Halle may not instantly come to mind when thinking about German cities. However, the true beauty and cultural value of the city is evident upon visiting. Halle is an old city with a rich history and a lot to offer. Halle is at the intersection of many key train routes. So, if you are living in Halle (Saale), you have a very easily accessible base for exploring Germany. Upon arriving in Halle, after they have settled in their new home, the Volunteer in Germany volunteers are given tours of the city to underline the main attractions of the town and to give an insight into what they can do in their spare time.
Music and Nature
Halle is sometimes referred to as ‘Handelsstadt’. George Frideric Handel, the world-renowned composer, was born in Halle. Classical music still has a stronghold in this town. Continuing with the musical theme of the city, Halle is home to a Beatles museum. Many concerts take place within the Peissnitz nature area. Thousands gather in the park to see international musicians and bands perform amongst the nature that the city has to offer.
The Peissnitz intersects the Altstadt and Neustadt parts of Halle which makes it easy to get to and to walk back from. The Volunteer in Germany program hosts weekly social events for the volunteers here and it proves to be a fantastic place to socialize. There are expansive sections of turf perfect for group games of volleyball and even the occasional barbecue.
How To Get Around When Living In Halle (Saale)
Depending on where the volunteers live during their time in Halle, they will either spend time in Aldstadt or Neustadt. Both parts of the city have a lot to offer to newcomers. Neustadt boasts a variety of shopping options and a cinema, whereas the Volunteer in Germany center and many main attractions of Halle are based in the Altstadt. A short tram ride connects Aldstadt and Neustadt.
Public transport in Germany is very efficient and usually punctual. In Halle, the trams run until late at night. You can buy tickets in the trams. Keep in mind that you will have to pay a 60 Euro fine if you are caught on public transit without a ticket. Bearing this in mind, you should always have some spare change with you to buy a ticket. The buses run regularly in Halle, so you don’t have to think about spending money on taxis. It is also useful to know that it is safe at any hour and volunteers should not worry about their safety whilst being out and about in Halle or Leipzig.
Halle and Leipzig
Halle’s central location makes it convenient for travel within Germany as well as other countries. Some of the volunteers have used their weekends to travel to Berlin and even to Prague. The trains in Germany are well priced if booked in advance and the coach options are fantastic as well. Furthermore, Halle’s proximity to Leipzig is a great boon to life in Halle. Leipzig is a bigger city with a lot of cultural, business, and education options. It is also home to a big Bundesliga football team, as well as a range of festivals throughout the year. Since Halle and Leipzig share their commute zone, tickets are valid in both cities.
Coming to an end of the program
When a volunteer’s time in Halle is coming to an end, a common concern is what sort of souvenir to bring back home! The market square has plenty of Halle-related fridge magnets and other souvenirs. However, the true symbol of Halle resides next door to it!
You can find the famous Halloren Kugel chocolate at the market square and, of course, all over the town. The chocolate museum has proven to be a favorite with the volunteers.
While Halle may seem small at first, exploring the city can prove to be incredibly rewarding for however long or short the stay. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us and let’s set up your arrival to Halle!
