Residence city of Weißenfels
Weißenfels an der Saale – a name that might not be on everyone’s travel list at first glance. But anyone looking for a short trip full of musical echoes, baroque splendor, and industrial history will find what they are looking for in this charming town in Saxony-Anhalt. Weißenfels is a rewarding destination for all who appreciate the extraordinary, away from the major tourist crowds.
The residential town of Weißenfels is located on the edge of the Saale-Unstrut region in the Burgenlandkreis district, only about 32 kilometers from Leipzig. The town is one of the three largest in the region.
Weißenfels was once a ducal residence. Upon arrival, the Neu-Augustusburg Palace immediately catches the eye. As one of the largest and best-preserved early Baroque palace complexes in Central Germany, it is majestically enthroned above the old town. The palace holds a globally unique surprise: the largest shoe museum. Here, the city’s history as a former center of German shoe production comes to life – from opulent noblemen’s boots to the athletic shoes that carried athletes to Olympic gold.
Music and literature lovers will also get their money’s worth during a visit to the city. Weißenfels is inseparably linked with the name of the great Baroque composer Heinrich Schütz. His originally preserved residence, the Heinrich Schütz House, is now a museum. Just a few steps away, you will encounter another great mind: the poet of Early Romanticism, Novalis. The house where he died is now a memorial site that commemorates the creator of the “Blue Flower.”
The historic old town itself, with its Renaissance and Baroque townhouses, invites you to take a stroll. A side trip to the market square with its stately town hall or a walk along the banks of the Saale river will round off the visit. Cozy cafés offer the perfect opportunity to let the many impressions sink in over a piece of cake.
Excursion tips in Weißenfels
Visiting the Bismarck Tower in Weißenfels was something we definitely didn't want to miss, so we set off for the tower.
If you drive out of town for about 5 minutes, you will find the Weißenfels all-weather toboggan run on the B87. We were curious to see what was in store for us. In addition to tobogganing in summer, various leisure activities are offered for every age group. We had a look around the grounds and…
At first, our visit to Weißenfels was not under a good star. It rained continuously. But as we all know, there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. So we set off for our appointment with umbrella and rain jacket.
Steeply uphill, the Schlossgasse takes us to Neu-Augustusburg Castle in Weißenfels. Once we reach the top, we first stand on the castle forecourt. Here stands a Prussian latrine building. There are said to be only three buildings of this kind left in Germany, unfortunately it is locked. It would certainly be interesting to take a…
Heinrich Schütz - who is that supposed to be? That or something like it popped into my head as we stood in front of the Heinrich Schütz House in Weißenfels. After a visit with a really great and inspiring guided tour, I am now smarter.
Accommodation tips
If you want to stay overnight in Weißenfels, you will find a beautiful 4-star hotel in a lovingly renovated villa and two adjoining outbuildings. The Parkhotel Güldene Berge was our host for two nights during our visit to the Saale-Unstrut region.
Parkhotel Güldene Berge
Ringhotel Jägerhof
Pension Bootshaus
Schumanns Garten
Travel information about Weißenfels
Arrival
By plane
Leipzig/Halle Airport, about 45 km away, is the nearest major international airport.
By train
It is possible to travel to Weißenfels by train using local trains. The nearest railway station with connections to long-distance trains is in Halle. Some Intercity trains also stop in Weißenfels on weekends (Friday and Sunday).
The train station in Weißenfels is located north of the city centre. The station is on the other side of the river Saale and is easily reached on foot or by bicycle via a small bridge.
By bus
On the eastern edge of the city centre, near Klingenplatz, there is a bus stop for long-distance buses going to Weißenfels. The Berlin – Gera connection of one provider also stops in the city 1-2 times a day.
From the long-distance bus stop, it is quite easy to reach the town’s railway station.
By car
The A 9 motorway is in the immediate vicinity of the residential town of Weißenfels. The A 38 motorway runs north of the town. In addition, the B 91, B 87 and B 176 federal roads lead into the town.
By bike
The Saale cycle path leads along the Saale through the city.
On the way in...
On foot
The inner city area can be discovered very well on foot.
Parking
In the city centre of Weißenfels, parking is subject to a fee from Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 15.00 (at some locations also until 15.30 or 17.00).
Saturday is completely free of charge.