Leipzig Old Cemetery: 75-Minute Dark History Tour

Explore the captivating history of Leipzig’s Old Johannisfriedhof cemetery on this 75-minute dark tour. Guided by a costumed gravedigger, visitors will uncover the intriguing tales of legendary figures, including the renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach, and explore the cemetery’s macabre past. From dark legends to pacts with the devil, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable encounter with the city’s haunting history. But the tour’s highlight just might be the magical wishing ceremony that concludes the journey.

Key Points

• Explore the 750-year-old Old Johannisfriedhof cemetery in Leipzig on a 75-minute guided tour led by a gravedigger in costume.
• Discover the dark legends and pacts with the devil associated with historical figures, including the rumored burial of Johann Sebastian Bach.
• Embark on an immersive outdoor experience and learn about mysterious disappearances, suspicious deaths, and the cemetery’s macabre history.
• Participate in a magical wishing ceremony at a special location within the cemetery, where visitors receive a small stone to make a silent wish.
• Highly rated tour with an overall 4.5 out of 5 star reviews, praised for the engaging storytelling and captivating experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Leipzig Old Cemetery Dark History Tour is a 75-minute activity that takes visitors through the 750-year-old Old Johannisfriedhof cemetery.

Priced from $18.45 per person, the tour is conducted in German and is likely to sell out, so checking availability for starting times is recommended.

Guests are guided by a gravedigger in costume, who shares historical figures and dark stories, including pacts with the devil and the rumored burial of Johann Sebastian Bach.

The tour concludes with a magical wishing ceremony.

Exploring the Old Johannisfriedhof Cemetery

As visitors arrive at the meeting point in front of the Grassi Museum, they’re greeted by a gravedigger in costume who’ll guide them through the 750-year-old Old Johannisfriedhof cemetery.

The tour explores the historical graveyard, unveiling stories of figures like Johann Sebastian Bach, rumored to be buried there. Visitors learn about dark legends, including pacts with the devil.

The eerie experience concludes with a magical wishing ceremony, offering a unique and captivating glimpse into Leipzig’s macabre past.

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended, as the tour takes place entirely outdoors.

Historical Figures and Dark Stories

During the tour, the gravedigger guide regales visitors with tales of the cemetery’s most intriguing historical figures and their darker legends.

One such story involves the rumored burial of renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach, whose body was allegedly hidden in the Old Johannisfriedhof to conceal his pact with the devil.

The rumored burial of composer Johann Sebastian Bach, whose body was hidden to conceal his pact with the devil.

Other narratives cover dark pacts, suspicious deaths, and the mysterious disappearances of prominent personalities from Leipzig’s past.

These captivating stories shed light on the cemetery’s macabre history, leaving guests spellbound as they explore the hallowed grounds.

Pacts With the Devil and Johann Sebastian Bach

One of the most captivating stories shared by the gravedigger guide during the Leipzig Old Cemetery Dark History Tour involves the rumored burial of renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach.

Legend has it that Bach made a pact with the devil, trading his soul for musical genius. The guide claims Bach’s body was secretly interred in the Old Johannisfriedhof to conceal his association with the occult.

Though never proven, the tale has fueled centuries of speculation and intrigue. Visitors are left to ponder whether the celebrated composer’s final resting place lies within the cemetery’s hallowed grounds.

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The Magical Wishing Ceremony

Though the tour concludes at the Old Johannisfriedhof, the gravedigger guide leads visitors to a special location within the cemetery grounds.

At this sacred spot, the guide facilitates a magical wishing ceremony:

1. Participants are given a small stone from the cemetery.

2. They’re instructed to make a silent wish as they hold the stone.

3. The guide then guides everyone in tossing the stones into the air.

4. This symbolic gesture is believed to send the wishes out into the universe, granting them the possibility of fulfillment.

Booking and Cancellation Information

The tour offers a reserve now and pay later option, which means no upfront payment is required. This flexible booking process allows visitors to secure their spot without an immediate financial commitment.

Plus, the tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a full refund for those who need to change their plans. Customers are encouraged to keep their travel plans flexible, as this tour is highly popular and may sell out quickly.

What to Bring and Customer Reviews

When visiting the Leipzig Old Cemetery Dark History Tour, visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour is conducted outdoors and may involve walking on uneven terrain.

Weather-appropriate attire is also required, as the tour takes place regardless of the weather conditions.

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 131 reviews.

Overwhelmingly positive feedback, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 131 reviews.

Guests have praised the engaging storytelling of the guide, who’s dressed as a gravedigger, and the unique, immersive experience of exploring the 750-year-old cemetery.

The key things to bring are:

1. Comfortable shoes

2. Weather-appropriate clothing

3. Camera (optional)

4. Curiosity for the dark history of the cemetery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. It focuses on the dark history and stories of the cemetery, which could be too intense or frightening for younger participants. Parental discretion is advised.

Will the Guide Be Speaking English as Well as German?

The tour is guided in German, but the guide may provide some English explanations as well. Customers should confirm language accommodations when booking if they require an English-language tour.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour, though guests are encouraged to be respectful and not disrupt the guide’s storytelling. Attendees should check with the tour operator for any specific photography guidelines.

What Happens if It Rains During the Tour?

If it rains during the tour, it’ll likely continue as scheduled. The guide is prepared for inclement weather, and participants are advised to wear weather-appropriate attire. The tour’s outdoor nature means it may proceed rain or shine.

Can I Join the Tour as a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can join the tour. The tour is open to individual participants and the meeting point is designed to accommodate guests traveling alone. The tour experience is suitable for solo exploration of the cemetery’s dark history.

The Sum Up

The "Leipzig Old Cemetery: 75-Minute Dark History Tour" provides an immersive and haunting experience, allowing visitors to discover the captivating tales of the 750-year-old Old Johannisfriedhof cemetery. Guided by a costumed gravedigger, participants explore the macabre past, uncover the stories of historical figures, and conclude with a magical wishing ceremony, making for an unforgettable encounter with the city’s dark history.

You can check availability for your dates here: