Residence town of Merseburg
Merseburg – the name itself evokes ancient legends and times long past. Anyone seeking an unforgettable short trip off the beaten path will find it in the thousand-year-old cathedral and castle town on the Saale River. Here, imperial history, mysterious magic, and idyllic flair combine for a weekend full of discoveries.
In the Middle Ages, Merseburg was one of the most important cities in Central Germany. Today, the city is located in the south of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt and is known primarily for its chemical plant. An exploratory tour through the residential city of Merseburg today reveals a town that was not completely rebuilt to its historic image after the massive destruction of the Second World War.
The heart and soul of the city is the ensemble of the Imperial Cathedral and the castle. As you enter Merseburg Cathedral of St. John and St. Lawrence, you immediately feel the sense of history. This masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture is impressive not only for its magnificent furnishings and the famous Ladegast organ, but it also houses a true world treasure: the Merseburg Charms. In an inconspicuous display case lie the two handwritten formulas, considered the only known evidence of Old German pagan magic – goosebumps are guaranteed.
Right next door, Merseburg Castle, with its Museum of Cultural History, invites you on a journey through the region’s past. Here, you will also encounter Merseburg’s heraldic animal: the raven. According to legend, a raven stole the ring of Bishop Thilo von Trotha, an act that cost the bird its life – and made it an eternal memorial in the castle’s cage. Even today, a pair of ravens watches over the castle and keeps the fascinating raven legend alive.
Places of interest in the residential town of Merseburg
The Merseburg Kunstverein e.V. has taken it upon itself to make an underground treasure in Merseburg accessible to visitors. We discovered the labyrinthine passages known as the "Tiefer Keller" and enthusiastically returned to the earth's surface.
We were already expected by Mrs. Haubold when we arrived at the tourist information in Merseburg. With her we now walked through Merseburg and discovered the city. We should learn something about the history of the city and also one or the other secret of the city.
Merseburg was a royal palace, bishop's seat and ducal residence. Of course, no castle could be missing. We set out to explore Merseburg Castle.
During our tour of the city, we already briefly passed the cathedral of St.Johannes and St.Laurentius. Now, a little later, we are standing in front of the cathedral in Merseburg, which forms the fourth wing of Merseburg Castle, and are looking forward to a tour. At the ticket office we receive an overview map and…
Accommodation and restaurant tips
This is the second time we have paid a day visit to the residential city of Merseburg. In the restaurant tip Merseburg we present the restaurants we got to know there.
We were on the road for three days in the Saale-Unstrut region. Our place to stay during this time was in Merseburg at the Hotel Best Western Halle-Merseburg. A good choice!
Radisson Blu Hotel Halle-Merseburg
Best Western Hotel Halle-Merseburg
SKYHOTEL Merseburg
AuraApartment
Pension am Park – Merseburg
Travel information
Arrival
By plane
Leipzig/Halle Airport is located about 30 kilometres northeast of Merseburg. Unfortunately, there is no direct connection by public transport. You first have to travel to Halle and change there.
By train
The residential town of Merseburg is connected to the railway network. The station is located about 700 metres west of the town centre. The regional express RE 16 and the regional trains RB 25 and RB 78 take you to the city’s main railway station.
By tram
One of the longest tram lines in Germany runs from Halle to Bad Dürrenberg. The interurban tram line 5 also stops in Merseburg.
By bus
Bus line 131 runs once an hour from Leipzig main station to Merseburg.
Long-distance buses also stop at the station.
By car
The A 38 motorway runs to the west of the town. In addition, the residential town of Merseburg can also be reached via the A 9 and the A 14. You can drive into the town via the B 91 and the B 181 federal roads.
By boat
The river Saale runs below Merseburg Castle. There are boat moorings here.
By bike
The supra-regional Saale cycle path and the Salzstraße cycle path run through Merseburg.
On foot
The Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route from Görlitz to Vach also passes through the residential town.
On the way in...
By local public transport
In Merseburg there are 5 bus lines and the interurban tram line 5. The central bus transfer point is at the railway station.
On foot
The most important sights are located relatively centrally in the old town area and can be easily explored on foot.
