I love Saxony-Anhalt because of places like Mücheln (Geiseltal), which is only about 50km west of Leipzig.
In Mücheln the place you want to be is on the Marktplatz. This is where you’ll find a splendid example of Renaissance architecture in the form of the Rathaus, which was built in 1571. Not only does the Town Hall have its own dungeon, it’s also where you’ll find the town’s Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum). Although, it’s only open on Tuesdays from 10am-noon and 1pm to 4pm.
Most other visitors like to see the Church of St. James, too. Fitting since the town lies on the Jakobsweg; and there’s a St. Jakobus Festival on the 1st weekend of July.
Another must-see church is the Luther Church (also known as the Schlosskirche) at the Wasserschloss St. Ulrich. This Baroque church is close to late 15th century water castle, although there’s been castle here since the 12th century. The Wasserschloss also has a magnificent Baroque Garden to see, too.
Save the St. Michaelkirche for last though. This church has remained relatively untouched since it was built. How nice is that — sightseeing does get much purer!
Also in Mücheln is a 19th century windmill (so romantic, yes), a 16-meter high watchtower (only open on Whit Sunday), and a Stone Age grave hill that dates back to around 3,000 B.C. You might be thinking, so what? An old grave, big deal! This grave is (was?) pretty remarkable — the lady was buried with amber, animal teeth, and copper goods. She was a very big deal!
Another big deal to see is the Geiselquelle. Situated right at St. Vitus Mountain, this spring water source was once really popular with water mills. They might be gone today, but there are quite a bit of marked foot paths that’ll lead you around.
Yet another big deal is Saxony-Anhalt’s largest artificial lake, the Geiseltalsee, which you’ll see from almost everywhere as it’s seemingly larger than Mücheln itself.
Just remember to come back into town for the Kartoffelmarkt or Potato Market (very early October) or the Homeland Festival at the end of August.
Now do you see why I love Saxony-Anhalt? It’s because of places like Mücheln! Don’t you agree?
