2_0_DiscoverGermany_June 2015_Issue27:Scan Magazine 1
28/5/15
09:54
Page 78
Salzlandkreis Where art, mining history and natural landscapes form an entity The Salzlandkreis is located right in the centre of Saxony-Anhalt and takes its name from the mining tradition that shaped it. For centuries salt – German Salz – has been produced in the region. Its centre was in Staßfurt where the culture still lives on and can be enjoyed at the beach of Central Europe’s only salt lake. Here the sun shines more often than anywhere else in Germany.
biosphere reserve Mittelelbe, protected as UNESCO natural heritage.The Saale river’s beauty, especially during sunset, can also be experienced when taking an evening boat trip with the Saalefee.
TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES
The above-mentioned history and tradition of salt mining has also left its impact on the tourism sector. The newly developed “salzige Tour” (salty tour) allows you to learn everything about different ways of extracting salt from the ground, from salt work to potash salt mining. The latter is portrayed in an exhibition at the Salzlandmuseum Schönebeck.
Speaking of the Salzlandkreis’ touristic value one has to mention its outstanding position between the Harz Mountains and the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz, between the two cities of Halle and Magdeburg. Especially day visitors will enjoy the calm and beautiful landscape between the rivers Saale, Elbe and Bode, by bike or while paddling with a canoe along one of the rivers.There is something to be found for all age groups, from children to seniors. Pilgrim routes, the Luther route and parts of
78 | Issue 27 | June 2015
the Way of St. James, also lead through the Salzlandkreis. Biosphere reserve Mittelelbe – protected as UNESCO heritage site A good idea might be a bicycle trip along the rivers Saale and Fuhne on the splendidly constructed bikeways, especially in the morning when only a few people are on their way. In the evening bird spotters might enjoy watching the alluvial forests’ fauna. Where Saale enters Elbe lies the
Salt city Schönebeck – salt as a spa ingredient Schönebeck (Elbe) lies at Magdeburg’s doorstep directly at the river Elbe’s shore