Merseburg

Merseburg is a district capital in Saalekreis within Saxony-Anhalt, located on the western bank of the Saale approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) south of Halle. The town area covers residential neighborhoods, industrial zones, and an old quarter centered on the cathedral and former episcopal residence.

King Henry I built a royal residence here in the early 10th century that later grew into an important episcopal center until the Reformation. The area maintained its administrative role through several political periods and became the seat of the newly formed Saalekreis after reunification.

The name comes from an old Slavic river fortress and points to the importance of a ford across the Saale in earlier times. Today locals walk along the riverside paths and visit the cathedral square for community gatherings and weekly markets.

Reaching the town is easy using Merseburg station on the Halle–Bebra railway with regular regional trains and a tram line to Halle. Visitors find pedestrian paths and parking near historic buildings in the old quarter, while the riverside promenade offers pleasant walks along the Saale.

The cathedral library holds the Merseburg Incantations, two Old High German pagan spells from the 10th century that were only discovered in the 19th century. They are the only preserved magical texts in German from that era.

Location: Saalekreis

Inception: 9 century

Elevation above the sea: 98 m

Shares border with: Schkopau, Leuna

Website: https://merseburg.de

GPS coordinates: 51.35444,11.99278

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:02