Lake Zwenkau near Leipzig - The underdog among Leipzig's lakes
Key facts about Lake Zwenkau at a glance
Where is Zwenkau actually located? Honestly, I asked myself that a few years ago when I first heard about Lake Zwenkau. I now live in Zwenkau myself and can tell you that this little town is definitely worth a visit. Zwenkau is a small town, about 12 km from the southern city gates of Leipzig and located in the Leipzig Neuseenland. You can reach Zwenkau by intercity buses 100 (coming from Markkleeberg and Groitzsch) and 107 (from Connewitzer Kreuz in Leipzig) as well as by S-Bahn from Leipzig main station or Wilhelm-Leuschner Platz (there is a bus to Zwenkau from the Böhlen or Großdeuben S-Bahn stops). If you are traveling to Lake Zwenkau by car, you will find free parking on Hafenstraße, directly at KAP Zwenkau or at Aussichtspunkt Zitzschen on the B186.
Did you know?
With an area of almost 10 square kilometers, Lake Zwenkau is already the largest lake in Leipzig's Neuseenland region. Why already now? It has not yet reached its full filling level. Only when the construction of the lock between Lake Cospuden and Lake Zwenkau is finalized will the lake be completely flooded. At the moment, the completion of the tourist connection is in danger of failing for cost reasons. Whether the so-called Harth Canal, an important part of water tourism in Leipzig's Neuseenland region, will be completed is still uncertain. Lake Zwenkau would also be accessible directly from Leipzig city center via the waterway.
If you cycle around the lake at the moment, you will cover a whole 22 kilometres. At its deepest point, the lake measures an impressive 49 meters in depth.<br
Pure nature around the lake
The Eichholz, part of the Leipziger Auwald, borders the southern shore. You can watch countless birds there and are sure to find a shady spot right on the lakeshore. The vegetation on the northern part of the lake was only created during the flooding and therefore appears somewhat wild and uncultivated. On this side, there are still long stretches that give an impression of the former open-cast mining area: Flat, sandy, extensive and really impressive. The water level will continue to rise in these places in the coming years.
The water quality of Lake Zwenkau is good, so it can be used as a bathing lake. The composition of the young body of water is still growing and maturing, which is why the young ecosystem in the water and around the lake must be treated with care. To ensure that the water maintains its pH value and the water quality is constantly improved, the lake will receive a larger supply of lime in the coming years.</p
Bathing - beach feeling on your doorstep
At KAP Zwenkau there is a public bathing beach with buttery soft sand. Access to the water is very shallow at this point, making it ideal for little diggers with sand buckets and shovels.
Along the lake, you will also find small paths leading to individual bays. But beware, no sand is piled up here, but stone beach predominates. If you feel annoyed by the prickly stones, you should ideally pack a pair of shoes here.
It's getting sporty - activities on land and water
You will find two ideal starting points for your cycle tour around the lake at the Zitzschen viewpoint or the Zwenkau KAP. Just hop on the saddle and off you go. A note to all skaters and racing cyclists: only about half of the lake circuit is paved. There is a paved gravel path, especially in the northern section. However, nothing stands in the way of a tour with skates and a longboard in the southern part of the lake. Running enthusiasts will also find a great route here. With the exception of two places with a gradient of 6 and 10 degrees respectively, the entire area around the lake is flat and easy to manage.
Lake Zwenkau offers fairly wide paths and, in contrast to Lake Cossi or Lake Kulkwitz, is not yet so heavily frequented. So if you want to do your lap in peace and quiet, Zwenkau offers ideal conditions. Please note that due to the lock work, you may need to make a small detour in the direction of Lake Cospuden.
The route is signposted and easy to navigate.
Splashy cooling
Even water sports fans can let off steam at Lake Zwenkau. Whether you are a Hawaiian-style stand-up paddling fan or a windsurfer - you can practice both very well on Lake Zwenkau. And kitesurfing? Even though there is usually a cool breeze here, which would actually be ideal for kitesurfing, this sport is unfortunately not permitted. However, Lake Zwenkau is open to motorboat traffic.
To avoid accidents (and, above all, fines), kite surfers should therefore be careful on the Schladitzer See in the north of Leipzig or the Hainer See in southern Leipzig's Neuseenland. Underwater fans can also make a note of Lake Zwenkau: With a depth of almost 49 meters and an old shipwreck on the bottom, it is an interesting point of call for divers.
Gastronomy - Where can I find delicious food?
At KAP Zwenkau, various restaurants invite you to linger. Located directly on the beautiful Marina, the harbour of Zwenkau, you will find the Il Lago, a delicious Italian restaurant that serves original Italian dishes and delicious ice cream. Opposite you will find Noahs, a restaurant with a shady outdoor seating area and delicious dishes from all over the world.
If you d like to go straight from SUP to cocktail hour in Hawaiian style, you ll want to set up shop opposite the beach. The Tiki Bar offers delicious cocktails, barbecue snacks and a cozy atmosphere for a relaxing end to the day by the lake. With a view of the sunset over the lake and a delicious drink in your hand, you're guaranteed to be in a vacation mood!
If you want to fire up the barbecue yourself, we're sorry to disappoint you : Grilling at the Leipzig lakes is officially forbidden. Of course you can pack your own picnic basket and make yourself comfortable at the appropriate spots on the lake - but please make sure you collect your garbage and take it back with you. By the way: Numerous shore areas are marked with "No trespassing" signs. You should definitely pay attention to these, as there are also penalties for non-compliance.</p
Sights around Lake Zwenkau
The view of Lake Zwenkau from the Exhibition Pavilion KAP Zwenkau is truly impressive. From there, you have a great view of the lake and get an idea of how the landscape has changed over the years. Some relics from the active mining era provide information about the use of the Zwenkau open-cast mine until 1999. Particularly interesting: the lake owes the beautiful turquoise-blue color of its water to its relatively young age - the water color will change in the coming years.
From the harbour, you ll also have the opportunity to take a tour on the MS Santa Barbara. The approx. 1.5-hour tour takes you across the lake and reveals lots of interesting facts about the former mining region and the planned projects around Lake Zwenkau.
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Our recommendations
Tips for a family outing
There is a large children's playground at Kap Zwenkau, which has something to offer for all ages. The best thing about it: the area is easily visible and the view of the lake is beautiful. Lake Zwenkau is also well suited for young cycling or skating beginners. The cycle paths on the southern shore are wide, well asphalted and not too busy. Ideal conditions to start cycling in a relaxed manner.<br
Conclusion - is Lake Zwenkau YOUR lake?
Lake Zwenkau is currently still the most pristine lake in Leipzig's Neuseenland region. It is still being developed and that is precisely the reason why it is so popular, attractive and exciting. If you want to take a leisurely and quiet cycle tour and get an impression of the mining history of the area, this is the place to be.
When cycling around Lake Zwenkau beyond the KAP, there is still a nice place to stop for a bite to eat in one or two places, but I am sure that this infrastructure will also continue to develop in the coming months. The big advantage of the lake is that it is not too crowded, so there is always a nice place to swim and linger. If you prefer it quiet and cozy, you will definitely find what you are looking for here. What you ve got to do now: pack your swimming gear and have fun trying it out!
And if I've whetted your appetite for water and swimming fun: check out the Lake Cospuden, Lake Markkleeberg, Lake Kulkwitz, Störmthaler See and Schladitzer See and discover YOUR favorite lake in Leipzig's Neuseenland.
You still have questions? Then get in touch with us!
Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH
Tourist Information
Tel.: +49 341 / 7104 - 260
Email: info@ltm-leipzig.de