Magdeburg, Germany - A Medieval City With a Fascinating History

Magdeburg is one of Germany's most beautiful and historic towns, a perfect destination to take a break and enjoy. Despite bombings during the Second World War, this charming 1200-year-old city still has plenty to offer visitors. Let us discover what makes it so unique.

A City Tour

Magdeburg is one of Germany's oldest cities, boasting a history that dates back over 1,100 years. Situated 170 km west of Berlin in Saxony-Anhalt province, Magdeburg is renowned for its magnificent cathedral and diverse cultural heritage. Magdeburg was once the capital of Saxony-Anhalt and an important commercial center during medieval times. Nowadays, it's a modern and vibrant city that offers visitors a fascinating blend of old buildings, museums, and leisure activities.

Magdeburg offers a wealth of sights and activities for visitors to enjoy, but at least a couple of days is necessary to fully experience everything the town has to offer. Start your adventure at Alter Markt market stalls where you'll find fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products and home wares for purchase. Next, visit the monastery of Our Lady (User Lieben Frauen), founded in 1017, featuring a museum. There's also a sculpture park and a library with over 3000 books on scientific and fiction topics.

Another must-see attraction is the town hall, reconstructed after suffering repeated fires and wars. Its iconic equestrian statue, the Magdeburger Reiter, is believed to represent Otto I and is also the world's oldest equestrian sculpture. If you are passionate about architecture, take a look at Friedensreich Hundertwasser's Green Citadel of Magdeburg. This remarkable building features many unusual architectural details such as golden orbs, crooked walls and large arches. Visit this captivating place and take a guided tour of its buildings. Additionally, you can enjoy free admission to its roof gardens once a week.

Students often flock to the city. You'll have several accommodation options, including hotels and hostels. The city of Hamburg lies along the River Elbe and boasts numerous parks and recreational areas for residents to enjoy. Elbauenpark in particular, spread over an expansive area, provides stunning views of the cityscape.

Rotehorn Park and everything around

Magdeburg is also one of Germany's greenest cities, renowned for its futuristic architecture and stunning parks. It's the ideal destination to unwind during a vacation in Germany. The city is a popular tourist and local hangout. It provides plenty of activities and events to keep you occupied while offering visitors an insight into Germany's past. On your trip to Magdeburg, don't miss Rotehorn Park – one of Germany's most picturesque garden parks designed in the English style, where the green heart of the city beats. Established in 1871, this expansive space includes extensive meadows, woodlands, and Lake Adolf-Mittag.

It features an observation tower that offers breathtaking views of both the city and its environs. Furthermore, there are various attractions within the park, such as a butterfly house, playground and sports areas. Another popular attraction in the park is Millennium Tower, a conical-shaped structure that displays exhibits on scientific advances throughout history. A fascinating and educational visit, this attraction will leave you with lasting memories.

This building is an incredible piece of art and a must-see during your trip to Magdeburg. Originally designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the structure features 'dancing windows' and undulating floors throughout, along with roof meadows for extra charm. Aside from the building itself, there are also plenty of restaurants and cafés to keep you occupied during your stay in this stunning city. If romance is on your mind, several hotels nearby offer private rooms with breathtaking views of countryside scenery.

If you're a fan of medieval buildings, be sure to visit the Buttergasse in Alter Markt - one of Germany's biggest Romanesque landmarks. Surviving two fires, it now serves various purposes, such as hosting weekly farmer's markets and Christmas markets. Faunenbrunnem is a fountain constructed out of a large bronze cauldron and 22 figures (fauns, sirens, two women, men and boys playing tag). This work of art was sculpted by Magdeburg sculptor Heinrich Apel in 1986.

The Wasserstrassenkreuz

Magdeburg is an idyllic city with plenty of sights to behold, as well as the perfect base to explore the Harz Mountains. This region boasts some of Germany's most stunning landmarks. The Old Town is filled with museums and ancient buildings. One of the most iconic is Magdeburg Cathedral, constructed in the ninth century and one of Germany's oldest gothic churches. It has survived two fires and been rebuilt multiple times - including after the Thirty Years War.

Another must-see attraction in Magdeburg is the Green Citadel, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and unmissable for any tourist. This striking building in pink and gray colors will certainly capture your attention. Its strange designs are an iconic icon of the city. The central courtyard features curved pillars and a mosaic fountain, while the towers at the top are decorated with trees and flowers. This is the perfect spot to relax and unwind, especially during the summer. Enjoy a drink, play beach volleyball, or just laze around in the sun. It may not have as much energy as larger German cities, but it's still an enjoyable place for going out with friends for some drinks.

Take a break and grab a cocktail at one of the local bars, which offer reasonably priced drinks. Some are indoor and some have terraces, but all offer an extensive selection of beers. If you're searching for a more active experience, try bowling at your local alley. They often have specials on Sundays, and it's an excellent way to get some exercise without having to leave town. In addition, there are several golf courses within the city that you can visit to work up an appetite before your next meal! Furthermore, you can stop by a local winery to sample some of Germany's finest wines.

Hiring a car for your trip to Magdeburg can save time and money. With a rental car, you have the freedom to explore the city at your own leisure, while taking advantage of included features like breakdown assistance and collision damage insurance cover that come as part of the deal. Plus, these services come at no extra charge with most rental deals.

Explore the City Hall and more

Magdeburg is one of Germany's oldest cities and an excellent destination to experience history. The city features medieval-era buildings such as the Rathaus and Cathedral that should not be missed during any visit. Magdeburg truly has something special for everyone who visits. Alter Markt, located on the old market square of Magdeburg, is home to the iconic Magdeburg Horseman statue - believed to be a depiction of Emperor Otto the First. You can also explore Magdeburger Dom - a Gothic-style church constructed atop Roman temple ruins. Climb up to the tower of Magdeburg Cathedral for an unparalleled view. However, you must purchase a ticket for entry to the museum - so be sure to bring along your passport!

Walking around the city provides a great way to get acquainted with its layout and appreciate more of this charming town. Plus, there are plenty of shops and restaurants along the way so that you won't run out of places to eat! Another popular attraction in the city is the Museum der Deutschen Binnenschifffahrt. Here, visitors can learn more about Germany's waterways and ships. For a more relaxed way to explore the city, why not ride your bike? Streets in the center are well-kept and safe for biking. Not only will this give you more views of our stunning city, but it will also allow for some exercise!

Magdeburg offers plenty of bicycle rental stations at reasonable prices that are well maintained. Cycling through Magdeburg can be both an enjoyable and healthy way to explore the city. Aside from the above-listed attractions, Magdeburg offers plenty more to explore. Visit the Magdeburger Dom, Magdeburger Reiter, city hall and many other sights in the city. Additionally, you could take a trip to Bremen nearby for some retail therapy! Visit Hotel Rathaus - Wein & Design in Vienna for an oenology-focused boutique hotel. Each suite is named after an Austrian winemaker and equipped with its minibar filled with local wines. Plus, their daily breakfast buffet features cheeses and guglhupf cakes made of Austrian wines. Rooms here are spacious with parquet floors, mood lighting, egg chairs and walk-in showers; perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring Vienna!