The buzzing metropolis of Leipzig, Germany, strikes the perfect balance between old and new. With centuries of history and culture as well as sustainable recreation in the fresh air, it is no surprise that it is one of Germany’s fastest growing cities! Get inspired for your trip to Leipzig with the following ideas.
This story was created in partnership with Leipzig Tourism and Marketing GmbH.
Bike Along Hundreds of Miles of Dedicated Pathways
There is a reason Leipzig hosted Velo-city, one of the largest cycling events in Europe, in 2023. With hundreds of miles of cycling paths that wind through historic towns and forests and past lakes and castles, it is the perfect setting for a cycling vacation. Although Leipzig has an entire webpage dedicated to different routes, there are a few standout options to note.
New Lakeland Route
The circular New Lakeland Route is approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) long and meanders past nine of the region’s 20-plus picturesque (and namesake) lakes. Along the way there are opportunities to sightsee historic churches and castles, and plenty of swimming beaches and watering holes you won’t want to pedal past!
Obstland (Fruit Country) Route
Alternatively, the shorter 36-mile (58-kilometer) Obstland Route offers a variety of loops through Saxony’s largest fruit growing zone. Start in the town of Leisnig, where the 10th-century Mildenstein Castle perches precariously on a cliff—the ideal photo op. Then, cycle onward to a number of attractions: an educational narrow-gauge railway exhibit, a monastery and knight’s estate, and delicious fruit stands showcasing local produce and products.
Celebrate Art and Culture: New and Old
Leipzig is known as the city of music, and with hundreds of annual performances and famous figures in its past, it’s easy to see why.
Leipzig Music Trail
For those who love music history, the Leipzig Music Trail is reason enough to book a ticket to this region of Germany. Bach, Mendelssohn, Clara and Robert Schumann, and Wagner all lived or worked in Leipzig over the centuries—and today visitors can tour their homes and workplaces on a 3.5 mile (5.6 kilometer) walking trail across the city center.
Gewandhaus Concert Hall and Oper Leipzig
Modern music fans will not want to miss Gewandhaus: a stunning concert hall and venue that hosts more than 800 performances–including many festivals–each year. In addition, the Oper Leipzig is one of the oldest opera houses in all of Europe. Visitors from around the world celebrate this beautiful venue for both its opera productions as well as ballet.
Summertime Bach Festival
One of the many annual festivals that takes place in the city of music, Bachfest is an immersive way to experience Leipzig’s melodic soul. The upcoming 2025 event will feature over 150 performances throughout the city over 11 days, all to the theme of “transformation” highlighted throughout Bach’s career.
Paddle and Play Along Extensive Waterways and Lakes
Kayakers, swimmers, and sand-castle builders rejoice—the New Lakeland area of Leipzig is home to more than 20 lakes to delight all watersport and lakeshore enthusiasts. But New Lakeland wasn’t always so blue. Leipzig had the foresight to transform what was previously a number of opencast mines into this series of restored floodplains. Today, it is a landscape that invites active visitors to enjoy both the water and the many cycling and walking paths that surround it.
Whether you choose to paddle, waterski, go banana boating on Lake Hain or try out diving or sailing on Lake Kulkwitz, the options for adventure are truly unlimited. You can even paddle through rapids at Markkleeberg Canoe Park, a cutting-edge facility with man-made white water. Of course, a leisurely canal tour that connects the lakes gives a unique view on the city and is never a poor choice, either!
Travel Back in Time in Dozens of Museums and Castles
No trip to Germany is complete without a heady dose of history! From the Memorial Museum in the Round Corner that honors the beginnings of the Peaceful Revolution to the colossus Monument to the Battle of the Nations, you could spend your entire time in Leipzig exploring its numerous historic points of interest.
As for the castles? Start with a tablet-guided tour through Colditz Castle, a storied behemoth on the banks of the Zwickau Mulde River that is one of the oldest castles in all of Saxony. Or, journey to Gnandstein Castle—a beautifully-preserved, Romanesque-style castle with a still undiscovered treasure hidden somewhere on the grounds. There are many other castles, ancient sites, and manors to discover during your time in Leipzig.
Hike through the Lush Pine Forests of Leipzig
You know that when a region organizes its multitude of hiking trails by distance, you’ve found an ideal destination for those who like to trek. Leipzig boasts a wide variety of trails, from long distance routes like the 350-mile (564 kilometer) Luther Trail to easy 4.3-mile (7 kilometer) nature trails such as the pathway at Grabschützer See. Each distinct route transports visitors through a number of diverse landscapes, from lush pine forests and riverbanks to cityscapes and castles. Whether you are traveling to Leipzig to hike one of these specific segments or simply happen to fit a day hike into your journey, you are sure to be impressed by their extensive and nature-filled network of trails.
