- Magdeburg was one of the most important cities of the Middle Ages, serving as the seat of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I.
- The city gave its name to the 'Magdeburg Rights,' a set of laws governing civil rights and judicial autonomy adopted by over 1,000 cities across Central and Eastern Europe.
- In 1654, Otto von Guericke performed his famous experiment with the Magdeburg Hemispheres in the city to demonstrate the power of atmospheric pressure.
- Magdeburg Cathedral is recognized as the first Gothic cathedral building in Germany, influencing ecclesiastical architecture for centuries.
- The city center was almost completely destroyed during the Thirty Years' War in 1631, an event known as the 'Magdeburg Sack' that significantly altered its historical demographics.
About Magdeburg
Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, serves as a significant hub on the Elbe River with a history tracing back to the Holy Roman Empire. The city is defined by a striking architectural contrast between the medieval Magdeburg Cathedral Saint Mauritius and Catherine and the unconventional pink facade of Hundertwasser's Green Citadel of Magdeburg. Expansive green spaces like the Elbauenpark define the city's modern layout, offering leisure alongside industrial river heritage. It remains a key center for research and commerce in the region, bridging medieval foundations with postwar reconstruction.
Highlights of Magdeburg
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Visit the final resting place of Emperor Otto I in Germany's first Gothic cathedral.
Places of interest
Explore this distinctive residential and commercial building designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Parks
Enjoy panoramic views of the Elbe and surrounding city from the landmark structure within this sprawling park.
Museums
Ascend the world's tallest wooden tower, which houses interactive physics and science exhibits.
Places of interest
Walk across this preserved historic bridge that remains a key feature of the city's industrial landscape.
Parks
Observe a vast collection of tropical and subtropical plants inside this historic botanical greenhouse complex.
Historical places
Walk through the heart of the city's historical district, which links major medieval and modern monuments.
Zoos
See the specialized primate house and diverse wildlife exhibits in one of Germany's established zoological institutions.
Top things to do in Magdeburg
The 105 highest-rated places in Magdeburg, ranked by travellers.
1
Zoos
Zoo Magdeburg is situated in the Elbauenpark area and is noted for its focus on breeding programs for rare species inclu...
2
Temples
Magdeburg Cathedral Saint Mauritius and Catherine is the oldest Gothic cathedral in Germany, with construction beginning...
3
Parks
Elbauenpark is a large landscaped recreational area in Magdeburg, built on the grounds of the 1999 Federal Horticultural...
4
Places of interest
The Green Citadel of Magdeburg (Die Grüne Zitadelle von Magdeburg) is the final architectural project completed by Austr...
5
Venues
Avnet Arena serves as the home stadium for 1. FC Magdeburg and is located at Heinz-Krügel-Platz 1. The facility is a pur...
6
Places of interest
The Hubbrücke Magdeburg is a former railway lift bridge crossing the Elbe river, now functioning exclusively as a pedest...
7
Museums
The Jahrtausendturm is a 60-meter-tall wooden tower located in Magdeburg's Elbauenpark, designed as a hyperbolic parabol...
8
Parks
The Gruson-Gewächshäuser represent a historic botanical facility in Magdeburg featuring a series of interconnected glass...
9
Venues
Theater Magdeburg operates as the city's primary venue for opera, ballet, and philharmonic performances. The Opernhaus i...
10
Places of interest
The Elbtreppen in Magdeburg are a set of wide, stone steps connecting the city's upper promenade level to the lower wate...
11
Beaches and ponds
Yachthafen Magdeburg is a private marina and recreational facility situated directly on the Elbe River. It serves as a c...
12
Museums
The Kunstmuseum Magdeburg is housed within the Romanesque monastery of Kloster Unser Lieben Frauen, which dates back to...
13
Historical places
Domplatz in Magdeburg serves as the central historic square anchoring the city's religious and political heritage. It is...
14
Parks
Flora Park in Magdeburg serves as a functional recreational space anchored by an integrated shopping center complex. The...
15
Museums
The Museum of Natural History Magdeburg, housed in a historic building formerly serving as a school, focuses on the regi...
16
Museums
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Temples
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Temples
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Places of interest
20
Venues
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Museums
22
Amusement parks
23
Places of interest
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Parks
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Historical places
26
Venues
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Parks
Around Magdeburg
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Magdeburg on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Magdeburg
May to September, as the city's extensive park systems and riverfront locations are best experienced during warmer, drier months.
2-3 days, sufficient to explore the historical core, riverfront architecture, and the expansive parklands.
The city is highly accessible via an extensive tram network and is largely walkable within the central districts.
The area surrounding the Alter Markt and the Cathedral Square offers the best access to historical landmarks and dining, while the streets near the Green Citadel provide convenient transit connectivity.
Mid-range; the city offers competitive pricing for accommodation and dining compared to major German tourist hubs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 105 curated attractions in and around Magdeburg, ranked by traveller ratings.
Zoo Magdeburg is the highest-rated place to visit in Magdeburg right now.
The largest category is places of interest, with 28 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
Explore more of Germany
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
