Things to do in Saxony Anhalt
-
A
Haus der Geschichte
If you want to catch a glimpse of daily life in the region, especially life beyond the former Iron Curtain, pop by the Haus der Geschichte. The ground floor has a long-running special exhibition on German–Russian relations (many Russian soldiers were stationed in Lutherstadt Wittenberg during the GDR era), and other sections have living rooms, kids’ rooms and kitchens from the GDR era and before. The top floor is dedicated to children’s toys from this same 60-year period.
reviewed
-
B
Lutherhaus
Even those with no previous interest in the Reformation will likely be fascinated by the state-of-the-art exhibits in the Lutherhaus, the former monastery turned Luther family home. Through an engaging mix of accessible narrative (in German and English), spotlit artefacts (eg his lectern from the Stadtkirche, indulgences chests, Bibles, cloaks), famous oil paintings and interactive multimedia stations, you’ll learn about the man, his times and his impact on world history. Highlights include Cranach’s Ten Commandments in the refectory and an original room furnished by Luther in 1535. Kids love the exhibit in the cellar, which uses wooden models and sensor-activated…
reviewed
-
C
Schlosskirche
Did or didn’t he nail those 95 theses to the door of the Schlosskirche? We’ll never know for sure, for the original portal was destroyed by fire in 1760 and replaced in 1858 with a massive bronze version inscribed with the theses in Latin. Luther himself is buried inside below the pulpit, opposite his friend and fellow reformer Philipp Melanchthon. Pick up an information sheet from the desk so you don’t walk past the other eye-catchers, such as the bronze memorial of Frederick the Wise, by Peter Vischer of Nuremberg, in a niche to the left of the altar.
Unfortunately, you are unable to climb the Schlossturm due to fire hazard.
reviewed
-
Hofwirtschaft
Set in the magnificent Cranach-Hof, this pub has outdoor seating in the courtyard in summer and everything from whisky afternoons to readings, theatre and music performances.
reviewed
-
Hundertwasser School
True modernity is embodied in Wittenberg’s crazy Martin Luther Gymnasium, usually called the Hundertwasser School. Viennese artist and architect Freidenreichs Hundertwasser remodelled the old East German concrete blocks into one of his signature buildings, with ecological materials, brightly coloured elements, touches of gold, mosque-like cupolas and rooftop vegetation. It’s possible to view the exterior any time; the tours are led by school kids and it’s advisable to call ahead because four participants are needed before they start.
reviewed
-
Schlosskeller
This restaurant in the castle cellars serves old-school German food and is positively dripping with history.
reviewed
-
Taj Mahal
It’s highly unlikely you came to Wittenberg for a dish of spicy Indian, but while you’re here, this makes for a nice change from traditional fare.
reviewed
-
Museum
The museum is an interesting monument to mining, and the changes wrought by industrial society. It's also a popular concert and event venue. You can watch a grand fireworks show, catch Linkin Park live or channel a 21st-century Woodstock vibe at such music festivals as Splash, featuring hip-hop and reggae, and Melt.
reviewed
-
D
Marc de Café
This French cafe with its literary and music vibe is a delightful find for house-roasted java jolts or cakes. When the sun’s out, the idyllic courtyard is the place to be. In the yard is a workshop run by Jörg Dahms, who restores and makes copies of historical musical instruments (maximum group size 20 persons; book ahead).
reviewed
-
E
Cranachhöfe
Lucas Cranach’s old residential and work digs have been rebooted as a beautifully restored cultural complex built around two courtyards that often echo with music and readings. There’s a permanent exhibit on the man, his life and his contemporaries.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
F
Elbauenpark & Jahrtausendturm
The Elbauenpark was carved out of the landscape for a 1999 garden exhibition and has rose, sculpture and other gardens, plus a butterfly house. Its most unusual attraction, though, is the conical, 60m-high Jahrtausendturm (Millennial Tower), which bills itself as the world’s tallest wooden tower. Inside is a display on history from ancient times to the present, including a Foucault’s pendulum. Take tram 5 to Herrenkrug or tram 6 to Messegelände.
reviewed
-
G
Sweet Apple
A pub at the eastern end of Collegienstrasse where you can suck on a hookah pipe.
reviewed
-
H
Café Central
This hip bar-cum-literary salon recreates the early 1900s with antique velvet sofas, flock wallpaper and Persian carpets. There are comedy shows, public readings, films or lectures on many evenings. It’s worth visiting just for the cosy decor.
reviewed
-
City Tours
The tourist office offers various tours, including its standard tour of the sights. DIY types might prefer renting a portable audioguide (€6 and your passport as deposit) with commentary in English and other tongues. You can also rent a Segway from the tourist office (per hour €25, driver’s licence required). If you have your own mobile phone, you can get the nitty-gritty on key sights by dialling 08122-9999 5682 plus a dedicated extension. The tourist office has a flyer on this particular scheme.
reviewed
-
I
Dom
Magdeburg’s main historical landmark traces its roots to 937 when Otto I (912–73) founded a Benedictine monastery and had it built up into a full-fledged cathedral within two decades. After a fire destroyed the original a couple of centuries later, it was rebuilt as a Gothic three-aisled basilica with transept, choir and pointed windows. Today it’s the burial place of Otto I and his English wife Editha, and is packed with artistic highlights ranging from the delicate 13th-century Magdeburg Virgins sculptures to a haunting antiwar memorial by Ernst Barlach.
Learn more during German-language tours or ask for an English booklet (€3.90).
reviewed
-
J
Flower Power
Catch live bands, croon karoake or hit the floor for a party in the town’s grooviest venue.
reviewed
-
K
Fronleichnamskapelle
reviewed
-
L
Kunsthistorisches Mueum
Recently restored and enlarged museum with the original Magdeburger Reiter statue from 1240. A gilded copy is on Alter Markt.
reviewed
-
M
Luthereiche
This oak tree marks the spot where the preacher burned the 1520 papal bull threatening his excommunication; the tree itself, though, was only planted around 1830.
reviewed
-
N
Petriförder
Situated directly on the Elbe River, this restaurant and bar has a toe in all doors, with pasta, pizza, schnitzel and a good range of well-prepared poultry, piscine and red-meat dishes, including lamb. Most dishes cost around €12. A beach bar sets up nearby in summer.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
O
Qilin
Magdeburg’s culinary scene won’t blow you out of the Elbe but this small, sleek pan-Asian eatery is excellent – it serves soups, sushi variations, fried seafoods, salads, noodles and superb stir-fries (all without monosodium glutamate), complemented by a strong wine and cocktail list.
reviewed
-
P
Rathaus
The local artist Heinrich Apel designed the relief bronze door of the Rathaus on Alter Markt square. It was recreated in its 17th-century form in the 1960s after total damage during WWII.
reviewed
-
Q
Schlosskirche
Organ music at 2.30pm Tuesday in summer.
reviewed
-
R
Stadtkirche St Marien
This church was where Martin Luther’s ecumenical revolution began, with the world’s first Protestant worship services in 1521. It was also here that Luther preached his famous Lectern sermons in 1522, and where he married ex-nun Katharina von Bora three years later.
The centrepiece is the large altar, designed jointly by Lucas Cranach the Elder and his son. The side facing the nave shows Luther, Melanchthon and other Reformation figures, as well as Cranach himself, in biblical contexts. The altar is also painted on its reverse side. On the lower rung, you’ll see a seemingly defaced painting of heaven and hell; medieval students etched their initials into the painting’s…
reviewed
-
S
Stadtkirche St Marien
Meditate to organ music in summer at 6pm Friday.
reviewed