Boat tours
On Leipzig’s waterways
Meandering through the intricate system of natural rivers and man-made canals is a way of discovering the city’s charm from a new perspective – you will soon understand why Leipzig is also known as Little Venice.
If you are interested in the waterways, you can get to know the water city of Leipzig better on a tour by motorboat or canoe, for example from the city harbour in the heart of Leipzig through the idyllic floodplain forest or the impressive industrial architecture of western Leipzig. Canoes and bicycles are also available for hire. There are also guided canoe, stand-up paddleboard and dragon boat tours.
On the White Elster and the Karl Heine Canal, experienced boatmen from the Klingerweg boat hire service will tell you fascinating stories. Get to know the different facets of the city on a guided motorboat trip, on a canoe tour, a trip in a 10-person canoe or in a dragon boat.
You can expect equally exciting background information on Leipzig’s sights and famous personalities during a guided motorboat tour by the family-run company Bootsverleih Herold. As well as the 70-minute motorboat tour, you can also explore Leipzig’s waterways on your own in a rowing boat, kayak or canoe.
The grande dame of Leipzig’s waterways, the MS Weltfrieden, has been sailing in the Leipzig region since 1945. Take a relaxed 80-minute tour of the industrial architecture of western Leipzig.
Leipzig’s New Lakeland
When the sun finally set on the era of lignite mining, the local landscape took on a whole new look. With a total area of 7,000 hectares spread over 20 lakes, Leipzig’s New Lakeland is now a major feature of the Leipzig region. Boating is a great way to explore the varied lake scenery. It is connected by rivers and canals to the centre of Leipzig.
The passenger boat service in Leipzig’s New Lakeland region offers regular, round and special trips on Lake Markkleeberg and Lake Störmthal to the south. Unique attractions include the Mining Technology Park and VINETA, a floating island venue.
If you don’t want to paddle, sail or steer yourself, you can also cast off on board the MS Santa Barbara. During tours on Lake Zwenkau, the captain gives an unbeatable insight into the development of the lake and the history of the former open-cast mine. Up to 90 people can enjoy the unique open-air experience of the one-hour cruise on the foredeck, sun deck and aft deck. The main deck (max. 60 people) can be used all year round, regardless of the weather.
The MS Cospuden is also a great way to explore Leipzig’s New Lakeland. Feel the fresh lake air on a 70-minute cruise on Lake Cospuden. The maximum capacity on board is 75 people, 40 of whom can be sheltered from the elements below deck.