The 11 best active day trips near Leipzig

1. Hike the quality trail "Heide-Biber-Tour"

Between the towns of Bad Düben and Bad Schmiedeberg lies the 30-kilometer-long Heide-Biber-Tour, a certified quality hiking trail. This route takes you through the lush Hammerbachtal in Sächsisches Heideland. Spot beaver tracks along the stream, walk through the Dübener Heide, and marvel at Reinharz Water Castle. In the village of Eisenhammer, learn about the age-old craft of charcoal burning. After this informative, invigorating hike, take a bus from Bad Schmiedeberg back to the starting point.

^{Foto: Wandelen Dübener Heide / leipzig.travel}

2. Cycle the Obstland Route

Welcome to Saxony’s largest fruit-growing area! In Sächsisches Heideland, the Obstland cycling route takes you through orchards and plantations. Pedal through this verdant landscape to learn about the entire fruit cultivation process, from planting to bottling fruit juice. In Mügeln, discover the roots of the region’s fruit-growing tradition. Later in Leisnig, explore monastic life and its connection to fruit production. The full 58-kilometer loop can be completed in a day or split into three thematic sections.

^{Foto: Fietsen Obstland-route / Szymon Nitka / leipzig.travel}

Bonus Tip: Relax Afterward

After a long day of cycling or hiking, treat your muscles to some TLC at the Heide Spa in Bad Düben. Relax in one of five saunas, enjoy the warm pools, or indulge in a heath-mud treatment or facial. For extra comfort, stay at the on-site four-star superior hotel with three restaurants serving delicious meals.

3. Stroll through Castle Hartenfels

Immerse yourself in history and culture at Castle Hartenfels in Torgau. This 16th-century Renaissance castle was the most modern residential castle of its time in Saxony, frequented by figures like Martin Luther. Explore its beige-and-white walls with orange roofs, wander the courtyard, and visit exhibitions. Don’t miss the first Protestant church and the medieval tower for a deeper dive into the past.

^{Foto: Kasteel Hartenfels / © Tom Williger / leipzig.travel}

4. Hike from Grimma to Höfgen

This 11-kilometer circular route through Sächsisches Burgenland begins in Grimma. Admire pastel-colored historic buildings in the old town and follow the Mulde River’s green banks to the village of Höfgen. Take a ferry across the river to explore the Nimbschen monastery ruins. Enjoy the scent of orchards and forests, gaze at the river landscape, and appreciate sculptures by renowned artists.

5. Cycle the Parthe-Mulde Route

Prefer exploring Sächsisches Burgenland by bike? The 53-kilometer Parthe-Mulde cycling route follows the Parthe River from Leipzig to Grimma. Don’t be intimidated by the distance—the route is nearly flat. Ride through well-maintained parks, farmlands, and reflective waters. Cycle through Leipzig’s city center and charming villages along the way, enjoying the mix of urban and rural scenery.

^{Foto: Parthe-Mulde-fietsroute / Philipp Kirschner / leipzig.travel}

6. Paddle along the Zwickauer Mulde

Explore the Mulde River by canoe along a 21-kilometer water route. The Zwickauer Mulde, one of the Mulde’s tributaries, originates in Schöneck and converges with the Freiberg Mulde 160 kilometers downstream. This calm, wide river is ideal for a leisurely paddle, offering views of green floodplains, singing birds in the woods, rocky gorges, and ancient castles.

^{Foto: Varen over de Zwickauer Mulde / © Tom Williger / leipzig.travel}

7. Take a journey back in time at Colditz Castle

A visit to Colditz Castle in Sächsisches Burgenland is a must. Once a hunting lodge, prison, asylum, and hospital, this Renaissance castle now offers a unique, less-restored experience. With the "Histopad" tablet guide, digitally explore Colditz’s history from the 16th century to World War II. Walk through its rooms and learn about Frederick the Wise and former prisoners of war.

^{Foto: Kasteel Colditz / © Tom Williger / leipzig.travel}

8. Walk, bike, or skate around Markkleeberg Lake

Once a mining site, the area now known as Leipziger Neuseenland was returned to nature in 2006, creating lakes like Markkleeberg Lake. The 9-kilometer circular trail around the lake is perfect for walking, cycling, or skating on its smooth paths. Along the way, information boards provide insights into the region’s geological history.

9. Cycle the Neuseenland Route

Discover more of Neuseenland’s lakes on the nearly 100-kilometer Neuseenland cycling route. Follow the trail through nine of the 19 newly created lakes, spotting remnants of the area’s mining past and the Leipzig Auwald Forest. Pause at sunny beaches for a refreshing swim or, for a thrill, ride the rollercoaster at the Belantis Amusement Park. Don’t miss the historic town of Borna or the castles of Wiprechtsburg and Widerau.

^{Foto: Neuseenland-fietsroute / © Christian Hüller / leipzig.travel}

10. Canoe on the New Lakes

In a region full of lakes, paddling is a must! At Markkleeberg Canoe Park, tackle artificial rapids. For a more tranquil experience, leave the park through a lock and paddle on to Störmthal Lake. Other areas of the recreational lake offer sailing, surfing, and even underwater exploration or climbing at the lakeside adventure park.

^{Foto: Stürmthal / © Philipp Kirschner / leipzig.travel}

11. Stroll Through the Gardens of Delitzsch Baroque Palace

The pastel-yellow Delitzsch Baroque Palace with its white accents and orange roof is a sight to behold. Built as a medieval water castle, it later served as a residence for Saxon rulers and dowager duchesses. Now a museum, it provides a glimpse into the lives of duchess-widows. Climb the 50-meter-high tower for panoramic views and wander the exquisite baroque gardens.

This article was created in collaboration with Leipzig Tourism. For more travel inspiration for your visit to Leipzig, check out their website!