Dessau-Wörlitzer Elbauen, protected area in the European Union defined by the habitats directive in Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany
Dessau-Wörlitzer Elbauen is a conservation area in Wittenberg, Germany, covering over seven thousand hectares along the Elbe River. It features old water channels, reed beds, mixed forests with oak and ash trees, open meadows, and shallow lakes with varying depths throughout.
The area was shaped over centuries by natural processes and traditional land use, keeping its winding river course and old floodplain features intact. In 2018, it received formal protection status as a Natura 2000 site to preserve the landscape and its species for future generations.
The name Elbauen refers to the floodplain landscape along the Elbe River, shaped by centuries of local life and land use. Visitors walk the paths and observe wildlife today, showing how nature protection and human presence coexist in this region.
The site is best explored on foot or by bike, with paths running through meadows, woods, and along the river. Wear sturdy shoes as wetland areas can be muddy, especially after rain.
Beavers and otters have actively reshaped the landscape here, with beavers building dams that slow water flow and create new habitats. These animals are rarely spotted, but their work is visible throughout the area, showing how wild species actively shape their environment.
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