Altmarkkreis Salzwedel: Cycling Routes, Nature and History

Altmarkkreis Salzwedel reveals itself on two wheels, in its water-rich landscapes and among historic towns. The nearly 500-kilometre Altmark Circuit passes through forests and meadows and by numerous brick and fieldstone churches. There are also opportunities to experience nature in the Drömling, enjoy water activities at Lake Arendsee and explore townscapes shaped by medieval architecture.

Cycling among churches and changing trail surfaces

In Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, the Altmark Circuit runs close to the “Green Belt Germany” for long stretches, bringing nature, history and culture together. The circuit comprises ten stages. Along the way, the surfaces alternate between asphalt, concrete track slabs, paved farm and forest tracks, sandy agricultural paths and quiet roads. This variety of surfaces is a practical consideration when planning your stages: think about which sections and trail conditions suit your travel plans.

This makes it possible to factor in the different themes when planning your trip, without committing to a fixed sequence of stages in advance.

Drömling: Water-rich landscapes and wildlife watching

Parts of the Drömling UNESCO Biosphere Reserve lie within Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, in the areas of the municipalities of Klötze and Hansestadt Gardelegen. The Drömling is a water-rich cultural landscape of ditches, wet meadows and wooded islands. It provides habitat and resting places for endangered species, including white storks, cranes, white-tailed eagles, black storks, otters, beavers and European tree frogs.

The Drömling has cycling and hiking trails, observation towers, information centres and guided wildlife-watching tours. The landscape offers various ways to explore: you can follow trails on foot or by bike, or consider taking a guided nature tour. As the availability of activities may change, check the latest information before planning a tour.

Stone Age, brick and town history

The Altmark’s archaeological heritage also shapes the region. Of the Altmark’s more than 200 megalithic tombs, 40 remain in Altmarkkreis Salzwedel and eight in Landkreis Stendal. The “Western Altmark Megalithic Route” is part of the European Cultural Route “Megalithic Routes”. Those interested in these early monuments will find a theme here that differs from the region’s medieval church architecture.

In Arendsee, the monastery church is considered the oldest fully vaulted brick building in northeastern Germany. The lake offers opportunities for swimming, sailing, surfing, fishing and boat trips. The “Queen Arendsee” is a paddle steamer and the state of Saxony-Anhalt’s only floating registry office. Check the latest departure times when planning your trip.

In Salzwedel, medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes and brick churches define the town centre. A stroll along the 1,850-metre-long town wall reveals parts of the medieval castle complex, as well as gates and towers. A different atmosphere awaits at the “Fairy Tale Park and Fragrance Garden”, with themed gardens such as the Elven Realm, fairy-tale scenes and figures, and event spaces.

In Zethlingen, visitors can relive everyday life in the Langobard Workshop and take a hands-on part in baking, making pottery, and using bow and arrow. Alongside historic buildings, there are also activities focused on traditional crafts and everyday experiences.

A memorial site near Gardelegen

Close to the destination, the Feldscheune Isenschnibbe Memorial commemorates 1,016 concentration camp prisoners from many European countries who were murdered there on 13 April 1945 in a field barn near the Hanseatic town of Gardelegen. The site includes a cemetery of honour where the victims of the massacre are buried. The documentation and visitor centre has a permanent exhibition, which opened in 2020.

Cycling routes across the wider destination of Saxony-Anhalt

The wider destination of Saxony-Anhalt also has cycling routes of varying lengths. The Elbe Cycle Route follows the Elbe for nearly 350 kilometres, from the north near Havelberg to Lutherstadt Wittenberg. The Saxony-Anhalt section of the Saale Cycle Route is around 180 kilometres long and runs between Saaleck and Barby. The Sky Disc Cycle Route connects Halle (Saale) and the Nebra Ark over 71 kilometres. These routes provide a broader basis for comparison, while the Altmark Circuit—with its ten stages and varied surfaces—offers a distinct focus for travel planning.

Discover more places in Altmarkkreis Salzwedel: Diesdorf, Dähre, Arendsee, Kuhfelde, Klötze, Kalbe, Salzwedel, Rohrberg, Gardelegen, Jübar, Beetzendorf, Wallstawe, Apenburg-Winterfeld.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Saxony-Anhalt.