Around 530,000 people live in the Saxon city of Leipzig. Once it was Germany's most important trading centre and surrounded by city walls. During the 19th century its cultural significance earned the city the nickname "Little Paris". Leipzig is found on the confluence of the White Elster, Parthe and Pleiße rivers.
The city's history has been strongly marked by classical music. Both Bach and Mendelssohn lived in Leipzig at the peak of their careers. Each year, in early summer, the Bach Museum holds the Bach Festival. You could also spend an evening at the Leipzig Opera House, or visit one of the classical concerts at the Gewandhaus Concert Hall, where Mendelssohn once played.
At Christmas time, one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany takes place in Leipzig. Leipzig is also known as the home of the "dark" music festival, the Wave-Gotik-Treffen, which takes place every summer. For history and culture buffs, Leipzig has a vast array of exhibitions and collections on offer, including the impressive Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Art) or the Stadtgeschichtliche Museum in the Old Townhall where you can learn about the city's history.
If you prefer to roam the outdoors on your travels, Leipzig's many parks will fit the bill. The park in the Rosental (Rose Valley) leads up to the famous Leipzig Zoo where there is plenty to amaze children and adults alike, and Leipzig University has one of the oldest botanical gardens in Germany. Above all you must not pass by the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, a monument to the 1813 Battle of the Nations.
Many visitors get the "Leipzig Card" to use during their stay in the city. The ticket gives you reductions on public transport throughout the entire city. Further reductions can be found in certain restaurants and venues if you use a Leipzig Card.
Leipzig is easily accessible via the A9, A38 and A14 Autobahns. The city is also home to the biggest train station in Europe. The Leipzig/Halle Flughafen is 15 minutes away and is connected to the city via a shuttle service. Thanks to its central position and many interesting tourist attractions, Leipzig is one of Germany's most popular travel destinations.
