--- title: "Waterways in Leipzig - discover the city by boat" url: "https://www.leipzig.travel/en/blog/waterways-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 Waterways in Leipzig - discover the city by boat ================================================ - Top highlight - 01/07/2026 Paddlers at the stilt house on the Karl Heine Canal - Waterways in Leipzig If you board a **boat** in Leipzig, you will experience **urban flair, architecture and nature in harmony**. Industrial pioneer Karl Heine already saw this connection - albeit primarily from an economic perspective. He cherished the dream of connecting the flourishing city to international waters via a canal. Locals and tourists alike still benefit from his legacy today. The let you discover the city by boat. We'll tell you what's going on on the and the other waterways here on the blog! Out and about on the canal Would you like to explore Leipzig **by boat**? Then you can take a starting at 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 , and the or 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 or from . 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 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. - A woman stands with her dog on a jetty at the boat landing stage in Leipzig city harbor and looks out over the water with him - Auf dem Motorboot wird auf Leipzigs Wasserstraßen den Gästen ein Captain's Dinner serviert, Wasserstadt Leipzig - Stelzenhaus at Karl Heine canal ### Our recommendations - Water sports Free ride in sight Named after Karl Heine, the , which stretches from the city center from the Weiße Elster to the west, was connected to the , 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 . 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 - 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 ;) - Two canoeists navigate the Lindenau harbor, which is lined with modern new buildings, Waterways in Leipzig, Green Leipzig, Boat tours, Leisure time 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 . 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 , 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. - ### Our recommendations - Viewpoint/viewing tower 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 , 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 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 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 (where you can find the ) 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 . 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. - Buntgarnwerke Leipzig - Industrial culture in Leipzig - Boat tour on the White Elster - Water City Leipzig - You can watch a gondola ride from the banks of the Karl Heine Canal, Wasserstadt Leipzig, Gondola - The old coloured yarn factory in the Plagwitz district of Leipzig – architecture and industrial culture by the canal - Canito l'acqua - Exclusive boat trip in Leipzig - Canito l'acqua - Mediterranean cuisine on Leipzig's canals - Canoe tour on the White Elster - Water City Leipzig ### Our recommendations - Beer garden Passenger shipping in the Leipzig New Lake District From April to October, you can take the across and . 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 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 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 . - FMS Markkleeberg 2023.jpg - Passenger boat trip near the Mining Technology Park - Leipziger Neuseenland - Drone image of Lake Markkleeberg Leipzig Leipzig Travel01. 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: Nearby ------ View on map - Event - Show - Show - Festival - Tours 29.99 km - Pilgrimage route 281.32 km - Cycling 5.56 km - Themed hiking trail