Germany’s got the funniest (i.e. weird) names for towns of just about anywhere in the world. Really, what kind of name is Hansestadt Seehausen (Altmark)? Except when you think about it, its official name kind of makes sense — and kind of tells you where it’s at.
So, it appears the town of Seehausen lies within the Altmark, a region within the North German Lowlands known for such typical German things like beer production, hearty German dishes, folks who speak Low German, Hanseatic cities, and megalithic tombs.
There, I think I’ve run the gamut of it all. ;-)
As for Seehausen itself, I love its medieval flavor even after all these centuries. Maybe it’s because of its Beustertor, the last of the town’s remaining City Gate, and its sections of its defense wall. The tower itself is a beautiful 15th century brick creation, and the defense walls still stand some 4 meters high, if you’re interested to know.
Something else you might be interested to know, is Seehausen lies along the architecturally wonderful Romanesque Route, a scenic route highlighting the best of medieval Romanesque buildings. Its claim to fame on the route is the gorgeous Church of St. Nikolaus in the village of Beuster. Once a Stiftskirche for the Augustinians, this 12th century church is a marvel of engineering of its day.
And close to the Beustertor are the imposing towers of the Church of Sts. Peter & Paul (built in the 1300s), and the 15th century Salzkirche, which isn’t a “church” really — it’s now used for all kinds of cultural events and weddings.
As grand as it is to go from one fine building to another, you need to explore the surrounding countryside, too. Along the Brandenburg border are all kinds of amazing hiking paths. And let’s not leave out the Elberadweg that’s quite the place to be to see all sorts of plants and animals in a unique biosphere. Plus, there’s the Archaeological Route, stretching along some three villages with information panels to explain the significance of the route.
Not many explanations are needed when it comes to Seehausen’s festivals. You kind of know what you’re gonna get at the Autumn Festival in September, at the Altmark Music Festival in August, the Christmas Market in late November/early December, and the Neptunfest in June, followed by the Forest Festival a month later. Yeah, that’s right, a hell of a good time eating, drinking, music, and shopping. :-)
Fantastic, sounds like my idea of a good time. Care to join me? And I should be easy to find, since Seehausen (Altmark) Hansestadt’s name kind of gives it away where I am. ;-)
