Leipzig

Fancy visiting the beach? In Leipzig, you can! The New Lake Region was created in the former lignite mining area. And the best thing is that you can cool off after a mere 30-minute bike ride from our Leipzig hotels to Cospudener Lake and its neighbouring lakes. And there is also plenty to do in the city itself…

Leipzig is known for its romantic Christmas market, international trade fairs and the longest beach in Saxony. Wait, a beach? Yes, because a huge recreation area with several lakes has been created close to the Saxon capital, making Leipzig an ideal summer destination. And if you not only want to immerse yourself in water, but also in culture, you can do so within a few minutes’ walk of Motel One Leipzig-Augustusplatz, Motel One Leipzig-Nikolaikirche and Motel One Leipzig-Post. These offer a perfect view of the sights from the lobby and make the ideal base for exploring the historic old town.

Off to the lakes

The New Lake Region near Leipzig is a large recreation area consisting of Cospudener Lake, Zwenkauer Lake, Markkleeberger Lake and Strömthaler Lake. Cospudener Lake is the closest to our hotels in Leipzig.
How far is Cospudener Lake from Leipzig? Just seven kilometres as the crow flies. This around 400-hectare lake is affectionately known as "Cossi" and was created on the flooded site of a former lignite mine, where you can also find the longest beach in Saxony – one kilometre long and 70 metres wide. Thanks to its size, you can not only swim here, but also sail, surf and dive.
You can comfortably complete the 11 km paved circular route by bike (cycle hire is available on site) while cooling off at the various beaches and jetties. One of the bathing piers of the north beach also has disabled access to allow wheelchair users to swim.

What is the best way to get there? Day trippers will be spoilt for choice. The quickest way is to cycle across the floodplain. 

If you don’t have a bike and want to travel from Leipzig to Cospudener Lake by public transport, it is best to take bus no. 105, 106 or 65. Alternatively, you can travel from Leipzig to Cospudener Lake by train or S-Bahn and then get the bus. 

Do you have lots of swimming gear, an SUP board, etc.? Then drive from Leipzig to Cospudener Lake. There is plenty of parking at the ports and at the north and east beach on Cospudener Lake. There are no electric charging points at Cospudener Lake (as of June 2022).  You can also conveniently travel by taxi from Leipzig to Cospudener Lake – but the other options are much cheaper.

The most relaxed way of travelling between Leipzig and Cospudener Lake, however, is by water. You can paddle directly from the centre of Leipzig to the lake down the Floßgraben or the canal via SUP, rowing boat or rubber dinghy. 
Distance: 7 km, Journey time: 30 minutes or more

Wer von Leipzig mit dem Fahrrad an den Cospudener See fährt, sollte bei seiner Radtour ins Grüne bei der Villa Hasenholz einen Zwischenstopp einlegen. In der alten Villa am Rand des Auenwaldes lässt es sich in Hängematten wunderbar entspannen und mit Leckereien Kraft für den kurze Strecke des Leipzig – Cospundener See Radwegs tanken.

If you cycle from Leipzig to Cospudener Lake, make sure to stop off at the Villa Hasenholz on your bike ride into the countryside. At this old villa on the edge of the floodplain, you can relax in hammocks and recharge your batteries with tasty treats before completing the short remaining stretch of the Leipzig – Cospudener Lake cycle route.

Summer sightseeing

• Far-reaching panoramic views: Even without proper mountains, you can enjoy the view in Leipzig, including from Fockeberg. You are not even aware of this in the city itself – but if you climb this pile of rubble, the view is all the more surprising. Another option is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations just outside the centre. It is Europe’s largest national memorial, where you can spend a wonderfully relaxed evening and watch the sky change colour.
• Movies under the stars: Going to the cinema on a balmy summer’s evening? Definitely – and better yet, at an open-air cinema. In Leipzig, there are numerous outdoor cinemas in spectacular locations. At Moritzbastei, you can watch films for free, while Conne Island screens films in their original version in a romantic setting under the treetops. During Scheibenholz film nights, you can enjoy blockbusters from the racecourse’s historic grandstand and in an industrial setting in the old spinning mill at the former cotton factory.

• Animals in nature: Giraffes, lions, tigers and more – Leipzig Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in Germany. In six theme worlds, you can observe animals from all over the world in a near-natural habitat, while learning a great deal about nature and species conservation.
• Leisurely sailing: Leipzig, a water sport city? You wouldn’t think so at first glance. However, several canals traverse the city. For example, the Karl-Heine-Canal runs through western Leipzig past various sights. And water is also the focus of attention at the annual Water Festival. In August, celebrations take place between Stadthafen, Lindenauer Hafen, Elsterflutbeet and Karl-Heine-Canal, with fireworks, music, art festivals and more. 

Be it classical, audiobooks, piano music or electro beats – every musical genre is celebrated in Leipzig.

• Hörspielsommer in July is the biggest festival for audio drama. During this 10-day open-air event, live audio dramas and productions are performed for adults and children in the Elbflutbecken and Richard Wagner Hain parks.
• Concerts, spoken words, events for children – the Sommerbühne in der Arena am Panometer takes place in June and July. The event’s special atmosphere is created by the spectacular backdrop of the former brick gasometer with its open roof.
• Fancy dancing along to the music? At The Newcomer International Variety Festival in June and July, artists perform spectacular shows featuring acrobatic dances and plenty of humour.
• There is plenty of music during the summer, not only in Leipzig itself, but also in the neighbouring New Lake Region. For example, the Leipziger Symphonieorchester performs classical evening concerts at Neuseenland Musikfest at Kap Zwenkau.
• Looking for more of a party atmosphere? Then visit Th!nk? at Cospudener Lake. Every July, several thousand people party to electro, house and techno music on the northern beach of the recreation area.