The city of Magdeburg: what to visit and see

Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany, is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Founded in the 9th century, Magdeburg played a significant role in medieval Europe. One of its most famous landmarks is the Magdeburg Cathedral, one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in Germany, which is an architectural masterpiece. The city is also known for its numerous waterways and over 30 bridges, offering picturesque views and pleasant walks along the water.

During World War II, Magdeburg suffered significant damage due to bombings, resulting in the destruction of many historical buildings. Despite this, the city has been rebuilt and now boasts a mix of historical and modern architecture.

As of 2023, Magdeburg had a population of approximately 240,000 people, covering an area of 201 km². The population density was about 1,191 people per square kilometer. The city uses the telephone code 391.

Magdeburg is also a city of innovation and technology, with various research institutes, technology companies, and a vibrant startup scene. It offers a range of recreational activities in places like Elbauenpark and Stadtpark Rothehorn, as well as cultural events throughout the year.

Regarding tourism, while exact annual statistics of the number of tourists visiting Magdeburg are not provided, the city's rich history, cultural events, and architectural landmarks make it an attractive destination for visitors.

The City of Magdeburg: What to Visit and See

This city has quite a few interesting places that are worth a tourist's time. We want to tell you about the places that we believe are truly worth visiting.

Gruene Zitadelle

Let's start our journey with the incredible "Green Citadel" – an architectural masterpiece by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The Gruene Zitadelle was completed in 2005, a year before Hundertwasser's death. It is one of his last works. This building is known for its bright colors, organic forms, and unconventional design solutions. It includes apartments, offices, shops, a theater, and a café. One of the features of the Gruene Zitadelle is the absence of straight lines and right angles, which is a characteristic of Hundertwasser's style. An interesting fact: there is a garden on the roof of the building where trees grow. This is not only aesthetically pleasing but also plays an important role in creating an ecological microclimate in the city center. For more detailed information, you can visit the website.

Magdeburg Cathedral

The next stop is the Magdeburg Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saints Maurice and Catherine. It is one of the most prominent landmarks of Magdeburg. This is the oldest Gothic cathedral in Germany and an important symbol of the city.

The history of the cathedral began with the destruction of the original Romanesque church in a fire in 1207. After this, Archbishop Albrecht II decided to build a new cathedral, using the Gothic style he had seen in France for the first time in Germany. The construction of the cathedral began in 1209 and continued over several centuries, with numerous changes in plans and design. The building was finally completed in 1520. The cathedral impresses with its grandeur and architecture. It has a length of 120 meters, the width of the main nave is 42.5 meters, and the height of the central nave is 32 meters. The interior of the cathedral is particularly interesting, featuring various art objects, lost stained glass windows, and historical elements. Among the most important artifacts is the tomb of Emperor Otto the Great, who died in 973. The cathedral is also known for the sculpture of Saint Maurice, considered the oldest depiction of a black person in Central European art. Maurice was the commander of the Theban Legion of the Roman army and refused to persecute Christians, for which he was executed along with his legion.

Jahrtausendturm in Elbauenpark

This is one of the tallest wooden towers in the world, standing at 60 meters high. The tower was built in 1999 in honor of the Bundesgartenschau exhibition. It serves not only as a landmark but also as an educational center where visitors can explore 6,000 years of the history of science and technology.

The tower houses five exhibition levels, each dedicated to a specific historical period, from the early history of humanity to modern scientific achievements. Visitors can find interactive exhibits such as:

• Archimedes' screw;

• Foucault pendulum;

• models of ancient Egyptian dwellings;

• and much more.

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Different floors feature a variety of exhibits, from ancient Egyptian ships to models demonstrating principles of physics. One of the unique attractions of the tower is the spiral ramp leading to an observation deck at a height of 43 meters, offering a magnificent view of the Elbe River, the park, and the city of Magdeburg. Jahrtausendturm in Elbauenpark is not only a place for learning and recreation but also an architectural masterpiece, being the tallest wooden structure of its kind in the world. In addition to the tower, Elbauenpark offers various attractions and events, including cultural performances, concerts, as well as sports and entertainment zones.

Gruson Greenhouses

The botanical garden located in the greenhouses at Schönebecker Straße 129b, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The garden is open to visitors daily except Monday. This garden was established by the industrialist and plant collector Hermann Gruson, who bequeathed his large collection of succulents and 100,000 marks to the city of Magdeburg after his death in 1895. The greenhouses were opened to the public in 1896, and the Victoria House was added in 1910. The garden suffered serious damage during World War II, but it resumed operations by the summer of 1945. Today, the garden comprises 10 exhibition halls with a total area of 4,000 square meters, housing about 3,000 plant species from approximately 350 genera.

The main collections include:

• Cactus House – 400 species of cacti, including the 150-year-old golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii), named after Gruson.

• Tropical Houses – tropical plants including bananas, cocoa, guava, pepper, pineapple, rubber trees, and sweet potatoes.

• Victoria House – Victoria amazonica, as well as lotus, mimosa, rice, and sugar cane.

• Palm House (16 meters high) – many species of palms and giant bamboo.

• Grusonian Greenhouses – 400 species of bromeliads.

Magdeburg Water Bridge

The Magdeburg Water Bridge is a notable engineering achievement located near the city of Magdeburg in central Germany. It is the largest navigable aqueduct in Europe, connecting the Elbe River with two canals: the Mittelland Canal to the west and the Elbe-Havel Canal to the east. Opened in 2003, it is a significant advancement in water transport, allowing large commercial ships to travel between the Rhine region and Berlin without descending to the Elbe River level and ascending again. The bridge has a total length of 918 meters, a width of 34 meters, and a depth of 4.25 meters. It was built using 24,000 metric tons of steel and 68,000 cubic meters of concrete. Its unique construction includes two parts: a land section 690 meters long and a water section 228 meters long. The largest span of the bridge is 106 meters. In addition to shipping, the bridge is equipped with paths for pedestrians and cyclists.

Alter Markt Magdeburg

The Old Market in Magdeburg, Germany, is one of the city's most important historical sites. This central square has served as the hub of city life for centuries. Particularly impressive is the Magdeburg Town Hall, located on this square. This building is an example of North German Gothic style and is known for its exquisite architecture. The square also features the famous statue ensemble known as "Magdeburg Rights," symbolizing the local laws and freedoms granted by Emperor Otto I. This ensemble is an important symbol of the city's pride and history.

In addition to architectural landmarks, Alter Markt is a venue for numerous events, including markets, festivals, and cultural activities, making it a lively and dynamic center of city life. The square is surrounded by various historical buildings that testify to the rich history and cultural diversity of Magdeburg.

Stadtpark Rotehorn and Herrenkrug Park

Stadtpark Rotehorn and Herrenkrug Park are two iconic parks in Magdeburg, each with its own unique history and significance.

Stadtpark Rotehorn is located on the island of Rotehorn, in the heart of the Elbe River, and is one of the largest and most popular urban parks in Magdeburg. The park is notable for its layout and design, created in 1871 by the renowned landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné, who also designed the famous Sanssouci Park in Potsdam.

Stadtpark Rotehorn features a large number of rare plants and trees, as well as several water bodies, making it a favorite leisure spot for residents and tourists alike. The park is also the venue for numerous cultural and musical events, including the annual Magdeburg City Festival.

Herrenkrug Park, on the other hand, is located on the northern bank of the Elbe and is one of the oldest parks in the city. Its history is connected to the famous Herrenkrug Hotel, a historic hotel popular among the nobility and upper class in the 19th century.

Guests of the hotel often visited the park for walks and entertainment. In the 19th century, elegant garden parties and balls were held in Herrenkrug Park, attracting high-profile guests from all over Europe. The park is famous for its romantic pathways, ancient trees, and beautiful flower beds.

Zoologischer Garten Magdeburg

The Magdeburg Zoological Garden is one of the special places in this German city, known for its species diversity and active efforts in wildlife conservation. Opened in 1950, this zoo is home to over 200 species of animals spread across approximately 16 hectares.

One of the unique features of Zoologischer Garten Magdeburg is its focus on the conservation and study of rare and endangered species. The zoo participates in international breeding programs for species conservation, such as Amur leopards, Sumatran tigers, and African elephants. It also plays a crucial role in educational programs, raising awareness about nature and ecology conservation among visitors of all ages.

Another interesting characteristic of the zoo is its landscape design, which mimics the natural habitats of the animals. This creates more natural conditions for the animals and provides visitors with the opportunity to see the animals in an environment similar to their natural habitat.

Magdeburg is a city that impresses with its diversity and cultural heritage. Whether you are looking for historical landmarks, architectural masterpieces, or places for outdoor relaxation, Magdeburg has something for everyone. We invite you to discover this wonderful city and enjoy its unique character and unparalleled views. You can reach this beautiful city from Ukraine by taking the Lviv-Magdeburg bus, which runs daily. Plan your visit to Magdeburg and enjoy all its beauty and charm!