Welcome to Leipzig - The Podcast for your Leipzig Trip

In episode 1, Paula and Axel introduce themselves and the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig" as well as Leipzig as a family holiday destination and take the listener to Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold, the managing director of Zoo Leipzig, and the owner of the Herold boat rental company. Other highlights for young and old include the Leipzig Neuseenland with its many bathing lakes or child-friendly facilities such as the Unikatum Children's Museum or the Theater der Jungen Welt.

Episode 2 of the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig" is a sporty affair: Leipzig and especially the region offer visitors a variety of hiking and cycling options - some of which Paula and Axel have tested out for the podcast. Paula first visits the floodplain forest station in Leipzig's floodplain forest and learns a lot about the local natural area and its animal inhabitants from managing director Sebastian Günther. Paula and Axel go on a hike together on the Waldheimer Höhenwanderweg, where they are rewarded with a wonderful view over the Zschopau Valley and Kriebstein Castle. The following day, the two of them pedal and experience the 100km long Neuseenland cycle route. Before that, however, they make a stop at the Mining Technology Park, where Axel interviews the managing director and curator Thorsten Hinz.

Episode 3 is a journey back in time to the dark, wicked times of the city of Leipzig. With Paula and Axel, the listener discovers the sights of the city center and its dark sides on a very special city tour. The pretty Lola from Leipzig Experience leads through Leipzig in the 1920s, the decade of splendour and sin. As a trade fair city, not only did trade flourish, but a piquant byproduct was also omnipresent in Leipzig: prostitution. You can find out how the love business affected the city on the city tour "Frivoles zur Nacht". Paula and Axel's tour is also dedicated to murder and crime, because Mr Kotte from Leipzig Details reports on all the big and small crimes that Leipzig has had to endure over the centuries. All lovers of crime stories and true crime will get their money's worth on the guided tour "Tatort Leipzig - the crime tour".

In episode 4 of the podcast, Axel and Paula enjoy themselves – culinary! Expert and tour operator Ina Thyrolf is also on hand, who "allerleipzig" offers culinary city tours. Together with the listener, Axel, Paula and Ina explore two typical Leipzig dishes: Leipziger Allerlei and the Leipziger Lerche. In the restaurant near the city center "My Leipzig" The three explore the Leipziger Allerlei not only historically, but also in terms of taste. The version prepared by managing director Garrit Oswald with sea bream fillet and crayfish tails is not to be missed. And as is fitting, dessert comes after the main course - for this, the listeners accompany the three into the "Café Maître" on the KarLi in the Südvorstadt, which according to Ina the best Leipziger Lerche in the city Previously a speciality made from skylark, the dish today consists of a shortcrust pastry basket filled with marzipan, nuts and jam. Finally, Paula, Axel and Ina reveal their absolute favorite restaurants. If you can't get enough, you could try "allerleipzig" Book one of the various tours through different parts of the city and get to know Leipzig through good food. With that in mind: Bon appetit!

Episode 5 of the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig" marks the start of a new chapter on the journey that Paula and Axel take through Leipzig. After the two have discovered what families can experience in the city, how to explore the region by bike or with a walking stick, how rich the city's history is and where to find the tastiest food, they now follow in the footsteps of the famous Leipzig composers. The first stop in the music city of Leipzig that Paula and Axel explore is the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, the concert hall and home of the largest professional orchestra in the world. The episode begins in an exceptionally empty Great Hall, which, in addition to its role as a concert hall for Leipzig, also plays an important role as an event venue. Youth consecrations and the ceremonial matriculation of the University of Leipzig take place here, among other things. The two hosts also meet the Gewandhaus director Prof. Andreas Schulz, who tells them about the history of the house. Finally, Paula and Axel meet the Orchestra Member Dorothea Hemken, who gives an insight into the life of a professional musician. Whether you're a classical music lover or not: the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig" brings every listener closer to the fascination of the music city of Leipzig.

In episode 6, Paula and Axel take you to the Mendelssohn House in Leipzig. Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, world-famous musician and composer of the early Romantic period, has an entire museum dedicated to him in the music city, located in the former home of the Mendelssohn family. Although the house in the center of Leipzig looks rather inconspicuous from the outside, there is a lot to discover inside. After the two hosts of the podcast have entered the Mendelssohn House, they meet Anne Brockelt. The chairwoman of the international society for the promotion of the Mendelssohn House Leipzig eV talks about Mendelssohn's close connection to the Gewandhaus, where he held the position of Gewandhaus Kapellmeister. In the music salon, where "the music plays" then as now, the listener can expect a small musical sample. This is also where the tour begins with Christiane Schmidt, the event organizer at the Mendelssohn House. She shows Paula and Axel the individual rooms, which are described very vividly. The three of them walk together through the historic rooms of the family with five children. This episode of "Welcome to Leipzig" is characterized by musical accompaniment and Paula and Axel also try their hand at conducting. This makes the museum an impressive and lively experience.

In episode 7 of the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig", Paula and Axel explore the music city of Leipzig. This time they go to the Thomaskirchhof, because there, directly opposite the Thomanerchor's venue, is the Bach MuseumThe Bach Museum and the Bach Archive are located in the Bosehaus, where Johann Sebastian Bach was a regular guest during his lifetime. Together with Ms. Wiese, the director of the Bach Museum, the two hosts explore the various sections of the facility, such as the instrument room or the wall with the living family tree of the Bach family. Paula and Axel also learn how Bach came to Leipzig and what his everyday life was like as Thomaskantor. Finally, the director of the Bach Festival in Leipzig, Prof. Dr. Michael Maul, tells them about the importance of Leipzig for the Bach community and how the Bach Festival becomes a magnet for Bach fans from all over the world every year. Paula and Axel end the episode in a place where you can perfectly enjoy this episode: in the garden of the Bach Museum.

With episode 8, Paula and Axel's journey through the music city of Leipzig ends for now. Together they return to Augustusplatz, but this time to the side opposite the Gewandhaus. In the Leipzig Opera they stand on the boards that mean the world, listen to the artificially generated thunder during a technical rehearsal and dream of the operas that are performed on this stage. The ballet dancer Natasa Dudar leads the two hosts through the public and non-public parts of the building and tells them what life is like as a professional dancer, how long the road to this position is and how she came to Leipzig. While Axel then meets the singer Karin Lovelius and the pianist Ugo D'Orazio and listens to a singing rehearsal, Paula meets the artistic director and general music director of the opera Ulf Schirmer, who gives her more detailed insights into the history of the house and explains what role the Leipzig Ballet and the venue Musical Comedy in the Leipzig Opera. Paula also learns that the opera is not only Young Opera, also has a lot to offer for young adults. At the end of the episode, the two hosts look back at four exciting and completely different episodes about the institutions of the music city of Leipzig. All four houses are worth a visit, no two are alike and every podcast episode should definitely be listened to!

In episode 9 of "Welcome to Leipzig", Paula and Axel visit a very special place to stay overnight. The treehouse hotel Kriebelland is a high-flying place. Steffen Mäding, the owner of these extraordinary "hotel rooms", has created various themed treehouses over time with great attention to detail and craftsmanship, in which you can even sleep. All of the houses are inspired by different models, so in addition to the romantic treehouse, there is also a tree yurt based on the Kazakh model or the sailing ship treehouse in the shape of a Swedish royal cruiser. If you can hardly wait to drive to Kriebstein, you should book early, because demand is high. In addition to Kriebelland, at the end of the episode the two hosts enjoy the natural ambience at the dam, of course with a view of the lake. 

It is certainly well known that you can start your journey from Leipzig/Halle Airport. In episode 10 of "Welcome to Leipzig", however, Paula and Axel go to the "other side of the fence", because the airport offers various tours that allow you to look behind the scenes. Just 10 minutes by S-Bahn from the city center, more is happening behind the scenes of the obvious flight operations than the hosts would have thought. The biggest thing all of the objects have in common is probably their size. From huge Antonov aircraft to the air traffic controllers' tower and the airport fire department. With the visitor bus, the two get an overview of the entire site and see areas of the airport that you can otherwise only see from the small windows of the passenger planes. By the way: There is also a night tour that allows you to experience the airport in the dark during a unique experience. This episode gives you a first insight into what exactly can be seen on these tours.

Episode 11 of "Welcome to Leipzig" is all about the interplay of old and new. The two hosts explore the old Leipzig cotton mill with Michael Ludwig. Until German reunification, cotton was processed here on thousands of spindles in shifts. Today, the large buildings house art galleries, studios, a cinema, an international dance and choreography center, printing works, and the non-profit HALLE 14. Frequently changing exhibitions by a wide variety of artists are the exhibition's trademark. The famous Leipzig artist Neo Rauch also has a place of work here and exhibits his works from time to time. The best thing about it: entry to the halls is always free! 

"Meri" is Finnish for sea and the same relaxation that you experience with the gentle sound of the waves is also available in the Meri Sauna complex on Lake Kulkwitz in Leipzig. According to Martin Menger, guests should only bring one thing with them: a good mood and relaxation. Together with the son of one of the owners of the family business, the two hosts Paula and Axel find out why the sauna business places so much emphasis on naturalness and what great events are organized here. A total of six different saunas are available for this purpose, which visitors of all ages can use to regenerate and relax. After the sauna, there is of course also the option of enjoying one of the extensive wellness and massage treatments. Massage lovers in particular will get their money's worth here and can use the time to fully relax. In addition to this, the Meri Sauna also offers a very special highlight. In a cold chamber at up to -85°C, the body is made to release a large amount of adrenaline, endorphins and neurotransmitters. This really boosts regeneration and pain relief - and all in just 3 minutes! After the time is up, most visitors feel like they are on cloud nine. Whether it's hot or cold or both, episode 12 has all the important information!

Leipzig has a lot to offer when it comes to art and culture. But you can not only discover the art of others, you can also get involved yourself - DIY is the order of the day! That's why Axel and Paula head to Markkleeberg in this episode to get their hands dirty with Christmas cookies and tea. At "kleines Rehkitz" in Markkleeberg near Lake Cospuden, they make their own sustainable winter wreaths together with owner Suse Regitz. But a visit to a creative workshop like this is not only worthwhile during the Christmas season. Workshops can be booked for children's birthdays or for groups of adult creative fans, for example for company events, parties or sociable evenings with friends. The motto: be there, be free and escape the stress. Other great stops for DIY projects in Leipzig are, for example: Flamingocat on the Karli, Das Bellini's (cocktail courses) or the Lieblingswerk in the city center (ceramic painting courses). By the way: Many of the materials for crafting and making things yourself can also be ordered along with instructions for use at home, or you can give away a voucher for a local workshop.

Auerbachs Keller is certainly a familiar name to many. Goethe in particular made a major contribution to making this restaurant one of the most popular attractions in Leipzig. But this place is more than just a former backdrop to a special story. Together with the barrel cellar master, Paula and Axel go into the "holy halls" and learn a lot of new things, for example about the establishment of the restaurant and its famous guests, such as Luther and Goethe. Suddenly they are surprised by a mysterious visitor. How this haunting comes to an end, which celebrities still give table speeches in this cellar today and what a so-called "Schlampamp" is - all of this is revealed in episode 14.

Is the weather bad outside? No problem! Because Leipzig's cinema landscape is already looking forward to its visitors. In addition to offshoots of some large cinema chains, there are also many special screens in Leipzig, such as the Cinematheque. Paula and Axel get to know these in more detail in episode 14, together with the socio-cultural center "die naTo eV". The naTo has a very broad program: literature, contemporary music, but also improvisational theater and magic shows by professionals and young artists delight the audience. Since the program is constantly changing, it is best to find out more directly on the naTo website or on social media before your visit. In addition to the events just mentioned, the Cinematheque Leipzig also takes place in the naTo rooms. To be more precise, these are cinema screenings with that special something. For example, films outside the mainstream are shown, always in the original with German subtitles! Thanks to the English subtitles for German productions, international guests to Leipzig also get their money's worth. Which films are showing in Leipzig thanks to the Cinematheque and which other cinemas are there to discover in the city? Listen in!

Summer is now in full swing and the best thing about summer is the mild, lukewarm summer nights. There is nothing more fitting than celebrating a lukewarm summer night, outdoors, with music, at an open air event. That is exactly what our new episode is about. To start the 4th season, Axel and Aileen (Paula's successor) immerse themselves in the event scene. After a hearty meal and a drink in a bar on Karli (Karl-Liebknecht-Straße), Aileen and Axel head off with a foot pilsner to Clara Zetkin Park, to the Richard Wagner Grove near the Palmengarten for an open air party. Open air party? Yes! You heard right. There the two meet Issaias Weikum, the press spokesman for vak. Leipzig (Leipzig Event Collective Initiative). They talk to Issaias about how the city makes areas available for open-air parties, what kind of events are offered in the areas, how the tickets work, who takes care of the drinks and what else vak. Leipzig is committed to. You can find out all of this in our new podcast episode. Be sure to listen!

The Vineta is not a foreign term in Leipzig's New Lake District. But even those who don't know the Vineta yet should prick up their ears: in our new podcast episode, Axel and Aileen take you on a boat tour to the floating church. The former Espenhain brown coal opencast mine has become the idyllic local recreation area of ​​the Störmthaler Lake. Since 2014, it has been open to tourists. Whether day trippers, tour groups or sports enthusiasts - everyone gets their money's worth here. If you particularly like it, you can also stay overnight at the lake. The Vineta on the Störmthaler Lake is a memorial to the 14 towns that disappeared and the countless people who had to be relocated as a result of the opencast mining. Today it is a popular excursion destination and a very special venue for weddings, cultural events and exclusive events. Here you can find out exactly how the lake was formed, the history of the villages and other exciting facts about Vineta. "Cast off!" is the motto of our new podcast episode. Listen now!

You can explore Leipzig on foot, by bus and train or by car - but anyone can do that! How about a city tour through Leipzig by bike? That's exactly what Axel and Aileen do: in the new podcast episode, they take us across the city on their luggage racks together with lipzi tours. The historic journey begins at the Buntgarnwerke in Plagwitz. It continues through the Clara Zetkin Park to the music quarter with a stop at the Albertina. Past the Federal Administrative Court, the next stop on the tour takes you to Deutscher Platz, which is also seen as the gateway to the trade fair. The last stop is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. It is the largest monument in Germany for good reason and is therefore the grand finale of the bike tour. Do you want to find out more about Leipzig, its sights and the stories behind them? Then don't start pedaling right away, but first press the play button for the new podcast episode. Have fun!

In this podcast episode, Axel and Aileen take a trip to New York - well, almost. They visit the grounds of the Leipzig municipal utilities and, of course, we're there again. The Panometer was built here in 2003 and it's quite something! The artist Yadegar Asisi is exhibiting 3.500-degree panoramic images in the old gasometer on an area of ​​360 m². The unique presentation allows visitors to immerse themselves deeply in the most diverse topics and scenes of this world. This overwhelming impression is supported by thematically appropriate background noises, light simulations and an exhibition. You can hear for yourself what all this has to do with New York, more about the history of the building and insights into the artist's creative processes. Put on your headphones or turn on the speakers and the all-round art experience begins!

It's getting Christmassy in Leipzig: In the latest podcast episode, Alexander Gruß from the Leipzig Market Office accompanies the two presenters Axel and Aileen on a stroll through the Leipzig Christmas market. This is spread across the entire city center and is very diverse in terms of themes. Augustusplatz, for example, is transformed into a Finnish and South Tyrolean village and visitors to the Naschmarkt can expect a historical medieval market. Alexander Gruß reveals some insider information so that listeners at home can also get a precise idea of ​​how a Christmas market is actually organized. He also enables Axel and Aileen to talk to some of the stall owners and ask them interesting questions. When the Christmas tree is chosen for the market square, how the application for a coveted spot at the Christmas market works and which other markets Alexander Gruß organizes - now it's best to hear it for yourself!

When the weather is wonderful in summer, the motto is: get out into the sun! But even if you avoid indoor spaces, culture shouldn't fall by the wayside. In Leipzig and the region, the two can be combined excellently. In this podcast episode, Axel and Aileen visit two very special summer stages: At Schladitzer See in the north of Leipzig, everything revolves around Biedermeier - in the bay of the lake on the Biedermeier beach, you can immerse yourself in another era. The centerpiece is the lake stage, where you can enjoy plays and shows from the Biedermeier (and more modern) times. In the middle of Leipzig, hidden between residential buildings, the Gohliser Schlösschen surprises with breathtaking architecture and a baroque garden that invites you to dream. Here, too, plays and concerts take place in a wonderful atmosphere in summer. Listen to Axel and Aileen visit Schladitzer Bucht and then walk across the creaky wooden floorboards of the Gohliser Schlösschen - and then discover these picturesque places for yourself!

In episode 22, Axel and Aileen head off to the Saxon Heathland, more precisely to Sornzig. At the monastery, which has an impressive wild fruit display area that is maintained by the Umbreit couple and whose fruits they process into "Sornziger Wilde" fruit spreads, they meet Katja Leißner. During the pandemic, Katja Leißner designed the Querfeldwiese tours, an interesting hiking walk through Sornzig and the surrounding fruit country and heathland - and the best thing: the tours can be individually adapted to the group and are therefore the perfect program for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays or company parties. On their Querfeldwiese tour, Axel and Aileen get a guided tour of the Kahlenberg and can try some delicacies from the region with a wonderful view.

Still got room in your travel bag? Then listen to this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig". Axel and Aileen take you to the delicatessen. The former factory site is not only known for its special architecture: several small sustainable shops and studios are part of the Feinkost art and trade cooperative. Here you can find everything your sustainable heart desires, from refurbished GDR furniture to pottery and goldsmithing to a children's book shop (where adults can also find something). But the delicatessen has even more to offer! In this episode you will find out how you can make the so-called "spoon family" shine, for example.

Prick up your ears - in this episode Axel and Aileen discover Leipzig city center in a whole new way with the "Explore Leipzig" app. The app offers several tours through different parts of the city and the two decide on the interactive family tour "Leolina's Adventure": The lioness Leolina has lost her way and is looking for her home. Accompany Axel, Aileen and Leolina on their search across the city, past all kinds of exciting places and be surprised by the people they meet along the way. You will find out whether they can find Leolina's home in the end in this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig". Whether on foot, with selected highlights or in random mode - with the "Explore Leipzig" app you decide for yourself how you want to discover Leipzig!

Do you value sustainability - even in jewelry and textiles? Then you'll definitely find what you're looking for at Robyn Chamberlain. The Canadian is a trained goldsmith and discovered her love of weaving during her studies. She combines both in her studio shop on Jahnallee in Leipzig. There you will find not only hand-woven scarves made of organic wool but also sustainable jewelry made of ethically mined gold and recycled silver. Axel and Aileen were not only able to learn a lot about Robyn's work, but also get involved themselves. You'll find out how the two go about it, how long it actually takes to weave a scarf by hand and which courses Robyn offers in this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig."

In this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig," Aileen is looking for new winter shoes. Together with Axel, she gets advice at the Zimmermann shoe store in Leipzig. The traditional family business places great value on quality shoes and on contact with its customers, and also offers a large selection of children's shoes in the "Little Daredevils" department. The store is located in the middle of Leipzig's city center - a place with a historical trade fair character. Leipzig's center not only makes hearts beat faster thanks to its variety of shops - the architecture is also unique: a branching system of passages invites you to a leisurely shopping stroll whatever the weather. Will Aileen find what she's looking for at the Zimmermann shoe store? And what is there to discover in the "Lipsi Klub"? You'll find out in this episode!

A stroll through Leipzig's city center will give everyone a taste of something - whether it's a delicious breakfast, a tasty lunch or a pleasurable end to the evening. Axel and Aileen take you on a tour through the lively city center and present plenty of culinary highlights and insider knowledge. Are you curious about where the name "Barfußgässchen" comes from? And where the restaurant, club and cultural event venue meet? Then listen to this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig"! It will also finally be clarified how the "Macis" in Leipzig's city center - which is also an organic market, organic bakery and organic restaurant - is correctly pronounced and which famous person has already been fed by the chef at Macis.

In this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig" we're heading out of the city again - by water! Aileen and Axel set off from the city harbor on a paddling tour to Lake Cospuden (also affectionately known as "Cossi"). Leipzig's city harbor is still under construction, but in addition to a city beach it already offers paddle boat rentals and relaxed motorized boat tours. In this episode you'll find out what a tour on Leipzig's numerous waterways can look like. Past villas, through a lock, to the Lauer forest lake and on to the "Cossi". And what else can you do there? You'll find out in this episode!

Summer is here and this time Axel and Aileen are heading out of the city and into one of the most exciting event locations in the Leipzig region - the Leisnig cultural station. Whether it's folk music, dance or workshops, visitors to the cultural station can expect a varied program. In the beautiful garden or under the tent roof decorated with fairy lights, comfortable living room seating and a fine range of gastronomic offerings invite you to linger. But the station itself and its ongoing restoration are also impressive - the reception hall, waiting room and the former signal box have gradually been filled with life again. What else is on offer in the station and in Leisnig itself? Find out in this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig"!

Colditz Castle rises majestically above the Zwickauer Mulde in the Leipzig region, an unmistakable relic of the Renaissance. But inside it becomes clear: the walls, in which remnants of GDR wallpaper contrast with painted ceilings from the 16th century, have survived many other eras. Accompany Aileen and Axel on their tour of Colditz Castle in this podcast episode and learn more about its exciting and dark past. Learn about daring escape attempts and its time as a prisoner of war camp, mental asylum 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".

Autumn 1989: Thousands of people in the GDR gather courage and demonstrate for democracy and freedom - knowing full well that the state security could break up the peaceful demonstrations by force. The situation is tense - and the West Berlin journalist Siegbert Schefke secretly records them on video in Leipzig. In this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig", Axel and Aileen let him speak and report on the emotional events that took place 35 years ago. You will learn from the young city guide Marius Wittwer that these are still relevant today. He draws a line from the Peaceful Revolution of that time to the culture of remembrance to the Festival of Lights, which is celebrated annually in Leipzig and which you should definitely not miss on your trip to Leipzig.

The clip is an original audio from the “Tagesschau” from November 10, 1989.

A look at Leipzig through rose-tinted glasses - this is how Lisa Vogel describes her work. The illustrator puts beautiful places in the city and special everyday scenes on paper. Her Leipzig illustrations can be purchased at "Vielfach", a design and arts and crafts shop and so-called Concept Store, in which artists can rent space and sell their products. The result: a wonderful mix of special treasures. Axel and Aileen take a closer look at the unique things in the shop for you - and then visit Lisa Vogel in her Leipzig studio. You can find out more about concept stores and handicrafts from Leipzig and the region in this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig".

Attention, sweet tooths, because this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig" is for you! Unusual creations of modern confectionery await Axel and Aileen when they enter "Hart & Herzlich" on Georg-Schumann-Straße. What Niklas Wendler and his colleague Mirko Klug value when making their creams, macarons, tarts and chocolates, what "unplugged" patisserie is and where the name "Hart & Herzlich" actually comes from - you'll find out in this episode. Axel and Aileen even get to tie the baking aprons themselves - will it work? Listen for yourself!

In this episode, enjoyment comes first - we're heading into the world of fine chocolate and good coffee! We're visiting two factories in Leipzig: the "Kaffeerösterei Elstermühle" for all coffee lovers and the "Goethe Chocolaterie". Both production facilities offer regionally produced delicacies made from hand-picked ingredients: various chocolates, pralines and special coffee blends. And in this episode, Axel and Aileen get to work again. The goal: to make their own chocolate Santa Claus! You'll find out how it works, how you can get involved yourself and what you need to bear in mind when roasting coffee in this episode of "Welcome to Leipzig".