13.08.2026

Modernization of the Wörlitz Large Parking Lot

The large parking lot at the tip of the lake in Wörlitz will be gradually modernized over the next few years. For the initial measures, the Welterbeszentrum Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz gGmbH will receive 2.5 million euros in federal funding from the “Infrastructure” special fund.

Wörlitz Park attracts numerous visitors from Germany and abroad every year. For many, a visit to the “Garden Kingdom” begins at the large parking lot at the tip of the lake. Its modernization is intended to create a welcoming environment that is both contemporary and befitting the special character of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through this funding, the federal government and the state of Saxony-Anhalt are supporting the further development of the tourism infrastructure, thereby strengthening the long-term appeal of the “Garden Kingdom.” With the planned opening of the World Heritage Visitor Center in 2029, the demands on visitor and traffic management in Wörlitz will also increase. The large parking lot will play a central role in this: as a starting point for visiting the “Garden Kingdom” and as an important arrival and orientation point.

The modernization project will begin with the construction of a new multipurpose building featuring accessible restroom facilities, digital information services, and weather-protected lounge and waiting areas, to be completed by 2028. As the project progresses, the existing restroom building will be demolished and the parking areas will be gradually renovated. The focus of all measures is on harmonizing the functional requirements of a modern parking lot with the specific landscape and historic preservation requirements of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Starting in 2026, this will gradually result in a high-performance and sustainable destination that meets the needs of visitors while also allowing them to experience the unique atmosphere of the “Garden Kingdom” right from the start of their visit.

18.02.2026

Development of a Destination Brand for the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz

To develop a new destination brand for the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz,” the Welterbezentrum Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz gGmbH is receiving a grant of 68,600 euros from the state of Saxony-Anhalt under its cultural funding guidelines.

The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 2000. This unique cultural landscape stretches south of the Elbe River over 142 square kilometers, from Dessau-Roßlau to the Wittenberg district. The planned World Heritage Visitor Center in the Yellow House at Wörlitz Park will serve as a central hub for conveying the history, significance, and universal value of the Garden Kingdom. This also underscores the importance of clearly communicating and marketing the World Heritage site as a cultural landscape. The goal of the project is therefore to develop a sustainable destination brand that unites the diversity and uniqueness of the Garden Kingdom under a single visual identity. It is intended to strengthen brand recognition, foster identification with the World Heritage Site, and improve collaboration among regional stakeholders in public relations, marketing, and outreach. At the same time, it lays the groundwork for greater national and international visibility and for attracting new visitors.

As part of the project, a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy, as well as a unified corporate design, will be developed by December 2026. This includes defining key messages and unique selling propositions, designing a visual brand identity, and creating templates and guidelines for future tourism public relations efforts.

09.07.2027

Establishment of a sustainable, mobile event infrastructure for the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz

The World Heritage Center Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz gGmbH is receiving a grant of 50,000 euros for the purchase of portable wooden stands, pagoda tents, and folding pavilions. The grant is provided as part of the LEADER Program 2023–2027 using funds from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm is a significant cultural and scenic area where numerous events throughout the year bring locals and visitors together. Ten new market huts, two pagoda tents, and six folding pavilions are now available in the Garden Kingdom to be used as sales, presentation, or information booths during events. This initiative aims to enhance events, create new spaces for interaction, and increase the visibility of regional stakeholders as well as artists and cultural practitioners within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the same time, shared use by partners from the fields of culture, education, tourism, business, and the nonprofit sector promotes regional cooperation and networking.

+++ Completed +++

25.09.2024

Oranienbaum365

For the project “Oranienbaum365 – Further Development and Digitization of the Tourism Offerings of the Baroque City of Oranienbaum,” the World Heritage Center Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz gGmbH received a grant of 78,300 euros from the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The funding was provided under the Special Corona Fund Act as part of Measure 31, “Support for the Tourism Industry.”

As a Baroque complex comprising the town, the palace, and the palace park—and as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz”—Oranienbaum holds special cultural and historical significance. The Oranienbaum365 project has created new ways to explore the town’s history and attractions. A key component is a digital information terminal at City Hall. The freely accessible outdoor kiosk provides information on the town’s history, attractions, and tourist offerings in German and English. An interactive map serves as a guide and links the terminal to the digital city walk. To this end, the existing historic trail was expanded into a digital audio walk with 29 stops. The specially developed narrator character “Marktfrau Margarete” brings the history of Oranienbaum to life in a unique way: Using augmented reality, she shares interesting facts about the city’s history, orange cultivation, the tobacco industry, and its residents. The stations can be accessed via QR codes on-site as well as digitally on an interactive map—in both German and English. In addition, the stations have been equipped with information panels, and a dedicated landing page has been set up.

“Oranienbaum365” is a permanently available information and experiential platform designed to highlight the history and unique features of this Baroque town, thereby strengthening Oranienbaum’s appeal to tourists in the long term.

+++Completed+++

31.08.2023

Marketing Initiatives: Create New Ways

For the “Create New Ways” project, the World Heritage Center Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz gGmbH received a grant of 60,525.00 euros from the state of Saxony-Anhalt, to facilitate the purchase of technical equipment and various marketing activities for the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz.”

The goal of the project was to better engage digitally savvy target audiences and raise awareness of the Gartenreich as an attractive travel destination both nationally and internationally. To this end, various communication and advertising measures were implemented in 2023: The “Gartenreich” website was further developed in terms of both content and technology, its social media presence was expanded, and targeted online advertising was added. In addition, a radio campaign in collaboration with Klassik Radio generated nationwide attention. The tourism magazine was also thoroughly revised and published in English as well.