Oranienbaum-Wörlitz: Garden Art and Floodplain Landscape

Oranienbaum-Wörlitz combines garden art, palace history and nature observation to create a destination with a variety of attractions. The Wörlitz grounds were created in the second half of the 18th century as the first English landscape garden on the continent. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between architecture, water-based experiences and nature-related activities.

Garden Art and Architectural History

Wörlitz Park is part of the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wörlitz Palace was built between 1769 and 1773 and is considered the first Neoclassical building in Germany. The history of the area thus brings together an important garden landscape and a landmark of German architectural history.

Two other buildings also offer specific points of interest: The Gothic House can be visited independently or as part of a guided tour; check opening arrangements in advance. The Oranienbaum Orangery was completed in 1818, is 176 metres long and is considered the longest orangery in Europe.

Water is also part of the park experience: Boat trips on Lake Wörlitz and through the canals of Wörlitz Park run seasonally; check the conditions before your trip. Passenger ferries on the lake can shorten routes through the park. Passenger ferries on the lake can shorten routes through the park. They also operate seasonally; check the conditions before your trip.

Floodplain Landscape and Nature Observation

Most of Oranienbaum-Wörlitz lies within the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve. At Biberland, you can explore the beaver’s habitat and behaviour; an observation tower provides a place to watch the animal. Nature observation thus complements the area’s historical and garden-art themes with a different perspective on the landscape.

Auenhaus can be reached from Oranienbaum and Dessau-Roßlau via paved cycle paths; bicycle lockers are available on site. You can also get there from Dessau on the World Heritage Line 310 and the Dessau-Wörlitz Railway. Check access conditions, routes and timetables before setting off.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

An interest in culture may lead you to focus your choice of destinations on the palace, gardens and Gothic House; if you prioritise nature and water, you can consider Biberland, Auenhaus and seasonal boat trips as different activities. If you are travelling with children, take their interests in animal watching, history or water into account when planning each day. This makes it possible to choose accommodation to suit the focus of your trip without combining the different experiences into a single programme.

In the Wider Wittenberg Destination

The wider Wittenberg destination extends beyond Oranienbaum-Wörlitz: The Elbe flows through Wittenberg district for almost 100 kilometres, passing through a largely natural floodplain landscape. The Dübener Heide, the largest continuous forest area in central Germany, lies in the south of the district. The Elbe and the Dübener Heide represent two distinct landscapes: natural floodplains and continuous forest.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Wörlitz, Rehsen, Gohrau, Gräfenhainichen, Bad Schmiedeberg, Zahna-Elster, Jessen and Griesen.

Return to the main travel overview: Wittenberg.