Leipzig’s history

The people of Leipzig who took to the inner city ring road in their hundreds of thousands in 1989 wanted change. The decisive day of the Peaceful Revolution was 9 October 1989, when 70,000 demonstrators overthrew the SED regime in Leipzig with the calls “We are the people!” and “No violence!”. With their courage, their determination and their refusal to use violence, they made history. The moving images of the Monday Demonstrations in the autumn of 1989 went around the world.

This meant that national history was made in Leipzig and the foundation was laid for German reunification — a historic event without which today’s European Union would likely not exist. One month after the decisive Monday Demonstration in Leipzig, the Berlin Wall fell during the night of 9 November.

With the Leipzig Festival of Lights the city commemorates the events surrounding the Peaceful Revolution every year. On 9 October, the city’s day of remembrance, locals and visitors gather in the city centre to honour the brave demonstrators of 9 October 1989 with thousands of candle lights. Impressive light art projects illuminate the city centre and fill visitors with awe.

Leipzig has made history not only politically. From a commercial perspective as well, Leipzig looks back on a rich past. As early as the Middle Ages, Leipzig served as an important trading hub and, by the end of the 15th century, had developed into an international trade fair location. Over the centuries, the trade fairs and exchanges continued to grow – along with the volume of goods that had to be transported from A to B. The solution: the sample fair, where only individual display pieces – so‑called samples – were presented. In 1895, the world’s first sample fair was held in Leipzig. Even today, architecture fans can marvel at the historic sites created at that time – the unique trade fair courtyards and arcades – which run like a red thread through Leipzig’s city centre, connecting pedestrian zones and small alleyways.

The city walk “City Center Tour – Leipzig on Foot” guides you through the historic heart of Leipzig and shows you the most important sights, historical places, and attractions the city has to offer. You will be accompanied by interactive and multimedia elements – let yourselves be surprised!

If you have less time available, the highlight tour “City Center Tour with Selected Highlights” is perfect for you. On this tour, you will discover the top attractions of the city and get the most out of your visit.