COSPUDENER SEE

In just a few years, Lake Cospuden (4.36 km2) has become the small sea of Leipzig. It was the first of these holes left by open-pit lignite mines to have been flooded to create a clear lake of water. Located in the municipalities of Markkleeberg and Zwenkau, it extends literally to the gates of the city of Leipzig, directly south of Auenwald and provides a romantic outlet for the city's green artery. Networked with the Elster and Pleisse canals, but also soon with its little southern big brother, the Zwenkauer See, it is at the centre of a wonderful recreational area where water sports enthusiasts can have a great time. Leipzig residents love to come and relax on its beaches as soon as the sun comes out, and even out of season, enjoy the almost Scandinavian charm of its small port. The "Cossi" as the people of Leipzig call it began its history in 1981 when a new open-pit mine was opened on this site. It was stopped in the early 1990s and flooded by the diversion of the waters of the Pleisse and Elster rivers, reaching its maximum level in the year 2000.

Its main spots:

The marina, Pier 1, is built in an architectural style borrowed from Denmark and Sweden. This marina is full of charm with its pontoons and restaurants overlooking the waves. In the Wassersportzentrum, clubs and shops are located there to facilitate the practice of water sports: sailing, rowing, canoeing, boating, diving...

The Nordstrand. This is the closest beach to Leipzig. Very large, with its beach bar and fine sand, it is the most popular and becomes the scene of huge parties on summer evenings.

The eastern beaches. From the port to the Nordstrand, the shoreline is a huge beach, more or less wide depending on its location. The bicycle path and the path that borders it allow you to easily go up and choose the desired location to set up.

The west coast is wilder and more wooded. It is ideal for walking and immersing yourself in a more "natural" atmosphere than on the other side.

The Bistumshöhe, a slight elevation where an original observation tower was built. You can climb up and admire the lake landscape from miles around. At its feet often graze bison, belonging to a livestock farm based in a neighbouring farm.