Travel to Leipzig

Travel to Leipzig

Leipzig has a reputation for being one of Germanys leading cities in terms of culture and history. It is renowned for being the location where the famous Monday demonstrations started, which led to the peaceful revolution of 1989 and ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, Leipzig is a stylish regional capital with thriving trade and cultural sectors as well as a popular university. The city is home to impressive art shops, a lively music scene and a vibrant nightlife, and it is alsofamed for its association with Johann Sebastian Bach and other famous musicians.

Getting there

Leipzig Halle International Airport can be found approximately seven miles from the city centre. Domestic flights link Leipzig with Munich, Frankfurt and other national destinations, from where worldwide connections can be made. From the airport, the Airport Express runs to the central train station (Hauptbahnhof) every 30 minutes.

If you are driving to Leipzig, take the Halle-Dresden autobahn east and west or the E51 autobahn north and south. The Leipzig Hauptbahnhof offers frequent connections to and from many German cities. The journey to Berlin by train takes between 2 and 3 hours, with over 17 connections per day. There are 23 trains arriving from Dresden and 15 trains from Frankfurt daily, each taking between 3 and 4 hours. There is also a long-distance bus service from Berlin, which is managed by Leipzieger Verkehrsbetriebe.

What to see

You will find yourself immersed in Leipzigs impressive historical architecture as soon as you step off the train. The enormous Hauptbahnhof was once Europes largest train station and has been transformed into a giant shopping centre. Other sights which are worth a visit include: the ancient City Hall, the stunning Opera House, the Battle of the Nation Memorial and the Altes Rathaus.

There are historic churches dotted throughout the city which include Thomaskirche, Nikolaikirche and Paulinkirche. If you want to escape the city for a day, taking a pleasant amble around the Botanical Gardens is highly relaxing and enjoyable, while for those travelling with children, a trip to Leipzig Zoo will keep them entertained for hours.

Daytrips

Dresden is home to stunning architecture and fascinating artistic treasures. Visitors will also find museums, galleries and war monuments. The city suffered severe bombing in WWII, but was rebuilt and is now a fine example of post-WWII German culture and architecture. Erfurt can be found slightly farther away, one of the most popular and frequented cities of eastern Germany. It is a centre of German horticulture and is also the largest seed producer in Europe.

Activities and leisure

Leipzig offers visitors some excellent accommodation options as well as top-class restaurants and bars. The university has numerous students and all the student venues add a lively energy to the nightlife and a buzz during the day. Outdoor activities are plentiful, with many nature trails and gardens in which to take a stroll. There is also a very impressive music scene, with the famous Opera House hosting performances and concerts throughout the year.

Safety issues

Leipzig is a fairly safe city although, as with every tourist destination, pickpockets are found in popular areas. Driving can be fairly dangerous in the city and visitors should remain alert and never drive drunk or when tired. It is highly recommended that you take out adequate travel insurance before you depart to ensure that you are never left short.