Places of Interest – Leipzig

The Zoo of the Future

From 2000 to 2014 the Zoo of the Future is being built! Zoo Leipzig is getting a new face in order to guarantee that the animals are kept in species-appropriate habitats according to the most modern zoological findings. We can guarantee that they will have an unforgettable day. In the future visitors will feel like they are in a game reserve: with all of their senses you can enjoy the safari and get to know the animals and their natural behaviour. The zoo wants to sensitise the people to the need for the worldwide protection of species. The zoo will be separated into six theme and animal worlds which will be constructed step by step.

Leipzig Zoo and Gondwanaland

More than 17,000 different tropical plants, around 300 exotic animals and the kind of once characterised the lost continent of Gondwana - all of this in a unique hall covering an area of 16,500 m² and in the shape of an enormous equilateral triangle. This virgin rain forest which is the Gondwanaland Tropical Experience World at Zoo Leipzig, an environment of a very special kind featuring the highest standards of species protection and sustainability while providing visitors with entirely new insights into the ecosystems of many threatened animals and plants.

Leipzig New Lakeland

With Leipzig New Lakeland one of the most beautiful lake districts in Germany will develop out of the former central-German lignite mining area. One of Europe's largest "landscape construction sites" is going to develop into a watersports idyll. Canoe trips from the city centre of Leipzig through the river valley forest to the Lake Cospuden are no more an illusion but offer already now a unique perspective. Divers are fascinated by the immense depth of the lakes and the ground structure. Excellent wind conditions are best for sailing and surfing. A unique large-scale sporting project is the canoe slalom white-water course at Lake Markkleeberg.

Here you find leisure entertainment for the whole family. An extensive network of footpaths, cycle and bridleways as well as parks, lakes and river meadows invite you to have varied trips. The BELANTIS amusement park, the Schkeuditz Astronomy Centre, a trip on the historical vintage train Mine railway or a boat trip are welcome for a change.

Although historical places in Leipzig New Lakeland have been devastated there is still a remarkable density of historico-cultural witnesses in the region. Gigantic large-scale mining equipment can be admired in the Mining Machinery Park at Lake Störmthal. Leipzig New Lakeland is also high in historical buildings like castles, mills or churches. Closely related to the name of Wiprecht of Groitzsch (1050 - 1124) is the establishment of many settlements in the region. The wellknown military action in this region is the Battle of the Nations of Leipzig in 1813 which was the beginning of Napoleon´s defeat– every year in October a touristic asset.

Discover the unique changes of the scenery and the contrast between cultural scenery, active mining and landscape design.