Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere Reserves in Saxony-Anhalt

Nature that calms and inspires

Biosphere reserves and national natural heritage are two important concepts in German nature conservation. Biosphere reserves are model regions that exemplify sustainable development in ecological, economic and social terms. They represent important landscape types and demonstrate the diversity of habitats and fauna in Germany.

As part of the international program "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB), biosphere reserves have been recognized by UNESCO since 1976. The aim of the UNESCO biosphere reserves is to promote a balanced relationship between man and the biosphere and to set an example. The 18 biosphere reserves in Germany cover around four percent of the country's surface area.

Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve

Two people exploring in the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve
Two people exploring in the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve

Experience Nature between the Elbe, Beaver Lodges and Alluvial Forests

Immerse yourself in a landscape where rivers, meadows, riparian forests and centuries-old oaks form a tranquil ecosystem pulsating with life - the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve. Hundreds of square kilometers of protected nature stretch along the Elbe and Mulde rivers, home to rare animals and plants as well as enchanted resting places.

The Elbe beaver, the region's symbolic animal, lives here and, with a bit of luck, you can see it and many other animals up close. A visit to the beaver enclosure gives you an insight into its lodge - a real adventure for nature lovers.

If you want to find out more, the Auenhaus is your perfect starting point: a modern visitor center with interactive exhibitions, multimedia stations and even an actionbound - ideal for gaining a better understanding of the nature and landscape of the Elbe floodplain.

Whether on quiet hiking trails, by bike along the Elbe or on a boat tour on quiet arms of water - Mittelelbe invites you to actively experience nature. And for all those who love nature: The mix of alluvial forests, lakes, meadows and river landscapes makes a visit the perfect contrast to hectic everyday life.

The Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve is like a green oasis in the middle of Saxony-Anhalt - full of life, tranquillity and natural wonders. A place to take a deep breath, marvel and connect with nature.

Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve

Drömling Biosphere Reserve

View of the typical drainage ditches in the Drömling biosphere reserve
View of the typical drainage ditches in the Drömling biosphere reserve

Where Moorland, Biodiversity and History meet

The Drömling is a landscape full of watercourses, wet meadows, alder swamp forests and thousands of ditches - one of the largest contiguous lowland moor landscapes in Central Europe and officially part of the UNESCO network since 2023.

Rare animals such as otters, beavers, white-tailed eagles and colorful dragonflies live here - and migratory birds such as cranes and storks find rest and shelter in this natural paradise.

Drömling is also part of the Green Belt - a living testimony to German history. The area along the former inner-German border has been transformed into a green lifeline: Today, the Green Belt combines nature, remembrance and sustainable tourism.

Since 2023, the Drömling has carried the UNESCO seal of approval and is thus part of the international network of biosphere reserves - a sign of the successful combination of biodiversity, landscape conservation and sustainable development.

Whether hiking, cycling or relaxing - the Drömling offers vastness, tranquillity and pure nature. If you wander through its meadows or cycle along quiet paths, you will experience a piece of Germany that is both a natural paradise and a landscape of remembrance.

Drömling Biosphere Reserve