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.

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:

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

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

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

This podcast episode is co-funded by tax revenues on the basis of the budget approved by the members of the Saxon State Parliament.

This episode brings us back to Leipzig’s Augustusplatz, but this time we are spending a night at the opera. And there’s a lot happening in this beautiful 1960s building: Paula and Lukas steer their way through stage constructions, dance practices, singing rehearsals and meet some interesting people along the way.

A white wig and a stern look in his eyes: That’s how we know one of Germany’s most brilliant composers, organists and choirmasters Johann Sebastian Bach. One of only two portraits of him can be found at the Bose-house right next to St. Thomas Church in the city center of Leipzig. This place, which Bach himself once frequented, was built into a museum that Lukas and Paula will explore with you today. Discover fascinating historical instruments, learn more about Bach’s life and find out what hidden message lies behind Bach’s famous portrait.

Behind a rather inconspicuous house front in the center of Leipzig lies one of the city’s most historically relevant places: The last residence of musician and composer Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. Today it’s a museum where authenticity and progressiveness go hand in hand to keep the spirit of the Mendelssohn family alive. Join Paula and Lukas on a tour through this prestigious place!

Leipzig is a city of music! Hosts Lukas and Paula visit the great Gewandhaus zu Leipzig to find out more about the musical history of the city. They meet with musician Dorothea Hemken and the director for the Gewandhaus, Andreas Schulz, to talk about their work and inspiration.