Leipzig: Alternative city of culture

Almost a thousand years old, sitting at the juncture of three rivers - the Pleiße, White Elster and Parthe - Leipzig is rich in history and natural beauty; not to mention jobs. Home to universities and research centers, plenty of culture and nightlife, the world's oldest trade fair and a growing local economy - Leipzig stands out in Eastern Germany.

by Julia Glathe

Leipzig at a glance

Leipzig Central Station, Photo: Steuer/DAAD

No matter how often you visit the central train station of Leipzig it majestic looks never brush of. So huge, so beautiful and most of all so practically located it welcomes it's visitors. The biggest terminal station of Europe is jokingly called a Shopping Mall with direct access to the tracks because since 1997 it's home to 140 shops on three floors.
Only a short walk through the city center away the city skyscraper on Augustusplatz is towering above all buildings. Way up on the observation deck of the often called "Uniriese" you have a great view across the whole city. On particularly clear days you can even see the famous Monument to the battle of nations, which was errected in memory of the historical fights back in 1813.
The Nicolai church also has a tight connection to Leipzigs history. It's the symbol of the German re-unification and reminds visitors of the peaceful demonstrations which finally led to the Fall of the Wall.
Over 500 000 people live in the exhibition center on the Pleisse river, making it the biggest city in Saxony besides Dresden. Johann Sebastian Bach and Johann Wolfgang Goethe lived and worked here as well. Bach being the cantor of the world famous Thomaner choir and Goethe written his novel 'Faust'.
There's always something going on in Leipzig no matter during what time of year you are visiting. But don't be surprised if the whole city turns gloomy and dark during Pentecost. Since the first "Wave Gothik Convetion" took place in 1992, it has drawn thousands of fans mostly dressed in black every year. Don't forget to bring your camera along to capture this special event!

Universities Overview

University of Leipzig

University library 'Albertina', Photo: Julia Glathe/DAAD

Whether it's the Olympics, its questionable human rights record or its swift economic ascent - China is the country the world is talking about. What drives China's tremendous economic growth? What does China's society look like? At the University of Leipzig, students are encouraged to find answers to these questions with the help of top-notch Asia experts: In April 2008, the University of Leipzig opened the first Confucius Institute in Eastern Germany, a cooperation program with a Beijing university that enables German students to learn more about the Chinese language and culture.
Some 30,000 students currently attend the 14 departments at the 600 years old University of Leipzig; among its alumni are such famous names as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. The school is well-known for its expertise in natural science: Nobel Prize winners in the fields of physics and chemistry have taught here, and the psychology department is one of the most renowned in Germany. The media departments have made quite a name for themselves, as well, with prominent public relations and journalism programs.

Academy of Visual Arts Leipzig (HGB)
With roots dating back to 1764, this Leipzig arts school is one of the most renowned in Germany. In the late 1990s, one of its alumni, Neo Rauch, became the poster boy of the New Leipzig School. The work of artists from the New Leipzig School varies in content, style and quality, but the painters share a technical skill, a devotion to figurative art and a predilection for dry-eyed, melancholy subject matter, the New York Times wrote about the phenomenon. Rauch's works are displayed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and were on show in solo exhibitions all over the world, including one at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art that made Rauch one of the world's most famous modern painters. Rauch has been teaching courses at the HGB since 2005 and international art dealers flock to Leipzig to find the next hot artist to emerge from the school.

University of Music and Theatre "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy"
Founded in 1843, the University of Music and Theatre "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" was the first music school in Germany. Today, it has some 900 students, with foreign students from 45 countries - one of the highest rates of any institute of higher education in Saxony. Students can enroll in artistic and teacher training in all orchestral instruments. In addition, the school's drama department offers acting and dramaturgy courses. With roughly 470 shows a year, the university offers its students possibilities to test their musical and dramatic development in front of a real audience. The university's orchestra is famous for its guest conductors, which have included Kurt Masur, Herbert Blomstedt and Fabio Luisi.

Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTKW)
The roughly 6,500 students at the HTKW can take courses in subjects ranging from engineering to the cultural sciences. This range mirrors Leipzig's economic traditions and strengths in commerce, book publishing and printing and, more recently, in the media and services industries. The HTWK has built up an especially strong reputation in the areas of IT/communications, media technologies and construction, which covers quite a broad field, including civil engineering, architecture and industrial engineering.

Recreation in Leipzig

Karl-Liebknecht-Street, Photo: Johannes Kazah/Wikicommons

A total of 50 museums is spread out across the city. The modern archtiecture of the Museum of Modern Arts is already worth a visit. Inside its huge glas cube there's enough space for both traditional and modern art. The theatre scene of Leipzig also has a lot to offer. Besides the Centraltheater there are quite a few smaller theatres. Especially the programme of Schaubühne Lindenfels showcasing concerts, readings and parties is worth mentioning.
Do you like to go to the movies? Remember to check out the UT Connewitz. It was found in 1912 already and is one of the oldest cinemas in Germany today. You can stil feel the athmosphere of the early 20. century here. The programm is just as original as the location and nothing like the typical blockbusters shown in normal cinemas. The highlight of the year is the International Leipzig Festival for documentary and animated film in October.

'Genossenschaft Feinkost', Photo: Julia Glathe/DAAD

On Karl-Liebknecht-Straße many cafés are lined up. The „Karli“, as the locals use to call it and all the other streets close by make up the "Südstadt", one of the favourite student districts in Leipzig. Take your time to wander around and dive right into the small shops selling jewelery, extravagant clothes or specialities from the far East. Right in the middle of it all, the Genossenschaft Feinkost is the symbol of the alternative lifestyle the Südstadt is known for. Work shops, theatres and partys in the basement add up to a microcosm that appeals to both young and old people.
But don't forget to explore the city center with its beautiful traditional buildings. The "Mädlerpassage" attests to the trade history of the city. There you'll find the world famous wine cellar Auerbachs Keller, one of the settings of Goethe's "Faust". If you happen to need a break after all this sightseeing, you should that a nap on the lawns of Clara-Zetkin-Park. On the southern periphery of Leipzig a former daylight mine has been transformed into a unique recreational area in the last couple of years. Hav a dip in the Cospudener See, talk a walk or cycle to the restaurant "Pier 1" and enjoy the great lake view. It only takes you a 20 minute ride to reach it from the city center.

Student club 'Moritzbastei', Photo: Moritzbastei

It will take you at least a whole semester to get to know the many different clubs Leipzig has to offer. No matter if you like soul music, techno beats or underground punk - the variety of clubs caters to every taste. The Moritzbastei is one of the biggest student clubs in Europe and located in a former castle complex. Every weekend you can party till dawn on three floors.
Don't forget to check the schedule of a club called Ilses Erika. On Thursdays you can dance away to the sound of Indi-Rock in this livingroom like location. The theme of the evening: Friday on my mind. If you rather prefer to hang out in one of the many pubs, you should stop by at Cafe Puschkin. There you can sip a cocktail or sit on one of the cushions on the floor while smoking a Shisha and enjoy the oriental athmosphere. It also hosts readings and impro theatre on a regular basis.

Interview with Gemma from Spanien

20-year old Gemma Repiso hails from Barcelona. She moved to Leipzig to study Applied Linguistics and Translation (German, Russian) at the University.

Gemma, Photo: private

You've just moved to Leipzig. What made you decide to study here?
I had planned to study abroad already a long time ago because my main subject is German. First, I thought about shifting to Switzerland or Austria but then I heard about Leipzig. I was told that the faculty of translation is the best in the whole of Germany. That's why I decided to come here.

Have you made the right decision?
Yes, I'm very pleased with my decision. Leipzig is a beautiful city with lots of offers. There are parties almost every night. Also, the level at university is pretty high. I think that I can learn a lot here.

What is Leipzig like? What impressions have you gathered so far?
Leipzig is a pretty compact city. You'll find your way around easily. I for example study in the city center. Compared to Barcelona it's small but it has everything you need. Furthermore there's the "Karli", the Karl-Liebknecht-Straße with lots of bars and cafés offering something for every taste.

How do you spend your freetime?
I like to go to the movies. Just recently I attended the Leipzig Festival for documentary and animated film. I also like to hang out with my friends in the Moritzbastei. That's an important meeting point for students. The music's quite good there.

What else is worth mentioning about Leipzig's nightlife? What would you recommend?
There are many WG-parties happening, which you come across by accident. (laughs). Also the bars on "Karli" are very good for example Cafe Puschkin. "Conne Island" is a disco I would recommend. And in a district called Plagwitz there are many alternative parties playing Ska music.

What's your favourite spot in Leipzig?
Definetely the Cospudener See. It's such a pretty place to be and you can go for long walks or just chill. In summer you can go for a swim as well, of course.

What advice would you give to people who are new in town?
Get a flat on "Karli" and enjoy the city. And at least visit the opera once. (laughs).