Magdeburg: Fascinating City On the Elbe River

Go on a visit to Magdeburg and discover the impressive architecture, rich history and monuments, culture of the region and modern attractions. One of the most characteristic monuments of the city is the Magdeburg Cathedral (Cathedral of Saints Catherine and Maurice). This impressive Gothic-style cathedral is over 800 years old and is a testament to the city’s medieval history.

History lovers will definitely not miss a visit to the Magdeburg History Museum. The picturesque landscape is also fascinating and the Elbe River, flowing through the city, is an ideal climate for walks or boat trips. Beautifully landscaped parks such as Herrenkrug Park and Elbauen Park provide a peaceful escape from the crowded city center.

Location

Magdeburg is located in north-central Germany on the Elbe River. The city is there the capital of the state of Saxony-Anhalt and is well connected with other large cities in Germany. It is situated approximately 150 km west of Berlin and approximately 130 km southeast of Hannover.

Green Citadel in Magdeburg

The Green Citadel (Grüne Zitadelle) is an extraordinary colorful building in the city center. It’s called the Green Citadel because of all the trees and green roofs, even though it’s mostly pink. This extraordinary building, completed in 2005, is located on Breiter Weg, close to Cathedral Square and the Elbe. The citadel connects with nature with undulating floors, dancing windows and golden domes. Building architecture is a truly creative art. This is an interesting attraction for visitors.

The complex is intended not only for housing, but also for reflection on the living environment of modern man, which is what architect Hundertwasser had in mind.

Magdeburg Cathedral

The Cathedral of Magdeburg It was the first Gothic cathedral in Germany and with a height of 104 m, it is the tallest cathedral in former East Germany. The cathedral is also home to the grave of Otto I the Great.

The current cathedral was constructed over the period of 300 years starting from 1209, and the completion of the steeples took place only in 1520. Despite being repeatedly looted, the Cathedral of Magdeburg is rich in art, ranging from antiques to modern art.

Magdeburg Water Bridge

The Magdeburg Water Bridge is a navigable aqueduct in Germany that connects the Elbe-Havel Canal to the Mittelland Canal, and allows ships to cross over the Elbe River. At 918 m, it is the longest navigable aqueduct in the world.

Is an impressive engineering marvel and allows ships to travel between the Elbe-Havel Canal and the Mittelland Canal, bypassing the Elbe River. Opened in 2003, it greatly enhances the efficiency of transportation by connecting important waterways, thereby reducing the need for complex lock systems and saving transit time for vessels.

Rothensee boat lift

The Rothensee boat lift is located north of Magdeburg and bridged the difference in height of about 16 meters between the Midland Canal (Mittellandkanal) and the Rothensee connection Canal (Rothenseer Verbindungskanal), which connects to the Elbe and the Magdeburg harbor.

The Rothensee boat lift was originally envisaged as part of a larger project. The lift is at the Eastern end of the Mittellandkanal, it was intended that this canal would cross the Elbe on an aqueduct and then be connected to the Elbe-Havel Canal by a double boat lift at Hohenwarthe. The Rothensee lift is about 500m from the junction of the Elbeabstiegcanal and the MittellandKanal lowering boats to the level of the Elbe.

Museum of Cultural History Magdeburg

The Magdeburg Cultural History Museum (Kulturhistorisches Museum) presents visitors with a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the city and its surroundings. The Cultural History Museum and the Natural History Museum, both located in the same building, show permanent exhibitions as well as numerous special exhibitions. They include extensive collections on the history of Magdeburg from the earliest times to the present.

The most important attractions include archaeological finds, historical artifacts, works of art and exhibits from various eras. In the Kaiser Otto room of the museum, the Magdeburg Horseman stands in its original form. A nice option is that you pay for entry once and can visit both museums.

Elbauenpark

The attractive leisure park inspires guests with its varied garden designs and numerous leisure and cultural activities such as recreational areas and playgrounds, the Millennium Tower (Jahrtausendturm), and the butterfly house.

Zoo Magdeburg

The Zoo in Magdeburg is characterized by a rich collection of species, Magdeburg Zoo is home to over 1,400 animals representing around 200 species from all over the world. From African lions and majestic tigers to exotic birds and fascinating reptiles, visitors have the opportunity to see and learn more about the diversity of life on Earth.

The zoo offers not only the opportunity to observe animals in their carefully designed enclosures, but also to participate in feeding, shows and interactive educational workshops. This makes it a perfect place not only for fun, but also for education, especially for the youngest, who can learn respect for nature and responsibility for the environment around us.

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Monica
Monica is a passionate travel article writer with a deep love for exploring new destinations and immersing herself in different cultures. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings her readers along on captivating journeys through her vivid descriptions and engaging narratives.

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