Discover Genthin: Churches, Museums and Waterways

Genthin brings together technological and church history with routes on foot, by bike and on the water. The water tower is a technical monument; its viewing platform offers panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside. Genthin therefore brings different attractions side by side: historic buildings and collections on the one hand, and activities on land or water on the other.

Churches and Town History

St. Trinity Church is a large, three-aisled hall church with remarkable interior fittings. It was built between 1707 and 1722; the plans are attributed to Georg Preußer of Magdeburg. The Altenplathow Church in Genthin also has a character of its own: it is a stop on the Romanesque Road. A figurative gravestone of Hermann von Plote is considered the oldest surviving example in the Elbe-Havel area. It was discovered in 1904 during the demolition of the former Altenplathow Church.

The Jerichower Land District Museum covers regional history, including prehistory, crafts, shipping and clothing. The museum is housed in an Art Nouveau villa near Genthin railway station; its visitor address is Mützelstraße 22, Genthin. The museum garden also adds to the collection: it features a so-called runestone, an eight-metre-long dugout canoe and old Prussian post mile markers.

Genthin's Detergent Museum traces another strand of the town's history. It documents detergent production in the town from 1921 to 2009, including the development from Persil to Spee. The museum is not open continuously; guided visits must be booked through the Genthin Tourist Information Office.

Hiking, Cycling and the Water Tower

Six circular hiking trails start in the forecourt of Genthin railway station. Circular Trail 1 is about six kilometres long, passes the water tower and then follows the Elbe-Havel Canal. This makes it possible to combine Circular Trail 1 with a view of the technical monument. Trail markings and conditions can change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before setting out. Also check the current visiting conditions for the water tower's viewing platform in advance.

The Genthin region offers cyclists around 184 kilometres of developed cycle paths. The approximate total length gives an idea of the regional choice, while the circular hiking trails, all starting at the railway station, offer a different way to find your bearings. When planning your trip around your interests, you can therefore make cultural sites, a hike or a cycling tour your main focus. Routes and infrastructure can change; check the latest route information before your trip.

Genthin from the Water

For boaters coming from Brandenburg, Genthin Marina is the first marina in Saxony-Anhalt. It has an information point, showers, toilets and laundry facilities. Canal links connect it to Zerben, Parey and Wusterwitz. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check what is currently available before using them. You should also take the relevant waterway conditions into account when using the canal links.

When planning a visit, you can weigh up water, activities and town history separately: the marina is a point of reference for boaters, while hiking and cycling trails help you explore on land. Your choice of where to stay may therefore depend on whether you mainly want to explore churches and museums, plan a route on foot or by bike, or focus on boating.

A Wider Regional Perspective: Jerichower Land

The wider destination of Jerichower Land offers further, distinct cycling routes and cultural sites. The Elbe Cycle Route lets you explore the district from north to south. The Elbe-Havel Cycle Route follows the canal through the natural landscape of Jerichower Land and connects the Elbe Cycle Route with the Havel Cycle Route. These routes provide a regional overview and should be distinguished from the routes in Genthin.

Jerichow Abbey is a cultural highlight in its own right: it is the oldest brick building in northern Germany and is considered a landmark of Jerichower Land. The abbey garden was designed based on historical examples, and you can learn about the abbey's history in the abbey museum. In Burg, the fully preserved Historic Tannery offers insight into leather production. These examples add to the picture of the region, while Genthin's churches, museums and waterways provide specific points of reference when choosing a place to stay in the town.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Schopsdorf, Möckern, Gommern, Elbe-Parey, Jerichow, Burg bei Magdeburg, Möser, Biederitz.

Go to the main travel overview: Jerichower Land.