In order to understand the town of Bismark (Altmark) in Saxony-Anhalt, I think its best to understand the Altmark region.
It’s not just some geographical location on a map. It’s more than just within Germany’s borders. It’s a whole package of culture and food, that’s seen some of the biggest names in history passing through like the Saxons, Lombards, Prussians.
That’s what makes Bismark special, even if it doesn’t have all that many “historical” sites. Besides, isn’t it befitting that Bismark made a commitment to green tourism?
First off, because Bismark lies within the Altmark, it’s going to be home to a number of regional specialties. So, between visiting Bismark’s churches (which I’ll get to in a minute), how about trying a locally made Altmark cake? I know for a fact it’ll taste better than the Tongue Stew.
Sorry stew-makers, while your cooking is delicious, cake tastes better. ;-)
Enough of food & the Altmark, it’s time to get down to the business of Bismark, and its churches. The village of Käthen had a Romanesque one, but it had to be rebuilt two centuries ago.
Kläden too has a Romanesque Church; and it’s also got a pretty manorhouse, and a memorial to those who died passing through on a Death March.
Badingen is another one of Bismark’s villages with its own village church (this one from the 13th century). And it also has a 19th century castle with an attached park for a leisurely stroll.
But none are the landmark of Bismark (Altmark). That honor is reserved for the Wallfahrtskirche Goldene Laus (We Germans love long names, don’t we), built in the 12th century.
In Dobberkau there are a couple of those awesome looking stone churches, and if you get hot just head over to the Waldschwimmbad outdoor pool to cool off a bit.
Of course, if you get hungry enough a bowl of Tongue Stew might be pretty tasty. Nahh, bring me the cake. ;-)
