In Quitzdorf am See, the reservoir and the landscape set the pace for a range of discoveries: a cycling loop leads through the protected area, several activities are possible on the water, and various bird and animal species can be observed around the dam. The water surface of the Quitzdorf Dam reservoir covers around 7.35 square kilometres. By surface area, it is Saxony’s largest reservoir—a striking focal point for planning your trip.

Reservoir and landscape

The dam is located in the Quitzdorf Dam and Kollmer Heights Landscape Protection Area; it is also designated as a nature reserve in its own right. The landscape protection area is part of the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape, one of the largest continuous pond regions in Central Europe. In Quitzdorf am See, heathland and woodland, flowing waters, wetlands, ponds and the Kollmer Heights are also among the defining features of the landscape. This variety offers more than one way to experience the area: water, woodland and open countryside appeal to different travel interests.

Another named natural attraction is the landscape park in Horscha. It is designated a natural monument and includes a hornbeam and oak forest. The easternmost part of the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape lies in Kollm. If you like to explore the landscape in more detail, you can consider these places alongside the protected areas without conflating them with the dam.

Cycling, water and wildlife watching

A 20-kilometre cycling loop around the Quitzdorf reservoir passes through the landscape protection area towards Sproitz and continues to Kollm via the Frog Cycle Route. The route is marked with white and green signs bearing the number 11. This gives you a specific circular route with named places along the way to help plan your trip. Along the route described around the reservoir, you can go fishing and explore the lake by canoe; sailing is also popular on the dam.

Wildlife watching is another possible activity around the dam. You may spot otters, beavers, white-tailed eagles, kingfishers and white storks there. Individual sightings are not guaranteed and may vary by season. If you would like to plan your days around different themes, you can pair the cycling loop with water activities and wildlife watching—three different ways to experience the same landscape.

Places and history around the reservoir

The dam also has a local history: the former village of Quitzdorf had to make way for the reservoir’s construction. The area’s current focus on water and leisure is therefore linked to a profound change in the village.

In Sproitz, the KNAX playground is set in an idyllic park covering around 9,000 square metres. The playground includes Fetzenstein Castle and a KNAX village with a Sparkasse bank and Emmerich’s shop. As this description is based on an older source, check the current situation before visiting. For a different kind of outing, head to nearby Monumentberg in Groß Radisch: there is an observation tower at the top, and numerous hiking trails run around the hill.

Plan a stay to suit you

There are campsites and bungalow complexes by the reservoir. If you are considering these options for your stay, check their current availability. When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: will it centre mainly on the cycling loop and water activities, or would you prefer to give more weight to wildlife watching, the landscape and history?

Discover more destinations: Görlitz, Bad Muskau, Königshain, Neusalza-Spremberg, Schönbach, Leutersdorf, Groß Düben, Grossschönau

Go to the main travel overview: Görlitz.