Leipzig has an extensive network of waterways. The first continuous water route between the Leipzig City Marina and Lake Cospuden was opened in July 2011 – the so-called Route 1. On a total length of 11 kilometres, the course is framed by beautiful park landscapes left and right, magnificent late-19th century villas and finally the unparalleled flora and fauna of the Leipzig floodplain forest. Paddlers and canoeists should plan two to three hours for the route – two locks included. As environmental protection is the city’s top priority, motorized boats will require special permits.
Lake Cospuden, also known as the “bathtub of Leipzig” and located about 10 km south of Leipzig‘s city centre, is one of over 20 lakes around Leipzig that developed and are still developing from former opencast mines. The flooding of Lake Cospuden, Lake Markkleeberg and Lake Hain is already complete. Lake Störmthal and Lake Zwenkau also reached their target water levels in 2014.
Then the New Lakeland area south of Leipzig will spread on a surface of about 44 square kilometers and will be connected with the Pleiße, Weiße Elster and Neue Luppe rivers as well as the canals. Several cafés and restaurants have settled along the canals. Especially young people and artists feel drawn to this fascinating mix of impressive industrial architecture and diverse leisure activities. There will be a total of eight water routes, six of which are already opened and almost completely navigable on boat.
A unique recreation area, Leipzig New Lakeland does not only offer various activities for nature lovers and water sports fans but also invites to discover the region’s diverse history and culture during a guided tour – by land or by water. The floating church VINETA on Lake Störmthal commemorates the region’s turbulent history. The shape of this art object, which was created by artist Ute Hartwig-Schulz, resembles the steeple of the church of the erased village of Magdeborn. VINETA is a memorial for all 14 villages that once had to yield to opencast mining. This special highlight of the Leipzig New Lakeland area is also attractive as an event location.
Visitors can reach VINETA with the amphibious vehicle “Krysta”, the latest attraction in the New Lakeland Area. The Krysta is an American troop carrier, a DUKW 353 from the year 1942, which was already used in World War II and which is both landworthy and seaworthy. A unique driving experience is granted. The owner of the Leipzig Krystallpalast variety theatre bought the amphibious vehicle in good condition at an auction from an English collector. There is only a dozen of these tours in Germany. During the “Amphibious Tour”, guests can learn interesting facts about the region’s history and enjoy a picnic on the viewing platform of the floating church.
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