Wittenberg District combines Reformation history with garden design and open landscapes. Wörlitz Park in Oranienbaum-Wörlitz was created in the second half of the 18th century as the first English landscape garden on the continent. Located on a tributary of the Elbe, it covers around 112.5 hectares and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Kingdom. Oranienbaum Palace and Park are also part of this World Heritage Site. The Garden Kingdom is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wittenberg District.

Luther Sites and Cultural Attractions

In Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the memorial sites associated with Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and authentic settings of the Reformation. The Luther House is considered the world’s largest museum on the history of the Reformation. Another historical trace leads to the printing workshop, which is associated with the reproduction of Luther’s Bible translation. Together, these places offer different insights into Reformation history—from remembrance to the dissemination of a central text.

Smaller places also offer distinctive cultural themes. The Lichtenburg Prettin Concentration Camp Memorial is housed in a Renaissance palace that served as an Electoral Saxon prison from 1812 and as a concentration camp during the Nazi era. The Zahna Peasant Museum is located in a 600-year-old Flemish farmhouse; exhibits include a historic house, a tractor collection and a well-preserved forge. Since 1993, sculptures made of wood, metal and other materials have been displayed in a meadow of around 20 hectares in Bülzig. The Thießen Copper Mill has been a listed monument since 1958; its tools are documented as having been in use for 400 years.

Gardens, Heathland and Trails

Those looking to focus on landscapes and outdoor activities will find a range of options. The Elbe flows through the district for almost 100 kilometres amid natural river meadows. Dübener Heide, the largest contiguous woodland in central Germany, lies in the south of the district. The Oranienbaumer Heide River Meadow Trail features 13 stops highlighting the area’s biodiversity and landscape features. It is suitable for hiking and cycling; access points are in Oranienbaum, Jüdenberg and near Möhlau.

Three named cycle routes run near Bergwitzsee: the Europaradweg R1, the Berlin–Leipzig Cycle Route and the KOHLE|DAMPF|LICHT Cycle Route. The Auenhaus Information Centre can be reached by bus via the WelterbeLinie 310, as well as from Dessau by the Dessau-Wörlitzer Eisenbahn. As timetables and detailed route conditions may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before planning.

Palaces, Crafts and Local Character

Historic buildings also include Reinharz Palace and its park: the moated palace was built between 1690 and 1701; the Baroque church of the same name and the palace are located on the Berlin–Leipzig Cycle Route. Pretzsch Palace dates from the 16th century and has an adjoining park. The origins of Coswig Palace date back to the 12th century. These sites offer a chance to explore different periods and architectural styles as separate points of interest, without combining them into a single sightseeing route.

In Annaburg, the Porzellaneum combines a porcelain museum with a creative painting studio, porcelain sales and a café. The painting school offers tailored workshops for different age groups, including children’s birthday parties; please enquire about specific dates in advance. Jessen (Elster) is characterised by vineyards and a centuries-old winemaking tradition. Bad Schmiedeberg holds the triple designation of State-recognised Moor, Mineral and Kneipp Spa.

Wittenberg as a place to find accommodation

The destinations are spread across different places in the district, so base your choices on the visits you actually plan to make. This gives you room to choose a suitable order for each focus of your stay, rather than treating the whole region as a single outing.

Discover more destinations

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

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