Magdeburg Attractions - Top 10 Favorite Attractions

The Hanseatic city of Magdeburg is idyllically situated directly on the Elbe River, at the intersection of the Havel and Mittelland Canals. This geographical advantage has granted it a significant inland port as well as its position as an industrial and commercial center. Additionally, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, whose history can be traced back approximately 1,200 years, has much to offer for tourists.

In this article, we present the 10 most beautiful sights of Magdeburg.

Magdeburg's landmark is the historic cathedral, which is regarded as the oldest Gothic structure in Germany. Throughout its long history, it has undergone multiple reconstructions and restorations, but it now proudly towers above Magdeburg, visible from afar.

Over a thousand years of history

Before the construction of the cathedral in the 10th century, St. Mauritius Monastery stood at the site. It was chosen by Emperor Otto I as a burial site, leading to the construction of the first cathedral. After a fire at the beginning of the 13th century, it was destroyed and had to be rebuilt. The construction of this second cathedral stretched out until 1520.

Phenomenal view from the church tower

Public tours take place daily at Magdeburg Cathedral. These also include the climb to the 104-meter-high north tower. After a look into the bell chamber, visitors can access the observation platform, from where they can see over Magdeburg and, on clear days, even all the way to the Harz Mountains.

Address:

Am Dom 1

39104 Magdeburg

Highlights of the Exhibition

The technology exhibition also includes some very special exhibits. For instance, at the top of the tower hangs a Foucault pendulum that demonstrates the Earth's rotation. With the help of an astronomical telescope, visitors can read the time on the clock of Magdeburg Cathedral.

Address:

Tessenowstraße 7

39114 Magdeburg

In the center of Magdeburg's downtown lies the Old Market. It is not only the heart of the city, but also gathers several attractions around it.

Magdeburg Rider

The radiant Magdeburg Rider immediately catches the eye when entering the square. The original was the first freestanding equestrian statue north of the Alps and dates back to the year 1240. The figure depicted is likely Emperor Otto I. The original statue has since been moved to the Cultural History Museum, and a bronze copy stands at the Old Market.

Old Town Hall

The magnificently restored façade at the Old Market belongs to the Old Town Hall, the seat of the mayor. The oldest parts of the building date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, while the rest was rebuilt in the Italian-Dutch Renaissance style after its destruction in the Thirty Years' War. Notable is the bronze door, which depicts important figures and events from Magdeburg's history.

The Magdeburg St. John's Church was completed sometime between 936 and 941. It is confirmed that it was first mentioned in a document in 941 when Emperor Otto I donated it to the monks of the St. Maurice Monastery.

Famous Preacher

The St. John's Church gained fame primarily through Martin Luther, who preached here in 1524. His influence led the city to become Protestant. It is no coincidence that Magdeburg is regarded as the center of the Reformation.

Transformation into an Event Church

Today, the church is operated by an event agency and is used as a banquet hall and concert venue. During regular opening hours, it can also be visited outside of events. For a great view over the city, make sure to climb the south tower.

Tip: Take a small detour to the Luther Monument, which has stood west of the church since 1886.

Address:

Johannisbergstraße 1

39104 Magdeburg

Elbauenpark, which covers a full 90 hectares, was established for the Federal Garden Show in 1999. This family and leisure park offers numerous recreational opportunities ranging from beautifully designed gardens to play and sports facilities and art exhibitions.

Various Thematic Gardens

The park is divided into 14 different themed worlds, focusing on such diverse topics as ruins, visions, and sculptures. Ten of the themed gardens approach the subject of memory in various ways.

Activities in the Park

In addition to the themed gardens, Elbauenpark offers many other attractions. These include, among others:

The historic ship lift in Magdeburg was an engineering masterpiece at the time of its inauguration in 1938. The lifting principle used had not been implemented anywhere else on this scale. Today, it is the only remaining operational two-chamber ship lift in Germany.

Closure and Resumption of Operations

However, the operation of the Rothensee ship lift was not constant. It was closed in 2006 as the facility was too small for modern large motor cargo ships. However, the city advocated for its reopening, and since 2013, the lift has been used again, mainly for tourism purposes.

Symbol of the Development of Water Transport Technology

Only four ship lifts are currently operational in Germany. Thus, this technology impressively showcases the progress in water transport. Public tours allow visitors to see how the lift helps ships overcome the height difference between the Mittelland Canal and the Elbe, as well as the Magdeburg harbor.

Address:

Zur Schleuse 5

39126 Magdeburg

In the heart of Magdeburg's old town stands this nearly one-thousand-year-old monastery, which now houses an art museum. The exhibits mainly consist of contemporary art as well as sculptures from all eras, from antiquity to the present day.

History of the Monastery

Upon its construction from 1015 to 1018, the Monastery of Our Lady was initially erected in wood. In 1064, the stone building in the form of a three-aisled basilica was completed. After the first Magdeburg Cathedral burned down in 1207, the monastery's Mary Church was named the cathedral.

Romanesque Monastery Structure

In the 13th century, some Gothic elements were added to the monastery, but its Romanesque character was retained. This makes the monastery one of the most significant Romanesque buildings in Germany today. Since 1993, it has been part of the newly introduced Romantic Road.

Tip: Around the monastery, a large sculpture park extends - definitely worth exploring!

Address:

Regierungsstraße 4

39104 Magdeburg

When the famous architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser passed away in 2000, he had nearly completed the plans for his Green Citadel in Magdeburg. Thanks to his many detailed drawings, the building could be constructed without him. After nearly two years of construction, it opened in October 2005.

A Dream of Colors and Forms

Hundertwasser aimed to design the Green Citadel 'as an oasis for humanity and nature in a sea of rational buildings.' In his characteristic architectural style, there are almost no straight walls. Instead, balconies and columns in various shapes and colors adorn the pink-brown façade; golden spheres embellish the roof.

Exploring the Interior

Public tours are offered daily through the building, as the interior is as visually interesting as the exterior. If one of the apartments is vacant, it will be included in the tour. The absence of straight walls creates many cozy nooks, although there is little space for wardrobes. A highlight of the tour is the view from the two towers over the green roofs of the building.

Address:

Breiter Weg 10A

39104 Magdeburg

Since the late 19th century, Magdeburg has had a collection of tropical plants unmatched in its scope. This collection was amassed by the Magdeburg machinery manufacturer Hermann Gruson from 1860 until his death in 1895. By that time, it was already considered one of the most significant collections of exotic plants in the world.

Opening to the Public

Gruson bequeathed his plant collection to the city, along with a sum of money for building the greenhouses. This made the collection accessible to the public. The historic botanical garden today houses over 3,000 exotic plant species in nine display houses. It is also home to a few animals, such as piranhas, poison dart frogs, and water turtles.

Address:

Schönebecker Str. 129b

39104 Magdeburg

The Magdeburg Zoo opened in 1950 with 50 mammals and 280 birds. At that time, it was still known as the Animal Garden. It was only seven years later that the city decided to convert it into a zoo and accordingly expand it.

Expansions Over the Years

After an expansion of the zoo grounds, the Magdeburg Zoo already had 1,500 animals of over 200 different species just nine years after its opening in 1959. The arrival of the zoo's first elephants the following year marked the start of further expansions.

From Zoo to Adventure Park

In the 1990s, the zoo began expanding into an adventure park, a process ongoing to this day. In 2009, the large savannah exhibit for zebras and white rhinoceroses was built. Five years later, a new primate house was constructed. Today, hundreds of different animal species can be admired in as natural an environment as possible in the idyllic Vogelsang Park, where the zoo is located.

Address:

Zooallee 1

39124 Magdeburg

Magdeburg's attractions are diverse and range from historic buildings of historical significance to modern attractions. This way, when you visit, you can experience different aspects of the city. This variety makes Magdeburg a worthwhile destination for a city trip in Germany.