Zwenkauer See near Leipzig – The underdog among Leipzig’s lakes
Key Facts about Lake Zwenkau at a Glance
Where is actually swing car? Honestly, I asked myself that a few years ago when I first heard about Lake Zwenkau. I am now a Zwenkau resident myself and I can tell you: this small town is definitely worth a visit. Zwenkau is a Town, about 12 km from the southern city gates of Leipzig and in the Leipzig Neuseenland You can reach Zwenkau with the intercity buses 100 (coming from the directions of Markkleeberg and Groitzsch) and 107 (from the Connewitzer Kreuz in Leipzig) as well as with the S-Bahn from Leipzig Central Station or the Wilhelm-Leuschner Platz (from the S-Bahn station Böhlen or Großdeuben there is a bus to Zwenkau). If you are travelling to Zwenkauer See by car, you will find free parking in Hafenstraße, directly at the KAP Zwenkau or on Zitzschen lookout point on the B186.
Already knew?
The Zwenkauer Lake With an area of almost 10 square kilometers, it is already the largest lake in Leipzig's New Lake District. Why now? It has not yet reached its full height. Only when the Construction of the lock between the Cospudener and Lake Zwenkau is finalized, the lake will be completely flooded. At the moment, the completion of the tourist connection is in danger of failing for cost reasons. It is currently still uncertain whether the so-called Harth Canal, an important part of water tourism in Leipzig's New Lake District, will be completed. This would also make it possible to reach Lake Zwenkau directly from Leipzig city center by water.
If you cycle around the lake at the moment, you will cover 22-kilometer route At its deepest point, the lake measures an impressive 49 metres deep.
Pure nature around the lake
On the southern bank lies the Oak wood, part of the Leipzig floodplain forestThere you can observe countless birds and you will certainly find a shady spot, right on the lake shore. 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 also long stretches that give an impression of the former open-cast mining area: flat, sandy, spacious and really impressive. The water level will continue to rise in these areas in the coming years.
The water quality of Lake Zwenkau is good, so it is considered bathing lake usable. The composition of the young body of water is still growing and maturing, which is why the young ecosystem in the water and on the lake must be handled carefully. In order for the water to maintain its pH value and the water quality to be constantly improved, the lake will receive a larger supply of lime in the coming years.
Baden – beach feeling on your doorstep
At KAP Zwenkau there is a Öffentlichen bathing beach? with buttery soft sand. The access to the water is very shallow at this point, making it ideal for little digging friends with sand bucket and shovel.
Along the lake you will find small paths to individual bays. But be careful, there is no sand here, but stony beach If you are bothered by the prickly stones, you should ideally pack a pair of shoes.
It will be sporty – activities on land and water
At the Zitzschen viewpoint or at KAP Zwenkau you will find two ideal starting points for your bike tour around the lake around. Just swing yourself onto the saddle and off you go. A Note to all skaters and racing cyclists: The lakeside path is only about half paved. There is a paved gravel path, especially in the northern area. There is nothing to stop you from taking a tour with your skates and longboard in the southern part of the lake. running friends will find a great route here. With the exception of two places that have a gradient of 6 and 10 degrees respectively, the entire area around the lake is flat and easy to manage.
The Zwenkauer See offers quite wide paths and is, in contrast to the Cossi or Kulkwitzer See not so busy yet. So if you want to do your rounds in peace, you will find optimal conditions in Zwenkau. Please note that due to the lock work a small detour towards Lake Cospuden might be necessary. The path is signposted and easy to navigate.
Sparkling cooling
Non-personal or anonymized information remains protected by tax secrecy. Disclosure to third parties is only allowed if no identification is possible and both states confirm that no harm to tax administration will occur. water sports fans can really let off steam at Zwenkauer See. Whether you want to go Hawaiian-style stand-up paddling fans or 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 allowed. However, Lake Zwenkau is opened for motorboat traffic.
To avoid accidents (and especially fines), kite surfers therefore on the Schladitzer See in the north of Leipzig or the Hainer Lake in the southern Leipzig Neuseenland. Underwater fans can also make a note of Lake Zwenkau: With its almost 49 meters deep and a old shipwreck on the bottom he is an interesting meeting point for divers.
Gastronomy – Where can I find delicious food?
At KAP Zwenkau various restaurants to linger. Directly on the beautiful Marina, the port of Zwenkau located, you will find the The lake, a delicious Italian restaurant that serves original Italian dishes and delicious ice cream. Opposite you will find the noah's, a restaurant with a shady outdoor seating area and delicious food from all over the world.
If you want to go straight from SUP to cocktail hour in Hawaiian style, you should opposite the beach settle down. The Tiki bar With delicious cocktails, snacks from the grill and a cozy atmosphere, it invites you to relax and end the day by the lake. With a view of the sunset over the lake and a delicious drink in hand, guaranteed holiday mood on!
If you want to fire up the grill yourself, we have to disappoint you: The Grilling at the Leipzig Lakes is officially bannedOf course you can pack your own picnic basket and make yourself comfortable at the appropriate places on the lake – but please make sure to collect your rubbish and take it with you. By the way: Numerous shores are "No Entry" signs You should definitely pay attention to these, as violations can result in penalties.
Sights around Lake Zwenkau
The view of Lake Zwenkau is from the exhibition pavilion KAP Zwenkau From there you have a great view of the lake and get an idea of how the landscape has changed in recent years. Some relics from the active mining period inform about the Use of the Zwenkau opencast mine until 1999Particularly interesting: The lake owes its beautiful turquoise-blue water to its relatively young age – the water colour will change in the coming years.
From the harbor you also have the opportunity to take a ride on the MS Santa Barbara to turn. The approx. 1,5-hour tour takes you across the lake and tells you many interesting facts about the former mining region and the planned projects around Lake Zwenkau.
our recommendation
Tips for a family trip
At Cape Zwenkau there is a large children's playground, 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. For small cycling or skating beginners Zwenkauer See is also well suited. The cycle paths on the south bank are wide, well paved and not too busy. Ideal conditions to start cycling in a relaxed manner.
Conclusion – is Lake Zwenkau YOUR lake?
The Zwenkauer See is currently the most pristine lake in the Leipzig New Lake District. It is still under development and that is exactly the reason why it is so popular, attractive and exciting. If you want to relax and start a bike tour in peace and one at the same time impression of the mining history of the area, you have come to the right place.
When you go around Lake Zwenkau, there are still a few places where you need a nice place to stop off beyond the KAP, but I'm sure that this infrastructure will also develop further in the coming months. The lake's big advantage is that it's not too crowded, so you can always find a nice place to swim and relax. If you prefer something quiet and comfortable, you'll definitely find what you're looking for here. What you still have to do now is pack your swimwear and have fun trying it out!
And if I have now made you want to Water and bathing fun: Check out Lake Cospuden, Markkleeberger Lake, Kulkwitzer See, Störmthaler See and Schladitzer See and discover YOUR favorite lake in Leipzig's New Lake District.
Do you have any questions? Then contact us!
Leipzig Tourism and Marketing GmbH
Tourist Information
Phone: +49 341/7104 - 260
Email: info@ltm-leipzig.de











