Spring Awakening in the Garden Realm Dessau-Wörlitz - Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Kingdom celebrates spring with grand UNESCO festival
The Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Kingdom has launched its new season with a colourful celebration. The annual 'Spring Awakening' festival kicked off at the UNESCO-listed site, drawing crowds for a traditional procession, live music, and a bustling spring market.
The event marked the reopening of historic palaces and gardens, including the Gothic House and Wörlitz Palace, where Prince Franz and Princess Louise of Anhalt greeted visitors.
The festivities began with a procession from the historic 'Zum Eichenkranz' inn to Wörlitz Palace. Participants in period costumes, accompanied by musicians, led the way through the scenic landscape. Former Saxony-Anhalt minister-president Reiner Haseloff and his wife, Gabriele, joined the celebrations alongside hundreds of guests.
The 140-square-kilometre Garden Kingdom, shaped in the 18th century under Prince Leopold III Friedrich Franz, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. Each year, it attracts between 500,000 and 600,000 visitors, mostly from Germany, followed by the Netherlands, the UK, the US, and Poland. Over the weekend, visitors explored a lively programme. A spring market offered local crafts and treats, while guided tours showcased the gardens' history. Falconry displays and live performances added to the entertainment, making the season's start a vibrant affair.
The festival officially opened the Garden Kingdom's doors for another year. Palaces like the Gothic House, Stein Island, and the Princess's House in Wörlitz are now welcoming guests. With its mix of culture, nature, and history, the site remains a major draw for tourists from across Europe and beyond.
