Best attractions and places to see around Harthsee include this opencast mine residue lake in the Leipzig Neuseenland, which was flooded between 1987 and 1995. Situated east of Borna and north of Frohburg, the area offers natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The lake is an EU-certified bathing water, providing opportunities for various water activities. It is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous routes for hiking and cycling.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Like the neighboring Bockwitzer See, Lake Harth is a residual open-cast mining lake created by the Borna-Ost lignite open-cast mine. It is located in Leipzig's New Lake District, east of Borna and north of Frohburg, and was flooded from 1987 to 1995. It is an approved EU bathing water site.
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Leave the circular route for a moment and enjoy the small swimming area with sand below to cool off and chill out. Great view over the lake. Don't forget a towel.
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Via Porphyria – Pilgrims in the land of the Red Porphyry https://www.cnoops.de/via-porphyria-pilgern-im-land-des-roten-porphyr/
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Chilled run around the lake and then jumping into the water to cool off.
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The Harthsee, like the neighboring Bockwitzer See, is a residual lake from an open-cast mine, originating from the Borna-Ost open-cast lignite mine. It is located in the Leipziger Neuseenland east of Borna and north of Frohburg, and was flooded between 1987 and 1995. At the Harthsee there is a beach with snack bars, several "private" bathing cubicles & another smaller beach at the second parking lot. The anglers' association takes care of the area & charges a €2 parking fee on some summer days.
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Two small lost places without any notable highlights. Everything in the hut is empty and pretty dilapidated. In the E factory you can at least still see electrical systems that probably served the nearby Neukirchen.
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Very nice lake with clear water. Hike around the lake easy and mostly flat.
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Harthsee is an EU-certified bathing water, making it ideal for swimming and cooling off. You can enjoy various water activities, relax on the main beach, or find more private bathing niches. There's also a dedicated Swimming Area at Harthsee with sand, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Yes, the area around Harthsee offers numerous routes for hiking. You can find a variety of trails, including easy loops and more moderate options. For example, the Via Porphyria Trail at Lake (Section 7B) is an intermediate trail suitable for pilgrims. You can explore more options on the dedicated guide for Hiking around Harthsee.
Harthsee is well-suited for cyclists, with routes for road cycling, gravel biking, and mountain biking. Many trails loop around the lake, offering scenic rides. For detailed routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Harthsee guide.
The main natural feature is the Harthsee itself, an opencast mine residue lake with clear water and beautiful views. The Swimming Area at Harthsee also offers a great view over the lake while you relax.
Parking is available at the beaches in Nenkersdorf and Neukirchen. Please note that on some summer days, the fishing club may charge a €2 parking fee at the main beach area.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails around Harthsee, many of which are mostly flat. These are perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. You can find a selection of these routes in the guide for Easy hikes around Harthsee.
Absolutely! Harthsee is considered family-friendly. The main Harthsee and the Swimming Area at Harthsee are great for kids to swim and play. The easy, flat trails around the lake are also suitable for family walks.
Many visitors enjoy circular walks around the lake. Popular options include loops starting from Neukirchen and Nenkersdorf, offering easy and mostly flat terrain. Routes like the 'Harth Lake – Harthsee Shore Near Nenkersdorf loop' are great examples of accessible circular walks.
For those interested in exploring unique spots, there's the Abandoned Hut and Neukirchen Power Station. These are described as 'lost places,' with the hut being empty and dilapidated, and the power station still containing some old electrical systems.
Visitors particularly enjoy the clear water of the lake for swimming and cooling off, especially after a walk or bike ride. The easy and mostly flat trails around the lake are also highly appreciated for relaxed outdoor activities.
While the region research highlights easy accessibility by bike from Borna and Frohburg, specific public transport options directly to Harthsee are not detailed. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for connections to nearby towns like Borna or Frohburg, and then consider cycling or a short taxi ride to the lake.


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