Tangermünde for explorers: Highlights and insider tips of the Hanseatic city

Tangermünde sights

Where to go in Tangermuende? This question arises when we visit this Hanseatic city on the Elbe in the Altmark. The tourism authority invited us as travel bloggers to research this historic city. Tangermünde is a small town worth visiting. It lies at the confluence of the Tanger and Elbe Rivers. It's no wonder that readers of Travelbook voted Tangermünde the most beautiful small town in Germany in 2019. The city looks back on more than 1000 years of history. It was an imperial city. For many years, the Hanseatic League also had a seat here. The medieval townscape is still almost completely preserved.

The town is surrounded by a city wall that is still almost completely intact. Three city gates still provide access to the old town. Tangermünde's attractions include a castle hotel, a historic hotel with regional cuisine, and brick Gothic architecture that stretches from the town hall to the city gates. There's also much to discover in the surrounding area of ​​Tangermünde, as our video shows.

 

 

What sights does the old town of Tangermünde offer

Tangermünde has many sights to offer. The well-preserved old town with its historic half-timbered houses is particularly impressive. The town hall from the 15th century is a highlight and a must for visitors. Tangermünde Castle and St. Stephan's Church are also well worth seeing. A walk along the Elbe rounds off the visit perfectly. Tangermünde is a wonderful place to experience history and culture. Every visit leaves lasting impressions. But let's take a look at these on a city tour.

We start our visit to Tangermünde with lunch. This brings us straight to a restaurant where we taste one of the specialties of the region.

The historic old town of Tangermünde

I remember our visit to Tangermünde. With a city map in hand, we set off. The old town impressed us with its sights and half-timbered houses. I especially remember the historic harbor and the town hall. We also visited the castle and enjoyed the view over the Elbe River. Tangermünde offers so much to discover.

 

Old tradition in Tangermünde

Old traditions are kept alive in Tangermünde. Regardless of whether it is a matter of hotels and inns or specialties of the region.

 

Culinary Specialties

Kuhschwanzbier in the Exempel Gaststuben

A Facebook friend had told me about Kuhschwanzbier (cow's tail beer). When I saw the menu outside the Exempel Gaststuben, the choice was easy. A slate board advertised Kuhschwanz Bierfleisch (cow's tail beer meat). I definitely wanted to try it. Preferably with a shot of beer.

 

 

The Exempel Gaststuben (Exempel Restaurant) are worth a visit for another reason as well. Here, the former school has been converted into a cozy inn. Each room has a different theme. Here, you can eat in Grandma's living room, in the laundry room, or even on the school desk. Word has apparently gotten around. Because guests often stop by Grandma's living room, where we enjoy our lunch, simply to check out the restaurant's facilities. Understandable! We'll follow their example.

 

 

Cozy dining room

The innkeepers' menu is also an experience. You should allow yourself some time for this. The menu is surprising. You won't find any appetizers, main courses, or desserts listed. Instead, we first learn a lot about the history of the town and the restaurant. Hidden among them are the regional specialties. But they are also fascinating! Can you imagine what solyanka or Tangerwiese (a kind of fried rice) might be? Pig's ears and peas are an imperial meal. Hansesack (a kind of sack), gold gulden (a kind of gulden), and copper gulden (a kind of copper gulden) also sound interesting. Or do you know what horse manure from the Futtermolle (a kind of granary) is? It goes on and on for pages. If you want, you can also buy this menu as a souvenir. A nice idea, I think.

 

 

We both try cowtail beer: Mine is light, Petar's is dark. We enjoy them even as non-beer drinkers. But I'm not that convinced of cow tail beer meat. That's too hearty for me. I should have chosen gold guilders. “A golden apricot on chicken breast” is what the menu announces. “Topped with herb sour cream and gratinated with cheese.”

Exempel Gaststuben

Church street 40
39590 Tangermünde

Worth knowing about the Tangermünde cowtail beer

The “Tangermünder Kuh Schwanzbier” is a beer from the city of Tangermünde in Saxony-Anhalt. It is a dark beer with an alcohol content of around 5-6%.

The beer's name refers to an old legend according to which cattle in the Tangermünde area liked to quench their thirst in the Tanger River. When brewers fetched water for their beer there, at least one of the cow's tails was always dangling in the water. This is supposedly why the water tastes so good. Whether the brewers actually got their water for their beer from the river or from clean wells is no longer known. However, the name remains, and it certainly piques curiosity.

Today, Tangermünde cowtail beer is particularly popular in the region around Tangermünde and Magdeburg. It has a malty taste and is often served with hearty dishes such as pork knuckle or bratwurst.

After lunch, we head to the Town Hall Square, where we find one of the most beautiful brick buildings on our journey through the Altmark region:

 

 

Discover the brick Gothic architecture in Tangemünde's old town

The old town of Tangermünde offers numerous sights that reflect the charm and history of this city. We explored the narrow streets and were able to admire the well-preserved architecture. This gives an authentic impression of historical life in the region. A walk through the old town allows you to absorb the special atmosphere. Tangermünde offers insights into times gone by and invites you to learn more about the history and culture. The old town is a worthwhile destination for those interested in history and architecture.

The town hall of Tangermünde

With its white and red facade, the town hall offers a sight that takes my breath away. It is also one of the most beautiful buildings of the late Middle Ages in northern Germany. It was created around 1430. We climb the stairs. The court arbor and the council chamber are located there. This is now used for weddings. The court arbor looks back on events that are hard to beat in terms of drama. The city leaders sat in judgment on Grete Minde. Grete came from a middle-class family from Tangermünde. Her mother was Spanish. Her father died early. Grete was a thorn in the side of her brother and his wife. They didn't care about her.

 

 

So she joined a neighbor. She moved around the country with him for three years. She had a child by him and was apparently happy. However, her companion died early. He advised her to return to her hometown after his death. However, her brother and sister-in-law refused to take her in. They also didn't want to pay her her inheritance. The trial took place in the courthouse. Contrary to her legal rights, the judges also denied her her inheritance.

 

 

When a fire finally destroyed almost all of Tangermünde in 1617, Grete was quickly accused of being an arsonist. Theodor Fontane made her story famous in his novella. In the meantime, however, the real Grete Minde has been rehabilitated. She was a victim of resentment and corrupt justice. They sentenced her to death at the stake. Her statue stands in front of the entrance to the city museum and commemorates the episode in the city's history.

From the town hall we follow the Kirchstraße to

 

 

Neustädter Tor

However, this is no longer completely preserved. Originally there was an external and an internal gate and a bridge over the city moat. Remains of the outer gate and walls are still preserved. Likewise the rectangular tower of the first gate system. The round tower and the towers date from the 15th century.

Past the Sankt Nikolai Zecherei, a rustic inn that we only see from the outside, the path finally leads us back towards the center.

 

 

 

St. Stephen's Church

The church is one of Tangermünde's must-sees, and it's also worth a visit. It's impossible to miss, towering above all the town's buildings. It's easily recognizable even from afar. The Gothic church was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. The interior of the church also offers several sights. The pulpit and the Scherer organ are worth a look. The organ dates from the early Baroque period and has been restored, making it one of the few musical instruments on which early Baroque music can be played authentically. In November 2023, an astronomical clock was installed in St. Stephen's Church, reflecting the town's Hanseatic heritage.

Before we leave Tangermünde, we make a detour

 

 

Castle and park Tangermünde

These are located at the other end of the old town on a hill at the mouth of the Tanger and the Elbe. From the castle park we have a view of the Elbe meadows and the Schlosshotel Tangermünde. These are reminiscent of parks with their groves of trees. The Störtebecker finally anchored permanently at the mouth of the Tangier. There is now a restaurant in this ship. The Schlosshotel Tangermünde also rises above. This is located in a castle from the 14th century. A celebratory event definitely shows that you can still celebrate in a very royal way here today.

Tangermuende Christmas market

The Tangermünde Christmas market takes place every year around the town hall and in the Old Courtyards.

 

 

In any case, Tangermünde Castle looks back on a long history. In 925 it was created at this point. The city on the Elbe owes its status as an imperial city to it. Emperor Charles IV had his secondary residence here. He finally had the castle rebuilt in 1373.

Sights in Tangermünde and the surrounding area

It is not just the old town of Tangermünde that is worth seeing. There are also a number of sights in the area around Tangermünde that are worth visiting.

If you continue your journey in the surrounding area, you should definitely visit Monastery Jerichow. The Romanesque brick architecture is a real eye-catcher. Inside, you can also learn more about the monastery's history. The Elbe Cycle Path is nearby, perfect for a relaxing bike ride. Further south, the city of Stendal is located. The market square with the Roland statue and the town hall are worth seeing. The surrounding area also features numerous nature parks, ideal for hikes and picnics.

More information about cycling in the Leipzig Region as well as more interesting routes:

• Tourism authority

 

 

 

Questions and answers about the sights in Tangermünde

Where to go in Tangermünde if I want to try local specialties?

“Schulzens Restaurant” is an excellent choice. Here you can enjoy regional dishes, including game dishes and seasonal specialties.

What attractions should I visit in Tangermünde?

In Tangermünde you should definitely take a look at the Tangermünde Castle, the Old Town Hall and the well-preserved city wall. A visit to St. Stephen's Church and the Owl Tower is also worthwhile.

Which is the oldest building in Tangermünde that I can visit?

The oldest building in Tangermünde is the Old Town Hall, a brick building from the 15th century. It is an important part of the city's history and definitely worth a visit.

Are there parks in Tangermünde that I can visit?

Yes, the Tangermünde City Park at Tangermünde Castle is a wonderful green oasis in the city. Here you can go for a walk, enjoy nature and let your soul dangle.

What sights can I visit outside of Tangermünde?

If you have some time, you should visit the “Elsholzwiesen” nature reserve. It's a little outside the city, but the variety of plants and animals is impressive. It is definitely a perfect place for nature lovers.

 

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Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

For example, you can book your parking space at the airport here.

How to reach it

Compare and book flights here*. (Advertisement) The airport is BerlinYou can also rent a car there. From there you can take the train to the Altmark. Alternatively, you can also travel by car or bike.

Car Rentals:

Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!

Find your hotel here:

In addition to the castle, you can also Accommodation in Tangermuende *

If you book via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

Hotels in Tangermünde and the surrounding area:

Tangermünde Castle Hotel* (Advertisement)
Office 1 / lock freedom
39590 Tangermünde

Gutshof Ottersburg
Ottersburg Manor 1
Holiday sheepfold
39517 Ottersburg

Pension Kunsthof Dahrenstedt * (Advertisement)
Dahrenstedter Dorfstr. 6
39576 Dahrenstedt

Estate Wave
Weller Dorfstrasse 21 - 25
39576 Stendal OT wave

Manor house Birkholz
Holiday home
Birkholzer Schulstrasse 5
39517 Tangerhütte

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Do you know this?

• Excursion destinations in Saxony-Anhalt
• The Wiesenburg Castle Park in Fläming
• The Weinberg Hotel in Würzburg
• The Schlosshotel Rosenau for connoisseurs & Freemasons
• Enjoy beautiful cities in Austria
• The most beautiful (small) cities in Germany
• Two good restaurants in Aachen City near the town hall

 

Slow Travel Tips There's also here. Food Travel you can also find here.

Source Tangermünde sights: research on site. We would also like to thank the Leader Group for supporting this trip to the city. However, our opinions remain our own.

Text Schlosshotel Tangermünde: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
Photos Tangermünde Sights and Schlosshotel Tangermünde © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
Videos Sights Tangermünde and Schlosshotel Tangermünde © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TWO