Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt's capital, lies on the Elbe at an average elevation of 56 meters above sea level. The Elbe flows at 45–52 m; western districts on the Bördehochplateau reach 80–100 m. Magdeburg hosts Germany's oldest Gothic cathedral (begun 1209), perched at 55 m above the Elbe.
That works out to roughly 184 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 58 m, putting Magdeburg roughly on par with them.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 56 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 52.1205° N, 11.6276° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Hanover | 58 | Germany |
| Berlin | 34 | Germany |
| Halle | 104 | Germany |
| Potsdam | 37 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Magdeburg (56 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Cologne | 59 | Germany |
| Mönchengladbach | 59 | Germany |
| Manchester | 60 | United Kingdom |
| Gelsenkirchen | 49 | Germany |
| Bonn | 64 | Germany |
| Münster | 68 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Magdeburg above sea level?
Magdeburg averages 56 m above sea level. The Elbe flows at 45–52 m; the Bördehochplateau to the west reaches 80–100 m.
Why is Magdeburg important for waterway traffic?
Magdeburg sits at the junction of the Elbe, the Elbe-Havel Canal and the Mittelland Canal. The Magdeburg Water Bridge (916 m long) carries the Mittelland Canal over the Elbe on a viaduct – Europe's largest canal crossing structure.
What is 'Magdeburg Law'?
The Magdeburg city law (around 1188) became the model for over 80 cities across Central and Eastern Europe – from Poland to Ukraine. It was one of the first codified urban legal systems in Europe.