Discover Leipzig

The hiking route in Bad Kösen itself leads from the town to the historic Rudelsburg, a favorite among students for centuries, and continues to the picturesque Burg Saaleck.

Starting at the Ringhotel „Mutiger Ritter“, the trail follows the Saale River, passing the Johannisquelle and the Löwendenkmal memorial, before climbing through the forest to the Rudelsburg. After a visit—and perhaps a refreshing regional beer—the hike continues to Burg Saaleck, offering scenic paths, historic architecture, and charming viewpoints. The return route winds through woodland and along the river, completing a circular tour that blends history, landscape, and culture in a single, accessible outing. Late summer is an especially inviting time, with warm weather perfect for exploring the vineyards, enjoying the views, and stopping at local inns along the way.

Especially for historians of social history, socialism/communism and industrialisation, this city might offer a lot to explore for a day trip. Historically, the city is also known as “Karl-Marx-Stadt”, with the big monument of his head is still a reminder of. Aside from that, Chemnitz has been an important socio-economic hub for industrialisation since the 19^th century and therefore, was also named capital of culture (Kulturhauptstadt) in 2025 by the EU commission, turning its regional strength into a unique cultural attribute, including the connection to the Ore mountains and the Vogtland. Some sights to visit are the art collection of over 700.000 pieces, the water castle Klaffenbach or the spinning mill in the industrial part of the city, making it a good all-rounder day trip. You can take the regional train from Leipzig main station every hour and arrive in Chemnitz in an hour.

This small city might be of particular interest for lovers of the Bauhaus Style. There are more than 300 Bauhaus buildings in Dessau. The Bauhaus principle of “form follows function” can be seen here to full effect, as well as the artistic work of the Bauhaus masters, such as Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer and Wassily Kandinsky. The Bauhaus Museum Dessau, which opened in 2019, shows the world’s second-largest collection of Bauhaus exhibits and tells the story of the Bauhaus as a school.

Besides that, another UNESCO heritage site is close by- the garden kingdom in Dessau-Wörlitz. Castles and parks, gardens and lakes make it a unique mixture of nature and culture worth exploring in late summer.

Dresden is a beautiful baroque city known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and rich cultural heritage. Visit the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche, and the famous Semperoper.

Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and an important historical center of trade, religion, and learning. Its striking landmarks include the Erfurt Cathedral and St. Severi’s Church overlooking the Domplatz, as well as the Krämerbrücke, Europe’s longest continuously inhabited bridge lined with half-timbered houses and small shops. The city also played a role in the early life of Martin Luther, who studied at its university. In late summer, Erfurt’s old town squares, riverside paths along the Gera, and outdoor cafés offer a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, making it an attractive and culturally rich destination for the conference visitors who can reach Erfurt by fast train within 40 minutes.

Halle an der Saale is a historic city in central Germany with more than 1,200 years of cultural and economic heritage, long shaped by its salt trade and its role as a center of learning and music. It is the birthplace of the Baroque composer George Frideric Händel, whose legacy remains an important part of the city’s identity. Visitors can explore highlights such as the State Museum of Prehistory, home to the famous Nebra Sky Disc, the Moritzburg art museum, and the Händel House. In late summer, Halle, which is only half an hour by local train away from Leipzig, offers a pleasant atmosphere with riverside walks along the Saale, green spaces like the Peißnitz Island, and seasonal cultural events, making it an inviting setting for both academic exchange and cultural discovery.

Perched on the Elbe River, Meißen is renowned for its rich history and striking architecture. The town is home to the Meißen Cathedral (Dom), a masterpiece of Gothic design, and the Albrechtsburg, Germany’s first castle built specifically as a residential palace, offering spectacular views of the town and river.

Meißen is also famous for its porcelain manufactory, where visitors can explore the origins of the world-renowned Meißen porcelain and its intricate craftsmanship. The historic old town, with its narrow streets, museums, and charming squares, invites exploration, making Meißen a perfect destination for those interested in history, art, and regional culture.

Nestled in the picturesque Elbe Valley, Radebeul has long been known as the “Saxon Nizza” for its sunny vineyards and rich wine-growing tradition. Historically one of Saxony’s most important wine-producing towns, it combines scenic landscapes with elegant villas, historic castles, and charming streets that reflect its 19th- and early 20th-century architecture.

Radebeul is also home to notable cultural sites such as the Karl May Museum, celebrating the life and works of the famous adventure writer, and other local museums that highlight the town’s history and traditions. Late summer is an ideal time to visit, when regional wines can be enjoyed directly from the vineyards, making it a perfect combination of history, architecture, and local flavour.

Weimar is a city of exceptional cultural significance in central Germany, renowned as the heart of German Classicism and a centre of intellectual and artistic life. It is closely associated with figures such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, whose former homes are now museums, and it is also linked to modern history as the birthplace of the Weimar Republic. Alongside this rich cultural legacy, Weimar confronts its darker 20th-century past through memorial sites such as the former Buchenwald concentration camp on the city’s outskirts and the new museum dedicated to forced labour under National Socialism. Visitors, who can reach the city from Leipzig by fast as well as by regional trains within approximately an hour and a half, can explore the UNESCO-listed Classical Weimar sites, the Bauhaus Museum, and the historic city centre, while in late summer the parks and gardens along the Ilm River invite contemplative promenades.

Wittenberg is a historic town in Saxony-Anhalt best known as the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation. It was here in 1517 that Martin Luther published his 95 Theses, an event that profoundly shaped European religious, cultural, and political history. Today, visitors can explore key UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Castle Church, the Town Church of St. Mary, and Luther’s former home, now a museum. In late summer, the town, which is about 40 minutes local or regional train ride from Leipzig, offers a welcoming atmosphere with walks along the Elbe River, visits to its well-preserved historic centre, and cultural events that combine its rich heritage with a relaxed, small-town charm, making it an appealing destination for conference guests and cultural travellers alike.