Leipzig is a historic city and was home to two great composers, J.S. Bach and Felix Mendelssohn. There are many sights around the city that mark its history including the huge ‘Battle of the Nations’ monument which commemorates the Battle of Leipzig. The battle, which Napoleon’s army lost, saw the beginning of the end for the Napoleonic Empire.
Use your hire car then to get to St Thomas Church where J.S.Bach was cantor. Finally, when you feel like communing with nature, head for Leipzig’s Botanical Darden, the oldest in Germany with many amazing specimens on display.
Leipzig Airport Mini Guide
What’s There for me to see in Leipzig?
Leipzig is a great city to simply explore. The way it was constructed means that there are concealed passages leading to beautiful courtyards or little shopping arcades dating from the 17th century. It has dozens of architecturally significant buildings plus the only portrait of the composer J.S. Bach completed in his lifetime. In the city you’ve also got the home of Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann as well as the grave of Bach himself. The main ‘must-see’ building has to be the old town hall dating from the end of the 16th century. It has everything from torture chambers to treasure rooms!
How do I get to Leipzig?
The city has two airports serving it; Leipzig Halle and Leipzig Altenburg which is further away and served by Ryanair from the UK. Leipzig Halle is the main airport and the second largest in eastern Germany. Ryanair also serves Leipzig Halle from the UK whilst other airlines, including more budget carriers operate here too.
What’s the Airport Like?
It’s a large passenger, cargo and military airport whose buildings extend out over the adjacent motorway and railway line. It was modernised in time for the country’s unsuccessful application to host the 2012 Olympics and it is now a cutting edge facility.
What can I Expect When I Arrive at Leipzig?
The airport facilities are very well structured and getting around should be no problem at all. There are air bridges to the terminal buildings but it’s a reasonable walk from the outer gates. Once in the terminal building, there’s a choice of normal passport control or the microchip route and after collecting your luggage you’ll be in the arrivals hall. The information desk is in the far right hand corner of the main terminal and there you’ll be able to find out all you need to know about the airport’s facilities. The main method of departure from the airport is by train into Leipzig although shuttle buses and taxis are also available. The car hire desks are to the right of the terminal doors in the main terminal if you wish to rent a car or collect a pre-booked vehicle.
What Will it be Like for my Departure?
The airport has a host of facilities for the departing passenger including a shopping mall selling fashion items, jewellery, leather goods, perfumes, sunglasses, books and dry groceries. There’s also a duty free outlet plus smaller outlets of the pre-security shops. You won’t go hungry at the airport either with a large range of restaurants serving German and international fare, pizza, fast food, light snacks and sandwiches. Beyond security there’s a café/bar serving hot and cold drinks together with light snacks. If you wish to seek spiritual solace at the airport there’s a chapel/prayer room and for people desperate to check emails or socially network with their friends, there’s Wi-Fi available at the airport too.
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