Stendal: City History, Culture and Animal Park

Stendal combines visits to the animal park with churches, a garden and theatre. Tangermünde and Schönhausen add historical impressions, from medieval city history to places associated with Otto von Bismarck. Cyclists can also explore several places in the district of Stendal from a regional perspective.

Animal park and green places to visit

At Stendal Animal Park, visitors can observe more than 500 animals from 75 species at close range. Families may also be interested in the activities specifically offered for children: at the petting enclosure, they can feed and stroke goats, then enjoy the adventure playground. This combines animal-watching with an opportunity to play, so a visit need not be limited to a tour of the animal exhibits.

The Altmärkisches Museum’s show garden in the monastery garden offers a different experience. It is open to visitors all year round. Alongside the animal park, this gives you the option of a garden visit that can be included in your travel plans outside any particular season. If you would like to include cultural events in your stay, Stendal is also home to the Altmark Theatre. The state theatre of northern Saxony-Anhalt is based here and offers a varied cultural programme.

Stendal’s gates and churches

Uenglinger Tor is a preserved part of Stendal’s former town fortifications. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. The gate offers both a view of the town and a tangible reminder of its former defences. St Mary’s Church is another notable highlight: its gilded high altar dates from 1471 and is considered one of the most significant carvings of its time in northern Germany.

In Tangermünde, the townscape and architectural history take centre stage. The town is a popular tourist destination, with its fascinating silhouette and exceptionally well-preserved medieval town centre shaping its character. Tangermünde Gate is considered the oldest town gate in northeastern Germany. Tangermünde Castle also reflects a specific historical role: from 1373 to 1378, it served as a secondary residence of Emperor Charles IV to the Hradčany in Prague. Those interested in medieval city history can see these details as different ways of looking at Tangermünde—through its preserved townscape and through the castle’s importance at the time.

Schönhausen: Church and Bismarck Museum

In Schönhausen, the baptismal church of Otto von Bismarck, St Mary and St Willebrord Church, is part of the Romanesque Road. Its furnishings are Baroque. The church’s altarpiece is eight metres high. The church is also designated as an “Open Church” and a “Cyclists’ Church”; a church tour follows a total of eleven QR codes. As opening arrangements can change, it is best to check current visiting options in advance.

The Bismarck Museum complements a church visit with a look at personal and historical objects. Exhibits include gifts received by Otto von Bismarck, personal belongings and historical images. The museum offers public tours, group tours and events focused on historical and political education. The two attractions in Schönhausen thus differ in focus: the church highlights its furnishings, architecture and QR-code tour, while the museum focuses on exhibits and educational activities.

A cycling route offering a regional perspective

The approximately 500-kilometre Altmark circular cycle route passes through several places in the district of Stendal, including Stendal, Arneburg, Tangermünde, Klietz, Kamern, Havelberg, Werben (Elbe), Hohenberg-Krusemark and Osterburg (Altmark).

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Rochau, Goldbeck, Eichstedt, Altmärkische Wische, Altmärkische Höhe, Tangermünde, Stendal, Schollene, Hassel, Osterburg, Havelberg, Klietz, Sandau, Hansestadt Werben, Arneburg, Bismark/Kläden, Hohenberg-Krusemark, Schönhausen / Elbe, Hansestadt Seehausen, Tangerhütte, Wust-Fischbeck, Aland, Kamern, Zehrental, Fischbeck, Wanzer, Birkholz, Storkau (Elbe), Klein Schwechten.

Go to the higher-level travel overview: Saxony-Anhalt.