I considered for a long time whether to go or not to go to Magdeburg because on the internet the given information about this city isn't quite impressive. It looked like any other ordinary city with a church in the middle and a promenade along the river. And yet, I decided to try my luck and explore Magdeburg on my own and it was one of the best decisions made in the last time! Magdeburg is much more beautiful than you can find and see on the internet! I can surely say - Magdeburg is one of the most underrated cities in Germany!
About Magdeburg
Magdeburg may look like a quite small and calm city but in fact, it is one of the oldest, greenest, and most interesting cities in Germany! Magdeburg is founded about 1200 years ago and has experienced such a wild history and somehow always managed to be in the center of attention and various wars. Magdeburg was a member of the Hanseatic League and a Prussian Fortress, it was the cradle of the German Nation and played a big role in the history of medieval legislation.
Nowadays, Magdeburg is a city very closely associated with business, logistics, science, and research. It is also a well-known conference and convention center. But for tourists, Magdeburg offers many well-preserved buildings and sites from the early Middle Ages. Magdeburg may look like a quite small and calm city but in fact, it is a very rich and worth visiting place!
How to get there
Magdeburg is the capital of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt and is located in a very easily accessible place - in the center of Germany between 3 bigger cities – Berlin (150km), Hannover (140km), and Leipzig (130km). This makes Magdeburg easy access not only with a car but also with a train and bus.
Getting around the city itself is also quite easy. You can explore Magdeburgs center and reach all main sites and activities on foot or by bike. For me, including smaller and bigger pauses, toilet searching, and active exploring, it took 5 hours.
Things to see and do in Magdeburg
As I already mentioned at the beginning, in Magdeburg was much more to see as I thought after checking the information on different apps and travel blogs. I don't know why many beautiful places aren't included on blogs and in recommendations but I really did my best to explore and note everything!
If you are reading this post and considering visiting Magdeburg one day, feel free to save this post for a later! Be sure to visit the most beautiful and amazing places in Magdeburg and go back home with the best impressions from this city!
1. Walloner Church
Wallonerberg 6, 39104 Magdeburg
Its history dates back to 1285 and is one of the most impressive buildings in Magdeburg. Nowadays, it's a well-known community center for several Protestant communities and institutions.
2. St. John's Church and Martin Luther Memorial
Johannisbergstraße 1, 39104 Magdeburg
Firstly mentioned in 941, it is one of the oldest Romanesque-style churches in Magdeburg. St John's Church has been destructed and reconstructed many times and nowadays stands together with one of its most significant components – the Martin Luther Monument.
3. The Old Market with Old Town Hall
The Old Market (Alter Markt) is a market square in the historic old town, located between Breitem Weg und Jakobstreet. A great place where to admire statues like Horseman of Magdeburg and Statue of Roland, see the newly restored Old Town Hall and visit one of the weekly markets.
4. Faunenbrunnen Fountain
Leiterstraße 9, 39104 Magdeburg
Faunenbrunnen Fountain (in Magdeburg also called the ''Devil's Fountain'') was completed and installed in 1986. This fountain consists of more than 20 different figures showing love, sexuality, and disrespect in a humorous manner. Siren, snake, fighting boys, cat, turtle, and the urinating dog is only a small part of the whole composition.
5. Catholic Cathedral Church of St Sebastian
Max-Josef-Metzger-Straße 1, 39104 Magdeburg
Built-in 1015, it is one of the oldest churches in Magdeburg. Originally Church of St Sebastian was built in Romanesque style, but in the 14th century, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style.
6. Magdeburg Main Post Office
Breiter Weg 203, 39104 Magdeburg
The Main Post Office is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. It was built between 1895 and 1899 in late Dutch Gothic and German Renaissance styles. This is definitely one of the must-visit places that many people, unfortunately, forget to mention in their recommendations and travel blogs.
7. Hundertwasser's Green Citadele
Breiter Weg 8/10A, 39104 Magdeburg
Hundertwasser's Green Citadele is one of the most famous buildings and architectural projects in Magdeburg. Built in 2005, it is a modern residential complex including many apartments, hotels, shops, restaurants, services (including medical doctors, lawyers, and notaries), and a day-care center. There are also 2 colorful courtyards inside that are easily accessible for every visitor.
8. The Monastery of Our Lady
Regierungsstraße 4-6, 39104 Magdeburg
Built in 1064, The Monastery of Our Lady (Kloster Unser Lieben Frauen) is another oldest and well-preserved building of the Romanesque period. It is a perfect mix of art, history, and architecture that today houses the Margeburg Art Museum and is surrounded by a sculpture park created in 1989.
9. Magdeburg Cathedral (Magdeburger Dom)
Domplatz 1, 39104 Magdeburg
This building is a phenomenon. There are no enough words to describe how stunning this place is, but I can try to give you a brief insight... so listen carefuly: Magdeburg Cathedral is the first gothic-style cathedral, oldest Gothic Church, and one of the largest and tallest church buildings in Germany. It is also the most famous attraction in Magdeburg. The Cathedrals' origins are traced back to the years 937 but still stand out with their impressive architecture, many precious pieces of antique art, and monumental interior.
10. The Bastion Cleve
The Bastion Cleve – a part of once the safest fortress in Prussia. It is a very popular excursion destination for city guests and can be reached in a few steps from the Magdeburg Cathedral. The Bastion Cleve is a monument and special sight that every year welcomes up to 10 000 visitors.
11. Statue ''Zeitzähler'' (''The Time Counter'')
Zum Domfelsen 1, 39104 Magdeburg
Since 2008 on the town square near the Elbe balcony a man has been sitting on an approximately three-meter-large globe. He is watching what time on the Elbe it is. This is the artwork by Gloria Friedmann and is actually called "Lifetime", but somehow the name "The Time Counter" has become established. The globe has 18 more clocks that provide information on the time on other rivers, for example, on the Amazon, the Danube, or the Ganges.
12. Elbuferpromenade
Elbuferpromenade in Magdeburg is unique because it combines natural and urban landscapes; it has many preserved and modern art installations, rest benches, and activities for children. Perfect place for an evening walk.
13. The Starbridge (Sternbrücke)
This bridge over the Elbe river is connecting the old town of Magdeburg with Magdeburgs Stadtpark and Rotehornpark. Thanks to the star shape fortress in Magdeburg (1714) from the very beginning the bridge was called the Starbridge, but over time its name has changed 3 more times – Friedrich Eber Bridge, Adolf Hitler Bridge, and back to Starbridge.
14. The City Park (Stadtpark) Rotehorn
The Magdeburg City Park is one of the most popular destinations for locals and it's very clear - why! The park is 200 hectares big and offers a lot of different activities and relaxation opportunities for all everyone – boat rowing, observation tower (Albinmüller-Turm), lakeside terrace, beer gardens, huge children's playground, many statues and monuments, stunning Tempel and more.
15. Lift Bridge (Hubbrücke) and the swing with a view
Lift Bridge was built in 1847 as a single-track railway bridge and was working till 1998. Over the years, it has had many different reconstructions and plans, but now it is served as a pedestrian bridge with a beautiful view of the Elbe river and the old town of Magdeburg.
Believe it or not, but sometime around April 2015 a huge swing suddenly appeared under the Lift Bridge on the eastern bank. Nobody knew and still doesn't know who had to hug it there but whoever it was – he was right! The swing fit this place and now everybody can adore a wonderful view of the old town while enjoying swinging.
Tips and important information for your Magdeburg visit:
- The car parking in Magdeburg is problem-free. The city has enough parking spots and all of them are around the city center. On Sundays, you can park without a fee.
- Public toilets in Magdeburg are free of charge. Isn't that amazing?
- Not everywhere you will be able to use your bank card. Be sure to have some cash.
- Be aware of other dogs and don't let your dog walk without a leash! Unfortunately, we met several aggressive dogs (with and without a leash) and one of which bite my small pomeranian, Chico.
- Like dogs, also people weren't the friendliest. Politeness phrases and car turn signals were often missing. So please, stay safe and enjoy Magdeburg as much as it's possible!
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