Installation of a memorial stone for family members murdered by the Nazis has been scheduled in early December (no choice as to time of year) and, even though I had never expected to visit Germany, I will attend out of respect for the victims.
Looking for suggestions on where to stay and what airport to use for arrival/departure when traveling from Boston
Thanks
The nearest airports are Hannover, Leipzig-Halle and Berlin (Tegel and Schönefeld). Leipzig-Halle offers a direct train connection to Magdeburg, Berlin-Tegel is probably thr worst in terms of connections.
Good hotels close to the city centre in Magdeburg are Motel One and artHotel.
Magdeburg was almost completely destroyed in WW2. The city your ancestors knew doesn't exist anymore. Some interesting places survived, like the cathedral, but in general Magdeburg is not the most interesting town in this area.
In case you want to spend at least a few days in the region: just one hour away are the Harz mountains, which offer several very beautiful small towns with literally thousands of half-timbered houses. My recommendation would be to get a room either in Quedlinburg or Wernigerode, and take the train from there to Magdeburg. Also keep in mind that you will visit the country when Christmas markets pop up everywhere. The one in Quedlinburg is quite good. And the ride with a steam train up to the Brocken, highest peak of Northern Germany, can be quite impressive in December.
Next airports are Hanover (HAJ), Berlin (SXF or TXL) or Leipzig (LEJ). From there use trains.
Fully respecting the loss of members of your family I just want to share a historical insight you shall know when talking about history in Magdeburg. Really long time ago this town experienced a horrible devastation, the "Magdeburg Wedding". Ten thousands of people died for a religious war of Christianity. It is possible that people may react sensitively. Just for cultural background, awareness and understanding.
In July 2009 I spent a week-end in Magdeburg, basically two nights after arriving there from Berlin at noon..., well-worth my time seeing and exploring the place. Originally, I had planned to do a day trip r/t from Berlin but decided in the end to spend two nights so as to have a more leisurely time in the city and explore more. It is another place where you can walk across the Elbe
The Zentrum is interesting, historical monuments too but I didn't see one pertaining to WW1, or missed it. See the church where Luther preached, the explanation indicates that after Luther's first time preaching in Magdeburg, the city went over to his side. In 2009 the cathedral was being refurbished, ie not functioning as a church.
In 1945 Magdeburg was obviously a target since it is on the Elbe and in the path of the US Ninth Army armored spearheads. pushing to Berlin. They put two bridgeheads across the Elbe at/near Magdeburg, one was destroyed .
In German history Magdeburg as a city was sacked by Catholic forces in the Thirty Years War, horrific slaughter on the local population ensued.
