Leipzig is a lively and dynamic city with plenty going on. Explore pulsing bars and clubs by night and take in the exquisite architecture and classical music matinees by day. After all this is the city that gave us Bach, Wagner, Schumann and Mendelssohn.
Catch a performance at the Gewandhaus zu Leipzig
Leipzig is the place to soak up superb classical music and opera in Germany as the city boasts a dynamic arts scene. The city was once home to more heavyweight classical composers than anywhere else in Europe, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Robert Alexander Schumann and Felix Mendelssohn. Leipzig is the classical music powerhouse of Europe and this year is particularly special as the 200th Anniversary of Wagner’s birth is being celebrated throughout the year. And the best place to catch a legendary classical concert is at the Gewandhaus zu Leipzig. The actual building is the third incarnation of the Gewandhaus (the second was destroyed in World War II) and was constructed in 1981. This year the concert hall is hosting a special series of festivals, chamber, organ and choral performances.
Explore the Bach Museum
The life and works of legendary German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, is celebrated at the Bach Museum. The Baroque-period artist brought us Toccata, Fugue in D Minor and Air on the G String. Bach was born in 1685 and dies in 1750. The museum is a fitting tribute to the great man with original manuscripts, Baroque instruments and family memorabilia on display. Bach is buried under the altar of St. Thomas’ Church where he sung for 27 years.
Soak up the atmosphere in the Market Square
At the very heart of the old quarter of Leipzig is the Market Square which really comes into its own at Christmas and New Year. The annual Leipziger Weinachtsmarkt, aka Leipzig Christmas Market is held here with a plethora of stalls selling traditional gifts, food and souvenirs. The rest of the year the Market Square attracts locals and travellers, drawn by the antiques shops, shopping arcades and ornate architecture.
Discover the Belantis themepark
For a change of pace, spend a day at the Belantis themepark which opened in 2003. With 8 different themed ‘worlds’ and a whole host of attractions and shows, there is plenty to see and do here. Ride segway scooters, ride the Dragon Rollercoaster which is dubbed as family-friendly and challenge yourself with a white-knuckle ride on the 560meter long, 32 meter high super-rollercoaster Huracan!
Visit Leipzig’s landmark, the Volkerschlachtdenkmal
The Monument to the Battle of the Nations, aka Volkerschlachtdenkmal, is a major landmark in Leipzig. Constructed in 1913 on the 100th anniversary of the battle, this year marks the 200th Anniversary. Standing at 91 meters tall with 500 steps winding their way up into the granite face, the pyramid-shaped monument is said to have been built on the bloody battlefield site where Napoleon was forced to retreat. The monument itself has eight tall statues representing fallen soldiers and on the second storey there are 4 statues which mark the historical German qualities of bravery, faith, sacrifice and fertility. The annual German Leipzig beer festival is also held in this area.
The city also has 4 thyssenkrupp offices, which has helped drive young graduates to this bustling city.
