Waterways in Leipzig - discover the city by boat
Out and about on the canal
Would you like to explore Leipzig by boat? Then you can take a motorboat trip starting at Stadthafen Leipzig to discover the city's waterways and escape the stresses of everyday life. The so-called Stadthafen fleet was named after well-known Leipzig personalities. You can enjoy a trip on the water with Clara Schumann or Johann Sebastian Bach and choose between the Little Venice, Lindenau harbor and the Small or Large Auwald tour.
Or do you want to be more active? Everything is possible on the canal, from canoeing to trips in an inflatable boat to stand-up paddling. You can hire the necessary equipment from Leipziger Stadthafen or from Kanuverleih am Rennbahnsteig. Guided tours are also available.
Whether you want to enjoy the view during a boat trip or paddle yourself - your loved four-legged friend is also a welcome guest. A trip on the water is worthwhile for a weekend trip or short vacation with a dog therefore in any case!
Please contact the providers directly to find out about opening times, tours and rental options. In good weather, it is advisable to reserve the appropriate equipment in advance on the websites of the rental stations.
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Free ride in sight
Named after Karl Heine, the Karl-Heine-Kanal, which stretches from the city center from the Weiße Elster to the west, was connected to the Lindenauer Hafen, which was built in 1938, in 2015. From here, it is not far to the Saale. The canal breakthrough was a decisive step for the further expansion of the Elster-Saale Canal, which connects Leipzig with the river to the north and should clear the way for ships all the way to Hamburg.
The new route already enriches Leipzig's intricate water system and opens up another route towards the Leipziger Neuseenland. You can see excursion boats and canoes all along the route: Because as soon as the first rays of sunshine are visible, they drift across the water between imposing industrial architecture in Plagwitz and Schleußig, picking up speed towards the quaint Auwald - Leipzig's green lung - or make your way to the Leipzig lakes.
Yes, our Leipzig is like a Little Venice. Only blessed with far fewer tourists and much more idyllic surroundings ;)
Natural paradise very close
Have you ever wanted to feel like you're in the jungle? It's possible on Leipzig's waterways! Not far from the noise of the city and the architectural gems, you can take a boat trip through the dense greenery of the Auwald. Birds chirp here and old giant trees stretch their gnarled roots into the embankment. Can you imagine that the nearest streetcar stop is just a stone's throw away?
A little further south towards Markkleeberg is the Pleiße, a tributary of the Weiße Elster. Anyone who has ever canoed through the rustic greenery here will agree with us: It doesn't get any more natural and primeval than this! The waterway is almost completely untouched and incredibly narrow, making it feel a bit like being in the jungle. Fitting: at the boat rental at the wildlife park, you can also hire a canoe for this purpose.
The fact is: sometimes you won't even believe that you're still in a big city here.
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Pearls of the Wilhelminian era
In the area designated by UNESCO as one of the largest industrial monuments in Europe, the leisure sailors glide past historic brick buildings. These stand out with their impressively ornate facades. Behind the walls of the palaces from the founding era, you will find modern lofts and hip restaurants. But spacious offices and studios are also located here. A memorial on the riverbank commemorates Karl Heine. From the middle of the 19th century, he had bridges, roads, railway lines and canals, factory premises and residential areas built here.
The canals are somewhat reminiscent of Venice. Some gondoliers have also discovered this and offer you the opportunity to glide along the canal on a one-hour tour between excursion boats, kayaks and inflatable boats in a typical gondola.
So that you don't miss out on refreshments along the way, Leipzig's waterways also have a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights. The Heimathafen Kö for example, its excellent location right on the water is particularly impressive at Könneritzbrücke on the Weiße Elster. But also the Ouzerie - Was Kost Das and the Ristorante "La Gondola" (where you can find the gondola tours) are ideal for a culinary break in a rustic and beautiful waterside location.
And if you want to combine your boat trip directly with culinary delights, then you should book a tour on the popular Canito boat. On board, guests can expect Mediterranean food, selected wines and personal service that makes every trip unique. Thanks to electric propulsion, the boat glides quietly through canals such as the Karl-Heine-Kanal or along the Weiße Elster, past industrial scenery and nature.
A trip is more than just a tour: stories about Leipzig, appropriate music and the special perspective from the water create a relaxed, almost Mediterranean lifestyle. A calm, atmospheric ambience unfolds, especially in the evening. Suitable for smaller groups and special occasions - or simply as a little break from everyday life.
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Passenger shipping in the Leipzig New Lake District
From April to October, you can take the passenger boat trip in Leipzig's Neuseenland across Lake Markkleeberg and Lake Störmthal. While you enjoy the trip, you will be provided with various hot and cold meals and drinks on board. The gastronomic offer can be viewed online in advance.
You also have the option of disembarking at each landing stage if you would like to take a closer look at the surroundings on land. It's a good idea to take your bike with you, as it can easily be transported on board.
The MS Markkleeberg also offers evening events on Lake Markkleeberg in addition to the normal scheduled trips. The first lake evening cruises with music and dancing take place in June, August and September from 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm. The live music is included in the ticket price and tickets can be pre-ordered by telephone.
If you think it's too cold for a boat trip in winter, you're wrong. On the Christmas Advent cruises, which take place on the first and second weekend of Advent at 2 and 3 pm, you will be welcomed with a pot of mulled wine or punch and will be cozy and warm on board with a "Stollengedeck" (a pot of coffee/tea and a piece of stollen)! You can order tickets for this by phone or email.
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: info@ltm-leipzig.de
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