Imagine being transported back to the early 20th century. Here at Haus Auensee, a vibrant hub of entertainment and leisure unfolded. This is more than just a concert hall. It is a landmark with a rich history.
Once upon a time, the land where Haus Auensee now stands was a simple pit. It was a gravel pit actually. This pit provided materials for the construction of Leipzig’s Hauptbahnhof in the early 1900s. As gravel was extracted, the pit filled with water, creating the Auensee lake.
In 1912, the “Bank für Grundbesitz Leipzig” saw potential. They planned an amusement park. By 1914, the main restaurant, now Haus Auensee, was completed. The surrounding area transformed into a lively Luna-Park. It quickly became Germany’s largest amusement establishment. It spanned half a million square meters.
The Luna-Park offered many attractions. There was a beach, a miniature railway called Luna-Express, and various restaurants. Thrill-seekers enjoyed a “Gebirgsszenerie-Bahn.” It was a popular form of roller coaster. There was even a hippodrome for horse and chariot races.
The good times, however, did not last. The global economic crisis of the 1930s hit the Luna-Park hard. In 1932, the Luna-Park GmbH declared bankruptcy. Most of the amusement facilities were torn down by 1934. Only the restaurant building remained. In 1936, it was renamed Haus Auensee.
After 1949, Haus Auensee was reborn. It reopened as a HO-Gaststätte. It was a restaurant operated by a state-owned trade organization.
Between 1981 and 1985, Haus Auensee underwent a major renovation. It took four years. It finally reopened on October 5, 1985.
The 1990s saw Haus Auensee change again. It operated as Easy Auensee. Then, in 1998, it briefly became Luna-Park again. This time it was a discotheque. Financial troubles soon led to its closure. It was only used sporadically for concerts. The adjacent beer garden reopened in 2009.
In 2010, a new chapter began. Under the management of MAWI Concert, Haus Auensee once again hosted concerts and events. Matthias Winkler, the managing director, eventually became the owner. He renovated the concert hall. Now, the hall can be divided. This allows the size to be adjusted. It can be adapted to different audience sizes.
Today, Haus Auensee is a renowned concert venue. It attracts rock and pop acts from around the world. It is also a hidden gem. Here, you can relax with boat rentals, a playground, and the Leipziger Parkeisenbahn. The park railway is the successor to the Pioniereisenbahn. It opened in 1951.
Across the street, at Gustav-Esche-Straße, lies Campingplatz Auensee. It has been there since 1969. The legacy of Haus Auensee extends beyond music. In 2020, Heinz Rudolf Kunze filmed his music video “Die Dunkelheit hat nicht das letzte Wort” here. This place has seen it all. From gravel pit to Luna-Park to concert hall, Haus Auensee continues to evolve. It remains a vital part of Leipzig’s cultural landscape.