Visit the beavers
Section J approx. 92 km from Magdeburg to Dessau-Roßlau
For around 20 kilometres, the Elbe snakes through the city of Magdeburg, the city of Otto the Great and Otto von Guerick. The water between Magdeburg and Barby is salty - but not that of the Elbe. The saltwater comes from deep in the earth, making local salt banners rich as well as creating the German love of spas. Over the centuries, the salty white gold has defined the history of Schönebeck, a town that honours its salty past in many ways and even offers ‘salt tours’ for visitors. On its way to Dessau Roßlau, the Elberadweg travels through a natural marvel: the Mittelelbe Biosphere Reserve. In 1979, the Steckby-Lödderitz forest was Germany’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is now the centre of the internationally protected Elbe Floodplain’, one of the last undeveloped floodplains in Central Europe.
- Magdeburg is a city of inventors and technicians, of academics and students. You are heartily invited to a rendezvous with unique culture, architecture and nature!
- In Pretzien, you will see the pinnacle of flood protection.
- Schönebeck’s historic district of Bad Salzelmen features a picturesque Old Town where the houses of salt miners once stood.
- Schönebecker Elbaue - a natural idyll and refreshing lake region in summer, bordering on the state capital of Magdeburg.
- Walternienburg - between historic castle grounds and countryside relaxation.
- The asparagus peeling world champion is crowned right here in Zerbst/Anhalt. Why not try your luck?
- The town of Akten (Elbe) - welcome to the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve.
- There are over 200 Barbie dolls at the Barbie museum in Barby.
- Historic small town set against a lovely rural backdrop.
- There’s lots to discover in the Bauhaus city of Dessau.