Vacation in Saxony-Anhalt between the Harz Mountains and the Elbe River: Sachsen Anhalt Tourismus

Vacation in Saxony-Anhalt

Saxony-Anhalt is diverse and full of contrasts: the Harz Mountains with the Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany, stand for forests, hiking trails and summit views. The Central Elbe Vacation Region offers wide floodplains, river courses and tours on the Elbe cycle path. In Saale-Unstrut, vineyards, river bends and historic towns alternate. The World Heritage Region Anhalt-Dessau-Wittenberg combines architecture with garden art and leads to the traces of the Reformation. Proud Hanseatic towns and vast landscapes characterize the Altmark. Those who visit the lively towns will discover other facets of the region: Magdeburg impresses with its cathedral and modern architecture, Halle with the Nebra Sky Disk and a diverse cultural scene, Dessau-Roßlau with Bauhaus, parks and the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Kingdom. Perfect for a really good time!

Vacation tips for fall and winter

Spiegelsberge Landscape Park Halberstadt in the fall

Fall tips for Saxony-Anhalt

Experiences and celebrations you shouldn't miss in fall

Hiking weekend in the Harz mountains

When the forests are dressed in bright red, gold, and orange, it's the perfect time to be outdoors.

100 years of Bauhaus Dessau

Clear lines and grand ideas: To Dessau for the 100th anniversary

St. Peter's Church in the Hanseatic town of Seehausen

Hanseatic experience in the Altmark

Historic Hanseatic cities, vast fall landscapes, and plenty of peace and quiet

Wellness and culture in the Central Elbe region

A weekend full of pleasant discoveries in Magdeburg and the surrounding area

World culture in the World Heritage Region

Discover three World Heritage Sites within a short distance with the World Heritage Card

Winter magic in the Saale-Unstrut region

Where sparkling lights meet vineyards and castles shine in winter wonderland

Hundertwasser's Green Citadel of Magdeburg in winter

Culture, Advent, and indulgence in Magdeburg

When the city on the Elbe dons its winter attire, Magdeburg is particularly atmospheric.

City tour in Halle (Saale) with a view of the Hausmann Towers

In love with Halle (Saale)

A romantic weekend full of experiences, sweet chocolate, and magical worlds of light

Magdeburg's World of Lights

20.11.2025 – 02.02.2026

When the days grow shorter, a winter wonderland of light begins in Magdeburg. Over a million sparkling LEDs transform the city center into a magical backdrop: historic buildings shine with a warm glow, and artistic light installations tell stories from the past and future.

Magical world of lights in Halle (Saale)

12.12.2025–01.03.2026

Light, magic, and fantasy: the Magical Worlds of Light at Halle (Saale) Mountain Zoo immerse visitors in a new world. Oversized light installations in bright colors and shapes decorate the mountain zoo and complement the scenery. Since 2018, the exhibition series has taken place annually under a different theme.

Something for everyone: vacation inspiration

Holiday regions

Saxony-Anhalt is made up of the Altmark region with its wide open landscapes and historic Hanseatic towns, the Harz Mountains with their forests, the Saale-Unstrut region with its wines and river valleys, the Middle Elbe holiday region with its floodplain landscapes along the Elbe, and the Anhalt-Dessau-Wittenberg World Heritage Region with its Bauhaus architecture, gardens, and historic sites. Each region combines culture, nature, and special places in its own unique way.

Magdeburg Cathedral in the evening light

Cities

Magdeburg, Halle, and Dessau-Roßlau offer striking sights, diverse cultural attractions, and numerous leisure activities. These are complemented by numerous gems in Saxony-Anhalt: small towns with historic centers, half-timbered houses, special festivals, and authentic insights into the history of the state.

Paintings in the Anhalt Picture Gallery in Dessau

Culture

Here, six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic gardens and parks, imposing castles and palaces, and Romanesque churches meet art, music, museums, industrial culture, and the Sky Trails—a dense cultural landscape with an exciting history and modern present.

Couple hikes through the Harz Mountains past a rock formation

Nature & Activities

Whether hiking, cycling, water sports, or nature experiences—Saxony-Anhalt offers exercise and relaxation. An ideal landscape opens up for horse riders. Beginners and professionals alike can test their skills in climbing parks and climbing halls. There are also other activities on offer for active people.

Pleasure & Relaxation

From the wines of Saale-Unstrut to regional cuisine, food and drink are synonymous with enjoyment and regional diversity. Wellness offerings in hotels, thermal spas, and baths complement your stay with relaxation and recreation.

Children's city tour in Halle (Saale) at the Handel monument

Families & Children

Zoos, museums, amusement parks, and adventure trails create experiences for all generations.

Share your best photos with us!

Are you currently on vacation in Saxony-Anhalt and would like to share your experiences with us? We'd love to see your best photos and videos: Follow us on Instagram and use the hashtag #reiselandsachsenanhalt so that we can also see your impressions.

Couple photographing each other while hiking in the Selke valley

Welcome to Saxony-Anhalt

Travel destination from the Harz Mountains to the Elbe River