Want to hear the Lepizig Symphony Orchestra play? Sure you do. You know you want to. Not going to Leipzig? Not a problem, they play in Böhlen.
Confused? Don’t be. Böhlen is just a few kilometers from this creative city; and as I said, where the Orchestra plays. Their New Year’s Concerts are legendary, and consider yourself exceptionally lucky if you get to see one.
I love a town with a historical side, which is found in the village of Großdeuben on the Pleiße River. Just a hamlet of around 2,000 people with 20th century villas now, it was totally wiped out during the Thirty Years’ War.
During the Battle of Leipzig in 1813 its Church of St. Catharine did double-duty as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Keep a look out for the epitaph of the 15th century Elisabeth Brand von Lindau.
What’s unique about the village of Gaulis is that it never once, in all its years, ever had its own school or church. It could be because it was incorporated into nearby Trachenau, then given over the Böhlen in the mid-1960s. Whomever it belonged to didn’t change the fact that Gaulis is (and was) a farming village.
Besides, maybe people of Gaulis wanted to attend services at the Böhlener Church — the oldest building in town, having been built in the 12th century.
Once you’ve gone to see Böhlen’s early 20th century Rathaus (Town Hall), and its Kulturhaus (House of Culture), your history lesson is over. Time to kick it up at the town’s outdoor pool, complete with waterslide.
I prefer the Leipziger Neuseenland, as it gives you a chance to see all the local wildlife. No, the guy on the next beach blanket over that had one too many drinks doesn’t count as real wildlife. ;-)
BTW, the Leipziger Neuseenland was once ruled over by lignite mining. It now turned into a network of lakes created from the industry.
Ain’t that awesome? I thought so. Hmm, do you think it’s possible for someone to talk the Leipzig Symphony Orchestra to maybe play at one? Now that would be even more awesome…