Europe is home to some of the world’s most impressive train stations, with many acting as more than just transport hubs. From huge historic buildings to modern architectural wonders, several have become attractions in their own right. But while some stations are known for their design or history, one in Germany stands out as the largest in Europe based on floor area.
Located in the heart of Leipzig, Germany, Leipzig Hauptbahnhof or Leipzig Central Train Station is said to cover around 83,460 square metres, making it the biggest train station in Europe in terms of floor space. Opened in 1915, the station is a beautiful example of early 20th-century railway architecture, with a 298-metre-long facade and two large domes that flood the concourse with natural light. It has been described as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, with many visitors praising its cleanliness and design.
The station is believed to have 21 platforms in total, with 19 overground and two underground that are part of the Leipzig City Tunnel that opened in 2013.
The City Tunnel is a twin-bore railway tunnel for the city-centre S-Bahn in Leipzig. It links Leipzig Hauptbahnhof with the central Markt station, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz station and Bayerischer Bahnhof.
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof is an important transport hub and offers connections to major German cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg, as well as international routes to Prague, Amsterdam and Vienna.
What’s more, the station is also a famous shopping destination.
Inside the multi-level concourse, visitors will find the Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig, a shopping centre home to more than 140 stores.
The selection ranges from fashion boutiques and beauty stores to supermarkets and souvenir shops.
There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants, making it a convenient stop for both travellers and locals.
Shops inside the station are open from 9.30am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday, with around 80 businesses also opening on Sunday afternoons.
The shopping centre has received positive reviews from visitors, with one person describing the station as “a terminal that doubles as a shopping mall” and another calling it “a great place to do some shopping”.
