Dessau Travel Guide (Saxony-Anhalt/Germany/Central Europe/Europe)

Introduction to Dessau

Dessau is a picturesque city situated in the state of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany. It is located in the Middle Elbe region, and its history can be traced back to the 12th century. Dessau is renowned for its individualistic architecture and stunning gardens. The city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is an ideal destination for visitors seeking culture, history, and outdoor adventure.

List of Places to Visit in Dessau

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you are looking to explore German history, Dessau offers several museums and historical sites that are must-visit destinations. Some of them include:

Bauhaus Dessau Foundation: This museum is dedicated to the legendary art school, Bauhaus, which was founded in Dessau. Visitors can explore the school’s history and see examples of the teachers’ and students’ famous works.
Anhalt Art Gallery: This gallery is located in the Georgium Palace and houses a collection of Gothic art from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. Visitors can explore Renaissance and Baroque art, porcelain, and sculptures.
Kornhaus: This stunning Gothic building was once used as a granary, but now hosts a cultural center. It also serves as an exhibition and event space, with many concerts and art exhibitions taking place throughout the year.

Natural Attractions of Dessau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Dessau is surrounded by natural beauty, with several parks and green spaces that visitors can explore. Some of the must-visit natural attractions in Dessau include:

Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm: This beautiful garden ensemble contains a network of parks, canals, and lakes with incredible architecture throughout the area. Visitors can explore the garden’s walking paths, greenery, and take boat tours across the lakes.
Biosphere Reserve Middle Elbe: This reserve is home to several rare species of flora and fauna. Visitors can hike and bike through the reserve to experience breathtaking views.
City Park: The park is located in the city center, and it offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, jog, or leisurely stroll.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dessau

Dessau offers visitors a variety of hiking and biking trails, each offering its unique experience. Some of the most popular trails include:

Elbe Cycle Path: The Elbe Cycle Path is ideal for both hiking and biking and follows the Elbe River. It offers stunning viewpoints of both urban and rural landscapes along the way.
Hiking Trail along the Mulde River: This beautiful trail follows the Mulde River, providing hikers with breathtaking views of the riverfront and its surrounding forests and parks.
Nature Trail in the Biosphere Reserve: The nature trail takes visitors through the Biosphere Reserve Middle Elbe, where you can experience the natural habitat of the region’s rare flora and fauna.

Best Things to Do in Dessau: Activities and Tours

Visitors to Dessau can take part in a wide range of activities, and tours. These activities range from conventional to exciting outdoor activities. Here are some of the best things you can do in Dessau:

Boat Tours: Boat tours are held daily on the Elbe River, which provides a perfect view of the city. Visitors can see the city from a new perspective, and tour guides provide interesting facts about the city’s history and attractions.
Segway City Tour: This tour takes visitors on a Segway tour of the city and covers most of the major attractions. Visitors can rent Segways to enjoy the tour at their own pace.
Hot Air Balloon Tour: Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city by taking a hot air balloon tour. This tour takes visitors above the city’s skyline, allowing them to witness unforgettable views.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dessau

Visitors spending a week in Dessau can make the most of their stay by exploring the city’s diverse attractions. Here is a comprehensive itinerary for a week-long trip to Dessau:

Day	Activity
1	Visit the Anhalt Art Gallery
2	Explore the city’s parks and gardens
3	Visit Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm
4	Visit the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation
5	Take a Segway tour of the city
6	Hike or bike through the Biosphere
7	Hot air balloon tour of the city

Food and Drink Scene of Dessau

Visitors to Dessau can enjoy traditional German cuisine, which is rich in flavor and variety. Visitors can try several local dishes and beverages during their stay.

Must-Try Dishes

Leipziger Allerlei: A rich vegetable dish made from asparagus, peas, carrots, and mushrooms, served with butter and a dollop of cream.
Beef Roulade: Thinly sliced beef stuffed with bacon, onions, and pickles, rolled up, and served with a rich brown gravy.
Aachener Printen: A spiced cookie that’s similar to gingerbread. It is perfect for an after-dinner dessert.

Local Beverages

Rotkäppchen: This sparkling wine is produced in the city of Freyburg in the Saale-Unstrut wine region. It is a must-try drink for wine lovers.
Dessau-Rosslauer Pilsner: One of the most popular beers in Dessau, this pilsner offers beer lovers a crisp and refreshing taste.

Where to Stay in Dessau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dessau offers various accommodation options for visitors of all budgets. Visitors can choose from hotels, hostels, and guesthouses located in the city center or its outskirts.

Some of the best places to stay in Dessau include:

Radisson Blu Fürst Leopold Hotel: This hotel offers guests comfortable rooms and is located near the city center.
Guesthouse Dessau: This guesthouse offers visitors affordable accommodation and is perfect for families or small groups.
Hostel in Dessau: This hostel offers bunk-bed dorms for budget travelers.

What to Buy in Dessau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Dessau can take advantage of several shopping options. Here are some recommendations for souvenir shopping:

Porcelain: Dessau is famous for its porcelain, and visitors can buy beautiful porcelain items from any of the city’s shops.
Flower Seeds: The garden realm of Dessau-Wörlitz offers unique flower seeds, which visitors can buy and plant in their gardens.
Local Wines and Beverages: Visitors can buy local wines and beverages, including the popular Rotkäppchen sparkling wine, as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Dessau

The people of Dessau are friendly and accommodating, and the city offers a rich cultural heritage. Visitors should respect local customs and traditions when interacting with the locals. Visitors should be respectful of privacy, particularly when taking photos of people or their homes.

Best Time to Visit Dessau

The best time to visit Dessau is during the spring and summer months from March to September. During this time, the weather is mild, and the city is bustling with outdoor activities and events. The winter months from November to February are very cold, and many outdoor activities are not available.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dessau

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions.
Dress appropriately for the weather and occasion.
Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

Make too much noise in residential areas.
Take photographs without permission or break any photography laws.
Litter or leave trash in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dessau

Dessau is a safe city, and visitors can move around freely without fear. However, visitors should be careful when using public transport and in crowded areas.

Health in Dessau

Dessau has a good health system, and there are several hospitals and clinics to choose from. Visitors should ensure that they have medical insurance before arriving in the city.

Getting to Dessau: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dessau

The nearest airport to Dessau is the Leipzig/Halle airport, which is about 50 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can take a train, bus, or taxi to Dessau.

Bus Stations Near Dessau

Dessau has a well-established bus station, which offers regular services to several German cities and towns.

Other Options

Visitors to Dessau can also travel to the city by train or car. The city is connected to several major German cities via the railway.

How to Get Around in Dessau

Visitors to Dessau can get around the city by bus or tram. The city’s public transport network is efficient and affordable. Visitors can buy tickets from ticket machines or directly from the driver.

Where to Go Next from Dessau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Dessau is located in the Middle Elbe region and offers several nearby destinations for exploration. Some of the nearby destinations include:

Wörlitz: Visitors can visit the UNESCO listed Gardens of Wörlitz, which is located just 12 kilometers away from Dessau.
Leipzig: Leipzig is the largest city in Saxony and is located 33 kilometers away from Dessau. Visitors can enjoy the city’s rich history and culture.

Conclusion

Dessau offers visitors several reasons to fall in love with the city. The city’s history, rich culture, and outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for visitors seeking an authentic German experience. From hiking trails to museums to the city’s cuisine, there is always something new to explore in Dessau.