After all the changes and restrictions caused by the covid pandemic, my travel habits have also started to change. I currently prefer to travel in nature, within the country I live in (Germany), and with my car. I want to feel safe and have maximal control of the situation. I want to be in nature and avoid the crowds.
Following all my wishes, I found one perfect place to visit on a very warm weekend - Wörlitzer Park in the Garden Kingdom of the Dessau-Wörlitz.
About Wörlitzer Park
Wörlitzer Park is a part of the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm but it isn't just another park located in central Germany. It's a cultural heritage preserved from the late 18th century. In November 2000 the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the first and largest English-style parks in Germany and continental Europe. It covers an area of 142 km2 and in every corner offers different cultural and educational objects and attractions worth visiting! It consists of seven parks, dozens of buildings, gardens, lakes, rivers, statues, temples, and much more.
Nevertheless, I wanted to visit exactly Wörlitzer Park and I did it very soon after I first heard about this place. It was a very active day cause there is a lot to see and some objects are located pretty far away. Together I went 13 km. So better get ready for a good walk!
How to get there
Wörlitzer Park is situated in Saxony-Anhalt federal state not too far away from a few well-known cities like Leipzig (80 km), Berlin (120 km), Dresden (170 km), and Hannover (220 km). You can go to this wonderful park from any of these cities by public transport. Firstly with the train to the nearest town – Dessau. Then from the Dessauer Bus Station (Busbahnhof) with a bus or from the Dessauer Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) with the train (rides depending on the season). If you have enough time you can also walk from Dessau to Wörlitzer Park or use a bike.
Even though the park can be reached by public transport, I still recommend going there by car. I find it a faster, easier and better way and you also don't need to worry about parking. The Wörlitzer Park offers several ample parking spots right next to it.
Things to see and do
As I already mentioned, the park is huuuuge! When I was already checking the map at home, I got ready for a long walk, but I was surprised by how big and interesting Wörlitzer Park was after arriving. And here you can approximately understand what I am talking about…
The Wörlitzer Park includes:
- Wörlitz Castle
- 5 big garden sections, like the Castle Garden (Schlossgarten)
- bigger and smaller islands, like Rose Island and Rock Island
- many interesting bridges, like White Bridge and Chain Bridge
- Labyrinth (my favorite attraction)
- Historical buildings and temples, like the Gothic House and Floratempel
- many small thematic gardens like the Palm Garden and Floragarden
- several monuments and statues
- 3 ferry water crossings (unfortunately it wasn't able to use ferries)
- Neo-Gothic St Peter's Church
- Rapeseed field at Coswiger Street
- and multiple viewing platforms and rest areas
Don't wonder, if I forget something to mention because I think it's impossible to name all attractions, objects, and things you can see in Wörlitzer Park. There is something behind every corner and it feels like surprises will never end!
The Gothic House
Rock Island
Floragarden
Wörlitzer Park Labyrinth
Neo-Gothic St Peter's Church
Some monuments and statues
Tips and important information for your Wörlitzer Park visit:
- The park visit is free of admission and without any time limit.
- Park your car only in the provided parking spaces. Otherwise, you can get a penalty in the amount of 10€. How did I know that? Cause I got it, haha. :D
- In the park are 3 public toilets, that costs 0,50€ for a visit. So better take a few coins with you.
- If you have a dog, it's allowed to take him with you. It's required the dog to be on a leash and don't forget to take with you also water and dog poop bags.
- Whether you travel alone, with a dog, or with family, be sure to take water or another drink with you. The park is huge and not everywhere you will see a cafe or a kiosk.
- Feel free to take with you also some snacks and sandwiches and make a picnic. There are many benches where to relax and enjoy the view.
- Riding a bicycle in the Wörlitzer Park area is not allowed.
- Plan ahead whether you want/can see everything or not. If you are not fit enough, I recommend before arriving to check the Wörlitzer Park plan and choose a shorter route with more objects located closer to each other. That's how you can still see a lot but walk a little bit less.
I definitely recommend visiting Wörlitzer Park even in this hard time! The park area is really huge and more than 15 people crowding together I saw only twice – at Gothic House and Nymphaeum. You can always take a distance, wait some time, visit the object later, and feel safe. There wasn't any problem to avoid crowding, which I also did.
BUT THAT’S ALL FROM ME FOR TODAY!
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