Ever wonder what it feels like to conquer wild waters? The Kanupark Markkleeberg offers you just that. Built in 2006, this is one of Germany’s two artificial whitewater canoe and kayak slalom courses. It is unique because it is powered by pumps.
The other course resides at the Eiskanal in Augsburg. It was used for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Here at Kanupark Markkleeberg, adventure awaits. It sits on the southeast shore of Markkleeberger See. This lake lies south of Markkleeberg. Markkleeberg is a suburb on Leipzig’s south side.
Once, this area was an open-pit coal mine. In 1999, it transformed. The mine was flooded with groundwater. It became a water recreation area. This lake is part of Leipziger Neuseenland. It is Europe’s largest landscape construction project. Barren industrial and mining sites are now used for recreation.
Originally, the Kanupark Markkleeberg was planned for Leipzig’s bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics. Ultimately, London won the bid. But the park was ready in time. It served as a training facility for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Movable plastic bollards allow water diversion. The competition course closely mirrored Beijing’s Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park.
Since its formal opening in April 2007, the Kanupark has hosted many competitions. These range from regional to international levels. In 2010, it even hosted the Junior and Under-23 European Championships.
The Kanupark Markkleeberg has two looping courses. They run in opposite directions from the pump house. Each loop features its own conveyor-belt boat lift. The north loop is a training course. It stretches 130 meters long. It has a 1.8 meters drop. The slope is 1.4% or 13.8 m/km. Streamflow ranges from 4 to 14 m³/s.
The south loop is the competition course. It measures 270 meters. It has a 5.2 meters drop. Its slope is 2.1% or 21.1 m/km. Streamflow ranges from 4 to 18 m³/s. This generates class III-IV whitewater.
The Kanupark Markkleeberg is among Europe’s most modern whitewater facilities. Its technology rivals the Olympic courses in Sydney, London, and Tokyo. The whitewater facility sits directly on Markkleeberger See. Pumps move water into the channels. You can find both a competition course and a training course here.
In 2024, the Kanupark Markkleeberg saw nearly 18,000 guests. Rafting and surfing are very popular. The park also offers playboat trips, canoe polo, and whitewater kayaking. About 450,000 guests visit the area around Markkleeberger See each year. They come to watch the action on the water.
Whether you are a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, the Kanupark Markkleeberg offers an unforgettable experience. Feel the rush of the water and challenge yourself. The Kanupark Markkleeberg welcomes you.