Of particular note among historical buildings are the Kunigundenkirche, a Romanesque pillar basilica from the 12th century, the St. Marien town church, the Reichstor, the last remaining of the original four city gates, and the famous Emmauskirche, a Romanesque fortified church from the 13th century, which was moved from Heuersdorf, sacrificed to lignite mining in 2007, to Borna, about 12 km away – a technical and logistical masterpiece.
The Volksplatz (People's Square), originally built in 1934 as a Thingplatz (assembly place) and more recently used as an open-air stage, hosts numerous events such as concerts, festivals, and summer cinema. It also boasts the largest permanent film screen in Europe. In addition to regular events at the city's cultural center, media library, city museum, and the Wyhra Story Courtyard, the event calendar features many other highlights, including City Beach, event shopping, the city festival, and the Christmas market.
In the immediate vicinity of Borna lie the Bockwitz Lake, the Haubitz Lake, the Hainer Lake, the Harthsee Lake, and several reservoirs. The unspoiled Bockwitz Lake stands out, lying mostly within the nature reserve of the same name, home to numerous protected species, featuring a nature trail, and attracting nature lovers, hikers, and cyclists in particular.
This year, Borna celebrates its 775th anniversary with numerous highlights and a festival weekend including a parade from August 27th to 30th, 2026. Program details available at [website address missing]. www.borna.de/775
Tips:
The Volksplatz (People's Square), originally built in 1934 as a Thingplatz (assembly place) and more recently used as an open-air stage, hosts numerous events such as concerts, festivals, and summer cinema. It also boasts the largest permanent film screen in Europe. In addition to regular events at the city's cultural center, media library, city museum, and the Wyhra Story Courtyard, the event calendar features many other highlights, including City Beach, event shopping, the city festival, and the Christmas market.
In the immediate vicinity of Borna lie the Bockwitz Lake, the Haubitz Lake, the Hainer Lake, the Harthsee Lake, and several reservoirs. The unspoiled Bockwitz Lake stands out, lying mostly within the nature reserve of the same name, home to numerous protected species, featuring a nature trail, and attracting nature lovers, hikers, and cyclists in particular.
This year, Borna celebrates its 775th anniversary with numerous highlights and a festival weekend including a parade from August 27th to 30th, 2026. Program details available at [website address missing]. www.borna.de/775
Tips:
- Visit to the Museum of the City of Borna and view from the tower of the Reichstor (The museum is closed for renovations until approximately August 2026.)
- Diving and sauna in the Jahnbad swimming pool
- Experience lively farm life in Geschichtenhof Wyhra
- Explore the nature around Lake Bockwitz by foot or bike
Good to know
Arrival & Parking
Public transport:
Borna train station (b Leipzig) e.g. with S6 from Leipzig main station
Cars:
A72 exit Borna-Nord or Borna-Süd
Borna train station (b Leipzig) e.g. with S6 from Leipzig main station
Cars:
A72 exit Borna-Nord or Borna-Süd
Social Media
author
Leipzig Tourism and Marketing GmbH
Grimmaischen Steinweg 8
04103 Leipzig
Organization
Leipzig Tourism and Marketing GmbH
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