Discover Borna: City History, Nature and Leisure

Several travel themes come together in Borna: churches and city history, a landscape shaped by mining, and cultural and leisure activities.

Churches, City History and Museum

Construction of St. Mary’s Church began in 1411; it was consecrated in 1456. The church is associated with Martin Luther’s sermons and the writing of his famous Ash Wednesday letter. The Emmaus Church also has an eventful history: it was completed in 1258 and is considered one of Saxony’s oldest churches. In 2007, the entire church was moved from Heuersdorf to Borna and erected at Martin-Luther-Platz.

The Kunigundenkirche offers a different architectural accent. This Romanesque, three-aisled brick basilica was built around 1170 and has neither a tower nor bells. Since 1999, its altar has featured a Late Gothic winged altarpiece from Görnitz. Wall paintings depicting saints from the mid-15th century were uncovered beneath the plaster. The architectural forms, furnishings and different historical dates offer several ways to get to know Borna through its churches.

Two historical routes lead through the historic town centre. They are marked by seven large information panels and four historic coats of arms, each highlighting nearby buildings or places of historical significance. The Borna City Museum has exhibition rooms in the Reichstor and in adjoining buildings. The Reichstor was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1723; the complex also includes a mining hall and areas with permanent exhibitions.

Mining History and the Landscape around Lake Bockwitz

Lake Bockwitz and its surroundings are among Saxony’s largest nature reserves. The former open-cast mining area around the lake was restored to nature after the mine closed, allowing unique biotopes to develop. The landscape and its industrial past are intertwined here: today’s natural area is also a result of the changes that followed the end of open-cast mining.

The Bockwitz Nature Trail focuses on grazing as a way to preserve open habitats for protected species. It draws attention not only to the landscape itself, but also to a specific way of managing it. The trail’s content may be updated by the responsible authorities; if this topic is of particular interest to you, check the latest information before your visit.

Leisure, Events and Family Activities

At the Geschichtenhof Wyhra, interactive permanent exhibitions tell the story of rural life around 1900 in a traditional local farmstead. Families can take part in baking in the courtyard oven and playing old-fashioned children’s games; availability may vary by season. Take the S6 to Neukirchen-Wyhra, then bus 255 to the Wyhra (Wyhratal) Teich stop. Before travelling, check the timetable and the bus 255 connection to the Wyhra (Wyhratal) Teich stop, as public transport services may change.

Jahnbad Borna has a 25-metre sports pool, a non-swimmers’ pool and a ship-shaped paddling pool for children. There is also a sauna and wellness area with a saunarium, Finnish sauna, outdoor Kelosauna and relaxation areas. Facilities and access options may change, so check the latest information before your visit.

Volksplatz is an open-air venue for concerts, comedy, summer cinema and family events. It has around 5,000 seats and a permanently installed cinema screen measuring 28 by 18 metres. As the programme may change over time, check the current calendar if you are planning to attend an event.

The Wider Region: Leipzig District

In the wider Leipzig District travel destination, the Leipzig New Lakeland comprises 22 new lakes with a total water surface of 70 square kilometres. In the eastern part of the district, the confluence of the Zwickauer Mulde and Freiberger Mulde rivers, as well as green floodplains and forests, shape the landscape. Across the district, numerous hiking trails, themed routes and nature trails invite visitors to explore floodplains, volcanoes and industrial cultural landscapes. The cycling network includes two long-distance cycle routes, eleven regional main routes and additional themed routes.

Find a Hotel in Borna

When looking for a hotel in Borna, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: are you most interested in churches and city history, the landscape around Lake Bockwitz, or leisure and events? If a particular date or seasonal activity is important to your plans, check the relevant calendars and latest information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Regis-Breitingen, Zwenkau, Threna, Pegau, Trebsen/Mulde, Kohren-Sahlis, Lossatal, Kitzscher

Return to the wider travel overview: Leipzig District.