The Garden Realm Festival 2025
The Garden Realm Festival 2025 celebrates two significant anniversaries: the Garden Realm of Dessau-Wörlitz has held UNESCO World Heritage status for 25 years, and the “Garden Dreams – Historic Parks in Saxony-Anhalt” network is also celebrating its 25th anniversary. Both milestones will be honored on the festival weekend, August 30–31, with a diverse and engaging program in Georgium and Wörlitz Park.
On Saturday, the Georgium Palace and Park will transform into a vibrant festival site from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can look forward to presentations by local tourism partners and heritage associations, as well as a plant and craft market. Classical music performances and puppet theater offer cultural enjoyment, while the Provinz Kosmos Theater invites guests to an open rehearsal. The Anhalt Art Gallery Dessau will be open with free admission, and at 11 a.m., there will be a special guided tour through the exhibition “Points of View”, featuring sculptures by British artist Tony Cragg. A guided bike tour to Kühnau Park and a guided walk through the Georgium Gardens round out Saturday’s offerings. Tickets for these tours are available at the Dessau Tourist Information Office.
Convenient and atmospheric travel options are also part of the event: the World Heritage Region is offering free rides on bus line 304 between Dessau, Wörlitz, and Wittenberg, featuring on-board guides and live musical acts. The historic Dessau-Wörlitz Railway will also run its regular service for a scenic journey.
Sunday will focus on Wörlitz Park. Starting at 2 p.m., guests are invited to the elegant “Picnic with Franz” on the lawn in front of the palace—visitors are encouraged to dress up in festive or historical attire for this unique open-air experience. The Wörlitz Tourist Information Office will offer free short guided tours through the park. Along the World Heritage Mile, regional partners such as the World Heritage Region, the Garden Dreams initiative, and the “Six Marvels” will showcase their projects and offer interactive stations.
Several local churches in Mosigkau, Großkühnau, Waldersee, Mildensee, and Oranienbaum will be open for visitors, while in Wörlitz, guests can climb the church tower and visit the special exhibition “Women and Men as Witnesses of Faith in Christ.”
A hidden gem awaits cyclists on Sunday: between 1 and 4 p.m., the charming Solitüde Pavilion in Sieglitzer Park will be open to the public. The local Rotary Club will be on site serving coffee and cake.
Although the “Gondola Ride at Blue Hour” is already sold out, Wörlitz Park remains open for evening strolls through the illuminated grounds, accompanied by live music that adds to the magical atmosphere.
On both Saturday and Sunday, the Historic Eichenkranz will offer three guided tours each day. Additionally, art lovers will have the chance to observe artist Ms. Feistner working in front of the historic bathhouse. If requested, she will also personally guide visitors through the rooms where her artworks are on display.
You can find the full festival program, including all times and details, at
👉 www.anhalt-dessau-wittenberg.de/gartenreichfest