Welcome to Leipzig

Monumental, steeped in history and impossible to miss: in this episode of ’Welcome to Leipzig’, Klara and Axel head up one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Together with Dr Crawford Matthews, curator of the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, they delve into the momentous events of 1813 in Leipzig and explore the eventful history of this monument, which still commemorates a war that proved decisive for all of Europe. Which virtues were considered desirable in 1813? How were they reinterpreted and instrumentalised in the eras that followed? What values does the monument represent for us today, and how can we experience the ’Völki’ anew? And just how many steps does the Battle of the Nations Monument actually have? Join us to find out in this episode! This podcast episode is co-financed from tax revenues on the basis of the budget agreed by the Members of the State Parliament of Saxony. More information: Website of the Monument to the Battle of the Nations & FORUM 1813 South Cemetery Blog: A walk through the South Cemetery in Leipzig Russian Memorial Church Dölitz Gatehouse with tin figure museum

Leipzig is a city of water, with around 180 kilometres of rivers flowing through it and beautiful lakes like Lake Cospuden. The city’s water network is perfect for exploring Leipzig by boat. But where to start? Leipzig city harbor (Stadthafen Leipzig) is the central hub, offering canoe and motorboat tours, and is besides that an event location with restaurant and cafe. Opened in June 2026, it’s a must-visit. In this episode, Axel and new podcast host Klara explore how to plan an all-inclusive canoe tour to Lake Cospuden, find the most scenic water spots, and discover the best locations and activities at the Lake. More information: Leipzig city harbor Blüthner wine café Lake Cospuden More lakes around Leipzig Observation tower ‘Bistumshöhe‘ Pier 1 on Lake Cospuden Lake Sauna Family amusement park BELANTIS This podcast episode is co-financed from tax revenues on the basis of the budget agreed by the Members of the State Parliament of Saxony.

According to legend, Dr. Faust rode out of Auerbach’s wine bar on a barrel. Whether or not this really took place is open to interpretation. What is certain, however, is that the scene in Goethe’s ’Faust’ takes place in the famous wine bar and restaurant in Leipzig, which has been frequently visited ever since. The wine cellar dates back to the 15th century and was enlarged over the following years. But who was Auerbach? And why was this wine bar so popular among students back then? Axel and Aileen take you underground to take a closer look at this legendary place. Find out more in this episode of Welcome to Leipzig, the podcast for your trip to Leipzig. Auerbach’s Cellar Leipzig 500 years of Auerbach’s Cellar Delicious Leipzig – Traditional Cuisine

Step back in time with us in this episode of “Welcome to Leipzig”! We’re travelling back to 1989, when the citizens of Leipzig began the peaceful revolution that brought down the East German regime. Join Aileen, Axel and our special guest, Marius Wittwer, a local history student and city guide, as we explore the key sites along the route taken by the protesters, including Nikolai’s Church and the “Runde Ecke”. Discover how Leipzig commemorates this significant event through the annual Festival of Lights on 9 October – a poignant, artistic celebration! The Peaceful Revolution The Memorial Museum in the „Round Corner“ and the “Leipzig ‘89” audio guide The Leipzig Forum for Contemporary History The Leipzig Nikolai Church Impressions of the Festival of Lights Leipzig 2024 City Guide Marius Wittwer This podcast episode is co-financed from tax revenues on the basis of the budget agreed by the Members of the State Parliament of Saxony.

Colditz Castle rises majestically above the river Zwickauer Mulde in the Leipzig region, an unmistakable relic of the Renaissance. But once inside, it becomes clear that the walls, in which remnants of GDR wallpaper contrast with painted ceilings from the 16th century, have survived many more eras. Join Aileen and Axel on their tour of Colditz Castle in this podcast episode and find out more about its exciting and dark past. Learn about daring escape attempts and its time as a prisoner of war camp, mental institution and hospital. Find out how this lost place comes to life in a very special way with the help of the new HistoPad, an interactive tablet, in this episode of “Welcome to Leipzig”. Links: Discover Colditz Castle Discover the town of Colditz Visit the Colditz museum of local history Visit the Colditz dental museum “BurgenLandKlänge”-Concert tips in the castles and palaces of the region This podcast episode is co-funded by tax revenues on the basis of the budget approved by the members of the Saxon State Parliament.