--- title: "Vacations in Leipzig: 12 tips for a short break" url: "https://www.leipzig.travel/en/blog/vacation-in-leipzig" language: "en" type: "Article, BlogPosting" image: "https://dam.destination.one/883790/e9439119b59b15fbd65dd76254f658c9a5c118bd2957ad9e5ac2a3bbb71305f2/paddlers-at-the-stilt-house-on-the-karl-heine-canal-waterways-in-leipzig.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Leipzig Travel > Special > Destination.Data Details > Blog" --- Share Vacations in Leipzig: 12 tips for a short break =============================================== - Top highlight - 13/05/2026 Paddlers at the stilt house on the Karl Heine Canal - Waterways in Leipzig The big **summer vacation** is just around the corner. No problem! There are plenty of opportunities to relax and have fun in Leipzig and the region. Why not spend your vacation in Leipzig? With our **12 tips** for a **short break in Leipzig**, fun and relaxation are guaranteed. Parks in Leipzig You will find relaxation in nature closer than you might think. Leipzig has more than **20 beautiful, densely overgrown parks** to offer. No matter which part of the city you live in, the nearest green space is not far away in Leipzig. So grab a picnic blanket, relax and watch the clouds in the sky. In the **Palmengarten and Richard-Wagner-Hain** for example, you can find the **quiet** you need to read a book - and right by the water, namely the Elsterbecken. The lively is also not far away and invites you to **barbecue with friends**. Of course, you can also get active. Whether it's slacklining or playing frisbee - there's plenty of space to let off steam. You can also find out which of the suits you best on our blog. Maybe you prefer things a little smaller but at least as green? Then head off to the . On 3.5 hectares, you can marvel at around **10,000 different plant species** in the **oldest botanical garden in Germany**. The botanical garden also hosts a variety of interesting in summer. - Johannapark in the smart city for sustainability \| Leipzig Convention Bureau - - Johanna Park and bridge – green Leipzig ### Our recommendations - Park/garden - Park/garden On the trail of nature at Leipzig Zoo Should it be **South America**, **Asia**, **Africa** or rather the entire **rainforest**? All at once, please! At you don't have to choose. Because here you can go on a little trip around the world - in the middle of Leipzig. The takes you 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 Europe**. The zoo's extensive outdoor enclosure is just as unique in summer. At this time of year, **African savannah dwellers** roam freely on the Kiwara kopje and savannah: from giraffes to zebras, black rhinos, cheetahs and hussar monkeys to feathered ostriches. Right next door, the spotted hyenas, for which Leipzig Zoo has the **world's most successful breeding program** On the evenings after regular opening hours, such as "Hakuna Matata" at the zoo, where young and old can be whisked away to sub-Saharan Africa for an evening of live music, dancing, fire shows and traditional cuisine. - Leipzig Zoo - Leipzig with children - Children at the Kiwara savannah at Leipzig Zoo - Family vacation in Leipzig - Your meeting & conference in Leipzig: Discover Gondwanaland at Leipzig Zoo - Squirrel monkey at Leipzig Zoo - Tierisches Leipzig - - Kiwara savannah at Leipzig Zoo - Tierisches Leipzig Culture for the whole family Is it possible to combine culture with a child on a short vacation in Leipzig? Definitely! Get an overview of the and find your favorite. You might be thinking: A visit to a museum during the vacations? Perhaps not the most obvious option for children. However, there are numerous facilities in Leipzig that are not only informative, but where inquisitive kids can get active and try things out at the same time. The has its own that actively and playfully conveys the life and work of the famous composer, pianist and conductor **Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy** in Leipzig. In the you can wield the baton yourself and conduct a virtual orchestra, while the exhibition dedicated to the 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 formative role in our next tip: The offers **over 600 public events** every year, from opera and drama to jazz - many of them free of charge. Around 1,300 students from all over the world regularly present their skills to a large audience here. The traditional university was founded in 1843 by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and is one of the **oldest music universities in Germany**. In addition to concerts, the impressive buildings can also be discovered during guided tours or visits to events. Up-to-date information on the varied program can be found on the . However, things also get really creative at the ! Summer vacations are really fun here! You can currently visit great **exhibitions** there: An interactive virtual reality hands-on exhibition in the **VR-Lab**, the interactive exhibition **HandWerkStadt**, the play and craft world **The Kingdom of Imagination** and brand new: an outdoor exhibition under the motto **Zoo of Mythical Creatures**. Building robots and programming computer games at the vacation camp? Performing on stage with music and theater within a week? Immerse yourself in the circus for a week? Or would you prefer to learn how to produce electronic music, photos or films in a workshop? At the **sociocultural center** "" in the heart of Leipzig, all of this is possible this summer. A wide range of invites kids to gain great experiences... and at the same time take away input on what they might become later on. Nature on the trail in the Leipzig region: nestled in wild hills and between numerous **castles** the awaits your visit. The dam includes the **largest hydroelectric power plant in Saxony** and the dammed lake is the perfect destination for an excursion. Here you can go sailing, swimming and camping in a **dreamlike setting**, tree houses and a high ropes course await you in "", cruises are offered on the lake itself and hiking trails around the lake invite you to explore. Nearby, the fairytale awaits visitors of all ages and the is performed by the Mittelsächsisches Theater throughout the summer. If you haven't had enough of Kriebstein Castle, we can recommend a visit to . The castle on the banks of the Mulde will once again be offering a comprehensive and family-friendly summer vacation program during the : The kids will have the opportunity to explore various **medieval themes** - among other things, they can try their hand at using a sword and bow. The rooms of the castle are also open for **visits**. - Supporting program Effektorium in the Mendelssohn House \| Leipzig Convention Bureau - UNIKATUM Children's Museum with Museum Café Goetz - Museums in Leipzig - UNIKATUM Children's Museum - Museums in Leipzig - Kriebstein Castle - Places of interest in the Leipzig region - Knights' tournament at Kriebstein Castle - The most magnificent castles and palaces in the Leipzig region. - Stasi bunker - Museum in the Leipzig region ### Our recommendations - Orchestras & Ensembles - Museum/art collection - Historical site - Palace Show more High up on the Mockau climbing tower During the vacations, you have plenty of time to **do sports** and **try out new things**. At , **climbing fans** get their money's worth. While the large tower used to be a water tank - which supplied the whole of Mockau with water - you will now find a **climbing wall**. Secured with ropes and hooks, you can climb high up. If you're a little more adventurous, you can skip the rope altogether - the climbing hall also has **boulder walls** where you can try your hand at this very special sport. The in the west of Leipzig also offers you an **unforgettable climbing experience**. It also has a **special feature**: it was built from concrete slabs removed from former GDR high-rise buildings in Grünau. You can find out where else you can climb in Leipzig on our . - KletterTurm in Mockau - Sports facilities in Leipzig - Climbing rocks - Hidden Leipzig - ### Our recommendations - Climbing - Climbing Time to cool off - outdoor pools in Leipzig If the lake is too fresh, too sunny or too far away, Leipzig's open-air pools will also delight you. The is the **oldest swimming facility** still in use and still has a lot to offer. Not only **wading pools**, **swimmers' pools** and **non-swimmers' pools** await you, but also volleyball courts and table tennis tables. If, on the other hand, you like it more natural and without any chlorine or chemicals, you should pay a visit to the . - Schreberbad Leipzig - Leisure activities in the Leipzig region - Main building Schreberbad Leipzig - Leisure activities in the Leipzig region - Schreberbad Leipzig - Leisure activities in the Leipzig region ### Our recommendations - Open-air swimming pool Water fun in Leipzig In summer, it's good to cool off. Leipzig has many where you can refresh yourself. For example, you can hire not only canoes and dragon boats, but also **stand-up paddle boards**. This is the best way to explore the . For a truly idyllic experience, we also recommend paddling along the Elstermühlgraben - right through the all the way to **Lake Cospuden**. Not really a water lover after all? No problem! The city harbour also invites you to play beach volleyball. Beach feeling guaranteed! Even more beach feeling - without having to travel to the sea - is practically on Leipzig's doorstep. The comprises around 20 lakes. Where lignite was once mined, you can now swim in the flooded open-cast mining pits. In addition to the aforementioned , the most famous lakes include and the . Swimming here almost feels like being in the Caribbean, as the water is crystal clear. If you've had enough of swimming, then a round trip on one of the excursion boats is just the thing for you. The will take you directly across . With the on the other hand, you can travel on the Markkleeberg and over the water. The is also worth a trip. Here you can not only swim and enjoy regional, Mediterranean cuisine but also spend the night right by the bay in one of the 20 new vacation apartments. You can also find accommodation for the night in the Seepark Auenhain, where you can look directly onto the water of Lake Markkleeberg at dusk. There are more for your trip on our website. Cooling off, **adrenaline** and 10 out of 10 points on the coolness scale: Whitewater rafting at is simply the perfect vacation activity! Together as a team and with a raft guide at your side, you can embark on a unique adventure. You can also learn to surf at 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 let off steam in the waves at special times. There is also DUO rafting, hydrospeed, whitewater kayaking, bodyboarding and trips in dragon boats and team canoes. **Our tip:** It's best to book your place on the foaming, beautiful rapids fun early. The canoe park is always very busy! No less challenging, but with an extremely high fun factor, is the large **Water Fun Park** from at . What exactly is it? It's not so easy to explain, because you simply have to experience it for yourself.<br - Buntgarnwerke Leipzig - Industrial culture in Leipzig - Supporting programme white-water rafting Leipzig \| Leipzig Convention Bureau - Canoe tour on the White Elster - Water City Leipzig - 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 - - Man with inline skates does a lap around Lake Cospuden in summer, Leisure, Water, Active, Leipziger Neuseenland - Wave surfing in the Markkleeberg Canoe Park - water sports in Leipzig and the region - Blick vom Boot aus nach draußen auf das Schild "MS Santa Barbara Fahrgastschiff Zwenkauer See", Leipziger Neuseenland, Ausflug, Freizeit ### Our recommendations - Lake - Water sports - Lake - Viewpoint/viewing tower - Water sports - Water sports - Boat tours - Worth seeing - Water sports Show more Adventure trip into the countryside There is action and fun for the whole family at **East Germany's largest amusement park** . The park is located in , close to . **You can discover eight themed worlds** here. Especially for **adrenaline junkies** there is plenty to discover here. Our highlight: a ride on the HURACAN. With this ride, you hurtle down into the depths at a 95° gradient. The **Family Coaster "Cobra of Amun Ra"** is also particularly cool. Even the little ones can venture onto this roller coaster. Kids from the age of four can ride it. Technology fans and history buffs will also be happy just a stone's throw away. In the , you can find out why and how the Neuseenland became what it is today. **Imposing steel giants form the authentic backdrop**, where you can learn about the production 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 a wedding celebrated every day at ? Questions that should be particularly interesting for younger guests and visitors with an interest in technology. On a **tour** through the production facilities of the well-known car manufacturer you will learn how the Porsche Panamera and the Macan are made here in Leipzig. **The kids can also get behind the wheel - only in a stationary sports car, of course. Unless, of course, they get a separate ticket for a ride as **co-driver** on the Porsche test track after the **works tour**. That is also possible here.** - The Huracan roller coaster at Belantis Adventure Kingdom – Leisure activities in the Leipzig Region - Event venue Porsche Experience Center \| Leipzig Convention Bureau - Supporting programme Porsche Pilot Onroad for your meeting & conference in Leipzig - - Mining Technology Park - Industrial culture in the Leipzig region - Mining Technology Park - Industrial culture in the Leipzig region ### Our recommendations - Motorsports - Leisure park Camping in the region Camping and **holidays with a motorhome** are absolutely on trend. All the better that you can do this perfectly in the Leipzig region! Our tip: The campsite , which is located directly above **Lake Markkleeberg**! A total of are available here. The vacation park has 32 vacation homes and 12 vacation apartments as well as a pool and sauna paradise. A restaurant is also part of the complex. Campers can use all the facilities and offers of the vacation park on site. All pitches are paved and have their own electricity connection. The **"Haus Waschbär"** has showers, a washing machine and a tumble dryer, for example. Fun is also guaranteed for younger guests: The **children's playhouse "Seepferdchen"** and its own **adventure playground** are ready to be conquered. The Seepark Auenhain is also the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding area. The with its natural beach, the , the or the - there is a lot to see and experience here. But the Seepark could not be better located as a starting point for to the neighboring city or the expansive southern region. - Your meeting & conference in Leipzig: Water sports on Lake Markkleeberg - Vacation homes and apartments in Seepark Auenhain - Caravan site at Seepark Auenhain &#169; Seepark Auenhain - Adventure golf course on Lake Markkleeberg - Leisure in Leipzig and the region ### Our recommendations - Parking - Other recreation and health facilities - Climbing Cycling in the region Get on your bike! Leipzig and the region are perfect for exploring **by bike** on. However, if you don't have your own, you can hire a bike from and return it at many places in the city. One of the most popular tours is the . This takes you along **nine lakes** to numerous bathing opportunities. That's why it says here: Don't forget to pack your swimsuit! You can also take an extended tour on the cycle route. Here you cycle through small romantic towns with medieval centers and past former manor houses. From **the most beautiful old town center in central Germany** in to Germany's **oldest castle** in it takes two hours by bike. On the way, for example, the invites you to take a tour and enjoy hearty delicacies from the castle kitchen. The forest and heathland to the north of is also ideal for an **idyllic family outing** on a bike. From the spa town, you can set off on extended bike tours or take a leisurely ride on the Dübener-Heide train to various locations, from where you can start your own individual excursion. Bad Düben itself also offers a moor bath and plenty of space for parents to relax and children to splash around. Want more great bike excursions? We have prepared the most beautiful in and around Leipzig for you. - - Cycle tour around Lake Störmthal - Leipzig New Lake District - Supporting programme biking \| Leipzig Convention Bureau - Outdoor pool at the HEIDE SPA Bad Düben - wellness in the Leipzig region - HEIDE SPA Bad Düben - Wellness in Leipzig and the region - HEIDE SPA Bad Düben Pool area Indoor pool ### Our recommendations - Bike rental and repair service - Historical site - Historical site 95.68 km - Cycling Show more Over hill and dale: hiking in the region You really don't have to go all the way to the Alps to go hiking. There are also beautiful **mountains and hiking trails** in Saxony. The Leipzig region is perfect for an excursion. While the with the idyllic **Dahlener and Dübener Heiden** invites you to visit, the Wermsdorf Forest awaits you a little further east. With its numerous ponds and wild and romantic river landscapes, it is ideal for tours along the Mulde and Elbe rivers. On your hike in **Saxon** , you have to be careful not to get lost in the abundance of impressive . For more inspiration, you should see which we would also recommend. - Four friends in front of the Albert Tower in Collm in Wermsdorf, smiling - Info map in the Dahlener Heide - Hiking in autumn in the Leipzig region - A man and a woman in hiking clothes walk across a bridge over the Zschopau, with Kriebstein Castle in the background surrounded by woods - - Hiking along the Mulde with a view from the Rabenstein - Leipzig Region - The party is on! **Highfield-Festival** Whether Milky Chance, Madsen, Clueso, Electric Callboy or The Kooks... the list of top-class acts at this year's is long. Located on the Magdeborn peninsula in , the event is like a **small holiday** with its own beach, good vibes and unforgettable memories. Particularly adventurous: from the **Giant Wheel**, you have a unique view of the entire lake and the festival grounds! **West Wing Summer Festival** For the annual of the **Figurentheater Westflügel**, this year Hähnelstraße in the west of Leipzig is thematically transformed into a "Happy Place" - a fair of rituals to let go of stress, insecurities and all negative thoughts. Westflügel doesn't just do children's theater, but **figure theater for all ages**. The theater is dedicated to the playful use of a wide variety of objects - even curious little machines are often built. Located directly on the trendy , you can also enjoy the diverse **culinary arts** of the most popular scene mile in the west of Leipzig just around the corner after getting to know the art of the house. - Your meeting & conference in Leipzig: Highfield at lake Störmthal - Your meeting & conference in Leipzig: Highfield at lake Störmthal - Many people stand in front of the Highfield's big stage and celebrate exuberantly, festival in Leipzig, city of music ### Our recommendations - Venue Short break in Leipzig with the Leipzig Card Take advantage of the vacations to discover Leipzig on a short break! The makes it easy for you. Because whether for **one or three days**, whether **alone or in a group**. The Leipzig Card gives you **free travel** on all streetcar, bus and S-Bahn lines as well as on local trains (RE, RB, MRB) in fare zone 110 of the Central German Transport Association. You also save up to **50 percent** at museums, cultural events, restaurants and cafés. If you want to explore the surrounding area, get the and take a trip to Leipzig's Neuseenland region. - Leipzig Travel13. May 2026 Conclusion We wish you **unforgettable vacations in Leipzig**! **Do you have any questions about your short break in Leipzig? Then get in touch with us!** Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH Tourist Information Tel.: **+49 341 / 7104 - 260** Email: Nearby ------ View on map - Event - Festival - Show - Show - Tours 5.56 km - Themed hiking trail 281.32 km - Cycling 29.99 km - Pilgrimage route