Südvorstadt borders the city center to the south. After 1864, a grid of perimeter block development emerged here, which is why Gründerzeit and Jugendstil buildings characterize the district, now one of the city's best-renovated areas.
Südvorstadt borders the city center to the south. After 1864, a grid of perimeter block development emerged here, which is why Gründerzeit and Jugendstil buildings characterize the district, now one of the city's best-renovated areas. Its main thoroughfare is Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, known as KarLi, offering numerous pubs, cafés, restaurants, small shops, and cabaret stages. To the south lies Connewitz, incorporated in 1891 and regionally renowned as a stronghold of the alternative scene, which emerged from squats in unrestored old buildings.More than half of Connewitz is forest: In Connewitzer Holz, part of the southern Auwald, a dense network of paths awaits, boats navigate the Pleiße and Floßgraben, and in the Wildpark, you can see native animals with free admission. The former Gasometer hosts the Panometer, showcasing panoramic images by Yadegar Asisi, and from Fockeberg, you can overlook the city. Tram lines 9, 10, and 11 run via KarLi and Bornaische Straße; all S-Bahn lines stop at Leipzig MDR station on the eastern edge of Südvorstadt, and Connewitz has its own S-Bahn station.
South of the city center, Südvorstadt and Connewitz combine Gründerzeit streets, trendy bars, and plenty of green spaces. The KarLi is the main thoroughfare with pubs, cafés, and restaurants, while Connewitz offers a more alternative vibe. You're quickly in nature at the Auwald, Wildpark, and Floßgraben. Tram and S-Bahn lines bring you directly here from the center.
Sights in Südvorstadt & Connewitz
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Attraction
1Fockeberg
The hill, rising approx. 40 metres above the surroundings, was built from 1947 onwards using rubble from war-damaged houses. An approx. 850-meter path with sculptures leads up. From the top, you overlook the city centre, the riverside forest, and the southern districts. The hill is also known for the Prix de Tacot soapbox race by the cultural association naTo.
Yadegar Asisi shows 360° panoramas in the 32m-high former Gasometer II (built 1910) on Richard-Lehmann-Straße. The 'Antarctica' nature panorama is on view, Leipzig Tourismus: until early 2028 minimum.
The Wildpark in the Auwald on Connewitz's southern edge, opened 1979, spans 42 hectares, showcasing approx. 250 animals of 25 species native or once native to Central Europe, from wild boar to bison. Entry is free.
The former House of Culture of the National Front on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße is now a socio-cultural center with concerts, cinema, readings, theater, and a pub.
In the halls of a gas meter factory founded in 1848 at Connewitzer Kreuz, a cultural factory emerged from 1992. In the 1,000 square meter Hall A and other rooms, there are concerts, discos, theatre by Cammerspiele, and the Café ConnStanze.
