The newly built harbor with its restaurants and water sports facilities, together with the cycling and hiking routes and the Zwenkau town center, forms a symbiosis of modernity and history. The once gray open-cast mining town of the last century now shines under the motto "Natural, connected" as a progressive and dynamic small town with a high quality of living and life.
The place of numerous names
As one of the oldest places in West Saxony, Zwenkau was first mentioned with the Latin name "Zuenkouuva" in 974. The current spelling, however, could not be verified until 1612, and officially from 1840, in the local statute. The town was given the nickname "Mausezwenke" due to numerous anecdotes according to which the people of Zwenkau were said to have committed strange thefts. During the Battle of Lechfeld in 955, for example, the knight's armor of the dead Conrad of Lorraine is said to have been "mouse-stolen" by Zwenkauers (Slavs). However, it was not Zwenkau citizens who robbed the merchants in Diebesgrund on their way to the Leipzig trade fair and back, but outsiders who knew how to take advantage of the geographical location.
Around the year 1000, the town probably consisted of a castle, connected to a Slavic settlement and a rampart, located on a "mountain" a little further north. In the course of the Slavic missionary work, a small chapel is also likely to have been built in the outer bailey area. In later centuries, Zwenkau's development was marked by a number of setbacks, including the Thirty Years' War, several plague epidemics and devastating fires. In the 1920s, brown coal mining began in the Böhlen-Zwenkau open-cast mine, and continued until the end of the 1990s. At that time, the increasing need for workers not only brought the town a population increase, but also today the Zwenkau Lake, which was created by flooding the disused open-cast mine. The last coal train left the Zwenkau open-cast mine on September 30, 1999.
From KAP ZWENKAU to Trianon - Zwenkau offers many attractions
A city tour through Zwenkau can be started at the KAP ZWENKAU mining exhibition pavilion. The glass and steel structure was built in 2006 and its appearance is reminiscent of the Zwenkau overburden conveyor bridge AFB 18, which was blown up in 2001. It was one of the largest and oldest overburden conveyor bridges in the world. In the outdoor area of the pavilion there are further exhibits and a replica of a mining shaft with detailed information on the history of mining. The building also has a roof terrace with a unique view over Lake Zwenkau and the surrounding area of Leipzig. In addition to the “Reinhardts Kartoffelhaus PELLE” restaurant, the unusual building also has an event floor.
The idyllic town center of Zwenkau is only about 1,5 kilometers from KAP ZWENKAU. Next to the late Gothic town church of St. Laurentius, there is the town hall on Bürgermeister-Ahnert-Platz. The former district court and castle building on the historic castle hill adorn the town center. The "Alte Amtskeller", the remaining part of the old castle complex, is still occasionally used for events. There is a baroque town house on the town's market square. It is the only original residential building from the period after the great town fire in 1712. Opposite stands the current "Ratskeller" residential building, which used to house an inn. The pretty building was part of the former town hall, which was the seat of the town administration until 1914. Not far from the town center is the Zwenkau water tower. The cultural monument, built in 1904, was planned by Clemens Thieme, who was also the builder of the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. The yellow brick building serves primarily as a water reserve. Extensively renovated in 2004, the tower towers 47 meters above the roofs of Zwenkau. The "Sattelhof", built around 1500, enjoys national importance with its classic half-timbered architecture. The late Gothic building is the oldest feudal estate of its kind in the south of Leipzig. After successful renovation work, concerts and events are held in the three-sided courtyard. The Trianon is an impressive conclusion to a tour of Zwenkau. The temple ruins, built in 1790, lie at the end of an avenue of linden trees. It was reopened in its original location in 2002 in its old splendor. The avenue of linden trees is one of the remains of a 250-year-old avenue of linden trees that served as the central axis of the Eythra Palace Park. Eythra Palace had to make way for the Zwenkau open-cast mine in 1987.
Bauhaus and museums in Zwenkau
Zwenkau became internationally famous primarily through the Bauhaus architects Adolf Rading and Oskar Schlemmer. In 1930 they created the "Villa Rabe" (Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 26), which corresponds to the "New Building" style. The Zwenkau hospital and a row of apartments on Goethestraße are also testaments to the Bauhaus era.
Anyone interested in history will also get their money's worth in the Zwenkau Museum Room. It is located in the town hall and is dedicated to the living conditions of our ancestors under the motto "A collection from the times of our grandparents". The Lehmhaus Gallery, which is dedicated to contemporary art, takes a step forward into the present. For a month at a time, various artists exhibit their works in the gallery, which range from jewelry to graphics, plastic art and sculptures to classic paintings.
Lake Zwenkau – recreational area on the outskirts of the city
After the journey by land, the exploration of Zwenkau can continue on the water. The passenger ship "Santa Barbara" has been inviting its passengers on an impressive tour of Lake Zwenkau since 2008. With an area of 970 hectares and a circumference of 22 kilometers, it is the largest lake in the southern Leipzig New Lake District. Whether on a 60-minute or a 90-minute tour - guests receive exciting insights into the history of the former open-cast mine during the boat trip. In addition to classic lake tours, the "Santa Barbara" can also be booked for private parties or weddings.
If you would like to explore Lake Zwenkau on your own, there is a wide range of watercraft available. While the "Boat Rental Lake Zwenkau" mainly offers kayaks and canoes, the Leipzig shipyard rents out motorboats. Water lovers can take internationally recognized diving courses at the "Diving Base Lake Zwenkau". Special dry suits provide body warmth.
After an idyllic boat trip or an exciting dive, you have the opportunity to take a culinary break in the restaurants along the Zwenkau harbor. In the "Zum Türkenlouis" restaurant, guests can enjoy fine wines and culinary specialties from the Baden region in an artistic ambience. When the weather is good, the operators open the sun terrace with a panoramic view of the harbor. The modern "Tara am Kap" restaurant offers its visitors a mixture of restaurant, patisserie, ice cream and refreshments. Those who prefer Italian cuisine have the opportunity to try one of the numerous pizzas or enjoy a cocktail in peace in the "Lotty's" restaurant.
Family-friendly offers
Away from the hustle and bustle of Zwenkau harbor, the Zwenkau forest pool is just a few minutes' walk away. The family-friendly pool offers its guests a 50-meter-long swimming pool and a paddling pool for younger visitors. The Zwenkau "Schützenhaus" is located near the forest pool. The historic restaurant with the picturesque Rothenburg bay window was used as an exhibition building for the "Saxon-Thuringian Industrial and Trade Exhibition Leipzig 1897" and still attracts visitors with its regional cuisine.
Experience Zwenkau actively
The "Zwenkauer Laurentiusfest" is well-known throughout the region. It is celebrated annually on August 10th and honors Saint Laurentius, the patron saint on the Zwenkau city coat of arms. It also functions as a city and club festival.
The "Harbor Festival at the KAP ZWENKAU City Harbor" takes place every year in May on Mother's Day and heralds the start of the new season at the lake. Active sports enthusiasts get their money's worth at the annual "Sparkassen-Neuseen Mountain Bike Cup." This takes place every year in September and not only allows adults to show off their skills on the circuit at Zwenkauer See, but also young cycling enthusiasts can test their strength on the track. Those who prefer cycling on flat terrain can take part in the annual "Grand Prix of Zwenkau," which also takes place in September. The Eichholz and Neue Harth forest areas are ideal for long walks and hikes.
Leisure activities at the neighboring lakes
In addition to Lake Zwenkau, the neighboring lakes of Leipzig's New Lake District are also popular destinations. Lake Cospuden is particularly popular, with several beaches and a wide range of water sports. In the future, the Harth Canal will connect Lake Cospuden and Lake Zwenkau with a waterway. Not far away is the "Belantis" leisure park, whose numerous themed worlds guarantee an unforgettable family outing. Every year, over 600.000 visitors flock to Central Germany's largest adventure land. Lake Störmthal and Lake Markkleeberg also offer relaxation and a wide range of leisure activities. At Lake Markkleeberg, you can experience the adrenaline rush of whitewater sports first hand with rafting and kayaking. The nearby climbing park offers an alternative to sports adventures on the water.
Important facts at one glance
The town of Zwenkau is located about 15 kilometers south of Leipzig between the rivers Weiße Elster and Pleiße. In addition to the center of Zwenkau, the town comprises six districts with a population of over 9.200. At an altitude of 130 meters above sea level, Zwenkau covers a total area of 4.624,21 hectares. The town is well connected to the German road network via the A38 motorway via the "Leipzig-Südwest/Zwenkau" exit or the A14 motorway via the "Leipzig-Süd" exit or the B2 federal highway.