The historic industrial city
The origins of the small town date back to the 7th century, when the first Slavs settled in the country. Böhlen was first mentioned in a document together with the knight's seat of Otto de Belen in 1353. This is also the origin of the town's name: the Old Sorbian word "Belina" means "white" or "bright and shiny".
In 1882, a connection was established to the route of the Saxon-Bavarian Railway and thus to the regional transport network. The brown coal industry that emerged in the 1920s turned Böhlen into an industrial community. With the creation of new housing as a result of the open-cast mining, the town expanded significantly. In 1924, the world's largest brown coal open-cast mine was built in the town, making Böhlen a pioneer in electricity production. In addition to the largest open-cast mine in the world, the town could also boast the longest conveyor bridge.
At the end of the Second World War, a subcamp of the Buchenwald concentration camp was built not far from the factory: prisoners of war and prisoners were forced to do forced labour at "Brabag", the brown coal and petrol company. However, this connection to industry proved to be Böhlen's undoing when heavy air raids hit the town in 1944/45.
After several incorporations and enlargements, Böhlen finally received city rights on October 7, 1964.
A stroll through the former knight's seat
When walking through the old town, visitors follow historical paths. In 1548, a manor house on the grounds of Böhlen was first reported. The manor house, Böhlen Castle, was built on this manor in the 16th century. In 1902, the manor's tenant house was built, which has been used as the town hall since 1928. The historic Kugelhaus, also known as the "twenty-four family house", was also part of the manor and was built in 1928 after the stables and barns were demolished. The entire town center of Böhlen underwent extensive restoration in 1193 as part of a renovation program and has been shining in new splendor ever since.
Culture in the north of the city
Built between 1951 and 1952, the Böhlen Cultural Center was one of the largest cultural centers in the entire Leipzig district at the time. The Great Hall had space for almost 1.000 people. To this day, the cultural center is known beyond the city limits - especially since the Leipzig Symphony Orchestra has its headquarters there. As the orchestra's home and concert venue, Böhlen thus has the ideal spatial and acoustic conditions for musical experiences. In addition to the "NeuSeenLand Music Festival", the Leipzig Symphony Orchestra also enjoys great popularity on the Volksplatz in Borna. Not far from the Cultural Center is also the historic St. Christophorus Church in Böhlen. First mentioned in 1540, it is considered the oldest building in the city. The church is characterized above all by its Romanesque elements and Gothic window walls. The organ was built by the Donati brothers from Altenburg in 1794.
Großdeuben – a Wilhelminian-era district
In the Böhlen district of Großdeuben, all fans of Wilhelminian architecture will get their money's worth. The Großdeuben manor house with its landscape park is particularly worth seeing. Built around 1730, the two-storey baroque house with a mansard roof is a testament to the skills of the baroque architect Georg Mauer. The manor house was once surrounded by an English-style landscape garden with a neo-baroque gate. Today, a private investor lives in the historic rooms, which he restored. Art Nouveau villas can be admired along the entire main street. Another valuable rarity in the district is St. Catherine's Church, which was built in 1716 by master builder David Schatz. In 1970, the Friderici organ, originally from the church in Cröbern, was installed and has enchanted churchgoers with its sounds ever since.
Pure Nature in Gaulis
The Gaulis district is characterized by the untouched, extensive Pleißenaue landscape. Animal watchers in particular get their money's worth here: local small game as well as rare bird species such as herons and grey herons can be admired here.
The former Gaulis mill is also part of the idyllic floodplain landscape. The mill house was built around 1800 and has been restored to its former glory after extensive restoration. Today, the building is primarily used as a residential building. Anyone who wants to explore the Pleißenaue area on their own can take advantage of the extensive network of paved hiking trails. Nature lovers can also cycle on the Pleiße cycle path through Leipzig's New Lake District and take a detour to the Rötha reservoir.
Active through the Leipzig Neuseenland
In addition to an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, Böhlen also offers another unique opportunity to explore the surrounding area: the Böhlen Flying Club offers sightseeing flights to see Leipzig and the New Lake District from above. If you would like to try your hand at flying a plane, the club's own flight school is the place to go.
It is also possible to explore the New Lake District by water: various canoe tours and water hiking trails to Lake Cospuden attract numerous paddling fans. Lake Zwenkau can also be connected to a tour via a water connection. Sporty, ambitious water hikers will get their money's worth in the Borna area: from the Röthaer Aue to the fast-flowing section between Böhlen and Markkleeberg, a varied tour awaits all canoe fans.
If you prefer to explore the mining region around Böhlen in a relaxed way by bus, the "Phoenix Original Tour - From Mining to the Lake District" from Mai Regio Tours is the right choice. On a trip to the newly created lakes from disused open-cast mining areas, participants are offered fascinating views over Lake Markkleeberg and Cape Zwenkau.
Experience Böhlen: Diverse leisure activities
The most well-known place in Böhlen's cultural life is the Kulturhaus. Formerly known as the Kulturpalast, it became a cultural meeting point for all sections of the population. After a renovation in 2010, hearing-impaired visitors have also been able to enjoy the musical talent of the Leipzig Symphony Orchestra thanks to special built-in acoustics and systems. The orchestra celebrated its 2013th anniversary in 50. In collaboration with national and international artists, the focus of the musical work was not only on concerts, but also on promoting young talent and supporting school lessons.
If you are looking to cool off on hot summer days, the Böhlen outdoor pool is the right place for you. Opened in 1936, the 27.000 square meter area with a 3.850 square meter pool attracts water lovers of all ages every year. A modern water treatment plant ensures the highest water quality. Visitors can also enjoy a water bubble, a water mushroom, massage beds in the pool and a 60 meter long slide. There are also table tennis tables, beach volleyball courts and a goal wall.
room and board
If you want to recharge your batteries after a strenuous tour of Böhlen, the Böhlen Pub is a special place to stop. Since 1993, the pub has been attracting visitors to its premises with light meals and a variety of spirits.
A combination of culinary experience and sport is also possible in Böhlen. In the "Strike-In" restaurant, you can enjoy hearty home cooking with a round on the adjacent bowling alley. If, however, you would like to enjoy your meal in a somewhat quieter atmosphere, the Gasthaus Großdeuben is the right place for you.
In addition, visitors can not only admire Böhlen's numerous Wilhelminian villas from the outside - they can also stay overnight in them: for example in the Villa Seenland. This architectural jewel in the heart of the lake landscape offers the opportunity for relaxing sunbathing or cozy barbecue evenings, not far from the outdoor pool. The Villa Seenland is part of the Böhlen holiday park and, along with the Haus Seestern, the Honimoon Hostel and the Honimoon Apartments, is one of the best-rated accommodations in the city. There are also chic apartments and workers' rooms in the "Bei Meyers" guest house. The former wheelwright's shop has been lovingly restored, now combines tradition and modernity and invites you to linger.
Notable Sons of Böhlen
The city's most famous son is Reinhard Blechert. Born in 1947, he won four German swimming championships and also took part in the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968. Heinrich Dodel is also one of the city's most famous personalities. As the eldest son of Wilhelm Dodel, he was hired into the "Gebrüder Lodde drug store" in Leipzig and was even given power of attorney. He later became an official partner in "G. Gaudig & Blum" - one of the leading companies in the fur trade in Leipzig's Brühl.
highlights of the event year
Numerous cultural highlights await visitors and residents of Böhlen throughout the year. The New Year's concert in the Böhlen Cultural Centre kicks off the event year. Carnival is also always celebrated in a big way in the small town. The highlight of the event year is the May Festival in spring. On this day, numerous locals and guests meet in front of the Cultural Centre. In addition to dance performances, musical accompaniment by the Böhlen brass band and games for the younger guests, there is also food and drink available. At Christmas time, the Böhlen Christmas market invites you to enjoy magical market stalls and culinary delights.
Useful information at a glance
Böhlen is located 15 kilometers south of Leipzig in the middle of the Leipzig lowland bay. In its two districts of Gaulis and Großdeuben, the small town offers many opportunities for active pastimes in the area. Due to its connection to public transport, Böhlen can be easily reached by S-Bahn (S5, S5X and S6), bus or by car via the B2 or B95 federal highways and the A38 motorway.