Charming Quedlinburg is one of the best preserved medieval settlements in Germany and Central Europe. This small Saxon town near Magdeburg is called the capital of half-timbered houses – in the historical center there are more than 1300 houses built according to this original German technology. Somehow, Quedlinburg was unaffected during World War II and escaped the socialist “renewal” of the GDR era. As a result, the entire Old Town is today deservedly included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Check andyeducation to learn more about the country of Germany.
How to get to Quedlinburg
The easiest way to get there is through Berlin. If the plane lands at Tegel airport, then from the air harbor you must first get by bus to Berlin Central Station (25 minutes). At the capital’s Hauptbahnhof, you need to take a train to Magdeburg (1.5 hours), and in Magdeburg – a train to Quedlinburg (1 hour 10 minutes). As a result, the travel time from Tegel to Quedlinburg will be 3.5 hours.
For tickets Tegel – Berlin, Berlin – Magdeburg and Magdeburg – Quedlinburg you need to pay 44.10 EUR. Detailed schedule and tickets can be found at DB carrier website (in English)
It takes a little longer to get from Schönefeld – about 4 hours. But you do not need to stop by Berlin, you can immediately go from the airport to Potsdam, from there – to Magdeburg and only then to Quedlinburg. Such a trip will cost 46.60 EUR.
Transportation
The railway and bus stations are only a 10-minute walk from the historic center, so the tourist is unlikely to need public transport (there are 11 bus routes in the city). If you don’t feel like walking, you can rent a bike – there are plenty of rental stations in Quedlinburg. But drivers will have to leave the car in one of the paid parking lots – entry into the central part of the city is prohibited. The main taxi rank is located near the station – a ride in a checkered car will cost 7-10 EUR.
Quedlinburg Hotels
Despite the abundance of tourists and the limited number of rooms, prices in local hotels are quite moderate. The city is small, so in any case the hotel will be close to the center. In modest but cozy guesthouses, it is easy to find a room for 35-40 EUR for two. The price includes a small breakfast and parking. More detailed “three rubles” in the historical center can be booked for 40-50 EUR per night. Feel like a king in the romantic hotel Schlosshotel Zum Markgrafen 4 * will cost 100 EUR per day. There are no fives in Quedlinburg. A bed in a budget, but very comfortable hostel costs 10-15 EUR.
Where to eat
Perhaps the most popular eatery among tourists is the traditional city tavern Brauhaus Ludde (Blasiistrasse, 14). It serves simple, delicious food (sausages, cabbage, shank, steaks) and the freshest beer brewed on the spot. And quite inexpensive – you can eat a hearty meal with a glass of foam for 12-15 EUR per person. The prices are the same in most beer restaurants in the city, albeit not so legendary.
Fast food is mainly represented by sausages in a bun. A thin sausage “Rostbratwurst” in a fresh mustard bun can be bought even at the tourist square March for a modest 2.50 EUR. And an extravagant burger with unusual sauces in a trendy bar is offered for 5-6 EUR.
Attractions Quedlinburg
The historic center of Quedlinburg is spread around the Market Square (Markt). Here, in medieval and renaissance buildings, there are numerous hotels and restaurants. There is also the town hall.
North of the Markt is Breitestrasse. On it you can see some delightful examples of half-timbered houses, including the most beautiful – “Hildehaus” (Breitestrasse, 39). And at Wordgasse, 3 is the oldest house in Germany. The building, built in 1300, today houses the Fachwerk Museum.
The symbol of Quedlinburg rises on the Schlossberg mountain – the abbey with the collegiate church of St. Servatius. Lutherans now hold services in the originally Catholic church, and the residence of high church ministers has been adapted into a city museum. Its exposition features Ice Age fossils, Bronze Age artifacts, and even medieval instruments of torture.
In the church of St. Servatius, a treasury is open for visitors, which contains ancient manuscripts, crystal dishes, gold boxes and swords of the 11th-13th centuries, many of which are encrusted with precious stones. Also in the reliquary you can see the oldest tapestry in Northern Europe, woven in the 13th century.