Haldensleben, the capital of the Börde district, is a pretty town on the Ohre River, half an hour’s drive northwest from Magdeburg.
It has a long and impressive history, and you’ll discover it still very much retains a quaint, almost timeless charm. That history also plays a big part in the attractions of the town.
Take a trip to see the Bülstringer Torturm, with its dark brick construction and dominating square tower. There’s a good photo exhibition that will give you a good overview of the region’s past without expending a lot of time.
I would also recommend a visit to the School Museum, with its haunting reconstruction of an 18th Century classroom, and the nearby Museum Haldensleben. In the latter you’ll be treated to a special exhibition on the famous Brothers Grimm, plus some well presented artifacts and displays on the historical highlight of the district.
Of course, the museums are no substitute for getting out and seeing places for yourself.
The area between Haldensleben, and the neighboring towns of Bebertal and Hundisburg, is known as the Historische Quadratmeile or Historical Square Mile. More than 80 tombs from the Megalithic Period make this the largest site of its kind in Central Europe. The best way for you to see and understand them is to join one of the regular guided tours, run by the tourist office. On these you’ll also get to see the many other prehistoric relics in the Beber Valley, and the “Devils Kitchen” on the outskirts of the town.
The town itself dates from the early 10th century, and you will still see many of the old medieval buildings. Parts of the city wall are still impressive too, and there is an exhibition with a model of the town in the Bülstringer Gate. The most famous exhibit, however, is the statue of Roland. It is the only one known to exist that depicts the iconic figure in a mounted pose.
Away from the historical theme, you’ll enjoy the attractive swimming complex. With 4 pools, a water slide, and pleasant gardens, it’s a wonderful place to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring. You can also sit and watch the picturesque scenery drift past, on one of the many river cruises available.
The popular nearby tourist route, the Romanesque Route or Straße der Romanik, brings many travelers to Haldensleben, but you shouldn’t just pass it by. It is a delightful town in which to rest, and has plenty of intriguing sights for you to discover.
