Bernburg

Bernburg sits where the Wipper flows into the Saale, surrounded by flat agricultural land about 45 kilometers south of Magdeburg. This district seat spreads across both riverbanks, with the old town and castle complex on one side and residential neighborhoods on the other.

Royal documents from 961 mention the settlement under Otto I as civitas Brandanburg, indicating an early fortified site. In 1526, the town adopted the Reformation, becoming one of the first Protestant communities in the region.

Locals gather along the riverfront promenade in the evenings, watching the light shift on the water while walkers and cyclists pass by. The name traces back to an Old High German word for spring, reflecting the importance of water sources in early settlement patterns.

A boat trip from the town pier lets you see the river landscape from a different angle, especially when the weather is calm. Walking and cycling paths run along the Saale, with benches placed at intervals for resting.

A museum inside the castle holds documents related to Martin Luther, recalling the early adoption of the Reformation. The local zoo runs breeding programs for more than 900 animals from 125 different species across 8.5 hectares (21 acres).