Weekend in Halle (Saale)

Large Gothic cathedral built as a Dominican monastery church. Inside holds modern stained glass by Gerhard Richter and a 16th-century carved altarpiece.

Tip: Visit during weekday mass (usually 18:00) for the organ demonstration. The cloister garden is a quiet reading spot few tourists use.

Renaissance castle-turned-art museum housing the Staatliche Galerie. The free permanent collection covers local medieval and Renaissance sculpture and painting.

Tip: Special exhibitions cost, but the free section includes the original castle chapel and defensive towers. Arrive by 10am on weekends to avoid queues.

A 16th-century Renaissance cemetery with arcaded galleries and stone epitaphs. Often cited as one of Europe's finest burial grounds, designed by Nickel Hoffmann.

Tip: Bring a map from the tourist office to identify the tombs of notable Halle figures. Best light for photos is late afternoon when the arcades cast long shadows.

The central Marktplatz is dominated by the 84-metre Red Tower and a statue of composer George Frideric Handel. The Gothic church ensemble and Renaissance town hall flank the square.

Tip: Climb the Red Tower (small fee) for a full panorama of the city and the Saale river valley. The carillon plays Handel tunes on the hour.

A large river island in the Saale with meadows, walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and a lido. Very popular for picnics and outdoor sports.

Tip: Cross the stone footbridge just north of Giebichenstein Bridge to avoid the road bridge. The beer garden near the ferry slip serves decent local ale.