Merseburg was one of the most important cities in central Germany in the Middle Ages. Today, the city is located in the south of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt and is best known for its chemical factory.
An exploratory tour of the residential town of Merseburg today reveals a town that was not completely rebuilt in the historical image after the massive destruction of the Second World War. Only a few coherent historical buildings remain, but the cathedral and the castle are certainly among the most impressive.
However, Merseburg has not only become famous for its cathedral. The “Merseburg Spells”, a collection of pagan incantations from the 9th or 10th century, is known worldwide among history connoisseurs.
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!
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.