Leisure tips & places of interest - Victor's Residenz-Hotel Leipzig

Leipzig stages a diverse range of cultural events. Classical opera-goers will definitely not be disappointed here, and neither will fans of modern ballet.

The best-known venue is clearly the Leipzig Opera, which dates back more than 300 years. Theatre-goers can enjoy the numerous outdoor stages, which host a diverse line-up of events, and the renowned children's and young people's theatre is also well worth a visit. Last but not least, the wide range of cabaret and variety theatres also draw an enthusiastic crowd

Cospudener Lake oozes a very special Scandinavian-type charm. Sit by the harbour on the eastern shore, and you’ll almost think you’re in Sweden. Pier 1 boasts a number of lovely shops, restaurants, and cafés. You can also hop aboard a passenger boat and take a tour on the lake. The water sports center offers many fun activities, such as paddle boarding, rowing, surfing, kite-surfing, sailing, or going on a leisurely ride in a pedal boat. One of the highlights of Cospudener Lake is the Bistumshöhe Observation Tower on the southernmost tip of the western shore, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view across all the Leipzig lakes. By the way, locals affectionately call the Cospudener Lake „Cossi“. It is 55 meters deep and the northern beach is the longest beach in all of Saxony.

The International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film, known as the DOK Leipzig for short, is the biggest German and second-biggest European festival of artistic documentaries. It is also the oldest documentary film festival in the world.

At the next DOK Leipzig from 29 October until 4 November 2018, share this unique place for encountering film-makers which, between 1955 and today, has become one of the world's most dynamic festivals for documentary and animated film. Most recently attracting a total of 45,000 visitors, the film festival has become a veritable audience magnet. Don't miss it!

You’ll find the Kulkwitzer Lake on the westernmost edge of Leipzig. Thanks to its outstanding water quality, it is not only perfect for swimming but for diving as well. It’s hard to imagine that, in the not-too-distant past, this beautiful lake with its pristine water used to be a gravel pit filled with heavy mining machinery. The circular trail around the lake is 8 km long. There is a water ski and wakeboard lift.

The famous Saxon metropolis welcomes you with the largest railway terminus in Europe, the oldest coffee house and the biggest monument in Germany.

Leipzig is the city of poets and thinkers. It is where Goethe had Faust carousing in Auerbach's cellar, and Bach composed many of his well-known works in the city. But Leipzig is much more – a modern, fast-growing, green city with charm.  Shop in a network of passage and alleys, explore the romantic courtyards and relax in Germany's oldest coffee house. Leipzig Zoo, St. Nicholas Church and the Monument to the Battle of the Nations are also unmissable sightseeing highlights.

Come and share the opening of the new season at the Gewandhaus under the leadership of Andris Nelsons, who assumed the role of director of the Gewandhaus in Leipzig in the anniversary season 2017/2018, and who has been principal conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) since 2014.

The Leipziger Gewandhaus is not only an amazing 275 years old, but as an independent organiser it also stages some 250 classical concerts every season. The historic concert hall is famous for the Gewandhaus orchestra. "Major concerts", chamber music, choral and organ concerts and music festivals (Mendelssohn Festival, International Mahler Festival) also feature in its comprehensive offer. Embark on an exciting voyage, and combine this highlight with a visit to the music city of Leipzig.

Where lignite excavators once dug deep into the earth there are now numerous picturesque lakes. Explore this fascinating landscape – on land, sea or from the air.

From white water rafting to water skiing to kite surfing: Leipziger Neuseenland – the "New Lakelands" – are perfect for water sports enthusiasts. The numerous passenger ferries provide a more leisurely ride. Kids will also have the time of their lives: exciting canoe trips are also available. However, the vast landscape is also perfect for climbing, quad biking, cycling and hiking.

Just like many of the other lakes in and around Leipzig, the Markkleeberger Lake is artificial, too. Located on the southern outskirts of the city, it has a coastline of around 9 km. Sports lovers should head right over to Auenhainer Bay, which is where you‘ll find the canoe park, one of the most modern white water facilities in the world: wild water rafting, power rafting, surfing, and bodyboarding are just a few of the many action-filled, fun activities you can enjoy. If you’d rather stay dry, just try out one of the other attractions, like the climbing park or the adventure golf course.

The city of Leipzig is home to a diverse collection of museums and artistic heritage, ranging from impressive historical museums to inspiring art galleries.

Whether you fancy a museum on the history of the city, the Bach Museum or the Museum of Musical Instruments – Leipzig has something to inspire young and old alike. The city also has an interesting line-up of exciting galleries, such as the Gallery of Contemporary Art. Some of the museums and galleries grant free admission to visitors once a month.

There are two churches that are inextricably entwined with the city of Leipzig: St. Nicholas and St. Thomas. Dating back more than 850 years, the St. Nicholas church has repeatedly played a key role in the history of the city.

The first official Mass in Leipzig was held in the St. Nicholas church in 1538, which marked the beginning of the Reformation. The church continued to play a significant historic role throughout the course of the following centuries. In 1723, for example, Johann Sebastian Bach became the director musices of the city of Leipzig and staged premieres of many of his works in the St. Nicholas church. To this day, both this church and the St. Thomas church are important symbols of the city.

Visit the Panometer Leipzig and be amazed by the incredibly impressive 360-degree experience.

In the current panorama "NEW YORK 9/11 – War in Times of Peace", artist Yadegar Asisi recalls the attacks of September 11 and their global and far-reaching effects, and opens up a complex contemplation of the subsequent events. The way through the exhibition leads chronologically through the past 20 years, back to September 11, 2001. The panorama is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and can be seen at the Panometer Leipzig until at least the beginning of 2023.

To the Panometer Leipzig: The impressive exhibition building used to house a gasometer. Yadegar Asisi created the artificial word "Panometer" (panorama + gasometer). Since 2013, the artist has been presenting the largest 360° panoramic images in the world with an accompanying exhibition. "NEW YORK 9/11 – War in Times of Peace" is Yadegar Asisi's fourth anti-war project

With its excellent network of cycling routes, Leipzig and its surroundings are a biker’s paradise. Whether you go off on a short trip or a long excursion: feel the wind against your face boosting your mood. Following are a few of our suggestions:



Neuseenland Route

Explore Leipzig’s „new lakes land” by bike. The cycling route is 100 km long.


Leipzig-Elbe-Route

This may well be the most well-known cycling route in all of Germany. It connects Saxony’s vibrant metropolis with the Elbe Cycling Route, leading past picturesque windmills, historic castles, and much more.



Torgische Cycling Route 

This route is 67 km long and it leads through the beautiful varied landscape of the Düben Heath – and includes picture-postcard-perfect windmills as well.

Northern Leipzig boasts a true leisure paradise: the Schladitzer Lake, no doubt one of the most popular lakes of the region. Visitors can enjoy countless bathing spots, like the idyllic Biedermeier Beach and the Schladitzer Bay, for example. With a surface area of 2,4 square kilometers and a coastline of 6,5 kilometers, the lake is an El Dorado for lovers of water sports. The Camp David Sport Resort by All-on-Sea offers countless opportunities to break a sweat while having fun: stand up paddle boarding, surfing or sailing – you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. In addition, you can visit the many sights around the lake, such as the lovely Delitzsch Baroque Castle.

Located in the south of Leipzig, the Störmthaler Lake has a surface area of 7 square kilometers and is bigger than the Markkleeberger Lake. Its most prominent landmark is VINETA, an artificial island and floating objet d’art with a 15 meter high tower. VINETA is one of the most unique event venues in Europe and a popular spot for wedding celebrations. The Störmthaler Lake’s crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming, the Mageborner Peninsula and the Störmthal Shore are among the prettiest bathing spots with the nicest beaches. Enjoy the blissfully relaxing harbour ambiance. Next to the lake, you can explore the impressive machinery in the Mining Technology Park, which provides an authentic look into the past of this region. If you’d like to walk around the lake, you’ll have to give yourself enough time: 25 km make for quite a hike!

There are two churches that are inextricably entwined with the city of Leipzig: St. Nicholas and St. Thomas.

The St. Thomas church is home to the famous St. Thomas Boys Choir, which is Leipzig's oldest cultural institution. Concerts given by the choir are immensely popular. The St. Thomas church also became Johann Sebastian Bach's final resting place and is home to a huge Bach organ, installed in 2000.

Both churches are open to visitors.

Why not visit one of Leipzig's most important sights? This monument, erected in memory of the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig, was inaugurated in 1913. Standing 91 metres tall, it is one of the highest monuments in Europe.

The Monument to the Battle of the Nations was built to the plans of Berlin architect and Freemason Bruno Schmitz.

The monument can be visited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (from November to March 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Public tours are organised once a week.

The area surrounding Leipzig is a true El Dorado for seasoned and aspiring hikers alike. Explore one of the largest riparian woodland ecoregions of Central Europe through an excellent network of trails. Enjoy the gorgeous river landscapes, fragrant pine groves, and extensive mixed forests. Following are a few of our suggestions:



Kriebstein Reservoir circular trail including ferry crossing                Length: 7,5 km, duration: 2 hours, difficulty: moderate

Pressel nature trail 

Length: 5,58 km, duration: 1,5 hours, difficulty: easy

Merkkleeberger Lake circular trail

Length: 9 km, duration: 2,15 hours, difficulty: easy 

Luther Trail (long distance trail, starting point downtown Leipzig)
Length: 564,34 km, duration: 6 days, difficulty: moderate

Why not discover the city from the water – by boat? Yes, that’s right, the city of Leipzig can look back on a long tradition of water tourism! Experience the unique charm of an expansive system of navigable waterways and meandering canals, which is commonly known as “Little Venice” for a very good reason. And don’t miss out on Leipzig‘s Neuseenland (literally „new lakes land”), an area south of the city where old open pit mines were carefully recultivated, flooded, and turned into a huge lake district, ideal for paddling and boat tours. You can also take a ride on the Mulde river near Rochlitz, the perfect place from which to marvel at the impressive landscape of meadows, wetlands and canyons. Just hop aboard one of the many river cruise ships or charter a boat all to yourself. In any case, have a wonderful time exploring!

There’s lots of fun to be had not only on the water but in the water as well! Leipzigs many lakes are fantastic swim spots, so don’t forget to pack your bathing suit: Schladitzer See, Markkleeberger See, Störmthaler See or Hainer See – no matter which one you pick, you will be in for a great day of splish splash fun!

For a whale of a time: Leipzig Zoo is one of the most species-rich zoos in Europe. It has been following nature since 1878. Today, the complex delights with many different themed areas that take visitors to the most diverse parts of the world – from the lion savannah "Makasi Simba" of Africa to the "monkey islands" of South America.

Discover the fauna in all its species and forms. Embark on an exciting journey of discovery into the six themed areas of Africa, Asia, South America, Founder's Garden, Pongoland and the huge tropical hall Gondwanaland. Since 2000, Leipzig Zoo has been undergoing expansion under the project name "Zoo of the future". Marvel at the tigers, elephants, bears, flamingos and much more. Leipzig Zoo has also been involved in the conservation breeding of endangered species for many years. Readings, festive events and the big "jungle night" also take place here regularly.

150 meters of sandy beach on the south shore and Cape Zwenkau are the highlights of Zwenkauer Lake, which measures 10 square kilometers in surface area. An ideal destination for the whole family, the gently sloping beach at Cape Zwenkau is especially great for kids. If you’re looking to set sail and go out to sea, Z1 Harbour offers sail boats, motor boats, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards for rent. If you prefer to relax on the water while taking an hour-long tour, you can do so on the lake’s flagship, the Santa Barbara.