At ITB 2026, Saxony-Anhalt will showcase on the international stage what the travel destination represents: world-class World Heritage sites, vibrant cities, strong regions – and stories that resonate. Between cultural depth, scenic expanse, and a creative future, a multifaceted image of a land that preserves tradition and drives change unfolds.
MAGDEBURG, Germany, March 03, 2026 — The opening act is Quedlinburg – a World Heritage city with character. “Three days, three friends, one new love” speaks of cobblestones, half-timbered charm, and the allure of the Harz Mountains. Here, you can sense why Quedlinburg is more than just a destination: a place to fall in love. This view is enhanced by curated suggestions like the “5 Places of Happiness” and “11 Discoveries,” which demonstrate how diverse history, nature, and lifestyle converge here.
With the gradual reopening of the Stiftsberg, Quedlinburg is concurrently starting a new chapter. The castle, collegiate church, and cathedral treasury can be newly experienced as a unified cultural space – the heart and pinnacle of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The contribution “Happy End on the Stiftsberg” combines history, strong female figures, and European history into a powerful message for the future of the entire region.
Dessau will also make an impact with international appeal in 2026. The exhibition “Bakelite | Glaze | Color” at the Bauhaus Museum honors donations from across the globe and offers a fresh perspective on 100 years of Bauhaus in Dessau. The anniversary “To the Substance” reminds us that Saxony-Anhalt is one of the core locations of modernity, a cultural heritage that still inspires today.
Tangermünde, the “most beautiful small town in Germany,” leads to the Altmark and the Elbe. Brick Gothic, the Imperial Palace, and new experiential formats like the Whispering Alleys blend history with contemporary staging. The report shows how authenticity and tourist quality come together.
On the other hand, Weißenfels surprises with Baroque grandeur, musical history, and creative viewpoints. Neu-Augustusburg Castle, the Shoe Museum, and the Heinrich Schütz House tell of cultural depth – while new impulses and regional culinary spots position the town as a hidden treasure between the Saale and the big city.
Zeitz is an example of transformation. Between Moritzburg Castle, underground passages, Posa Monastery, and innovative future places like the Digitalization Center, the image of a transforming city emerges. Here, structural change is not only talked about but also made palpable.
Magdeburg looks forward to the Festival of Modernity 2027. A hundred years after the major breakthroughs of the 1920s, the state capital once again becomes a laboratory for architecture, art, and societal discussions. The festival bridges the gap between Bauhaus tradition, urban development, and international cultural presence – a future project with influence extending far beyond Saxony-Anhalt.
Last but not least, Saxony-Anhalt also takes the culinary spotlight. Whether it’s gourmet seekers, the Heimatgenuss initiative, award-winning “Culinary Stars,” or creative gastronomy between Altmark, Harz, and Saale-Unstrut – the contributions show a region that combines regional identity with quality and an innovative spirit. Here, origin, craftsmanship, and values can be savored.
By ITB 2026, all of this comes together to form a clear picture: Saxony-Anhalt is a land of world heritage, modernity, and new perspectives. A travel destination that combines cultural essence, regional diversity, and future energy in a unique density – and it is precisely in this that it finds its strength.
You can find our press kit and the associated images .
Media contact
Stefanie Middendorf
Media Spokeswoman
+49 152 52135599
stefanie.middendorf@img-sachsen-anhalt.de
