• Dessau-Roßlau, Johannbau

Sieglitzer Berg

Forest Park

Three gates west of the old fishing village of Vockerode unexpectedly amaze in the middle of the wooded floodplain landscape of the Elbe. Because something special has to wait for the visitors here. And indeed: they form the entrances to a remote forest park that sits lonely on a fortified high bank of the Elbe – the Sieglitzer Berg. The fact that it is more forest than park gives it a captivating natural beauty and creates a contemplative atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in the Garden Realm.

History

Of recovery

In the middle of the dense green of this forest park, you will come across a gleaming white building: the Solitude. The classicist building, which was built from 1777 onwards, is reminiscent of a Doric temple. But the building was not only decoration for the forest park. No, it had a very specific function. This is indicated by the golden letters above the columns in front of the entrance. It says “THE IMPROVEMENT”.

Prince Franz, plagued by rheumatic complaints, found the perfect place for a spa in the seclusion of the forest. The water for warm, soothing baths came from a kitchen building, of which only ruins stand next to the Solitude today – silent witnesses of the time when the complex still served the creator of the Garden Realm for recovery.

Come on in!

What to expect

Insights

Solitude

The original Solitude was deliberately destroyed during the GDR era. From 2008 onwards, it was possible to reconstruct it thanks to numerous donations, subsidies and the work of the Rotary Club of Dessau. Since 2010, it has been shining white again from the shadows of the forest park and opens its doors to interested Garden Realm guests on special occasions or thematic tours.

Opening hours

Solitude is only open on special occasions.
You can find information on dates here.

Contact

Kulturstiftung Dessau-Wörlitz
Schloss Großkühnau
Ebenhanstraße 8
D-06846 Dessau-Roßlau
Telefon +49 (0)340.646150
service@gartenreich.de

A place of

Woodland solitude

By using the natural trees on this hill in the middle of the Elbe meadow landscape as a central design element and having only a few horticultural interventions carried out, Prince Franz created an “orderly wilderness” – interspersed with paths, gates, small and large architectures and monuments, vases and sculptures.

Dessau-Roßlau, Johannbau

Opening hours

The park is open all year round and is freely accessible.

In the event of weather events, closures may take place at short notice. There is a limited winter service.

Guided tours

There are currently no dates for public guided tours of the park.
Information on special guided tours can be found here.

Did you know?

A paradise for cyclists

You can only get to the forest park on Sieglitzer Berg, far away from towns and roads, by bike or on foot. This makes it the perfect destination or stop-off point for a cycle tour through the Garden Realm! Unlike in the other historical gardens and parks in the Garden Realm, cycling is also permitted here.

Search for the most beautiful cycle paths and routes through the countryside on our interactive map. This allows you to plan your stay easily and individually – and never lose track of things during your trip.

  • Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz, Wegweiser

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    Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz

    Touristinformation

    in the kitchen building at Wörlitz Palace
    Kirchgasse 35, D-06785 Oranienbaum-Wörlitz
    Phone +49 (0) 3 49 05.3 10 09
    info@welterbe-gartenreich.de
    www.welterbe-gartenreich.de

    Opening hours 2025

    January to March 21, November, December:
    Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    22. March to October 31:
    Monday to Thursday, Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.