Discover Wittenberg: Garden Art, Floodplains and History

Elbe, Heathland and Trails

Wittenberg combines sites steeped in Reformation history with a varied landscape. The Elbe flows through the district of Wittenberg for almost 100 kilometres, passing through natural floodplain landscapes. In the south of the district lies the Dübener Heide, the largest contiguous forest area in Central Germany. The Oranienbaumer Heide floodplain trail also offers a distinctive focus on nature: at 13 stations, it shares information about the area’s biodiversity and landscape features. The trail is suitable for hiking and cycling, with access points in Oranienbaum, Jüdenberg and near Möhlau. It offers a way to discover nature not only as a landscape, but also through specific topics.

The Garden Kingdom and Reformation History

The Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Kingdom is one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the district of Wittenberg. Wörlitz Park in Oranienbaum-Wörlitz is part of it. In the second half of the 18th century, it was created as the first English landscape garden on the continent. It covers about 112.5 hectares and lies on an arm of the Elbe. Oranienbaum Palace and Park are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Kingdom. These garden destinations offer a distinct cultural focus alongside Reformation history.

The Luther Memorials in Wittenberg are associated with Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rank among the authentic settings of the Reformation. The Luther House is considered the world’s largest museum dedicated to Reformation history. A historic printing workshop in Lutherstadt Wittenberg is associated with the reproduction of Martin Luther’s Bible translation. Together, these themes bring different aspects of Reformation history to life: sites associated with Luther and Melanchthon, as well as the spread of the Bible translation.

Places with Different Stories

The Lichtenburg Prettin Concentration Camp Memorial is housed in a Renaissance castle. From 1812, the building served as a prison in Electoral Saxony and, during the Nazi era, as a concentration camp. Its architecture and changing historical uses are closely intertwined.

The Zahna Farm Museum is housed in a 600-year-old Flemish farmstead. It features a historic farmhouse, a collection of tractors and a well-preserved blacksmith’s workshop. The Bülzig Sculpture Park offers a different way to engage with art: since 1993, sculptures made of wood, metal and other materials have been displayed in a meadow of about 20 hectares. The two places represent different themes—from a historic farmstead and its collections to works of art in a landscape.

Cycling, Creativity and Regional Character

There are several ways to plan a cycling trip. The floodplain trail is suitable for both hiking and cycling. The Europaradweg R1, the Berlin–Leipzig Cycle Route and the KOHLE|DAMPF|LICHT Cycle Route run near Lake Bergwitz. This gives you a trail featuring information about biodiversity and the landscape, as well as three named cycle routes to consider when planning your trip.

The Annaburg Porzellaneum brings together a porcelain museum, a creative painting studio, a porcelain shop and a café. The painting school offers tailor-made workshops for different age groups, including children’s birthday parties. For families looking to include a creative activity, it is a practical option alongside the area’s landscape and history. Jessen (Elster) also has its own regional character, shaped by picturesque vineyards and a centuries-old winemaking tradition.

Choose Accommodation to Match Your Travel Interests

When looking for accommodation, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. Travellers primarily interested in Reformation history and museums will plan different visits from those focused on garden art, cycling, nature or winemaking. Choose your accommodation location based on the destinations that matter to your trip, and take their location into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Gräfenhainichen, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Coswig, Bad Schmiedeberg, Oranienbaum-Wörlitz, Kemberg, Jessen, Zahna-Elster, Annaburg, Griesen.

See the overview of destinations in the wider region: Saxony-Anhalt.