Castles, museums and more — pure culture in Germany’s MDV network

In autumn, nature around Leipzig and Halle shows its most beautiful side – colourful leaves fall on the paths, the last blossoms of the year burst through and the fruit still hangs heavy on the trees. If you're in the mood for a little culture as well as countryside, then we have the perfect Collection for you! Step back in time at medieval castles and palaces, discover burial mounds from the Neolithic Age or learn about the varied history of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt in extraordinary museums.

We’ve put together seven Tours that combine nature, culture and architecture. All hikes are between 10 and 20 kilometres (6.2–12.4 mi) long, easy to follow and packed with highlights. So, be sure to factor in enough time to visit the monasteries, castles, churches and museums.

The best thing about this Collection? Every Tour can be reached easily with MDV trains and buses. Your adventure begins with the arrival, free from traffic jams and the search for a parking space. From your comfortable seat on the train or bus, you can enjoy views of the passing autumnal landscape.

A great combination of medieval buildings and waterways awaits on the Castles and Ponds Tour, which takes you between Altenburg and Haselbach along the Pleiße river. On the KulTour on the Saale, you'll get that Hogwarts feeling with the magnificent Schulpforta Monastery before breathing in the salty air at the Bad Kösen graduation works — a tower housing a salt extraction system. The Churches and Stars Tour takes you to the beginnings of astronomy near Nebra and also shows you the most beautiful churches in the area.

There’s a lot to discover on the banks of the Mulde: castles, a ship mill and monastery ruins are all waiting to be explored. On the Forest and Castle Tour, you'll wander among ancient trees and past stately castles with the scent of autumnal forests accompanying your every step. Unique churches and historic mills await you between Hohenthurm and Brehna. The last Tour in this Collection takes you along the Saale to the Bismarck Tower and Wettin Castle.

Each hike starts or ends at a stop or a station of the MDV. They’re all located in the core tariff zones around Leipzig and Halle and can therefore be reached with just one ticket. This way, you can make your hiking adventure environmentally-friendly and stress-free!