Waterways in the Leipzig region

Jump aboard and let's go!

Canoe touring, a waterborne tourist tradition that stretches back over 150 years, through the water city of Leipzig, guarantees hours of fun. A sluice even makes it possible to paddle to Lake Cospuden. The tourist waterway network makes it possible by connecting the flowing waters with the surrounding region's wealth of lakes, i.e. the Leipzig New Lake District. The Leipzig New Lake District's first interconnected lakes – Lakes Markkleeberg and Störmthal – can be easily and enjoyably explored on a canoe tour.

Dinghy rides along the river Mulde near Rochlitz, Grimma and Eilenburg are ideal for families. The banks of the river Mulde are lined with splendid fortresses and castles, idyllic floodplain landscapes, and impressive rocky gorges. A canoe tour on the river Elbe from Belgern via Torgau to Dommitzsch also guarantees unforgettable impressions of the riverside nature.

Simply rent a boat from one of the many rental depots or bring your own canoe with you, and sail away.

Leipzig & the New Lake Distric Canoeing on the river Mulde Out and about on the river Elb Important information on water

A lively metropolis, plenty of green spaces and right by the water

Leipzig combines all of these attributes! Immerse yourself in Leipzig and enjoy the enormous variety this city of water has to offer.

On an excursion through the interlocking system of natural rivers and canals, you will discover the inner-city charm from a completely new perspective and understand why Leipzig is also called Little Venice. A tour through the Leipzig Auwald, one of the largest alluvial forests in Central Europe, feels like a mini vacation away from the city and is therefore also very popular with the locals.

Right on the city's doorstep is the Leipzig New Lake District, a marked characteristic of the Leipzig region with a total area of 7000 ha (27 square miles) covering 20 lakes. Via rivers and canals they are connected all the way to Leipzig city centre.

Canoe tours

in the Leipzig Region

MapToggle map

10,50 km

6,38 km

8,47 km

Messing about in boats

Not on course yet?

Canoeist on the Karl Heine Canal next to König Albert Bridge.

Don't forget your kitbag

Which lake would you like to explore today?

A summer day on the beach at Lake Schladitz.

Welcome to the river Mulde

The Mulde is a river with two sources and many different characteristics, which has been an integral part of the region that surrounds it since the Middle Ages.

The river Zwickau Mulde originates in Schöneck in the Vogtland and flows around 160 km (100 miles) before it meets the 75-mile-long (120 km) river Freiberg Mulde. From Sermuth, these two branches of the river combine to form the main river Mulde, which then flows into the river Elbe near Dessau-Roßlau, after a further 75 miles (120 km).

The wide riverbed is superb for dinghy tours, providing wonderful entertainment along this varied section of the river for adults and kids alike. The different sections of the river are full of surprises thanks to their diversity.

Water tourers canoeing past Rochlitz Castle on the river Zwickau Mulde.

A boat on the river Mulde at the Schiffsmühle Höfgen hotel near Grimma.

The picturesque Mildenstein Castle on the banks of the river Mulde in Leisnig.

Along the river Mulde – from Grimma to Bad Düben

Nearly 90 km (60 miles) of the river Mulde flow through the Leipzig region, past beautiful and idyllic floodplain landscapes, through villages and historically significant towns such as Grimma, Wurzen, Eilenburg and Bad Düben.

We recommend a detour along the 10 km (6 miles) of the Eilenburg Mühlgraben, a centuries-old man-made canal.

Zwickau and Freiberg Mulde rivers

Rocky gorges, forests, idyllic floodplain landscapes and the magnificent castles of Rochlitz and Colditz line the river Zwickau Mulde.

Monasteries, castles and the impressive Mildenstein Castle also characterise the section of the river Freiberg Mulde between Klosterbuch, Leisnig and Grimma. Short sections of rapids guarantee thrilling canoeing for the whole family.

The river Elbe covers an overall distance of almost 1091 km (700 miles) from its source in the Sudeten Mountains in the Czech Republic until it flows into the North Sea. The so-called "Middle Elbe" is a meandering lowland river and characterises the north-eastern area of the Leipzig region.

Water tourers can paddle from the thousand-year old town of Belgern watched over by the protective figure of Roland all the way to the Renaissance town of Torgau. In Torgau, there is a public rest area for those touring with canoes, rowing and motorboats that offers a slipway and direct access to the city centre. Between Torgau and Dommitzsch, the most northerly town in Saxony, there are many breakwaters where you can bathe and relax.

Tips for exploring the river Elbe

Rules to protect nature and people

Information from the river police

Plan your boat trip carefully

Find out about any dangers

Find out about the waterways

Use mooring and entry points

Protect plants and animals

Be considerate of nature and your fellow human beings

Waterways in the Leipzig region

The best waterways in Leipzig – have a listen to the Leipzig podcast!

City of Leipzig & Leipzig New Lake District

Canoe tours

Don't forget your kitbag

Water touring on the river Mulde

Canoeing on the river Mulde

The river Mulde

Mildenstein Castle

Rochlitz Castle

A boat trip along the river Mulde

Mildenstein Castle