“Mittelelbe” Biosphere Reserve

- UNESCO sanctuary since 1979

The “Mittelelbe" biosphere reserve is one of the two oldest and largest sanctuaries in Germany. The Elbe flows relatively naturally in this area and has space to flood. This is why this region still offers wide expanses of meadow with solitary oaks that are centuries old, and the largest complex of connected floodplain forests in Central Europe.

Plant and animal species that are almost extinct in other parts of Europe, have still maintained their habitat here. The attractive landscapes of the Dessau-Wörlitz garden realm, where the Mittelelbe biosphere reserve is embedded, are also determined by this reserve.