Drehberg Olympic Games: An Overlooked Phenomenon in Cultural and Sports Heritage Tourism of the Dessau-Wörlitz Region

A long-forgotten tradition of the Drehberg Olympic Games, a pre-modern sporting event held annually in 18th-century Germany, has been revived after nearly two centuries. This study reveals a significant gap between the cultural importance of this heritage phenomenon and its minimal representation in tourism discourse within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm. Through archival research, interviews, field visits, and content analysis, the research highlights Drehberg's untapped potential as a heritage tourism destination, integrating sport, education, history, and local identity. The findings emphasize the need for re-evaluating promotional strategies to better position Drehberg within the region's cultural and touristic landscape.

Rozmiarek, M., Parowicz, I., & Włodarczyk, A. (2026). Drehberg Olympic Games: An Overlooked Phenomenon in Cultural and Sports Heritage Tourism of the Dessau-Wörlitz Region. Heritage & Society, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159032x.2026.2693434