Saxony-Anhalt is a state in central Germany that is rich in history, cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Although it attracts fewer tourists than more popular German regions, it has a unique appeal for those interested in less crowded destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites and authentic German experiences.
The market square in Wittenberg
Located between Berlin and the Harz Mountains, the state is geographically accessible and an ideal stopover for cultural and historical exploration as part of a wider trip through Germany.
Saxony-Anhalt has a complex history, marked by shifting borders, powerful rulers and religious upheaval.
Its location in central Germany has made it both a cultural crossroads and a battleground over the centuries. While the modern state was only created in 1946 within East Germany, its roots go back to the early Middle Ages.
The region's early history revolves around the Frankish kingdom.
It later became part of the Holy Roman Empire, with key cities such as Magdeburg emerging as centres of trade and religion.
Magdeburg played an important role in the 10th century under Emperor Otto the Great, who established the city as an imperial and ecclesiastical power base.
Magdeburg cathedral on the Elbe river
Cathedrals, castles and thriving market towns such as Quedlinburg and Merseburg testify to the region's prosperity in the Middle Ages.
Saxony-Anhalt became a centre of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Martin Luther, who was born in Eisleben and spent much of his life in Wittenberg, challenged the Catholic Church and sparked a religious movement that reshaped Europe. This period left a lasting imprint on the region's cultural and spiritual identity.
In later centuries, Saxony-Anhalt was divided between several small duchies and the Kingdom of Prussia. The Industrial Revolution brought economic change, particularly to Halle and the area now known as the "Chemical Triangle". Saxony-Anhalt became a centre of both industrial production and agricultural development.
World War II devastated the area, with the majority of Magdeburg and other cities destroyed by bombs.
Saxony-Anhalt became part of East Germany after the war. Communist rule saw industrial expansion in the state, particularly in the chemical industry, but cultural sites received less attention.
The reunification of Germany in 1990 saw Saxony-Anhalt re-emerge, showcasing its rich heritage and becoming known as a quieter but historically significant destination.
Saxony-Anhalt boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic cities that showcase its significant contributions to German and European history:
Wittenberg is famous as the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation. It was here that Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church. Visitors can explore buildings preserved from Luther's time, including museums detailing his life and work.
View of the Castle Church (Schlosskirche) in Wittenberg
Magdeburg, the state capital, is home to Germany's oldest Gothic cathedral and the tomb of Otto the Great, the first Holy Roman Emperor. The modern Green Citadel, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, offers a quirky architectural contrast.
This beautifully preserved medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and hilltop castle. It is a testament to the region's Romanesque architectural heritage.
Quedlinburg castle
Dessau is the birthplace of the Bauhaus design movement. Visitors can tour the original Bauhaus building to witness the evolution of modern architecture. The nearby Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz offers picturesque English-style parks and palaces.
The Harz Mountains stretch along the western edge of Saxony-Anhalt and offer some of Germany's most striking natural scenery. The region is one of the oldest highland areas in the country and has long attracted walkers, nature lovers and history buffs alike.
With dense forests, dramatic valleys and sheer cliffs, the Harz Mountains and Harz National Park are perfect for exploring the outdoors and discovering the unique folklore and legends associated with the area.
The Harz Mountains have an extensive network of footpaths for all levels of ability. One of the most famous routes is the Harzer Hexenstieg (Harz Witches' Trail), which is around 100km long and crosses the mountains, taking in important natural and cultural sites along the way.
The trail winds through forests, around reservoirs and past the remnants of centuries-old mining infrastructure. It's named after the region's association with witches and magic.
The Harz Mountains offer skiing and snowboarding in winter. Alpine skiing is limited here compared to the Alps, but there are plenty of cross-country skiing tracks.
Those seeking panoramic views can climb or take the Brockenbahn railway to the top of the Brocken, the highest peak in the range.
The historic Brockenbahn railway in the Harz mountains
The Brocken has long been associated with folklore and mysticism - stories of witches gathering on the mountain on Walpurgis Night originate here.
A popular starting or finishing point for hikers, the Brocken offers sweeping views over the surrounding countryside on a clear day.
Part of the Harz Mountains falls within the Harz National Park, a protected area covering over 24,000 hectares. Most of the national park is in Lower Saxony, but a significant part is in Saxony-Anhalt. The park protects the natural diversity of the region, which includes unspoilt forests, heather-covered plateaus and rugged ridges.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, lynx, foxes, and even rare bird species such as the peregrine falcon and black stork. Lynx, which were almost extinct in the region, have been successfully reintroduced and are now a symbol of the park's conservation efforts.
Sign at entrance to the Harz National Park
One of the park's most popular attractions is its forests. Ancient spruce and beech forests dominate the landscape and are known for their wild, untouched beauty. Visitors can follow trails designed to showcase the park's biodiversity and get a sense of how the forest is reclaiming its space - with whole sections left undisturbed for nature to take its course.
The Harz region has a rich mining history dating back over a thousand years.
Silver, lead and copper have been mined here since the Middle Ages, making the Harz a centre of mineral production. Evidence of this industrial heritage can still be seen throughout the region.
The historic Rammelsberg mine in nearby Lower Saxony, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tells the story of the region's mining industry.
Visitors to Saxony-Anhalt's part of the Harz can also find smaller museums dedicated to mining and geology. One of these is the Wettelrode Mining Museum, which offers tours of historic mine shafts and an understanding of how mining has shaped the local communities.
The Harz Mountains are dotted with picturesque medieval villages and historic spa towns.
Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the northern foothills. Its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and hilltop castle make it one of the most charming towns in the region.
Wernigerode is another highlight, a small town often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Harz'. Its colourful half-timbered houses and ornate castle perched on a hill attract visitors all year round.
Wernigerode castle on a misty day
Wernigerode is also the starting point for the famous Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway, a steam train that climbs the Brocken with old-world charm.
Friedrichsbrunn and Thale, both in Saxony-Anhalt, embrace their mountainous surroundings with a focus on outdoor tourism.
Visitors to Thale can take a cable car ride over one of the most dramatic landscapes in the area or explore rock formations in the area associated with Harz folklore.
The Harz Mountains are more accessible than you might think. The region can be reached by train or car in one to two hours from Magdeburg or Halle.
Once there, public transport, including buses and narrow-gauge railways, links the main towns and walking routes. However, a car is useful for reaching less frequented spots, especially trailheads in quieter areas.
Saxony-Anhalt is central to the story of Martin Luther and his role in shaping the Protestant Reformation. It is home to several key sites directly linked to his life and work, making it a must-see for anyone interested in religious history or Luther's impact on Europe.
The small town of Lutherstadt Wittenberg is where it all began.
Martin Luther, a professor and monk, famously nailed his 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517. This act of defiance against the practices of the Catholic Church sparked the Protestant Reformation.
The Castle Church still stands today and has been carefully preserved. Luther himself is buried inside the church, along with fellow reformer Philipp Melanchthon.
The Luther memorial statue in front of Wittenberg town hall
Wittenberg also offers other opportunities to explore Luther's life.
The Luther House, once Luther's home and the place where he wrote much of his revolutionary work, is now a museum. It has detailed exhibits on his teachings, personal life and the social impact of his ideas.
The town as a whole retains a distinctive Renaissance charm, with many original buildings associated with Luther's era.
Nearby Eisleben, another important town in Saxony-Anhalt, is also called Lutherstadt. Martin Luther was born here in 1483 and died here in 1546. Visitors can see his birthplace and the house where he died, both of which are now museums.
Anyone seeking a broader view of the legacy of the Reformation will find that Saxony-Anhalt's 'Luther Trail' links these key sites with other historical landmarks across the region.