Oranienbaum-Wörlitz: Garden Kingdom and Floodplain Landscape

Oranienbaum-Wörlitz combines the history of the Garden Kingdom with nature-related themes; most of the town lies within the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve. When planning a stay, you can first decide whether historic sites, waterways or wildlife observation will be your main focus. The places and activities below provide concrete starting points for planning a hotel stay.

Garden Kingdom, Park and Architecture

The Wörlitz grounds were created in the second half of the 18th century as the first English landscape garden on the continent. Wörlitz Park is part of the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are interested in garden design, you can explore both the history of the grounds and the park’s World Heritage status.

Wörlitz Palace was built between 1769 and 1773 and is regarded as the first Neoclassical building in Germany. The Oranienbaum Orangery was completed later, in 1818; it is 176 metres long and is considered Europe’s longest orangery. Comparing the two offers insight into different architectural and historical contexts within the cultural theme.

The Gothic House can be visited independently or as part of a guided tour. Check the opening arrangements before your visit so you can include the option that suits you in your plans.

Boat Trips and Passenger Ferries

There are two different ways to get around on the water. Boat trips run across Lake Wörlitz and through the canals of Wörlitz Park. Passenger ferries on the lake can shorten routes through the park. When planning, decide whether you want to take a trip across the lake and along the canals or use a ferry to shorten your route. Both services operate seasonally; check operating times before you travel.

Wildlife Observation and Routes to Auenhaus

At Biberland, you can explore beavers’ habitat and behaviour; an observation tower offers a place to watch the animals. This provides a distinct focus on wildlife observation alongside the history of the park and its architecture. Paved cycle paths lead to Auenhaus from Oranienbaum and Dessau-Roßlau; bicycle lockers are available on site.

Auenhaus can also be reached from Dessau via the WelterbeLinie 310 bus and the Dessau-Wörlitz Railway. Check connections and timetables before travelling. If you plan to arrive by bicycle, check access options in advance as well.

Planning Your Hotel Stay

When choosing a hotel, it helps to organise the themes of your stay: the history of the park and its architecture, boat trips and ferries, or wildlife observation each offer a different focus. Consider which of these matter to you, and include the relevant opening information, operating times or timetables in your plans. This way, you can tailor your hotel search to your own travel interests.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Wörlitz, Rehsen, Gohrau, Zahna-Elster, Coswig, Annaburg, Kemberg, Griesen.

Back to the main travel overview: Wittenberg.