These Are the Most Beautiful Lakes for an Outing in Saxony

Saxony, the land of castles and gardens, is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes in Germany. These lakes are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also offer a variety of activities for every taste. Here are the ten most beautiful lakes in Saxony that you should definitely visit on your next trip.

The dimensions of the only brown coal open-pit mining in Central Germany are increasingly taking on recreational characteristics. This refers to the Leipzig New Lake District - a region south of Leipzig that is still growing.

More than 20 former mining holes have been flooded over time, resulting in a lake area of about 27 square miles. The waters, including Lake Cospuden, Lake Markkleeberg, and Lake Zwenkau, have become popular local recreational areas for both locals and visitors. Leisure activities such as water sports, cycling, hiking, and swimming are possible. In addition, new residential and recreational areas have emerged.

The following lakes from the renaturation project are considered very popular:

Lake Cospuden is located on the southern outskirts of Leipzig, surrounded by the riparian forest, and is considered one of the most popular lakes in Saxony. It is affectionately called 'Cossi'.

The former residual hole of a brown coal open pit was flooded starting in 1993 until the lake reached its final water level of 360 feet above sea level in spring 2000. Now, it delights sunbathers, water sports fans, and families with its fine sandy beach and crystal-clear water. Its 990-acre water area offers plenty of space for activities and relaxation.

Also just a few kilometers from the gates of Leipzig, Lake Kulkwitz is considered a small jewel. The reason: Its underwater world is thought to be impressive and a special experience for divers. Catfish, pike, and many others thrive there.

Alongside 'Cossi', Lake Markkleeberg is another well-known and popular lake in the Leipzig metropolitan area - mainly due to its extensive water sports offerings. Several clubs and rental stations provide the necessary equipment for sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, or kayaking.

Another highlight for water sports fans might be the canoe park, an artificial whitewater facility where you can try whitewater rafting, canoe slalom, or kayaking on a specially designed course, often with professional guidance through courses and training offers.

If you prefer something more relaxed, you can take a seat on one of the excursion boats, have yourself ferried across the lake and scout out the surroundings. Around the lake, there are well-developed cycling and hiking trails that lead through the beautiful landscape. You can cycle along the shore or explore the surrounding forests and fields.

Or you can stay by the lake and refresh yourself in the water, as there are several beach areas, mostly also with playgrounds and sunbathing lawns. An adventure golf park and various gastronomy and event offerings complete the versatility of Lake Markkleeberg.

The Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape is a region in Upper Lusatia in the northeast of Saxony that extends over parts of the federal states of Saxony, Brandenburg, and Poland. It covers an area of about 74,000 acres and consists of a varied landscape with heath areas, forests, moors, and over a thousand ponds.

These were mostly created in the Middle Ages for fish farming. Today it is an important habitat for numerous animal and plant species and is one of the most species-rich regions in Germany. The ponds are particularly known for their diverse birdlife, including rare species such as the white-tailed eagle or the black stork.

Rare plant species such as heather or orchids also thrive there. You can imagine that this pond landscape is a popular yet fairly quiet destination for nature lovers, especially because of the numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling tours, bird watching, visitor centers, and information points.

To ensure that this natural and species-rich habitat remains, most of the area was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1996.

Northeast of Kamenz near Deutschbaselitz in Upper Lusatia is the Deutschbaselitz Large Pond, created between 1532 and 1542. The Jauer River was dammed here. Particularly noteworthy are the 400 to 500-year-old oaks that you can find there.

Besides its function as a nature reserve and fish farming water, it is a popular local recreation area. Among other things, there is an adventure camp for children and teenagers, where they can learn much about nature and the region on a nature trail or let off steam at the sports center. If you also enjoy camping, you will find a campsite and a forest pool.

The largest lake in Saxony, Lake Bärwalde, is a paradise for sailing and surfing fans - 5 square miles of leisure fun. With its extensive cycling and hiking trails, it is also an ideal place for nature enthusiasts. The lake is part of the landscape park of the same name, a former mining landscape being re-cultivated. The lake itself is, as is often the case in Saxony, a former mining pit. The silhouette of the Boxberg power plant on the horizon still bears witness to the water's industrial past.

In the 2023 season, three more accommodation options opened up: The Skan Park offers tiny houses and vacation homes. In the floating vacation homes, a cross between a yacht and a beach house, you can feel the soothing movements of the water. Luxurious camping with the trend of glamping is available at the Star Camp with its safari tents.

Elbe Sandstone Mountains, in the middle of the forest north of the spa town Rathen: Viewed from above, Lake Amsel resembles a boomerang. This small reservoir was built in 1934. The goal: To attract more tourists to the region. It also serves flood protection, as a fire-fighting pond, and for fish farming.

A nearly 1,800-foot-long body of water was created, surrounded by some climbing rocks, including the distinctive 'Locomotive'. The rock owes its name to its appearance. You can best see it from the small, 115-foot-long dam wall. Or you can row across the water in a boat and simply enjoy the lake and its surroundings. It is important to note that swimming is not allowed in Lake Amsel.

Only about a 20-minute walk away, you reach the Amselfall. The Grünbach water flows over a rock step there, creating a waterfall before it flows into Lake Amsel. On the way to the waterfall, you pass through the Schwedenlöcher, a gorge-like rock formation with a narrow path and many steps leading up.

Cooling off on hot days is promised by the dams in Saxony's Vogtland. The Pöhl Dam, also known as the 'Vogtland Sea', is located not far from the center of Plauen.

Its extensive water sports and recreational offerings, adventurous playgrounds for children, and a zoo are ideal for families and guaranteed to ward off boredom. The dam is a vacation area for camping, caravanning, and RV trips, but you can also book guest houses and cozy vacation apartments there.

Thanks to its length of four miles and width of 1.2 miles, the reservoir is considered the third largest in Saxony and lies in a low mountain range landscape with plenty of forest and meadows - ideal for exploration on foot or by bike.

Located in the Eastern Ore Mountains, the Malter Dam offers a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and bike tours. Railway enthusiasts will not want to miss the Weißeritz Valley Railway, which passes over the reservoir on a bridge to Kipsdorf. A visit to the nearby Dippoldiswalde Castle is also recommended.

The dam itself lies nestled in the picturesque landscape of Saxony, surrounded by wooded hills and fields and small villages. The water is reportedly crystal clear at times.

Whether you're a nature fan who enjoys hiking - perhaps along the shore paths - or a water sports enthusiast looking to explore the calm water - the Malter Dam has something for everyone.

Located six miles south of Görlitz, the lake scores with the wellness hotel 'Island of Senses'. It is situated directly on the shore of the 2,372-acre lake and offers numerous activities such as yoga, qigong, autogenic training, nature hikes, and various types of meditation.

The lake is a relic of former Saxon brown coal open-pit mining. A panoramic view across the lake is worth a guided tour of the bucket-wheel excavator 1452, which once extracted coal here.

There is also an adventure mini-golf course and a climbing park in the leisure park at the Blue Lagoon. Water sports such as sailing, surfing, stand-up paddling, and rowing are popular at Lake Berzdorfer. You can also rent equipment there.

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all top travel destinations with bettercities.net, best travel deals on our deal page.