Happy TravellerWelcome to Dessau, a picturesque town located at the confluence of the Mulde and Elbe rivers in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. With a population of 67,747, Dessau is a charming destination that offers a mix of fascinating history, stunning parks and palaces, and impressive Bauhaus architecture. Let’s dive into what makes Dessau a must-visit on your next trip to Germany.
Geographically, Dessau sits on a floodplain, resulting in seasonal floods that can be both a blessing and a curse. However, it’s this very aspect that has made Dessau one of the greenest towns in Germany, with numerous parks and palaces surrounding the area. The Mosigkauer Heide, located south of Dessau, is a well-wooded area that is perfect for nature lovers. The highest elevation in Dessau is the Scherbelberg, a former rubbish dump that stands 110 meters high in the southwestern part of the town.
Dessau has a rich history that dates back to 1213. It became an important center in 1570 when the Principality of Anhalt was founded, and Dessau became the capital of this state within the Holy Roman Empire. Dessau is famous as the second site of the Bauhaus school, which moved here in 1925 after it had been forced to close in Weimar. Many famous artists were lecturers in Dessau in the following years, among them Walter Gropius, Paul Klee, and Wassily Kandinsky. While the Dessau Bauhaus was closed in 1932 due to Nazi control of Dessau city council, the town has become known for its impressive Bauhaus architecture, including the iconic Bauhaus Dessau school building designed by Walter Gropius. Other notable Bauhaus architecture in Dessau includes the Dessau-Törten Estate, designed by Walter Gropius in
