Leipzig-Dresden Railway Monument

Commemorating Germany's first long-distance railway, this elegant obelisk stands as a testament to Leipzig's pioneering role in transportation and industrial development.

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Denkmal der Leipzig-Dresdner Eisenbahn

The Leipzig-Dresden Railway Monument, an elegant obelisk erected in 1878, commemorates the Leipzig-Dresden Railway, Germany's first long-distance railway line. Conceived by Carl Gustav Aeckerlein, the monument stands proudly in the parkland near Schwanenteich, just east of Goethestraße. It was commissioned by the banker W. Seyfferth, who initially considered a location near Riesa but ultimately chose Leipzig, gifting the monument to the city. The monument features inscriptions on all four sides, detailing the railway's history and significance. Today, it serves as a reminder of Leipzig's pioneering role in railway transport and its impact on the city's development as a trade and commerce hub. A stroll around the monument offers a tranquil escape from the city bustle and a chance to reflect on Leipzig's rich industrial heritage.

A brief summary to Denkmal der Leipzig-Dresdner Eisenbahn

Leipzig, Mitte, 04109, DE
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Local tips

Combine your visit with a walk around the Schwanenteich and explore the nearby Leipzig Opera House for a complete cultural experience.
Take a moment to read the inscriptions on the monument to learn about the history and significance of the Leipzig-Dresden Railway.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Leipzig city center, trams are a convenient option. Several tram lines pass near the monument. Check the Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB) for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Tram lines that stop near the Goethestraße/Schwanenteich area are most suitable. A single ticket within Leipzig (zone 110) costs around €2.70. Consider purchasing a day ticket for unlimited travel if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Walking

If you are already in the city center, walking to the monument is a pleasant option. From the Markt (market square), head east along Grimmaische Straße, then turn left onto Goethestraße. The monument will be on your right, in the parkland near the Schwanenteich. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Leipzig. A short ride from the city center to the monument will typically cost between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and the specific service used.
Driving

If driving, be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity of the monument is limited. Several parking garages are located in the city center, such as the Apcoa Parking in the Petersbogen or the Q-Park Augustusplatz. Hourly parking rates typically range from €3 to €4, with daily maximums around €20-€25. From the parking garages, it's a short walk to the monument.

Discover more about Denkmal der Leipzig-Dresdner Eisenbahn

The Leipzig-Dresden Railway Monument, a slender obelisk of Rochlitz porphyry, stands as a testament to Leipzig's pivotal role in the history of German railway transport. Located in the idyllic parkland near the Schwanenteich, just off Goethestraße, the monument commemorates the Leipzig-Dresden Railway, the first long-distance railway line in Germany. Its construction marked a significant leap forward in transportation technology and played a crucial role in Leipzig's burgeoning industrial and commercial landscape. The monument's origins trace back to the vision of Friedrich List, a prominent economist who advocated for a Saxon railway system with Leipzig as its central hub. Inspired by American railway advancements, List successfully convinced Leipzig's entrepreneurs and merchants of the railway's importance for the city's future. This led to the formation of the Leipzig-Dresden Railway Company, spearheaded by figures like Carl Lampe, Gustav Harkort, Wilhelm Theodor Seyfferth, and Albert Dufour-Feronce. The Leipzig-Dresden Railway, completed in 1839, revolutionized travel between the two cities. The 116-kilometer journey, previously a two-day ordeal by stagecoach, was reduced to a mere three hours and forty minutes. This dramatic reduction in travel time spurred economic growth, facilitated trade, and connected Leipzig to the wider world. The monument itself was commissioned by the banker W. Seyfferth, a key figure in the railway's development. Initially, Seyfferth considered erecting the monument on a hill near Riesa, a town along the railway line. However, the Leipzig city council persuaded him to choose a location closer to the Dresden Bahnhof in Leipzig, emphasizing the city's central role in the railway's history. Seyfferth financed the monument's construction and gifted it to the city, ensuring its place as a lasting symbol of Leipzig's railway heritage. The obelisk, designed by the Leipzig sculptor C. G. Aeckerlein, was inaugurated in October 1878. Its slender form and carefully chosen materials reflect the elegance and ambition of the railway project. The monument features inscriptions on all four sides, providing details about the railway's construction, its key figures, and its impact on the region. These inscriptions serve as a valuable historical record, preserving the memory of this groundbreaking transportation achievement. Over the years, the Leipzig-Dresden Railway Monument has become an integral part of Leipzig's cultural landscape. It has witnessed the city's transformation from a bustling trade center to a modern metropolis. The monument has also endured its share of challenges, including relocation during street widening in 1966. However, in 2015, it was returned to its original location, reaffirming its significance as a historical landmark. Today, the Leipzig-Dresden Railway Monument offers visitors a tranquil escape from the urban bustle. Situated in the picturesque parkland near the Schwanenteich, it provides a serene setting for reflection and contemplation. A stroll around the monument allows visitors to appreciate its architectural details, decipher its historical inscriptions, and imagine the transformative impact of the Leipzig-Dresden Railway on the city and the region. The monument serves as a reminder of Leipzig's pioneering spirit and its commitment to innovation. It stands as a symbol of the city's rich industrial heritage and its enduring legacy as a center of trade, commerce, and transportation. For those interested in history, engineering, or simply seeking a peaceful moment in a beautiful setting, the Leipzig-Dresden Railway Monument is a must-see destination. While visiting the monument, take time to explore the surrounding parkland. The Schwanenteich, a charming pond, offers scenic views and opportunities for leisurely walks. The nearby Leipzig Opera House adds a touch of grandeur to the area, while the Goethestraße provides a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Together, these attractions create a dynamic and engaging environment that complements the historical significance of the Leipzig-Dresden Railway Monument. The Leipzig-Dresden Railway Monument is more than just a stone obelisk; it is a symbol of progress, innovation, and the enduring power of human ingenuity. It is a testament to Leipzig's rich history and its unwavering commitment to shaping the future. A visit to this monument is an opportunity to connect with the past, appreciate the present, and imagine the possibilities of tomorrow.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Denkmal der Leipzig-Dresdner Eisenbahn

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Commemorating Germany's first long-distance railway, this elegant obelisk stands as a testament to Leipzig's pioneering role in transportation and industrial development.

Tympanon-Fries

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Museum of Antiquities of Leipzig University

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Böttchergäßchen 3

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Augustusplatz

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Аlte Waage

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Katharinenstraße 17

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City-Hochhaus Leipzig

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Pilzsäule

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Lipsia Brunnen

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Cannon Ball Memorial (Kugeldenkmal)

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St. Thomas Church

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Neues Bach-Denkmal

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

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Holzkunst Kuhnert

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Elbenwald

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Strohsack-Passage

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Unishop der Universität Leipzig

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Boutique Coralie

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Leipzig-Dresden Railway Monument

A brief summary to Denkmal der Leipzig-Dresdner Eisenbahn

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

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Discover more about Denkmal der Leipzig-Dresdner Eisenbahn

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Denkmal der Leipzig-Dresdner Eisenbahn

Tympanon-Fries

Museum of Antiquities of Leipzig University

Böttchergäßchen 3

Augustusplatz

Аlte Waage

Katharinenstraße 17

Faust and Mephisto Sculpture

City-Hochhaus Leipzig

Pilzsäule

Lipsia Brunnen

Cannon Ball Memorial (Kugeldenkmal)

Mendelssohn-Haus

St. Thomas Church

Neues Bach-Denkmal

Unmissable attractions to see

Hochhaus Wintergartenstraße

Oper Leipzig Bühneneingang

N' Ostalgie Museum

Oper Leipzig

Leipzig Hauptbahnhof- historisches Gebäude

Denkmal für die friedliche Revolution

Nikolaisäule

Alte Nikolaischule

Richard Wagner Ausstellung

Egyptian Museum

St. Nicholas Church

Demokratieglocke

Unzeitgemäße Zeitgenossen

Riquethaus

Leipzig, Augustusplatz, Zentrum

Essential places to dine

IMPERII

Planerts Restaurant

Steaktrain

Leos Brasserie

HANS IM GLÜCK - LEIPZIG Augustusplatz

Stadtpfeiffer Restaurant im Gewandhaus

Restaurant Säulengarten

Restaurant Weinstock Leipzig

Max Enk

Zills Tunnel

Restaurant Gusto

Lerchennest Leipzig

Wenzel Leipzig

Wagners Restaurant u. Weinwirtschaft Inh. Chris Kollin

Restaurant Cafe Madrid

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Pin Up 56

Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig

Holzkunst Kuhnert

Elbenwald

Strohsack-Passage

Unishop der Universität Leipzig

Boutique Coralie

Montblanc Boutique Leipzig

GALERIA Leipzig

Höfe am Brühl

Close Up

Leipzig Laden

EMP Store Leipzig

Bazar Royal

SCALA

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Beer bar track 8

Brick's der Cocktail