70
2 Jerichow Abbey
Saxony-Anhalt; 39319
Like the Dom at Havelberg, Jerichow
Abbey (closed Mon) was built during a
spate of mid-12th-century ecclesias ti-
cal expansion. This Premonstratensian
convent was founded in 1144, making
it one of northern Germany’s oldest
brick buildings. The abbey museum
displays the brick building methods
that became typical of the region as
it was settled in by the Germans.
ª Drive along the B107, turn left on to
the B188 westwards to Tangermünde.
WHERE TO STAY
TANGERMÜNDE
Schloss Tangermünde moderate
Located in the castle, this is the town’s
most prestigious lodging. Facilities
include a sauna and steam room. The
restaurant here is also the best in town.
Auf der Burg, Amt 1, 39590; 039322 73
73; http://www.schloss-tangermuende.de
MAGDEBURG
Hotel Stadtfeld inexpensive
This peaceful hotel has simple rooms
and free wireless Internet.
Maxim-Gorki-Strasse 31–37, 39108;
0391 50 66 60; http://www.hotelstadtfeld.de
Grüne Zitadelle moderate
Staying in the wobbly world of Grüne
Zitadelle is a unique experience. The
room decor is restrained but the
bathroom mosaics are extravagant.
Breiter Weg 9, 39104; 0391 62 07 80;
http://www.hotel-zitadelle.de
Residenz Joop moderate
This bed and breakfast is an easy
walk from the town center.
Jean-Burger-Strasse 16, 39112; 0391
626 20; http://www.residenzjoop.de
Herrenkrug Parkhotel expensive
Lovely four-star hotel with spacious
and modern rooms. There is also a fine
spa and a reputed restaurant.
Herrenkrug 3, 39114; 0391 850 80;
http://www.herrenkrug.de
AROUND BAUHAUSGEBÄUDE
An den 7 Säulen inexpensive
Friendly, family-run bed and breakfast
with its own sauna.
Ebertallee 66, 06846 Dessau (north
of Bauhausgebäude); 0340 61 96 20;
http://www.pension7saeulen.de
1 Havelberg
Saxony-Anhalt; 39532
Havelberg’s old town occupies a
small island in the Havel river close
to its confluence with the Elbe. This
town was founded as a Christian
missionary outpost in 948 by Emperor
Otto I, who sensed a perfect
defensive position in heathen
Slav territory. Medieval
houses still cluster in the old
town, and above them looms
the somber Dom St. Marien
(open daily), built between
1150 and 1170. The cathedral
was destroyed in a huge fire
in the 13th century, and its
present appearance is the
result of Gothic additions to
its Romanesque core, with
impressive results. Its most
remarkable feature is a 14th-century
stone choir screen carved with
scenes from the New Testament.
ª Turn right in the direction of
Genthiner Strasse and stay on the B107
to Jerichow. Turn right at the town
entrance to the Abbey parking lot.
BACK ROADS GERMANY
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €70; moderate, €70–€150; expensive, over €150
3 Tangermünde
Saxony-Anhalt; 39585
Central Tangermünde is a
snapshot of the early 17th
century – almost all the half-
timbered houses along its
central cobble stoned Lange
Strasse replaced those lost in
a fire in 1617. The fire was
blamed on an innocent Grete
Minde, who was thought to
want revenge after the town’s
court refused her inheritence.
She was soon after burned as
a witch, but is now celebrated
by a bronze statue that stands
to the left of the Rathaus, one of the
few buildings to escape the blaze.
Built in the 1430s, it bristles with
gables and orna mentation. A stroll
down Kirchstrasse reveals a series of
timber-framed houses en route to
Above left View of the old town from
Dom St. Marien, Havelberg Above right
Half-timbered houses lining the streets
of Tangermünde Below Gothic Dom
St. Mauritius und St. Katharina, Magdeburg
Statue of
Grete Minde,
Tangermünde
Leave the B188, going southward on
Arneburger Strasse. Bear right on
Lindenstrasse, then left on Grete-Minde
to park on Lange Strasse.