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Guide to Leipzig, Germany
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LeipzigLeipzig
One of the most quickly changing cities in Germany, Leipzig, a former throwback to medieval Germany, is a bounteous landscape of innovation, entrepreneurialship, and commercialism, as well as one of eastern Germany's foremost transit hubs, connecting - by rail - with many regions throughout the nation. Having always played second fiddle to its neighbor Dresden on the world tourism market, Leipzig is all too often passed over for the brighter, more cheery metropolis to its east. Perhaps these circumstances correlate with the fact that Leipzig has gone without a major river bisecting its grid in all the years when such a trait has mattered - and still does. Leipzig's close sibling is certainly considered the pretty one, however despite having a flat bed on which to grow, Leipzig has done well with what it has been given, and just for its own sect of nature lovers, cordoned off in its northwestern corridor are dozens of acres (or hectares, whichever topographical measurement you prefer) of parkland. If you don't ordinarily get your kicks off seedlings-turned-fortuitous-land-grabbers or a stroll down a leaf-strewn pathway is, well, something you consider a bore, Leipzig has some cultural sites that'll surely bring out a grin. Nightlife is top notch here; the city rarely goes without a musical performance of some sort in a 24-hour stretch.Found yourself in Leipzig's downtown region at sunset and need something a tad magical to bring the day to a close? Head on over to the City High Rise Building (Yep, that's its name!) for a view that will put the whole metropolis into perspective.When to go:
Germany is well known to be a four-season nation, with fresh springs, smoggy summers, colorful (and damp) autumns, and winters with a plentiful mixture of white and gray hues. There is little reason to visit Leipzig in the coldest months of the year, save for a business trip or simply something mandatory in nature, and a rain swept city German city isn't the most inspiring sight to behold. That leaves two three-month blocks fit for tourists and vacationers. We'd like to say that spring takes the gold, but taking a glimpse of these neighboring seasons' feature sets, we can't help but place Leipzig-in-summer into the topmost spot.
Getting there and around:
Most citizens of neighboring countries will find Leipzig-Halle International Airport easily accessible, but the simplicity seems to abrupt end there. You may find connections to the city from major UK and Spanish capitals, but otherwise a trip to Berlin or Dresden is necessary. If your flight arrives in the latter location, consider ground travel to Leipzig. The scenic tour is well worth the extra time consumed. Like many a German berg, Leipzig is the proud owner of superbly designed (simplicity in mind) public transit system, making taxis and personal vehicles mostly vanity-driven congestion-causing contraptions.
Attractions:
The Museum der Bildenden Kunste, locally-praised as a world-class collection of canvas and sculpture, is a modern installment of the city's series of cultural establishments with focus on regional names, such as Durer, Rembrandt, Rodin and Rubens. Medieval to modern is the museum's theme. Lucas Cranach the Elder's works are a Leipzig favorite. Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church) is one of the city's chief architectural treasures with a few interesting historical facts thrown in for good measure. One of the most famous cantors (though not for his religious work) in the world, Johann Sebastian Bach took up residence here from 1723 until his passing. Mozart and Mendelssohn both were known to perform here as well.
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