The Sky Paths project was initiated in 2005 by the economic ministry of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The starting point of the idea to develop an archaeo-astronomic tourist route was provided by one of the most spectacular archaeological finds of the last century, the Sky Disc of Nebra. The uncovering of this 3,600-year-old bronze disc depicting the heavens thrilled experts and the media alike, much as did the more recent 'discovery' of the diary of the world's most famous dictator – with the significant difference that the Sky Disc is definitively not a fake!

The sensation was made perfect when just a few years later, not far from the discovery site of the Nebra Sky Disc, the oldest solar observatory in Europe was excavated in the municipality of Goseck. This find, too, grabbed the public interest with a strength few would have thought possible. Seizing this opportunity to add a fascinating new facet to its cultural tourism offerings, the state launched the project.

The discovery site of the Sky Disc of Nebra on Mittelberg hill close to Wangen is also being developed into a location of the Sky Paths project. A multimedia visitors' centre is located at the foot of the hill. A sight axis connects it with the observation tower being constructed on the hill's plateau.

A further project site is the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle, one of the most important of its kind in Europe. From 2008, after it has returned from its world tour, the Sky Disc of Nebra will be permanently exhibited at the museum.

The solar observatory at the Goseck site mentioned above was completely reconstructed in 2005. An information centre for the complex is located in nearby Goseck Castle.

The fourth site on the Sky Paths route is located between Nebra and Halle in the municipality of Langeneichstädt. Outside of the town, adjacent to the Eichstädt observatory, is situated a megalithic chamber grave as well as the replica of a menhir inscribed with the figure of a dolmen goddess.

These four locations of great archaeological importance constitute a theme route in southern Saxony-Anhalt that is naturally of keen interest to wide-ranging groups. To realise the project, a consortium was founded comprising the responsible parties, archaeological experts, location operators and tourism professionals. Together they are working to create an unforgettable recreational, historical and scientific experience for visitors.