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 holiday destination and take their listeners to meet Prof Dr Jörg Junhold, the managing director of Leipzig Zoo as well as the owner of Herold Boat Hire. Further highlights for old and young include the Leipzig New Lake District with its many bathing lakes as well as child-friendly destinations such as the Unikatum Children's and Youth Museum and the Theatre of the Young World (Theater der Jungen Welt).

In episode 2 of the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig", you need to be ready for some excercise. In Leipzig and especially in its surrounding region, visitors will find a large number of hiking and cycling opportunities. Paula and Axel tested some of them for the podcast. Paula's first stop is the Floodplain Centre (Auwaldstation) in the Leipzig floodplain forest where she learns a lot from managing director Sebastian Günther about this local natural area and its animal inhabitants. Together, Paula and Axel go hiking around the Waldheim Hiking Loop where they are rewarded with beautiful views across the Zschopau Valley and of Kriebstein Castle. On the next day, the pair step on the pedals and ride the 62 miles of the New Lake District Cycle Route (Neuseenlandradroute). Before leaving, they stop at the Mining and Technology Park where Axel interviews the managing director and curator Thorsten Hinz.

Episode 3 takes you on a journey in time to the City of Leipzig's dark and disreputable era. Listeners can discover the darker side of city centre sights on an unusual guided tour with Paula and Axel. The beautiful Lola from Leipzig Erleben (Experience Leipzig) will lead you through the streets of Leipzig in the 1920s, the decade of glamour and sin. Not only commerce flourished in this Trade Fair City. A spicy spin-off product was also available everywhere in Leipzig, namely prostitution. You can find out how the love trade affected the city on a tour called "Frivolity by Night" (Frivoles zur Nacht). The tour given by Paula and Axel also dedicates itself to murder and crime when Mr Kotte from Details of Leipzig (Leipzig Details) tells of all the large and small crimes that Leipzig had to endure over the centuries. Anyone who loves criminal novels and true crime will really enjoy the tour called "Crime Scene Leipzig – The Crime Tour" (Tatort Leipzig - die Krimitour).

In episode 4 of the podcast, Axel and Paula enjoy some culinary treats. They are joined by expert and tour guide Ina Thyrolf who offers culinary city tours called "allerleipzig". Axel, Paula and Ina invite their listeners to find out all about two typical Leipzig delicacies: Leipziger Allerlei and Leipziger Lerche. At "Mein Leipzig", a restaurant close to the centre of town, the three find out not only about the history of Leipziger Allerlei, but also what it tastes like. Anyway, it would be a real shame to miss trying this traditional dish the way the managing director makes it with sea bream and river crayfish tails. And as you would expect, after the main course, it is time for dessert. For this, the three take their listeners to the „Café Maître“on Karl-Heine-Strasse in the Südvorstadt district because Ina says they make the best LeipzigerLerches in town. This speciality really used to be made from skylarks but today comes in the form of a pastry case filled with marzipan, nuts and jam. At the end of the episode, Paula, Axel and Ina reveal their most favourite bars. If you are a fan of the culinary tours, you can book "allerleipzig“ in different districts of Leipzig and get to know the city via its good food. So enjoy your meal!

In episode 4 of the podcast, Axel and Paula enjoy some culinary treats. They are joined by expert and tour guide Ina Thyrolf who offers culinary city tours called "allerleipzig". Axel, Paula and Ina invite their listeners to find out all about two typical Leipzig delicacies: Leipziger Allerlei and Leipziger Lerche. At "Mein Leipzig", a restaurant close to the centre of town, the three find out not only about the history of Leipziger Allerlei, but also what it tastes like. Anyway, it would be a real shame to miss trying this traditional dish the way the managing director makes it with sea bream and river crayfish tails. And as you would expect, after the main course, it is time for dessert. For this, the three take their listeners to the „Café Maître“on Karl-Heine-Strasse in the Südvorstadt district because Ina says they make the best LeipzigerLerches in town. This speciality really used to be made from skylarks but today comes in the form of a pastry case filled with marzipan, nuts and jam. At the end of the episode, Paula, Axel and Ina reveal their most favourite bars. If you are a fan of the culinary tours, you can book "allerleipzig“ in different districts of Leipzig and get to know the city via its good food. So enjoy your meal!

Episode 5 of the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig" marks the start of a new section of the journey that Paula and Axel are taking through Leipzig. Having found out what families can experience in the city, how to explore the region by bicycle or in hiking boots, how pronounced the city's history is and where to get the best food, the pair are now setting out in the footsteps of famous Leipzig composers. The first place Paula and Axel visit in the City of Music is Leipzig Gewandhaus, concert hall and home to the largest professional orchestra in the world. The episode begins in the Große Saal (Great Hall) which is empty for once. The hall is not only a concert hall but also plays an important role for Leipzig as an events venue. Events such as the festive enrollment of students into Leipzig University and coming-of-age ceremonies take place here. The pair hosting the podcast meet the musical director of Leipzig Gewandhaus Prof Andreas Schulz, who tells them all about its history. Afterwards, Paula and Axel meet a member of the orchestra Dorothea Hemken who gives them an insight into the life of a professional musician. Whether you love classical music or not: the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig" enables all its listeners to appreciate the fascination of Leipzig as a City of music.

Episode 5 of the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig" marks the start of a new section of the journey that Paula and Axel are taking through Leipzig. Having found out what families can experience in the city, how to explore the region by bicycle or in hiking boots, how pronounced the city's history is and where to get the best food, the pair are now setting out in the footsteps of famous Leipzig composers. The first place Paula and Axel visit in the City of Music is Leipzig Gewandhaus, concert hall and home to the largest professional orchestra in the world. The episode begins in the Große Saal (Great Hall) which is empty for once. The hall is not only a concert hall but also plays an important role for Leipzig as an events venue. Events such as the festive enrollment of students into Leipzig University and coming-of-age ceremonies take place here. The pair hosting the podcast meet the musical director of Leipzig Gewandhaus Prof Andreas Schulz, who tells them all about its history. Afterwards, Paula and Axel meet a member of the orchestra Dorothea Hemken who gives them an insight into the life of a professional musician. Whether you love classical music or not: the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig" enables all its listeners to appreciate the fascination of Leipzig as a City of music.

In episode 6, Paula and Axel take you to the Mendelssohn House in Leipzig. Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, world-famous musician and composer of early Romantic music, has an entire museum dedicated to him in the City of Music which is located in the former Mendelssohn family home. Although this house in the centre of Leipzig does not look particularly significant from the outside, inside, there is plenty to discover. After entering the Mendelssohn House, the two podcast hosts meet up with Anne Brockelt. The chairwoman of the International Society for the Promotion of the Mendelssohn House Leipzig (Internationale Gesellschaft zur Förderung des Mendelssohn-Hauses Leipzig e.V.) tells them about Mendelssohn's close connection to Leipzig Gewandhaus, where he was the conductor. In the music salon, where music always used to be played and still is today, listeners are treated to a musical excerpt. This is also where the guided tour begins with Christiane Schmidt, event organiser at the Mendelssohn House. She shows Paula and Axel the individual rooms and describes them vividly. The three walk together through the rooms steeped in history where the family with five children lived. This episode of "Welcome to Leipzig" is characterised by the musical accompaniment and Paula and Axel even get to have a try at conducting. This is an impressionable and lively way to experience the museum.

In episode 7 of the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig", Paula and Axel continue to explore Leipzig, the City of Music. This time, the podcast leads them to St. Thomas Church Square since this is where the Bach Museum is located, directly opposite the musical home of St. Thomas Boys Choir. The Bach Museum and the Bach Archive are both in the Bose House where Johann Sebastian Bach was a regular guest when he was alive. Together with Ms Wiese who manages the Bach Museum, the two hosts explore the various sections of the establishment such as the instrument room and a wall with an interactive family tree of the Bach family. Paula and Axel also find out how Bach came to live in Leipzig and about his daily life as a Thomas Cantor. Finally, the artistic director of the Bach Festival, Prof Dr Michael Maul explains the significance of Leipzig for the Bach community and how every year, the Bach Festival is a huge attraction for Bach fans from all over the world. Paula and Axel finish up this episode in the perfect place to enjoy listening to it: in the garden of the Bach Museum.

In episode 7 of the podcast "Welcome to Leipzig", Paula and Axel continue to explore Leipzig, the City of Music. This time, the podcast leads them to St. Thomas Church Square since this is where the Bach Museum is located, directly opposite the musical home of St. Thomas Boys Choir. The Bach Museum and the Bach Archive are both in the Bose House where Johann Sebastian Bach was a regular guest when he was alive. Together with Ms Wiese who manages the Bach Museum, the two hosts explore the various sections of the establishment such as the instrument room and a wall with an interactive family tree of the Bach family. Paula and Axel also find out how Bach came to live in Leipzig and about his daily life as a Thomas Cantor. Finally, the artistic director of the Bach Festival, Prof Dr Michael Maul explains the significance of Leipzig for the Bach community and how every year, the Bach Festival is a huge attraction for Bach fans from all over the world. Paula and Axel finish up this episode in the perfect place to enjoy listening to it: in the garden of the Bach Museum.

Episode 8 brings Paula and Axel's journey through Leipzig, the City of Music, to an end. Together they return to Augustusplatz but this time to the other side opposite Leipzig Gewandhaus. At Leipzig Opera, they stand on the stage, listen to artificial thunder in a technical rehearsal and dream of the operas that are performed here. The ballet dancer Natase Dudar shows the two hosts around both the public and back-stage areas of the building and tells them what it is like being a professional dancer, how long it takes to get there and how she came to Leipzig. Afterwards, while Axel meets the singer Karin Lovelius and the pianist Ugo D'Orazio and listens to a song rehearsal, Paula has an appointment with Ulf Schirmer, the artistic and general musical director of Leipzig Opera, who gives insights into its history and explains the role of the Leipzig Ballet and the Musikalische Komödie at Leipzig Opera. Paula also finds out that the Opera has quite alot to offer young adults in addition to the Junge Oper Leipzig. At the end of the episode, both hosts look back again on the four interesting and completely different episodes on institutions in Leipzig, the City of Music. All four attractions are well worth a visit, they are all very different and what is more, each accompanying podcast should definitely be listened to!

Episode 8 brings Paula and Axel's journey through Leipzig, the City of Music, to an end. Together they return to Augustusplatz but this time to the other side opposite Leipzig Gewandhaus. At Leipzig Opera, they stand on the stage, listen to artificial thunder in a technical rehearsal and dream of the operas that are performed here. The ballet dancer Natase Dudar shows the two hosts around both the public and back-stage areas of the building and tells them what it is like being a professional dancer, how long it takes to get there and how she came to Leipzig. Afterwards, while Axel meets the singer Karin Lovelius and the pianist Ugo D'Orazio and listens to a song rehearsal, Paula has an appointment with Ulf Schirmer, the artistic and general musical director of Leipzig Opera, who gives insights into its history and explains the role of the Leipzig Ballet and the Musikalische Komödie at Leipzig Opera. Paula also finds out that the Opera has quite alot to offer young adults in addition to the Junge Oper Leipzig. At the end of the episode, both hosts look back again on the four interesting and completely different episodes on institutions in Leipzig, the City of Music. All four attractions are well worth a visit, they are all very different and what is more, each accompanying podcast should definitely be listened to!

In episode 9 of "Welcome to Leipzig", Paula and Axel visit a very special place to spend the night. The Kriebelland tree house hotel tops everything. Steffen Mäding is the owner of these very exceptional "hotel rooms". With great attention to detail and a passion for craftsmanship, he has created a series of themed treehouses over the years where you can even spend the night. All the treehouses are inspired by different themes. Alongside the Romantic treehouse, there is also a Kazakh-style tree yurt and a sailing-ship treehouse in the shape of a Swedish "Königskreuzer" yacht. If you are thrilled by the idea of coming to Kriebstein, we recommend that you book early as there is a high demand for rooms in the tree houses. Alongside the visit to Krieblland, at the end of the episode, the two hosts enjoy the natural outdoor setting at the dam with a view across the reservoir. 

In episode 9 of "Welcome to Leipzig", Paula and Axel visit a very special place to spend the night. The Kriebelland tree house hotel tops everything. Steffen Mäding is the owner of these very exceptional "hotel rooms". With great attention to detail and a passion for craftsmanship, he has created a series of themed treehouses over the years where you can even spend the night. All the treehouses are inspired by different themes. Alongside the Romantic treehouse, there is also a Kazakh-style tree yurt and a sailing-ship treehouse in the shape of a Swedish "Königskreuzer" yacht. If you are thrilled by the idea of coming to Kriebstein, we recommend that you book early as there is a high demand for rooms in the tree houses. Alongside the visit to Krieblland, at the end of the episode, the two hosts enjoy the natural outdoor setting at the dam with a view across the reservoir. 

Everyone knows that Leipzig/Halle Airport is a good place to start a journey. However, In episode 10 of "Welcome to Leipzig", Paula and Axel are not flying anywhere. They are going behind the scenes on one of the various tours offered by the airport. Only ten minutes away from the city centre on the tram, there is much more going on in the background at the airport than the hosts had ever imagined. Everything they see has one thing in common – its size. From huge Antonov aeroplanes to the control tower and the airport fire service. Riding in the visitor bus, the pair are given an overview of the entire airport site and get to see areas of the airport usually only seen from the little aeroplane windows when on a flight. By the way, there is also a night-time tour with the unique opportunity to experience the airport in the dark. This episode give a first impression of what you will be able to see on the airport tours.

Episode 11 of "Welcome to Leipzig" revolves around the interaction between old and new. The two hosts explore the old cotton mill in Leipzig together with Michael Ludwig. Until German reunification, cotton used to be spun on thousands of spindles by shift workers here. Now the huge buildings are home to art galleries, studios, a cinema, an international centre for dance and choreography, printing companies and the charitable organisation HALLE 14. The art exhibition features regularly alternating exhibitions by a wide variety of artists. The famous Leipzig artist Neo Rauch also has a studio here and presents his work from time to time. The best thing about it all is that admission to the halls is always free! 

Episode 11 of "Welcome to Leipzig" revolves around the interaction between old and new. The two hosts explore the old cotton mill in Leipzig together with Michael Ludwig. Until German reunification, cotton used to be spun on thousands of spindles by shift workers here. Now the huge buildings are home to art galleries, studios, a cinema, an international centre for dance and choreography, printing companies and the charitable organisation HALLE 14. The art exhibition features regularly alternating exhibitions by a wide variety of artists. The famous Leipzig artist Neo Rauch also has a studio here and presents his work from time to time. The best thing about it all is that admission to the halls is always free! 

"Meri" means "sea" in Finnish and here at the Meri Sauna at Lake Kulkwitz in Leipzig, you can relax just as if you were listening to the gentle sound of the waves. According to Martin Menge, guests do not need to bring anything with them apart from a cheerful and laid-back attitude. Together with the son of one of the owners of this family business, the two hosts Paula and Axel find out why naturalness is so important here at the sauna and what amazing events they organise. There are a total of six different saunas available where visitors of all ages can come to regenerate and relax. Of course, after the sauna, there is the opportunity to enjoy one of the comprehensive wellness or massage sessions. Massage fans in particular will love coming here and can fully use the time to completely relax. Furthermore, the Meri Sauna also offers a very special highlight. In a cold chamber at temperatures as low as minus 85°C, your body will release large amounts of adrenaline, endorphins and neurotransmitters. In just three minutes, this considerably speeds up regeneration and pain relief. After the time is up, most visitors feel like they are on cloud nine. Whether you prefer hot or cold or like both, episode 12 has all the information you need!

"Meri" means "sea" in Finnish and here at the Meri Sauna at Lake Kulkwitz in Leipzig, you can relax just as if you were listening to the gentle sound of the waves. According to Martin Menge, guests do not need to bring anything with them apart from a cheerful and laid-back attitude. Together with the son of one of the owners of this family business, the two hosts Paula and Axel find out why naturalness is so important here at the sauna and what amazing events they organise. There are a total of six different saunas available where visitors of all ages can come to regenerate and relax. Of course, after the sauna, there is the opportunity to enjoy one of the comprehensive wellness or massage sessions. Massage fans in particular will love coming here and can fully use the time to completely relax. Furthermore, the Meri Sauna also offers a very special highlight. In a cold chamber at temperatures as low as minus 85°C, your body will release large amounts of adrenaline, endorphins and neurotransmitters. In just three minutes, this considerably speeds up regeneration and pain relief. After the time is up, most visitors feel like they are on cloud nine. Whether you prefer hot or cold or like both, episode 12 has all the information you need!

Leipzig has plenty to offer when it comes to art and culture. But it is not just about discovering other people's art. You can also be an artist yourself – it's DIY-time! That's why Axel and Paula make their way to Markkleeberg in this episode to get creative over some Christmas biscuits and a cup of tea. At the "kleines Rehkitz" in Markkleeberg near Lake Cospuden, they create their own sustainable Christmas wreaths together with the owner Suse Regitz. However, a visit to a creative workshop such as this one is well worth it at any time of year. Workshops can be booked for kids' birthday parties or for groups of adults who love being creative, for corporate events and celebrations as well as companionable evenings with friends. The motto: Be there, be free and forget about stress for a while. Here are some more examples of wonderful places to go for DIY projects in Leipzig. Try Flamingocat on Karli Street (Karl-Heine-Strasse), Bellini's (cocktail courses) or Lieblingswerk in the city centre (ceramics painting courses). By the way, many of the handicraft materials and instructions you need can be ordered for home delivery and vouchers for workshops in Leipzig make ideal presents.

Leipzig has plenty to offer when it comes to art and culture. But it is not just about discovering other people's art. You can also be an artist yourself – it's DIY-time! That's why Axel and Paula make their way to Markkleeberg in this episode to get creative over some Christmas biscuits and a cup of tea. At the "kleines Rehkitz" in Markkleeberg near Lake Cospuden, they create their own sustainable Christmas wreaths together with the owner Suse Regitz. However, a visit to a creative workshop such as this one is well worth it at any time of year. Workshops can be booked for kids' birthday parties or for groups of adults who love being creative, for corporate events and celebrations as well as companionable evenings with friends. The motto: Be there, be free and forget about stress for a while. Here are some more examples of wonderful places to go for DIY projects in Leipzig. Try Flamingocat on Karli Street (Karl-Heine-Strasse), Bellini's (cocktail courses) or Lieblingswerk in the city centre (ceramics painting courses). By the way, many of the handicraft materials and instructions you need can be ordered for home delivery and vouchers for workshops in Leipzig make ideal presents.

Everyone will almost certainly have heard of Auerbachs Keller Restaurant. Goethe in particular made a major contribution to this restaurant becoming one of the most famous sights in Leipzig. But this place is more than just the former backdrop for unique historical events. Together with the barrel master, Paula and Axel enter the "sacred halls" and learn all kinds of new things such as how the restaurant was founded as well as listening to stories about its famous guests including Luther and Goethe. Suddenly, they are surprised by a mysterious guest. What happens next is revealed in episode 14 and there, you will also find out which famous people hold speeches in Auerbachs Keller Restaurant today as well as what a so-called "Schlampamp" is.

The weather outside is bad? No problem! Cinemas across Leipzig are look forward to welcoming their visitors. Alongside cinemas belonging to big chains, Leipzig also has many unique screens such as the Cinematheque. Paula and Axel find out more about this in episode 15 together with the sociocultural centre "die naTo e.V.". The naTo centre offers a broad programme of events. Audiences love the literature and contemporary music as well as the magic shows by both professionals and new young artists. The programme changes regularly so it is advisable to have a look at the website or check out naTo on social media before you go. In addition to the above-mentioned programme, there are also events at the naTo building staged by Leipzig Cinematheque. To put it more precisely, these are cinema films with a special something. Above all, non-mainstream films are shown and they always run in the original language with German subtitles! Thanks to the English subtitles for German films, international visitors to Leipzig can also enjoy a trip to the cinema. If you would like to know which films are on in Leipzig courtesy of the Cinematheque and which other cinemas are still to be discovered across the city, have a listen!