Leipzig has opened Stadthafen Leipzig, a new city harbour that creates a direct link between the city centre and the Leipzig New Lakeland waterway network. The project, which took 25 years to develop, officially welcomed visitors in June and is located less than one kilometre from the city’s New Town Hall.
The harbour introduces a new gateway for exploring Leipzig’s extensive network of rivers, canals and lakes. Designed as both a transport hub and leisure destination, Stadthafen Leipzig combines boat facilities, dining venues, event spaces and access to nearly 300 kilometres of waterways that run through and around the German city.
The harbour’s most distinctive feature is its 4,025-square-metre basin, which occupies a significant portion of the 13,800-square-metre site. Its curved shape was inspired by a grand piano, paying tribute to the historic Blüthner piano factory that once stood on the site and helped establish Leipzig’s international cultural reputation.
GP Papenburg Hochbau GmbH constructed the harbour based on a design created by the Leipzig-based S&P Group. The project uses a timber-hybrid construction approach that references traditional maritime architecture while reducing environmental impact.
The basin provides moorings for three passenger ships and 40 sports and family boats. Additional facilities accommodate paddle boats such as kayaks and canoes, while six more passenger vessel berths are located along the outer pier. Harbour operators have already welcomed the first boats, with access limited to electric-powered vessels that meet specific size and height requirements.
The opening strengthens Leipzig’s position as one of Germany’s emerging urban water tourism destinations. Visitors can travel from the city centre through waterways lined with former industrial buildings before entering the protected Leipzig alluvial forest, known locally as the Auenwald.
New Hub for Water Tourism
From Stadthafen Leipzig, travellers can join public motorboat tours or explore independently by canoe and kayak. Routes connect the city centre with Lake Cospuden, one of the region’s best-known recreational lakes.
Lake Cospuden represents one of Germany’s most successful post-industrial regeneration projects. Once an open-cast mining site, it has been transformed into a popular destination for swimming, sailing, cycling and watersports.
To help visitors navigate the waterways, the official Explore Leipzig App offers two dedicated waterway tours. Available in both German and English, the app combines GPS navigation with interactive maps to guide users through the city’s river and lake network.
The English-language Welcome to Leipzig podcast has also expanded its coverage of water-based experiences. Hosts Axel and Klara discuss canoe excursions to Lake Cospuden and share recommendations for scenic locations along the route.
Restaurants, Events and Waterfront Experiences
The harbour has been designed as more than a transport facility. At its centre is DOCK 20, which combines a self-service area with a 43-seat à la carte restaurant operating daily from 9am to 10pm.
Above the restaurant, the Eventloft venue features a balcony overlooking the harbour and can host up to 110 guests. Nearby, visitors can also stop at the Blüthner Wine Café, located in the former villa of the piano manufacturer. The historic building dates back to 1858.
The harbour’s first major public event will be the Grand Harbour Festival on 18 and 19 July. The street food themed weekend will be followed by an Autumn and Wine Festival on 25 and 26 September.
Later in the year, two Advent weekends on 12 to 13 December and 19 to 20 December will transform the waterfront into a Christmas market destination, extending the harbour’s appeal beyond the summer tourism season.
The completion of Stadthafen Leipzig marks a significant milestone for the city and for the wider Leipzig New Lakeland region. By connecting urban attractions with rivers, forests and lakes, the harbour creates a new tourism focal point that blends heritage, recreation and sustainable mobility in the heart of Leipzig.
Top Photo credit: © Philipp Kirschner
