Beethoven Festival, Leipzig

National GeographicOct 20

The city that nurtured several of history’s greatest composers is offering more ways than ever to connect with their legacy.

Bicentennial festival slated for May 2027

21 things in this story

Christmas marketMarketCharming market in December
ThomaskircheAttractionWhere Bach led the boys' choir
Bach MuseumMuseumMuseum dedicated to Johann Sebastian Bach
Mendelssohn House MuseumMuseumMuseum dedicated to Felix Mendelssohn
Leipzig OperaTheatreOpera house
GewandhausTheatrePerformance hall
St. Thomas ChoirPlace800-year-old choir
Mädler PassageRestaurantPedestrian zone with arcades
City History MuseumMuseumMuseum housed in the 16th-century city hall
Museum of Fine ArtsMuseumCollection of historic masterpieces
Forum of Contemporary HistoryMuseumTraces history of former East Germany
Auerbach’s KellerRestaurant500-year-old subterranean restaurant
BachfestFestivalFestival celebrating Bach in June
Jazz DaysFestivalFestival in October
Mendelssohn FestivalFestivalFestival in November
Beethoven FestivalFestivalBicentennial festival slated for May 2027
Verdi festivalFestivalBiennial festival celebrating Guiseppe Verdi in May 2028
Music TrailTrailRoute visiting key historical music sites
Leipzig MOVE appPlaceApp for real-time transit options and tickets
Airport Leipzig/HalleSightAirport northwest of the city
Europe’s largest train stationSightTrain station with continental rail connections

Beethoven Festival