category of places

Külkwitzer See

About

Located on the city’s western edge near Markranstädt, the lake was created in the late 1960s and early 1970s by flooding two former lignite pits, making it one of the very first post-mining lakes of the Neuseenland. Covering around 150 hectares with depths of up to 32 meters, it is renowned for its excellent water quality and lush green surroundings. Easily accessible by tram, S-Bahn, and bus, Kulkwitzer See is a favorite summer retreat for locals and visitors alike. Its sandy beaches at Miltitz, Lausen, Göhrenz, and Markranstädt invite swimming and sunbathing, while an eight-kilometer circular path is popular with cyclists and walkers. The lake is also one of Europe’s most significant inland diving spots, offering underwater visibility of up to ten meters and even a submerged park with wrecks and sculptures. Water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and fishing add to the variety of activities, while shaded forest paths provide peaceful escapes. With its mix of recreation, sport, and nature, Külkwitzer See stands as a shining example of Leipzig’s transformation from industrial landscape to a thriving leisure destination.

Leipzig Germany

Location

Külkwitzer See is a popular recreational lake located on the western outskirts of Leipzig, near the district of Lausen-Grünau and the town of Markranstädt. This former lignite open-cast mine was flooded in the 1960s and transformed into a scenic lake known for its excellent water quality and diverse leisure offerings. The lake features multiple bathing beaches including one accessible for disabled visitors, hiking and cycling trails, a sauna, and a high ropes course. There are several restaurants and snack bars around the lake, as well as a ship restaurant and a camping site on a peninsula, offering picturesque waterfront accommodation. Külkwitzer See is especially renowned as one of Germany’s best diving waters thanks to its clear water and underwater attractions. It is well connected by public transport, with tram and S-Bahn stops nearby, and is also easily accessible by car via the Bundesstraße 87. The lake’s natural beauty and broad range of activities make it a favored destination for families, water sports lovers, and nature enthusiasts close to Leipzig.

Külkwitzer See

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