4.6
(10431)
59,924
hikers
176
hikes
Dog friendly hiking trails around Auensee are primarily characterized by the tranquil Auensee lake and the expansive Leipzig Riverside Forest. The terrain is generally flat, with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for various activity levels. The area features a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, offering shaded paths along the lake and river systems like the Nahle River.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
4.43km
01:08
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(4)
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(4)
15
hikers
9.28km
02:21
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The 12-hectare Auensee, while a popular destination, has been suffering from recurring blue-green algae problems for decades. Auensee is a highly eutrophic lake with no inflow or outflow, fed exclusively by groundwater heavily loaded with nutrients. When temperatures are high in summer and little fresh water is supplied, the oxygen content in the water can drop drastically. Fish – especially sensitive species and large, established populations – then suffer from acute oxygen deficiency. Under unfavorable weather conditions or further stress such as nutrient input, a critical situation arises, regularly leading to significant losses of animal life. For the affected fish, this means great suffering, as the suffocation or oxygen deficiency often extends over hours. In addition to fish, numerous other animals in and around the water are also affected: insects, waterfowl, and small mammals lose an important food source, and the ecological balance is thrown off. Repeated fish kills indicate fundamental deficits in water management and a lack of protective measures. From an animal welfare perspective, this should be counteracted – for example, through sustainable management (e.g., better fresh water supply, reduction of nutrient inputs, technical aeration in midsummer). Only in this way can the body of water be developed back into a species-rich and animal-welfare-friendly habitat. Measures aimed at long-term improvement of water quality and the prevention of fish kills are indispensable for a functioning urban ecosystem and the preservation of biodiversity. The Green Party faction has repeatedly advocated for improving the lake's condition through additional oxygen input. Since spring 2012, three deep water aeration systems (TIBEAN) have been in use, supplying the lake with oxygen. However, the fundamental problem of high sludge volumes in the lake cannot be solved by this alone. This station is part of the Discover Green Corners tour "Animal welfare in Leipzig" - gruene-ecken-entdecken.de
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It always looks beautiful when you walk past it
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In addition, the steam-powered railway
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The Goethe Monument in Leipzig is a bronze statue standing on a high pedestal in the Naschmarkt square in front of the Old Stock Exchange. It depicts Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) as a young man, referring to his almost three years of study in Leipzig. It was created by Carl Seffner (1861–1932).
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St. Nicholas' Church (officially: City and Parish Church of St. Nicholas) is the oldest and largest church in Leipzig's city center and, alongside St. Thomas Church, the city's most famous church. Named after St. Nicholas, the sacred building is the main church of the Evangelical Lutheran St. Nicholas Parish in Leipzig. The redesign and furnishing of St. Nicholas' Church's interior represents a significant work of Neoclassicism. St. Nicholas' Church from the northeast with the St. Nicholas Column (August 2010) The congregation of St. John's Church, whose building burned down as a result of the bombing of Leipzig on December 4, 1943, and was demolished in 1949, has since been part of the St. Nicholas Parish.[1] The Holy Cross Church in Leipzig's Neustadt district is, alongside St. Nicholas' Church, the second church of the St. Nicholas Parish. In the autumn of 1989, St. Nicholas Church was the central starting point of the peaceful revolution in the GDR, with the subsequent fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, and the reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990.
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The Burgauenbach branches off from the Nahle in the Leipzig district of Alt-West in the Leutzsch district above the Nahle weir. Over the next three kilometers, it passes through three culverts, first the Kleine Luppe, then the Leipzig–Leutzsch railway line (the Wahren–Leutzsch railway line that follows shortly afterwards is crossed in a tunnel) and finally Gustav-Esche-Straße. In this area, a branch leads approx. 0.2 m³ of water per second to the Bauerngraben.[3] At the nearby border with the Burgaue district in the Wahren district, the Burgauenbach has almost completed half of its journey. After about 3.5 km of flow, a trough bridge directs the Burgauenbach over the Bauerngraben, which runs almost two meters lower. The Burgauenbach joins it after a total of 5.374 km and, according to the common definition, ends at this long-standing body of water. However, according to the criterion of greater water flow, the Bauerngraben flows into the Burgauenbach, shortly before its confluence with the Neue Luppe.
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The Leipzig floodplain forest (also colloquially known as floodplain forest or floodplain forest[1]) is a floodplain forest area that lies mainly in the area of the city of Leipzig. It used to be a softwood floodplain (alder) and was regularly flooded by the floods of the Pleiße, Weiße Elster and Luppe. Due to human influence (especially regulation of the flowing waters), a hardwood floodplain (ash, oak, maple) has now prevailed. The Leipzig floodplain forest is one of the largest remaining floodplain forests in Central Europe. Despite the various human interventions and the proximity to a large city, parts of the Leipzig floodplain forest have retained a very natural character. Around 1163 hectares of the floodplain forest belong to the Leipzig city forest. Parts of the floodplain forest stretch far through the city and even border the city center via parks such as the Rosental. The floodplain forest can be easily reached on foot or by public transport in many places. The network of footpaths, cycle paths and bridle paths in the floodplain forest is in some places as dense as in a park. There are numerous excursion destinations in the Leipzig floodplain forest area. Forestry use plays a subordinate role.
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The Kleine Luppe is one of the numerous tributaries of the White Elster in its anastomosing river course (often referred to as the inland delta). It flows exclusively in the city of Leipzig and is a water body of the first order in terms of water law.[2] The Kleine Luppe branches off from the White Elster in Leipzig above the Palmengarten weir as a left tributary, is regulated by a weir in Lindenau, passes under Kuhturmstrasse at the Angerbrücke and flows into the Nahle in the Leipzig Auwald near Leutzsch. In Lindenau, in the area of Lützner Strasse, it split into the western course of the same name and the eastern course called Kuhburger Wasser, which has since been filled in. The latter merged in the area of the Amelungswehr in Niederholz with the Nahle, which had branched off from the White Elster shortly before, and which merged with the Kleine Luppe a little later. From here on, it was only called the Luppe, but today bears the name of the Nahle, which was expanded for flood protection. The Kleine Luppe is a section of the Luppe, which was split several times during the construction of the Neue Luppe and still flows separately into the Saale today.
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Auensee offers a wide variety of dog-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 170 routes, with more than 100 of them being easy, making it simple to find a suitable walk for you and your canine companion.
The terrain around Auensee is generally flat and accessible, making it ideal for leisurely walks with your dog. Trails often follow the tranquil lakeside and wind through the lush Leipzig Riverside Forest, providing ample shade. Many paths are well-maintained and partially paved, ensuring a comfortable experience for both you and your pet.
Yes, Auensee is known for its pleasant circular routes. A great option is the Nahle River – Auensee and Haus Auensee loop from Bf Auensee, which offers a scenic 4.4 km path around the lake and past the historic Haus Auensee, perfect for a relaxed outing with your dog.
Hiking around Auensee means immersing yourself in the beautiful Leipzig Riverside Forest. You'll experience diverse flora, especially vibrant wildflowers in spring and summer, and enjoy the shade of deciduous and coniferous trees. Keep an eye out for local fauna like squirrels, rabbits, and various bird species such as ducks and swans, particularly around Lake Auensee.
While Auensee is very dog-friendly, it's generally recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in more populated areas and near wildlife habitats within the Leipzig Riverside Forest. Always be mindful of other visitors and ensure your dog is under control.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the serene natural beauty, the accessibility of the trails, and the peaceful atmosphere that makes it a perfect escape for dog owners and their pets.
Absolutely. For those seeking a longer adventure, consider the Elster Flood Channel – Weiße Elster Riverside Path loop from Hp Gustav-Esche-Straße. This moderate 17.4 km route allows for a more extensive exploration of the wider Leipzig Riverside Forest with your dog.
Yes, Auensee is an excellent destination for families with dogs. The easy, flat trails, like the Nahle River – Affeninsel (Monkey Island) loop from Hp Gustav-Esche-Straße, are perfect for all ages. Additionally, the area features attractions like the Auensee Park Miniature Railway Station and adventure playgrounds, making it a fun outing for everyone.
Auensee is well-equipped with parking facilities, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. There are designated parking areas close to the lake and trailheads, providing easy access to the dog-friendly hiking routes.
Yes, Auensee is easily accessible by public transport from Leipzig city center. There are train stations and bus stops nearby, such as Bf Auensee or Hp Gustav-Esche-Straße, which serve as excellent starting points for many dog-friendly hikes, allowing you to leave the car at home.
Beyond the natural beauty of Lake Auensee itself, you can explore the historic Haus Auensee, a concert venue with Art Nouveau elements. Families might enjoy seeing the Auensee Park Miniature Railway Station, where the Leipzig Park Railway operates, adding a unique charm to your walk.
While the guide focuses on trails, Auensee is an urban oasis close to Leipzig's city center. You'll find various cafes and restaurants in the surrounding neighborhoods that welcome dogs, perfect for a post-hike refreshment. It's always a good idea to check with establishments beforehand.


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