Magdeburg

Experience a mix of the traditional and the modern in Magdeburg! 230 000 people live in Saxony-Anhalt's medieval capital. Although it has been laid waste by many wars over the millennia, Magdeburg, and its many architecturally stunning buildings, has always remained a centre for high culture.

Magdeburg knows how to make best use of its position on the banks of the River Elbe. Many of the city's parks border the river and visitors to the city have a wide choice of different water sports, from swimming to water-skiing to kayaking. If you're not so keen on taking to the water, you can simply relax over a meal or a drink in one of the many cafés along the river's banks. Magdeburg is known as a cycle-friendly city and most streets have cycle paths. You can, of course, also cycle along the Elbe by going through the parks. Alternatively, you can enjoy Magdeburg from a completely new perspective by hopping onto an excursion boat and passing a relaxing day on the water.

During your travels you should on no account miss out on the Kulturhistorische Museum, the Natural History Museum, or the Kloster Unser Lieben Frauen Museum of Art. The city's cathedral, the Magdeburger Dom was the city centre's hallmark for more than 800 years and it is not only due to its architecture that it is one of the city's most important buildings. The cathedral also played an important historical role as burial place to Emperor Otto I of the Holy Roman Empire. In addition, Magdeburg is also known for the Grüne Zitadelle, a landmark of futuristic design in which you will find a variety of shops and restaurants. The Jahrtausendturm is the third-highest building made from laminated timber in the world and is home to a science museum filled with different interactive experiments.

As a result of the impressive range of activities on offer, Magdeburg is also perfect for a week-long trip. Pay a visit, for example, to the Herrenkrug, the city's leisure area, and follow one of the horse trotting races or play a round of golf. You can also try your luck at the Magdeburg Casino, or buy souvenirs in the shopping quarters around the Breiten Weg street or on the Ernst Reuter Allee.

Due to its position at the heart of Germany, Magdeburg is easy to reach from other German cities. You can drive right into the town via the A2 or A14 motorways. Alternatively, Magdeburg's Central Station is quick and easy to reach from all of the bigger cities. The Leipzig/Halle Airport is around an hour away and Berlin Airports roughly a ninety-minute journey away. Within the city boundaries, the public transport system, Marego, will deliver you quickly to your destination with the help of its trams, trains, ferries and buses.