Leipzig surpasses all expectations on its first visit shortly after New Year's Eve. In my memory it was a grey industrial city in the GDR, where lignite created a depressing atmosphere.

But Leipzig is a remarkably green city: Within 5 minutes you can walk through the Auwald, in the Clara Zetkin park or cycle along the river White Elster, where you can reach Hallehistory of lignite is also true, but the excavated holes in the landscape are filled with water and south of Leipzig and are now called Leipziger Neuseenland.

Leipzig in autumn

In the 19th century it was a fast growing city, around 1900 even the richest city in Germany, which is reflected in the architecture. The young, progressive population creates an energetic atmosphere in the city. Life there is cheaper than in Berlin, Amsterdam or other cities struggling with the negative effects of Gentrification and exorbitant rent increases and speculation.

Neighbourhoods such as Connewitz and Plagwitz are popular because of their lively nightlife.
Water and development houses

Leipzig as a bicycle city

The bicycle is ideal for exploring the area and in Germany Leipzig is one of the most friendly cities. The ADFC organizes each year a bicycle climate test and Leipzig also participated in the bicycle climate test 2018. Compared to the Netherlands or Belgium there is still a lot to do in Leipzig on bicycle paths and above all safety.