Magdeburg, Germany is one of the greenest cities in the country. Unfortunately, only a few really valuable historical sights have been preserved, of which there used to be a lot here. Today Magdeburg is known as a city of parks and futuristic buildings.
General information
Magdeburg is a city in central Germany, the capital of the state of Saxony. It covers an area of 201 square kilometers and has a population of 238,000. It is located on the Elbe River. Magdeburg is divided into 40 urban districts.
The first information about the city as a trading place dates back to 805. The city flourished after the construction of a Benedictine monastery in 937.
In world history, Magdeburg is known as the place where one of the most famous systems of city law, the Magdeburg Law, was established in the 13th century. The princes and kings who granted this law to a number of cities gave them the right to self-governance, and thus to freedom. The Magdeburg Law was particularly popular in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Today, Magdeburg is very different from Magdeburg in 1800 or 1900. Unlike other German cities, it has not been able to preserve all of its rich historical heritage, and is known for its large green parks and modern business centers.
Attractions
Despite its rich and interesting history, the city does not have many ancient buildings, as most of them were destroyed during World War II.
The Green Citadel (Gruene Zitadelle)
The Green Citadel is the main architectural symbol of the city of Magdeburg in Germany. The building was constructed in 2005 according to the design of the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser (who is very popular in Western Europe). The Citadel is located near the Cathedral Square in the heart of Magdeburg. It is impossible to pass by this building, as the bright pink structure with gray stripes stands out against the backdrop of red brick and concrete buildings.
On the ground floor of the citadel, there are several cafes and restaurants, as well as a store. On the second and third floors, there is a hotel (42 rooms), a small theater, a kindergarten, and several offices. The upper floors are converted into apartments (55).
All the interior spaces are also decorated in an interesting and, in some places, whimsical way. For example, in all the apartments (which, by the way, are circular), you can see “blown” pillars, bright mosaics on the walls, and unusual “painted” bathtubs. The interiors of the cafe and restaurant are also surprising, with painted walls in the bathroom combined with oriental carpets and large crystal chandeliers.
In the courtyard, you can see equally bizarre structures: curved pillars that support the citadel, a mosaic fountain, and stone paths that seem to flow down from the top of the building. The four towers at the top of the complex are adorned with trees and flowers (hence the name of the building).
It is interesting that the authorities in Magdeburg do not intend to paint or repair this house anymore. According to the artist’s plan, it should naturally age and gradually transform from a bright and modern building into a more “refined” and “seasoned” one.
Location: Breiter Weg 10A, 39104 Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
Elbauenpark and the Millennium Tower (Elbauenpark)
Elbauenpark (140 ha) is the main recreation area for both locals and visitors to the city. It is located in the northeast of the city, near the Elbe River.
Interestingly, 20 years ago, this area was a large garbage dump, but in anticipation of the Federal Exhibition in Magdeburg, the local residents decided to improve the city’s appearance by creating a large park with the following features:
- The Butterfly House. This is a small greenhouse that houses about 200 species of butterflies from all over the world. There are both small species and butterflies that are larger than a human palm.
- Exhibition pavilions. They host both temporary and permanent exhibitions.
- Monorail road.
- There are hundreds of beautiful flower beds, as well as about 1,000 species of flowers and trees.
- Concert hall.
- Green labyrinths where it’s easy to get lost.
- Climbing tower. Its height is 25 meters.
- The Millennium Tower (also known as the Peace Tower or the Millennium Tower) is a wooden structure that reaches a height of 60 meters. It is the third-tallest wooden building in the world. The tower houses a museum on its six floors, where visitors can learn about the history of human development. The museum features exhibits from the Paleolithic era to modern technological advancements. Visitors are encouraged to touch and experiment with the exhibits. Additionally, a powerful telescope located on the sixth floor allows visitors to observe the stars.
It is worth noting that the park’s futuristic sculptures and the Millennium Tower contribute to its modern and unique appearance, especially at night. The building’s structure is illuminated by LED lights, adding to its visual appeal.
As for the infrastructure, there is a bistro, 2 cafes, and a beer garden on the park’s premises. A few kilometers away from the Elbapark, a number of modern hotels have been built and are very popular.
- Location: Tessenowstr. 5a, 39114 Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
- Opening hours (Elbauenpark): 10.00 – 18.00.
- Millennium Tower opening hours: 10.00 – 18.00 (closed in winter).
- Price: 3 euros.
Magdeburg Cathedral (Magdeburger Dom)
Magdeburg Cathedral is the oldest Gothic cathedral in Germany, built in the 13th century. Like all temples built at that time, it is distinguished by pointed arches, large stained glass windows and ivory walls. Interestingly, the cathedral also has a lot of antique columns and” heavy ” sculptures (this is very rare for European architecture of the 13th-14th century).
Many tourists note that, in their opinion, in the cathedral you can see some of the most beautiful frescoes in Germany. The main value of the temple is the sculptures of the first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Otto the Great (he is buried here) and his wife.
- Where to find it: Am Dom 1, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany.
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00.
Our Lady’s Monastery (Kloster Unser Lieben Frauen)
The Monastery of Our Lady is one of the largest and oldest representatives of Romanesque architecture in Magdeburg. Located in the heart of the city. The monastery (it belonged to the Premonstrants) was built in 1017, and since 1976 there is a museum here.
In the former monastery you can see:
- a collection of small plastic pieces (the basis of the exhibition);
- ancient sculptures;
- relics of various German temples;
- the monastery library (about 3,000 scientific and fiction books).
There is also a sculpture park near the museum.
- Address: Regierungsstr. 4-6, 39104 Magdeburg.
- Open: 10.00 – 18.00
- Price: 4 euros.
The Old Market of Magdeburg (Alter Markt Magdeburg)
The Old Market is a district of the city located in the heart of Magdeburg. Here are the main historical attractions:
- The Town Hall. After the city was granted Magdeburg rights, the Town Hall was built here, but it had to be rebuilt in the 1960s after frequent fires and wars.
- The Monument to the Magdeburg Horseman. It is considered the first separate sculpture to be erected in Germany.
- The Ulenspiegel Fountain is dedicated to an old storyteller who once lived in Magdeburg.
- Monument to Otto von Guericke. This man was not only the mayor of Magdeburg, but also an outstanding scientist (he invented the vacuum).
- Breite Strasse is an old German street where you can still see a number of Baroque-style houses.
St. John’s Church (Johanniskirche Magdeburg)
St. John’s Church is an important historical landmark in Magdeburg, Germany, built in the Romanesque style. During the Middle Ages, the church survived two fires, resulting in several changes to its appearance throughout history. Today, St. John’s Church is no longer used for its original purpose.
You can get to the attraction by buying a ticket for an organ concert or exhibition. They are held regularly, 2-3 times a week.
Location: Germany, Sachsen-Anhalt, Magdeburg, Neustadter Strase, 4.
Where to stay
There are just under 60 hotels and inns in Magdeburg, Germany, so it is necessary to book accommodation at least one month in advance.
The average price for a double room in a 3* hotel during high season varies from 60 to 80 euros per day. This price includes free WiFi, parking, breakfast (European or continental) and all necessary household appliances in the room.
The cost of a two-bedroom apartment in high season in Magdeburg (close to the sights) will cost 40-50 euros per day. This price also includes appliances, kitchen utensils and basic necessities.
Magdeburg is a fairly large city, so it’s better to book a hotel or apartment in the center. This way, you’ll be closer to Magdeburg’s attractions, and you won’t have any problems getting from the train station to your rental accommodation.
Public transport links
If you look at the location of the city of Magdeburg on the map of Germany, it will become clear that it is located in a very advantageous and convenient place. The nearest major cities to Magdeburg are: Braunschweig (89 km), Hanover (131 km), Berlin (128 km), and Halle (86 km).
The nearest major airports to Magdeburg are located in:
- Kochstedt (CSO) — Kochstedt, Germany (47 km);
- Braunschweig (BWE) – Braunschweig, Germany (93 km).
It is easy to get to Berlin, which is less than 130 km away from Magdeburg. You can do this by:
- By train. You will need to take a train going in a south-westerly direction (Magdeburg, Braunschweig, Wolfsburg) at Berlin Central Station. Trains run every 40-50 minutes. You can go either by direct train or with transfers in Stendal. The fastest and most convenient double-decker trains are Regional-Express (RE). Travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cost is 22-35 euros (there are economy and business class tickets). Tickets can be purchased online (www.bahn.de) or at the train station ticket office.
- By bus. There are unlikely to be any problems with the bus, as well as with the train. You can board at the Berlin central bus station. The journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can take the public bus number 164 (which runs twice a day) or the Flixbus (which runs three times a day). The cost varies from 7 to 20 euros, depending on the class of the seat and the time of the trip. You can purchase tickets online on the carrier’s website: www.flixbus.de or at the bus station ticket office.
Interesting facts
- The longest water bridge in Europe is located in Magdeburg. It crosses the Elbe River and is just over 918 meters long.
- The first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Otto I, is buried in the Gothic Cathedral of Magdeburg.
- Magdeburg was the first city in the world to gain the right to self-government (Magdeburg Law). This happened in the 13th century.
- The first Gothic cathedral in Germany, Magdeburg Cathedral, was built in Magdeburg.
- Magdeburg is the second-greenest city in the country.
Magdeburg, Germany – a modern German city, which is very different from the small and cozy medieval towns of the central part of the country that we are used to. It is worth going here for those who are not chasing historical sights, but love futuristic buildings and nature.
