Summer

Clear air, vast waters, tranquil forests: As Saxony-Anhalt’s largest natural lake, the Arendsee captivates visitors with its exceptional water quality. Whether you’re swimming, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, diving to the shipwreck, or taking a relaxing cruise on the “Queen Arendsee”—here, nature becomes an experience.

Lake Goitzsche near Bitterfeld is the heart of the Central German Lake District. Three beach resorts, sailing, surfing, SUP, and wakeboarding offer plenty of action, while a circular trail and boat tours provide scenic views. Houseboats, vacation homes, and a campground invite visitors to spend the night near the water. 

Lake Geiseltal—one of Germany’s largest artificial lakes—delights visitors with its expansive beaches, a wide range of lodging options, and biking and hiking trails offering magnificent views. There’s even a vineyard right on the lake. 

Just about 20 minutes from Magdeburg lies Lake Barleber—the perfect local recreation area for sunny getaways. With a beach, boat rentals, a campground, and dining options, it offers everything you need for relaxing or active days by the water—and it’s easily accessible by public transportation.

Bergwitzsee, formed from a former open-pit mine, delights visitors with its clear water and diverse beaches—ranging from family-friendly areas to nude and dog-friendly beaches. Camping, overnight stays on the water, and bike paths around the lake make it the perfect destination for a getaway. 

Lake Concordia in the Harz Lake District combines nature and recreational fun: formed from a former open-pit mine, it now invites visitors to enjoy a vacation with “Abenteuerland”—Saxony-Anhalt’s largest outdoor playground—and camping. Swimming, sailing, or surfing—a wide range of water activities awaits here.

Nestled picturesquely among vineyards lies Süße See—crowned by a castle on the peninsula. Sailing, surfing, biking along the shore, or camping and spending the night in a sleeping barrel make it a special retreat. A highlight in July: the “See in Flammen” fireworks festival.

A vacation tip for stargazers along the Saale and Unstrut rivers: At the Nebra Ark, you can discover the secrets of the Nebra Sky Disk in the planetarium and encounter a landed UFO in the “Outer Space” area—a place to explore and marvel. A 3-km-long art trail leads up to the Mittelberg, the site where the Nebra Sky Disk with its “Eye of the Sky” was discovered, and the 30-meter-high observation tower. 

In Merseburg, too, you can immerse yourself in the world of the stars at the planetarium with star shows, children’s programs, lectures, and group stargazing. The new Halle Planetarium, located in the historic gasometer, delights visitors with shows in the Star Hall, a planet exhibition, as well as a rooftop terrace and observatory for your own views of the sky.

Just get going—and set off together. Starting from Aulosen, the northernmost town in Saxony-Anhalt, 2–4-hour guided canoe tours take you down the Milde, Biese, and Aland rivers—ideal for beginners and families. You’ll paddle leisurely through meadows, past gnarled trees, and learn fascinating facts about the flora and fauna of the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve. Day trips and multi-day tours on the Elbe are also available. 

Young and old explorers alike will find more than just a magnificent castle and Till Eulenspiegel on his tower in Bernburg’s medieval center. Surrounding the “Paradies” restaurant is a large fairy-tale garden—something you wouldn’t expect to find here. Inside a castle and in fairy-tale-style huts, the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales are reenacted using voice- and motion-activated figures. Plus, a children’s playground ensures endless fun.

Around Dessau-Roßlau, you can explore the UNESCO Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve in a fun way using Actionbound. On the “Kapenniederung” floodplain trail, you’ll pass beaver territories and 70 varieties of fruit; at the Auenhaus, you’ll complete tasks related to the exhibition—all via the app, free of charge, and at your own pace. Search for “Auenhaus” or “Kapenniederung,” enter your team name, and set off. Here, nature becomes a family adventure.

A 5-km-long mountain meadow nature trail winds its way around Benneckenstein through fragrant meadows filled with arnica, sage, and marigolds. Five informational signs and ten interactive stations explain the plants, animals, and history of the Harz mountain meadows. With the guidebook from the tourist information office, children can set off on a discovery tour. A family-friendly circular hike that combines learning about nature with physical activity. This summer is perfect for a trip to the countryside!