. One of the most popular tours is the Neuseenland cycle route. This will take you to nine lakes along to numerous bathing opportunities. That's why the motto here is: don't forget to pack your bathing suit!

You can also take an extended tour on the Mulde cycle path Here you will drive through small romantic towns with medieval centres and past former mansions. From most old town center Central Germany in Grimm to nationwide oldest castle in Spice up It is a two-hour bike ride. On the way, for example, the Trebsen Castle to a tour and hearty delicacies from the castle kitchen.

The forest and heath landscape, which lies north of Bad Duben is also inviting you to a idyllic family outing by bike. From the spa town you can set off on long bike tours or take a leisurely ride on the Dübener Heide cable car to various places, from where you can start your own excursion. Bad Düben itself also offers a mud bath and Heide-Spa enough space for parents to relax and for their children to splash around.

Do you want to go on more great bike trips? We have the most beautiful Cycling routes in and around Leipzig.

our recommendation

nextbik to
Bicycle rental/repair
Exterior view of the castle surrounded by meadow and trees, culture, sightseeing, leisure
Bad Duben
Historical site
95,68 km
Neuseenland cycle route
Cycling

Over hill and dale: Hiking in the region

You really don’t have to go to the Alps to go hiking. Beautiful mountains and hiking trails There are also in Saxony. The Leipzig region is perfect for a day trip. While northeast of Leipzig the Saxon heathland with the idyllic Dahlen and Düben heaths invites you to visit, the Wermsdorf Forest awaits you a little further east. With its numerous ponds and wild, romantic river landscapes, this forest invites you to take tours along the Mulde and Elbe. During your hike in the Saxon Burgenland you have to be careful that you don't get lost in the abundance of impressive castles, palaces and cultural treasures your breath doesn't stop.

For further inspiration, check out Hikes in the Leipzig Region we would also recommend to you.

The party is starting!

Highfield Festival

Whether Milky Chance, Madsen, Clueso, Electric Callboy or The Kooks… the list of top-class acts at this year’s Highfield Festival is long. On the Magdeborn peninsula in Störmthaler See Located the event is like a short vacation with its own beach, good mood and unforgettable memories. Particularly adventurous: From Ferris wheel From here you can enjoy a unique view of the entire lake and the festival grounds!
 
West Wing Summer Festival

For the annual Summer festival some West Wing Puppet Theater This year, Hähnelstraße in Leipzig's west is transformed into a "Happy Place" – a fairground of rituals to shed stress, insecurities, and all negative thoughts. The West Wing is not just a children's theater, but Puppet theater for all ages. The focus here is on playing with a wide variety of objects – even curious little machines are often built. Directly on the trendy Karl-Heine-Straße After getting to know the art of the house, you can also explore the diverse culinary arts the most popular trendy mile in western Leipzig. 

our recommendation

Conference & Meeting Leipzig Convention: Highfield Festival at Lake Störmthal

Short break in Leipzig with the Leipzig Card

Use the holidays to discover Leipzig on a short break! The Leipzig Card makes it easy for you. Because no matter whether for one or three days, alone or in a groupWith the Leipzig Card you have free ride on all tram, bus and S-Bahn lines as well as on local trains (RE, RB, MRB) in tariff zone 110 of the Central German Transport Association. You also save up to 50 percent in museums, at cultural events, as well as in restaurants and cafés. If you want to explore the surrounding area, then get the Leipzig Regio Card and take a trip to Leipzig's New Lake District.

online marketing social media contact person employee Philipp Kirschner Leipzig travel.jpg
© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner
Leipzig Travel
13 May 2026
Conclusion

We wish you unforgettable holidays in Leipzig!

Do you have any questions about your short break in Leipzig? Then feel free to contact us!

Leipzig Tourism and Marketing GmbH
Tourist Information 
Phone: +49 341/7104 - 260
Email:  info@ltm-leipzig.de

info@ltm-leipzig.de

Nearby