Leipzig's history

The people of Leipzig, who marched in their hundreds of thousands to the Leipzig inner city ring in 1989, wanted change. The decisive day of the Peaceful Revolution was October 9, 1989when 70.000 demonstrators overthrew the SED regime in Leipzig with the cries of "We are the people!" and "No violence!" With their courage, their strong will and their refusal to use violence, they made history. The moving images of the Monday demonstrations in autumn 1989 went around the world.

National history was written in Leipzig and the foundations for German reunification were laid. A historic event without which the European Union as it exists today would probably not exist. One month after the decisive Monday demonstration in Leipzig, the Berlin Wall fell on the night of November 9th.

With the Leipzig Light Festival reminds the city annually to commemorate the events surrounding the Peaceful Revolution. On October 9, the city's day of remembrance, locals and guests of Leipzig meet in the city center and commemorate the courageous demonstrators of October 9, 1989 with thousands of candles. Impressive light art projects brighten up the city center and amaze visitors.

Leipzig has not only written history politically. From a commercial point of view, Leipzig also looks back on a rich past. Already in the Middle Ages, Leipzig served as important trading hub and became the international trade fair locationOver the centuries, the trade fairs and exchanges The demand for goods continued to grow – and with it the volume of goods that had to be transported from A to B. The solution: the sample fair, where only individual display items – so-called samples – were presented. The first trade fair Architecture fans can still admire the historical sites that were created at that time in Leipzig – the unique exhibition courtyards and Passages – pastures that run like a common thread through Leipzig’s city centre and connect pedestrian zones and alleys.

The city walk "City Center Tour - Leipzig on Foot" takes you through the historic heart of Leipzig and shows you the most important sights, historical places and attractions that this city has to offer. You will be accompanied by interactive and multimedia elements - let yourself be surprised!

If you have less time available, the highlight tour is suitable "City center tour with selected highlights" perfect for you. On this tour you will discover the top attractions of the city and get the most out of your visit.