Anhalt University of Applied Sciences invites you to the traditional hike to the "Waladala" training and experimental vineyard in Bernburg. The event will take place on the Wednesday before Pentecost, May 20, 2026. The hike starts at 4 p.m. in front of St. Mary's Church in Breite Straße. All interested parties - whether students, citizens or wine lovers - are cordially invited to set off together on the path to the vineyard.
Accompanied by colorfully decorated vintage tractors, in monk costumes, traditional peasant costumes or as winegrowers, students, lecturers and employees of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences create a lively and colorful parade. On foot, by bike or on a people carrier, the procession crosses the Flutbrücke bridge up to the "Waladala" vineyard. Along the way, the university reminds visitors of the historical significance of Breite Straße as Bernburg's old main shopping street with herbs and rhubarb cake.
On the vineyard - see, taste and research
Once at the top of the vineyard, guests can expect a special combination of scenic beauty, culinary delights and scientific practice. The newly designed pergola in front of the wine cellars invites you to enjoy the sweeping view over Bernburg with a glass of wine. Created along the entire length of the Weingaragen, this year it offers plenty of space to linger, chat and enjoy.
"With the newly designed pergola, we are taking a further step in the development of the vineyard as a lively place for teaching, research and encounters," explains Sabine Thalmann, Director of Central Administration at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. "Science, enjoyment and exchange come together quite naturally here."
As part of the LIFE vineyard project, visitors can find out what experience has been gained so far with near-natural row planting with wild plants in the vineyard. Professor Anita Kirmer will provide insights into current research work and practical experience.
Enjoy science - with wine, music and regional specialties
Those who want to know what science tastes like will also get their money's worth: the food technology center from Campus Köthen as well as the wine laboratory and the teaching and experimental distillery from Campus Bernburg will present their work in the vineyard. The "Weinbaufreunde Bernburg" will be presenting their "Blauer Bernburger" wine and, together with the Frank Teßner wine mill from Crüchern, will be inviting visitors to a tasting.
The band "Jazzonanz" from Halle will provide atmospheric musical accompaniment. Regional partners and institutions will be presenting their products and specialties at numerous stands. In addition to the Winzer-Mühle and the "Blauer Bernburger" winegrowing friends, "El Sol Latino" from Bernburg, the Mühlen studios in Zörbig with potato pancakes, the Beau butcher's shop with grilled sausages and the "Café am Campus" from Dessau with delicacies will be providing for your physical well-being.
"With wine and hearty food, you can enjoy the special view over the city in a convivial atmosphere," says Sabine Thalmann, Director of Central Administration at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. A shuttle to St. Nicolai Church is available for the return journey.
The teaching and experimental vineyard is a joint project between the university and the city administration to revive the old wine-growing tradition in the lower Saale valley. In the immediate vicinity is the Romanesque church of St. Stephani - a certificate of medieval architecture and an integral part of the "Romanesque Road". The result is a special place where history, modern research, nature and culture come together.
