City harbor leipzig

What City harbor leipzig does

Stadthafen Leipzig GmbH is a privately held, multi-location water tourism, leisure, and event operator headquartered in Leipzig, Germany, founded in 2014 by Jan Benzien and Dirk Thärichen. The company runs five sites across Leipzig and the Leipziger Neuseenland (Stadthafen, Bootsverleih Scheibenholz, Cospudener Combüse, Cospudener SUP-Station, Hainer Seeterrasse) and offers a portfolio of water activities — electric motorboat tours, canoe and kayak rentals, dragon boat tours, SUP, and bicycle rentals — alongside event venues (DOCK 20 restaurant and Eventloft, Stadtstrand city beach), gift vouchers, merchandise, and boat mooring services for electric vessels. Its core technology is an online booking and reservation platform underpinning a fleet of electric motorboats (Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, Johann Sebastian Bach) and a dلتیgital audio guide for water tours delivered via Weguide in German, English, Dutch, and French.

The company makes money through a mix of transaction-based consumer pricing (public motorboat tours from 16 EUR/person, exclusive hire from 300 EUR/boat, equipment rentals), quote-based corporate event packages combining venue rental and catering, a multi-year concession-style contract to operate the city-owned Stadthafen facility won via a 2021 Europe-wide tender, and partnership-driven seasonal extensions (Eiszirkus Leipzig / anona ICEDOME for winter, Konsum Leipzig for regional catering). Customer segments are diversified across individual consumers and families, corporate and B2B clients, school groups, and private celebrations, with no single dominant customer. The company is currently mid-investment in the Stadthafen 2026 redevelopment, which is adding a 4,025 m³ harbour basin, 40 electric-only moorings, 9 passenger ship berths, and the DOCK 20 venue, materially expanding capacity for the 2026 season and beyond.

Name

City harbor leipzig

Legal name

Stadthafen Leipzig GmbH

Website

https://stadthafen-leipzig.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Stadthafen Leipzig GmbH is a privately held, multi-location water tourism, leisure, and event operator in Leipzig, Germany, offering electric motorboat tours, canoe/kayak/SUP rentals, bicycle rentals, event venues, and gift vouchers across five sites, and currently expanding via the Stadthafen 2026 redevelopment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water Tourism and Leisure Services

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (48721), Inland Water Passenger Transportation (483212), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land (48711)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Water & Marine Guiding Services (Kayak, Canoe, Raft, SUP, Sailing) (THAAALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Kayaking, Canoeing & SUP Tours (Guided/Paddling Excursions) (THAJAJAF), River Shore Excursions & Onshore Programs (THAEACAG)

Keywords

• Water sports rentals
• Guided boat tours
• Event venue hosting
• Leisure tourism services
• Corporate team events

Headquarters

HQ city

Leipzig

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Water sports equipment rental: Rental of kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, and bicycles. Customers rent equipment for self-guided or guided tours. Revenue is generated per rental transaction with varying durations (hourly or fixed tour packages). Equipment can be returned at different locations (e.g., Cospudener Combüse for canoe rentals).
2. Guided boat tours: Motorboat canal tours, canoe tours with guide, dragon boat tours, and specialty themed tours (Bach Tour, Brotzeittour, Sunset Tour, Auwald Tours). Sold as individual tickets (public tours) or exclusive private bookings (private boat hire with captain). Prices start from 16 EUR per person for public motorboat tours.
3. Event venue rental and catering: The DOCK 20 restaurant and event loft is available for exclusive rental for private celebrations (weddings, birthdays), corporate events, workshops, and networking events. The venue accommodates up to 100 guests in the loft, or up to 250 persons combined with the restaurant. Revenue includes venue rental fees plus catering and food & beverage sales.
4. Seasonal winter events: Winter season (November through February) mulled wine boat tours, Christmas parties, and ice stock curling events. Combined event packages include venue rental, food, beverages, and activities.
5. Gift vouchers: The company sells gift vouchers for all its offerings. Vouchers are available in various designs and can be purchased online and printed or picked up on-site. Valid for 3 years from purchase date.
6. Merchandise and online shop: Online shop selling exclusive Stadthafen Leipzig merchandise and clothing.
7. Mooring and berth services: The harbor offers mooring spots for private electric boats (sport boats, family boats) and commercial vessels. Services include permanent berths, overnight stays, and spontaneous mooring for up to 4 boats. Power and fresh water connections are available at the docks.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Stadthafen Leipzig GmbH operates a multi-location water tourism and leisure business across five sites in and around Leipzig. The core offerings are guided electric motorboat tours, canoe and kayak rentals with guided tours, dragon boat tours, stand-up paddling (SUP) experiences, and bicycle rentals, complemented by event venue hosting at DOCK 20 and Hainer Seeterrasse. Supporting services include mooring spots for private electric boats, gift vouchers, an online branded merchandise shop, themed food and music tours, and seasonal winter experiences such as mulled wine cruises and artificial ice-stock curling.

Product overview

Stadthafen Leipzig GmbH operates a multi-location water tourism, leisure, and events business in and around Leipzig. The core product portfolio spans water activities (electric motorboat tours, canoe and kayak rental with guided tours, dragon boat tours, SUP), land-based experiences (bicycle rental and tours), and event/hospitality venues (City Beach, DOCK 20 restaurant and Eventloft, Hainer Seeterrasse, Cospudener Combüse). Supporting services include boat moorings, an online shop, and gift vouchers. The company runs five locations: Stadthafen Leipzig (harbour and hub), Bootsverleih Scheibenholz, Cospudener Combüse, Cospudener SUP-Station, and Hainer Seeterrasse. The Stadthafen 2026 redevelopment, opening mid-2026, adds a new harbour basin with 40 boat moorings and the DOCK 20 venue.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Stadtstrand Leipzig: City beach with gastronomy and event offerings located at the Stadthafen
• DOCK 20
• Bootsverleih Scheibenholz
• Cospudener Combüse
• Cospudener SUP-Station
• Hainer Seeterrasse
• anona ICEDOME

Products and services

• Electric Motorboat Tours Guided tours on the company's electric-powered motorboat fleet (Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, and Johann Sebastian Bach) covering routes such as Klein-Venedig, Auwald (Small and Large), Lindenauer Hafen, Johann Sebastian Bach, and themed sunset and mulled-wine tours. Open to individuals, families, and exclusive private group bookings.
• Canoe and Kayak Rental & Tours Canoe and kayak rentals (1- and 2-person kayaks; 3-, 4-, and 5-person Canadian canoes) available for self-guided rental and scheduled guided tours (Karl-Heine-Kanal, Leipzig Runde, Sunset Tour, Challenge Tour). Available at Stadthafen Leipzig and Bootsverleih Scheibenholz from March to October.
• Dragon Boat Tours Guided dragon boat tours using 12-metre dragon boats for groups of up to 18 persons, including sightseeing and sporty formats navigating Leipzig's canals past industrial architecture to the stelzen house. Available to private groups, companies, and school classes.
• Bicycle Rental & Tours Standalone bicycle rental for self-guided exploration of Leipzig and the Neuseenland, plus guided bicycle tours. Available as the Bike & Boat combination with kayak rental returning from Cospudener See.
• Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) Experiences SUP rental at Cospudener SUP-Station and Cospudener Combüse with beginner and intensive courses, sunset SUP tours, and MEGA SUP events for groups. Suitable for individuals, groups, and corporate bookings.
• City Beach (Stadtstrand Leipzig) An urban beach on the Elstermühlgraben offering food, drinks, a beach event program, and public viewing screenings (e.g., Olympics 2024). Operates seasonally as a relaxation and social venue complementary to water activities.
• DOCK 20 Restaurant & Eventlocation Combined restaurant and event venue at the new Stadthafen Leipzig. The Mediterranean restaurant offers self-service and à-la-carte dining; the Eventloft hosts private celebrations, corporate events, and networking for up to 100 guests (250 in combination with the restaurant), with an exclusive waterfront terrace.
• Boat Moorings (Liegeplätze) Berths at Stadthafen Leipzig for private sport and family electric boats (long-term and spontaneous moorings for up to 4 boats), plus commercial electric boats and passenger ships. Facilities include power and fresh water connections at the docks.
• Gift Vouchers (Erlebnis-Gutscheine) Experiential gift vouchers redeemable for any Stadthafen Leipzig GmbH offering. Available in multiple themed designs, valid for 3 years, and offered both as print-at-home vouchers and physical cards.
• Event Packages (Eventpakete) Pre-configured event bundles combining catering, activities (boat tours, canoe, team-building), and venue rental, marketed to companies, agencies, and private celebrations. Offered year-round including dedicated winter Christmas party packages.
• Clean-Up Canoe Tour An approximately 2-hour exclusive canoe tour where participants paddle through Leipzig's waterways in stable canoes while actively collecting litter, combining team-building with environmental protection. Led by experienced instructors and suitable for companies, school classes, and private groups.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 10,000 satisfied guests at the DOCK 20 event location
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Leipzig Messe GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Leipzig Messe GmbH was involved in the ceremonial christening of the first electric motorboat 'Johann Sebastian Bach' in 2015. The boat was specifically designed for Leipzig's waterways and the event was celebrated at the trade fair with guests including the company's leadership and tourism officials.
• Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive partnership for tourism promotion. A representative from Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH attended the christening of the first electric motorboat in 2015. The company is positioned as the 'gateway to the Leipziger Neuseenland' in partnership with city tourism efforts.
• Amt für Stadtgrün und Gewässer der Stadt LeipzigcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity department responsible for green spaces and waterways. A representative (Angela Zabojnik, Head of Water Management) attended the christening of the first electric motorboat. The company operates the Stadthafen, which is owned by the city of Leipzig, under a operating agreement obtained through a Europe-wide tender in autumn 2021.
• WeguidecoreTechnology or IntegrationCooperation with Weguide to offer Germany's first audio guide on the water. The audio guide is available free of charge for all guests of the city harbour in German, English, Dutch, and French, providing informative content during motorboat and canoe tours.
• Konsum LeipzigminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Konsum Leipzig for regional catering on the exclusive Brotzeittour (snack tour). Konsum provides regional specialties including sausage and cheese selections, fresh bread, dips, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, curated specifically for the culinary boat experience.
• Eiszirkus Leipzig GmbH (anona ICEDOME)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Eiszirkus Leipzig for year-round event offerings. The collaboration enables winter events including Christmas parties, ice stock curling, and ice skating at the anona ICEDOME venue. This partnership ensures full-year employment for a larger staff base and combined event offerings across summer water activities and winter ice activities.
• Green KayakminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreen Kayak partner provides free kayaks to participants of Clean-Up tours, where paddlers collect plastic and rubbish from the canals. In exchange, participants help keep Leipzig's waterways clean. The company promotes this as part of its sustainability commitment.
• KSW IceFighters LeipzigminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with KSW IceFighters Leipzig hockey club for VIP Lounge access during corporate events at the anona ICEDOME. The VIP Lounges of the ice hockey team are used for corporate event venues, accommodating up to 300 persons.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Weiße Flotte Potsdam: Operator of scheduled passenger and sightseeing cruises on the Havel lakes around Potsdam. Directly comparable in product (short and themed water cruises), target market (domestic leisure and corporate) and scenic-lake setting, although serving a different city.
• Bootsverleih Kanuclub Leipzig: Canoe and kayak rental operator operating out of Leipzig's waterways, listed as a related sub-brand within the Stadthafen group's own navigation. Directly overlaps with Stadthafen on urban canoe rental and nature tours in the Leipzig canal system.
• Wassertaxi Leipzig: Passenger waterway service in Leipzig operating similar canal/river routes to Stadthafen Leipzig's motorboat tours, including Klein-Venedig and Auwald. Closest direct competitor for scheduled sightseeing water transport in the same geography.

Broad incumbents

• Stern und Kreis Reederei: Long-established passenger ship operator on Berlin's waterways offering scheduled tours, charter and event cruises. Comparable event-on-water, charter and corporate-event offering to Stadthafen, but operating at much larger scale and across a broader portfolio of routes.
• Reederei Riedel: Passenger and event cruise operator on Lake Constance (Bodensee). Comparable in running a wide mix of scheduled scenic cruises, themed charters and on-shore events around a lake destination, but at a substantially larger scale than Stadthafen.
• Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt: Germany's largest Rhine river cruise and event-charter operator. Compares on the corporate-event and short-cruise product mix, but at national scale and on a different waterway — useful benchmark for event-charter pricing and capacity on themed day cruises.

Emerging players

• BeachMitte Berlin: Berlin-based urban beach, water-sports and event venue operator on the Spree. Comparable in the urban-beach-plus-water-sports-plus-private-events business model under a city-adjacent waterway, though with less focus on guided tours or electric motorboats.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@Stadthafen-leipzig
• Facebookfacebook.com/stadthafenleipzig
• Instagraminstagram.com/stadthafenleipzig

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about City harbor leipzig