The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Neustädter Lake

The development of water transport technology becomes clear during a visit to the historic Rothensee ship lift. In 1938, the ship lift was put into operation. Leipzig designers opted at the time for a principle that had not yet been practically applied anywhere for a structure of this magnitude: A lift whose trough rested on two movable floats. With the help of the water-filled trough, which together with the two floats and the support structures has a total weight of around 5,400 tons, ships could thus "descend" from the Mittellandkanal and towards the Elbe. Depending on the water level of the Elbe, a gradient between 11 and 18 meters is compensated. With a trough length of 85 meters, a width of 12 meters, and a water depth in the trough of 2.5 meters, the dimensions are, however, too small for today's large motor cargo ships. For this reason, the ship lift was decommissioned in 2006. Since then, the state capital Magdeburg, supported by various stakeholders and with broad public approval, has been committed to its seasonal continued operation. With success: Since the summer of 2013, the ship lift has been seasonally operated again for tourist purposes. The ship lift in Magdeburg-Rothensee is a unique monument due to its technology and history. It is a brilliant design, its construction was an engineering masterpiece. It is the second oldest of only four ship lifts still in operation in Germany and the only two-float ship lift in Germany still in operation. A visit is worthwhile for this reason alone, as the immediate proximity of the state-of-the-art Sparschleuse to the ship lift, as a historical technical monument, makes the developments in water transport technology visible. Data and facts: Usable length: 85 meters Usable width: 12 meters Lift height: 10.45 to 18.46 meters depending on the Elbe water level Water depth in the trough: 2.58 meters Usable size: 82 meters x 9.5 meters x 2 meters Total moving weight: 5,400 tons https://www.magdeburg-tourist.de/Tourismus-Freizeit/System/Schiffshebewerk/

In the heart of the vibrant city of Magdeburg, a peaceful sanctuary awaits you that will make animal lovers' hearts beat faster: the Magdeburg Zoological Garden. Spread over 16 hectares, surrounded by an inviting park landscape, you will find an impressive diversity of species that will delight your explorer's heart with 214 animal species and around 1,400 animals. I particularly like that dogs are welcome here on a leash. Since its opening in July 1950, the Magdeburg Zoo has created numerous enclosures that offer you unforgettable insights into the animals' way of life. The spacious giraffe house and Africambo invite you on a journey to the African savanna, while the pachyderm house with its elephants radiates pure fascination. With the tiger enclosure and the lion exhibit, you can experience the majestic big cats up close. The Magdeburg Zoo also offers digital insights: various births have been observed worldwide via webcams. For your physical well-being, the cozy Villa Kunterbunt and the exotic Lodge Africambo cater to your needs. And for even more variety, an adventure golf course and a large children's playground are available, ensuring fun and entertainment for you and your family. In addition to elephants, macaws, and porcupines, the Magdeburg Zoo is also home to kangaroos, lowland tapirs, and zebras. The anteaters and ring-tailed lemurs will enchant you with their charm, while the lynxes and bat-eared foxes will impress you with their grace. The giraffes reach elegantly into the sky, the chimpanzees show off their clever tricks, and the snow leopards and tigers exude the exotic flair of Asia. The Magdeburg Zoo is more than just an excursion destination – it is a world that invites you to explore the diversity of animal species while spending relaxing hours in nature. Here you can gather knowledge, marvel, and enjoy. Pack your curiosity and prepare to escape everyday life at the Magdeburg Zoo. https://abenteuerfreizeit.de/zoo/zoo-magdeburg/

A very family-friendly zoo on 5.5 hectares. Many species of animals and relatively large enclosures.

I would like to give you all a little tip, visit the "Bitte" trough bridge at night too. Simply wonderful, the lighting. 👍🚴🚴‍♀️

The restaurant has been closed for several years (sometime in 2021) and is slowly falling into disrepair. Its future use is unknown.

A very nice cycling and hiking path along Lake Neustadt. Superbly paved. Perfect for road bikes.

The waterway junction is well worth seeing. It can be reached on foot or by bike; the path is suitable for gravel and road bikes. You can get there quickly via the Herrenkrug or from Rothensee via the boat lift. There is also a motorhome parking space below.

great view from the trough bridge down to the Elbe