As soon as the train pulls into the Leipzig Central Station, you can see from the windows that it is not a small station. Countless tracks run in front of the building and, for a layman, there is a wild confusion of points and tracks. It’s a good thing that the technology clears the right paths and we can finally pull into the station.
Leipzig Central Station is a terminus station. This naturally makes it easier for us as travelers to find the right way from the platform to the station concourse. However, if you have to change trains here and don’t have much time, you should plan for longer walking distances.
Once you arrive at the station concourse, it’s worth taking some time to look around. The building has a lot to tell….
A look back
With the construction of the railroad, a railroad junction developed in Leipzig around 1859. Trains from Dresden, Magdeburg and Hof, for example, arrived in the city. Five different railroad stations were built on the outskirts of the city, which were served by the various railroad companies.
Rising population figures in Leipzig and the increasing number of rail travelers made the permanent separation of 5 long-distance stations more and more difficult. However, as the individual lines were privately owned, it proved just as difficult to unite the interests of the companies. In the end, the decision was made to take over the private joint-stock companies through the state railway system. The existing stations with their individual lines were to be merged into large main stations. A difficult path that encountered many obstacles.
Leipzig’s role as a hub and a major trade fair and commercial center drove the conversion forward and the first plans for Leipzig Central Station were drawn up. After much back and forth, the city council decided to have a terminus station built to handle both passenger and freight traffic.
The main station is built
After the 211,873m2 site had been purchased, architectural competitions held and winners chosen, construction could finally begin.
The foundation stone was laid in 1909 and the station was completed in 1915. Rail traffic was not interrupted during the construction phase and demolition work on the old facilities began at the same time, with trains then running into the still unfinished new station.
When the station was finally completed, Leipzig Central Station was one of the largest railroad stations in the world, with 26 tracks in the station concourse and a further five outside platforms. The double station had two administrative offices, two waiting rooms, separate track systems and two entrance halls. Platforms 1-13 belonged to the Prussians and 14-26 to the Saxons.
During the Second World War, several air raids destroyed the station and the station grounds. Initially, operations were able to continue to a limited extent, but finally came to a standstill at the end of May 1945.
Leipzig Central Station – the reconstruction
As much rubble as possible was removed from the platforms within a short space of time and the first trains were running by the end of May 1945. However, it would take another 6 years and numerous blasting operations before the reinforced concrete was crushed to such an extent that it could be completely removed and reconstruction could begin. Until then, passengers had to make do with restrictions. The complete reconstruction was not finished until 1965 and the people of Leipzig were once again able to welcome travelers to their station.
After reunification, the entire station was redesigned. A shopping center with around 140 stores, restaurants and service companies was created. There is now a parking garage where tracks 25 and 26 used to be. A small museum can now be seen on track 24, under which parking spaces have also been created. There are historic locomotives and wagons here. Just the right pastime for us while we waited for the train.
With around 1,300 trains and 120,000 travelers and visitors every day, Leipzig station is a busy place. However, the “largest terminus station in Europe” is not only very popular with travelers, Leipzig residents also like to go shopping here. Certainly also because many stores are open on Sundays.
I definitely don’t find it boring at the station. Not only the museum trains, but also a leisurely shopping spree offer variety. However, I find it particularly nice to go on an architectural discovery tour in the large entrance halls. I really like the high halls.
Informations
Address
Willy-Brandt-Platz,
04109 Leipzig
How to reach the station
By car:
The station is centrally located in Leipzig and is well signposted. There are several parking facilities nearby.
By public transport:
Numerous streetcar and bus lines stop directly at the main station. The station is a central hub in the public transport network.
On foot:
The main train station is within easy walking distance of the city center.
Parking
Leipzig Central Station has parking facilities.
There are two large parking garages, Parkhaus Ost and Parkhaus West, which together offer around 1,300 parking spaces. Both parking garages are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are bright, safe, clean and comfortable.
Accessibility
Leipzig Central Station is barrier-free. There are elevators and ramps to facilitate access to the platforms, as well as barrier-free toilets and services for travelers with reduced mobility.
Luggage Lockers
Travelers can use the luggage lockers available at the station.
Wi-Fi
Leipzig Central Station has free Wi-Fi that travelers can use.
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