Saxony-Anhalt: For active holidays and for a rendezvous with history and nature

Saxony-Anhalt is the heartland of German history and invites the culturally minded to discover its many attractions with its slogan 'Heartbreakers – rendezvous with history'. There is also plenty on offer for active holidaymakers, who have their own slogan: 'Enjoy nature – breathe freely in Saxony-Anhalt', which points the way to the discovery of stunning landscapes.

Heartbreakers – rendezvous with history

A total of four UNESCO World Heritage sites in close proximity: the medieval town of Quedlinburg, the luther sites in Eisleben und Wittenberg, the Bauhaus and the master houses in Dessau and the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz.

The Romanesque Route runs right through the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Linking 80 Romanesque churches, cathedrals, castles, imperial palaces and abbeys it takes travellers straight back to the Middle Ages. Highlights include the cathedral treasures in Naumburg, Merseburg, Halberstadt and Quedlinburg. The 43 parks that make up Garden Dreams – Historic Parks in Saxony-Anhalt, chief among them the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz and the European Rosarium in Sangerhausen, are sure to delight any nature lovers. Archaeology enthusiasts should make sure not to miss the Sky Paths route, which includes the Regional Museum of Prehistory in Halle and the original Nebra Sky Disk as well as the world's earliest sun observatory in Goseck and the Nebra Ark visitor centre. The Saale-Unstrut wine region in the south of Saxony-Anhalt is a popular destination for wine drinkers, while visitors to the Altmark in the north can travel on old trade routes to eight historical Hanseatic towns. For evenings out, a range of cultural highlights are provided by the likes of the Handel Festival held every June in Halle and the new Garden Dreams festival, 'Stars im Park', from 26 to 28 of August.

Enjoy nature – breathe freely in Saxony-Anhalt

Magnificent landscapes, such as the Harz nature reserve and the UNESCO-listed Middle Elbe biosphere reserve, along with a network of well-maintained routes make Saxony-Anhalt a great destination for active holidaymakers and nature lovers. From cycle tours on the Elbe Cycle Route, , walking on the Harz Witches' Trail, canoeing in the Saale-Unstrut wine region, horse-riding in the Altmark and pilgrimage tours on the St. James Pilgrimage Way or the Luther Trail, there are many options available.

Everywhere along the way there are friendly hosts who serve up regional delicacies in cosy restaurants, as well as around 60 campsites and more than 55,000 beds in modern hotels, guesthouses and youth hostels.

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