Tourism boom in the Leipzig Neuseenland: frustration despite success!

Tourism boom in the Leipzig Neuseenland: frustration despite success!

The Leipzig region and especially the area around Markkleeberg are enjoying a remarkable tourism boom. With a variety of leisure options, including terraces, diving and amusement parks, the Leipzig Neuseenland has developed into a major tourist destination since the opening of Lake Cospuden in 2000. After the lake was opened as part of an Expo project, it has since welcomed an estimated 600,000 visitors per year, which impressively underlines the attractiveness of this region. lvz.de reports that this development will result in an economic boom for the entire region, with tourism sales reaching almost 206 million euros in 2023.

Christian Conrad, Managing Director of Leipzig Seen GmbH, emphasizes that the four lakes in the area generate almost 2 million euros in sales per lake. However, these positive effects are not limited to the direct tourism industry; Local restaurateurs and leisure activities also benefit from additional income of 3 to 5 million euros annually. The number of accommodation establishments in the region has increased from 69 in 2003 to 81 in 2023, underscoring the growing popularity of this destination.

Challenges for future success

Despite these positive developments, two major projects, the Harth Canal and the Störmthaler Canal, face significant challenges. The Harth Canal was stopped due to cost explosions, while the Störmthaler Canal is currently closed. Henry Graichen from the CDU describes the water connections as a central challenge for the future of tourism in the region. In order to further promote tourism growth, targeted investments are necessary.

A promising initiative is the planned construction of a modern youth hostel on Lake Markkleeberger, which is scheduled to be completed by 2026. This measure could help to further increase the attractiveness of the Leipzig Neuseenland and profile it as an attractive tourism and business location.

Special features of Lake Cospuden

The Cospudener See itself, which extends on the southern edge of the Leipzig floodplain forest on the borders of Leipzig and Markkleeberg, was created in the hollow form of the former Cospuden opencast mine. The excellent transport connections and the diverse sports and leisure-related opportunities make the lake a real crowd puller. Visitors will find numerous options for recreation and activity on both the north and east banks as well as on the west bank, where gentle forms of leisure are the focus.

Surrounding the lake are natural refuges with a surprising variety of flora and fauna. The newly created “Neue Harth” hiking area offers marked paths and information boards that introduce visitors to the unique landscapes. With an 11 km long, asphalted riverside circular path, the lake also appeals to skaters and since the introduction of the “Key Course 1” in 2011 there has been a direct connection via the Floßgraben and the Pleiße to the Leipzig city harbor. Future prospects for development are given from 2022/2023 through the desired connection to the neighboring Zwenkauer See via the Harth Canal.