The current water landscape in Central Germany is the result of a long, challenging and on-going regional process, through which former mining pits transformed into lakes, rivers got restored, their courses got redirected and connected with the lakes. The cultural metropolis of Leipzig together with the rest of the region is managing this transformation process to its full potential. At the beginning of the process, the Touristic Water Network was only a vision. Opencast mines were flooded to create new recreational spaces, these new lakes were connected to the rivers and canals of the city of Leipzig and old and piped millraces were reopened and made accessible. With this, a network of waterways over more than 200km was created, requiring the construction of harbours, locks and water connections. Today – 20 years later – that vision has become real. Gradually, projects have been implemented and a water network has emerged. Attractive places near the rivers, canals and millraces invite you to relax by the water as well as to practice sports. With the rapid development of the Leipziger Neuseenland, more attention was paid to the old dream of connecting Leipzig’s waterways to the European waterways. The focus of this project is on the 7,8 km long section between the Saale Elster Canal and the Saale, which is missing due to the interruption of construction work during the World War II. In consequence, the pre-modelled trail and impressive concrete giants of the partially constructed double lock Wüsteneutzsch are the only evidence of the pre-war project in the rural area between Leipzig and Halle. In the frame World Canals Conference 2020, which is hosted in Leipzig from 20 to 24 September 2020, this unique landscape transformation process will be assessed from very different points of view and its physical outcomes presented onsite in form of professional excursions. Apart from sharing the regional experience, the conference will offer opportunities for other countries and regions to present theirs, as well as for the expert audience to debate about issues like nature conservation, global sustainability or e-mobility.