Schönhausen / Elbe: Discover Bismarck’s History

Schönhausen / Elbe brings history to life at specific places: the Bismarck Museum is housed in the preserved side wing of the manor house where Otto von Bismarck was born. Exhibits include gifts, personal belongings and historical images from his political career. In the wider Stendal destination, public and group tours, as well as events in the field of historical and political education, complement the museum’s offerings.

Bismarck Museum, Church and Park

A visit to the museum can be combined with the nearby Romanesque church and Baroque park, which belonged to the former manor house. Together, these stops lead from Bismarck’s birthplace to a church building and a park with a history of its own. In the wider Stendal destination, the church where Otto von Bismarck was baptised, St. Marien und Willebrord, is part of the Romanesque Road and has a Baroque interior.

In the wider Stendal destination, the church bears the “Open Church” and “Cyclists’ Church” signs and offers a tour featuring a total of eleven QR codes. As opening arrangements may change, check them before your visit.

Getting There by Train

For regional rail connections, the Bismarck Museum lists the RB 34 from Stendal or Rathenow, as well as connections to and from Magdeburg and Berlin. As transport information should be kept up to date due to operational changes, check the timetable again before travelling.

In the Wider Stendal Destination

Those wishing to explore topics beyond Schönhausen / Elbe will find a range of cultural and family activities in the wider Stendal destination. At Stendal Zoo, visitors can observe more than 500 animals from 75 species at close range. Children can feed and pet goats in the petting area, then enjoy the adventure playground.

Cultural venues offer their own highlights: the Theater der Altmark, the state theatre of northern Saxony-Anhalt, is based in Stendal and offers a varied programme. The monastery garden, with its show garden belonging to the Altmärkisches Museum, is open all year round.

Further examples of architecture and urban history can be found in Stendal and Tangermünde. Stendal’s Marienkirche has a gilded high altar dating from 1471, considered one of the most significant carvings of its time in northern Germany. The surviving Uenglinger Tor is part of the former town fortifications and offers panoramic views over the town and surrounding area. The Tangermünder Tor is considered the oldest town gate in northeastern Germany. With its fascinating town skyline and very well-preserved medieval centre, Tangermünde is a popular tourist destination. From 1373 to 1378, Tangermünde Castle served as a secondary residence of Emperor Charles IV, alongside the Hradčany in Prague.

For a wider cycling overview, the approximately 500-kilometre Altmark circular cycle route runs through the district of Stendal, including Stendal, Arneburg, Tangermünde, Klietz, Kamern, Havelberg, Werben (Elbe), Hohenberg-Krusemark and Osterburg (Altmark).

Discover More Destinations

Schollene, Stendal, Wanzer, Rochau, Klein Schwechten, Altmärkische Wische, Zehrental, Sandau

To the wider travel overview: Stendal.