The largest city in Saxony is Leipzig. You can always go on a city trip to Leipzig, the city is simply unique and diverse culturally and historically, so you can always discover something new.
The city of Leipzig once arose at the crossroads of important trade routes and developed into a trans-shipment centre for goods. As early as 1497, the city was granted the trade fair privilege by Emperor Maximilian I and to this day the world meets at numerous trade fair events in the city.
But Leipzig is also a city of music. Famous musicians such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner or Robert and Clara Schumann are associated with the city. The St Thomas’s Boys Choir, which has been inspiring audiences with its singing since 1212, is world-famous.
City trip to Leipzig – excursion tips and places of interest
A stroll through the old town is a mandatory part of a weekend trip to Leipzig. We started without any plans and just had a look at interesting things on the way.
I had read a fair bit about the Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig. But once again I found evidence that reading and experiencing are two very different things. I would have loved to see my face as our hop on hop off bus stopped in front of the monument.
One of the most important entries on my Leipzig bucket list was the zoo. I have been watching so many documentaries about it on TV that it was crystal clear to me: This zoo is well worth a visit.
Travel information for Leipzig
Arrival
By plane
Northwest of Leipzig, about 15 kilometres away, is Leipzig Halle International Airport. This is served by numerous airlines.
From the airport, it is very easy to get to Leipzig’s main railway station by S-Bahn. The long-distance railway station below the airport also has IC trains to Hanover.
By train
Leipzig’s main railway station is located to the north of the city centre. ICE trains from Hamburg, Berlin, Munich or Frankfurt am Main, for example, stop here. In addition, IC trains from Hanover, Oldenburg, Cologne or Bremen arrive in the city every hour or so.
Leipzig’s main station is the hub for regional transport to the surrounding regions. Numerous smaller and larger towns in the region are served by RE, RB and S-Bahn trains.
By bus
Leipzig’s long-distance bus terminal is located on the east side of the main railway station (on the ground floor of a multi-storey car park). Other terminals for long-distance bus services can be found at the Messer site and at the airport.
By car
Leipzig can be reached by car via the A 9 and A 14 motorways. The B 2 trunk road has four lanes and leads to the edge of the city centre.
By bike
The Berlin-Leipzig cycle path, the Pleiße cycle path, the Leipzig-Elbe cycle route and the Elster cycle path lead through the city.
On foot
The medieval trade route Via regia is part of the Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route in Leipzig. The route intersects here with the Via Imperii Way of St James.
On the way in…
By car
Leipzig has set up low emission zones which may only be entered with the green sticker. If you still drive into the low emission zone, you will have to pay a fine of €80.
Parking space is scarce in the city centre and it is advisable to leave your car in the Park&Ride car parks outside the city centre.
Public transport
The public transport network in the city is very well developed. There are 13 tram lines and numerous buses running at fairly close intervals. In addition, the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland runs to some of the city’s surrounding districts.
The trams (except for line 2) all stop in front of Leipzig’s main railway station.
By bike
The network of cycle paths in the city is still quite incomplete and could be expanded. The most important facilities and sights are easily accessible by bicycle.