One of the most prevailing aspects of that history is its standing as one of the world’s most important music cities. What was established many centuries ago is still alive and palpable all over the city today. That’s why in this podcast we will take a closer look at Leipzig’s past and presence as a music hotspot. Let our hosts Paula and Lukas take you on a journey through Leipzig and discover its most prestigious music venues with them.
The Monument to the Battle of the Nations: Leipzigs Grandest Landmark
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.
Which virtues were considered desirable in 1813? How were they reinterpreted and instrumentalised in the eras that followed? What values does the monument represent for us today, and how can we experience the ’Völki’ anew? And just how many steps does the Battle of the Nations Monument actually have? Join us to find out in this episode!
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 (https://www.stadtgeschichtliches-museum-leipzig.de/en/visit/our-museums/monument-of-the-battle-of-the-nations/)
South Cemetery (https://www.leipzig.de/leben-in-leipzig/natur-und-umwelt/parks-waelder-und-friedhoefe/friedhoefe/suedfriedhof)
Blog: A walk through the South Cemetery in Leipzig (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/blog/hidden-leipzig-suedfriedhof)
Russian Memorial Church (http://russische-kirche-l.de/en/home/)
Dölitz Gatehouse with tin figure museum (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/doelitz-gatehouse-with-tin-figure-museum)
5 Jun 2026
Canoeing in Leipzig: All-inclusive canoe tour to Lake Cospuden
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:
Leipzig city harbor (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/stadthafen-leipzig)
Blüthner wine café (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/gastro/bluethner-weincafe)
Lake Cospuden (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/cospudener-see)
More lakes around Leipzig (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/erleben/leipziger-seen)
Observation tower ‘Bistumshöhe‘ (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/bistumshoehe)
Pier 1 on Lake Cospuden (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/pier-1-am-cospudener-see)
Lake Sauna (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/sauna-im-see)
Family amusement park BELANTIS (https://www.belantis.de/en)
31 Oct 2025
Faust, Fables & Fine Wine: The Auerbach’s Cellar
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 (https://www.auerbachs-keller-leipzig.de/en/)
500 years of Auerbach’s Cellar (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/news/500-years-of-Auerbach’s-Cellar:-the-origin-of-Goethe’s-Faust-and-a-jubilee-to-enjoy)
Delicious Leipzig – Traditional Cuisine (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/blog/leckeres-leipzig-traditionelle-kueche)
26 Sept 2025
From Protest to Peace: The History and Heritage of the Peaceful Revolution in 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 (https://lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de/en/friedliche-revolution-im-herbst-89)
The Memorial Museum in the „Round Corner“ and the “Leipzig ‘89” audio guide (https://www.runde-ecke-leipzig.de/index.php?id=886&L=1)
The Leipzig Forum for Contemporary History (https://www.hdg.de/en/)
The Leipzig Nikolai Church (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/then/nikolai-church)
Impressions of the Festival of Lights Leipzig 2024 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=artPRcX8TvY)
City Guide Marius Wittwer (https://www.instagram.com/marius.wittwer/)
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.
29 Aug 2025
Colditz Castle Experience with the HistoPad – an interactive time travel
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 (https://www.schloss-colditz.de/en/home/)
Discover the town of Colditz (https://www.colditz-erleben.com/)
Visit the Colditz museum of local history (https://www.leipzig.travel/poi/heimatturm-colditz)
Visit the Colditz dental museum (https://dentalmuseum.de/)
“BurgenLandKlänge”-Concert tips in the castles and palaces of the region (https://www.leipzig.travel/en/entdecken/musik/burgenlandklaenge)
This podcast episode is co-funded by tax revenues on the basis of the budget approved by the members of the Saxon State Parliament.
31 May 2021
Opera Leipzig: A little something for everybody
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.
25 May 2021
Bach-Museum: Celebrating diligence
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.
20 Apr 2021
Mendelssohn-Haus: The caring conductor
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!
15 Mar 2021
Gewandhaus zu Leipzig: True pleasure is a serious matter
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.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact Welcome to Leipzig
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Welcome to Leipzig?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
