Regional products 
from Leipzig and the region

For lovers of sweet specialities , the Leipzig Region offers many handmade, appetising and often traditional treats that you definitely shouldn't miss. Have you ever tried a breakfast roll with rowanberry spread, for example? You can find this and many other delicious fruit spreads made from rare and old wild fruit varieties at Sornziger Wilde. Delicious handmade chocolates and pralines are crafted at Goethe Chocolaterie and Chocolatier Praetsch. Of course, a sweet pastry is a must: the Leipziger Lerche has been lovingly baked by Bäckerei Kleinert for more than 70 years.

How about a cup of coffee to go with it – affectionately known here as “Scheelchen Heeßer”? Leipzig's coffee tradition dates back to 1711, when coffee first began to be served in the legendary “Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum”. Today, it is one of the oldest cafés in Europe and houses a museum dedicated to Leipzig's coffee history. Kaffeerösterei Elstermühle has created the “Leipziger Käffchen” blend – a relaxing and delicious treat. Fancy more? Kaffeemanufaktur Obenauf offers coffee tasting courses – a journey for the senses, expert knowledge included. 

Then it is good to know that the animal products from the manufactories listed here are produced with ­criteria such as sustainability, animal welfare and quality in mind. On site, you can see for yourselves how fish, meat and dairy products are made with passion and care. For example, you can gain an insight into sustainable, organic animal husbandry.­ Of course, you can also sample the delicious products straight away:­ savory cheese specialties from Hofmolkerei Bennewitz ­and tasty goose meat or goose liver specialties in the farm kitchen of ­Gänsefarm Eskildsen. ­Or would you prefer an exquisitely ­fresh ­or smoked Wermsdorfer Fisch? 

You can buy sweet and savory treats from regional producers ­at Feinkostmanufaktur Kern und Stein ­– chutneys, juices, mustard or oils – beautifully packaged on request as a small or large gift. 

And now something special for gourmet palates: ­how about truffles from the Leipzig region? ­At Trüffeljäger Eilenburg ­you will find unique specialties ­that can be purchased in the shop or ­enjoyed at tasting evenings.

Anyone who has read Goethe's Faust knows that wine has always flowed freely in Leipzig's taverns. What Mephisto failed to mention, however, were the beers and spirits that are still served today. Beer lovers are in exactly the right place in Leipzig and the region. As are all those looking for a “liquid” gift for family and friends. One drink that, according to its list of ingredients, fits perfectly on modern craft beer shelves is the Leipziger Gose (Top-fermentes Beer). This top-fermented beer with added salt and coriander may not have been invented in Leipzig, but it has had a firm home here since the 18th century. Today, it is brewed and enjoyed at places such as the Gosenschenke at Bayerischer Bahnhof or at the Gose Beer Pub. But classic breweries can also be found in Leipzig and the region. They use original raw ingredients and modern brewing methods to create distinctive and unmistakable types of beer. In Leipzig, you can also enjoy the art of brewing at the Leipziger Ratskeller, for example.

Things are considerably stronger, however, at the Wilhelm Horn Spirituosen Manufaktur, where traditional Allasch, herbal and aronia liqueurs are produced alongside gins and aperitivos . Fans of fine spirits, liqueurs or brandies should also make sure to visit the small but excellent Fuchs Spirituosen Manufaktur in Delitzsch. Owner Thilo Fuchs produces the Naumann-Bitter herbal specialty here according to a recipe from 1927.

Leipzig has long since ceased to be a hidden gem when it comes to shopping. Even so, there is always something new to discover, because as a creative hotspot Leipzig is home to many designers and craftspeople who create extraordinary things. Still need the perfect scarf to complete your outfit? At Robyn Chamberlains "Craft Pigeon Handweberei", you will find hand-woven one-of-a-kind pieces made from sustainable materials such as recycled denim. Unusual or everyday hats, beanies or caps – all individually customised – are made in the manufactory of Gela Hüte.

Anyone who loves jewellery will enjoy the creations made from sustainable precious metals - from the studio of Goldbert or from Schmiede Widdermann. And how about pairing them with a stylish fish-leather handbag from Rothöll or a festive gown by designer Silke Maria Wagler? In Leipzig and the region, you will find very special, wonderful creations for every taste.

Decorative objects and everyday items give every home a special atmosphere. If you want to make your own four walls even more welcoming and individual, why not choose a handmade product from Leipzig that will always remind you of your visit. Under the motto “Luxury for everyday life”, Claudia Biehne creates unique works from “white gold” in her porcelain studio, as well as delicate lights. At Flora Metaphorica, you’ll find imaginative pictures and tiles into which Tina Altus has artfully incorporated wonderful dried flowers. Whether garden accessories, serving trays or jewellery: at hillereiMOSAIK, Andrea Hiller creates distinctive mosaic objects.

“Since fifteen hundred and forty-eight, pots and bowls have been made here”: the pottery town of Kohren-Sahlis is home to Germany’s oldest pottery. At Töpferhaus Arnold, you’ll find fashionable designs as well as the popular blue-and-white dotted ceramics. Schmiede Widdermann produces exceptional artistic and everyday objects. The forging is done freehand, making every piece unique – steel fire spheres, iron pans or delicate jewellery made from precious metals.

And for a cosy home, the bedding manufactory at Gänsefarm Eskildsen produces premium pillows and duvets – also made to individual requirements.

Leipzig is a city of music − world-famous and rich in tradition. For example, the famous Gewandhaus Orchestra can look back on more than 275 years of history. In a city with such a strong musical spirit, many instruments are needed. And these are still crafted by regional instrument makers today, by hand and with great skill.

At the MeineLGeigen Studio for String Instrument Making Anna Karoline Meinel, violins, violas, cellos and custom-made special instruments are built in a 300-year family tradition. Brass instruments such as tubas, flugelhorns and trumpets are made at Vogt Instruments. The future owners of the instruments have the opportunity to test and help shape their instrument, resulting in truly unique pieces. 

The world-famous Blüthner pianos from Leipzig have been made by hand using traditional methods since 1853. Now in its fifth generation, the family-run company produces classic pianos and designer grand pianos that are distinguished by their warm, singing sound. As part of a factory tour, visitors gain a good insight into how these exceptional instruments are created.

Buying regional products is becoming increasingly important when shopping. That is why a visit to the many regional and farmers' markets in the Leipzig Region is especially worthwhile. 

Real highlights include the farmers' markets at Buch Monastery near Leisnig, the fresh produce markets in Grimma Monastery Church, the “Delitziöse” evening markets in Delitzsch and the regional markets in Rochlitz. Here, numerous direct sellers offer you fresh produce from their own cultivation, rearing and production, as well as artisan and craft products .

Markets are also held regularly in Leipzig . Alongside the large weekly market in the city centre, regional traders also offer their products at family-friendly markets in other districts. An insider tip is the Saturday market in Plagwitz, because in Leipzig you can shop and enjoy good food at the weekend too.