Walking tour through the historic old town of Kalbe (Milde)

Short description

Are you interested in history and culture? If yes, then a visit to the old town of Kalbe (Milde), also known as Pottkuchen, is recommended!

Description

Our town is called the City of 100 Bridges, which comes from the small arms of the river Milde that run through Kalbe. As early as the 10th century, the first German emperors recognized this water-rich area as a good location for a fortress. Thus, in the 10th century, a water castle was built as a fortification at the former eastern border of the empire. The castle is now just a ruin, but a beautiful one. You can climb its keep and visit a lovingly furnished local history museum in the old guardhouse.

Directions

Start at the Tourist Information and walk along Schulstraße, passing the primary school, until you reach the intersection with Ernst-Thälmann-Straße. Turn right here, and after about 150m, you will reach Siechengang on your left. In the early 15th century, the Alvensleben family founded a leper house for the many people afflicted by the plague and cholera. This time is still remembered today by the Siechengang. Cross the Milde and turn left to stroll towards the clinic. At the swimming pool, turn right onto Kastanienallee, also known as the White Wall.

Take note of the Catholic Church on the right side of Ostpromenade. Our Milde looks beautiful, with its many bridges and footbridges. Along the elongated promenade, you will surely find a spot to linger. Outside the city gates, coming from Gardelegen, the Milde splits and flows around the old town. Since the old Calbe was an island in the swamp in earlier times, it became necessary to divert the abundant water into an artificial riverbed. Thus, in the 12th century, the Dutch regulated the swampy area around Kalbe. At that time, the town could only be reached via boardwalks. Continue your walk towards the old town. At the beginning of Gardelegener Straße stands the citys oldest half-timbered house (1697). The many rose bushes on the facades of the old town houses are striking and admirable. A short detour to the Rosenwinkel would be worthwhile!

The St. Nicolai Evangelical Church was built in 1170 as a Romanesque fieldstone basilica. Around 1755, it was converted into a baroque cruciform church. If youd like to take a look inside, please inquire at the parish office across the street. You will now enter Gerichtsstraße, passing by the old ice cellar of the former Schulze-Kummertschen Brewery (1870-1963). In the past, ice from the ice ditches behind Kalbe was used to cool the beer. The Kalbenser Brewery was the first steam-powered brewery in Altmark. Next to the ice cellar stands the former brewmasters house, built in the mid-19th century. Turn left onto Westpromenade, stroll to the city center. At the intersection of Elektroladen/Reisebüro/Buchhandlung, turn left to return to the starting point.

More information

www.stadt-kalbe-milde.de

www.kalbe-milde.de

Travel information

Coming from the north or south via B71, turn towards Wernstedt, then continue to Kalbe (Milde).

Coming from the direction of Stendal via Bismark, Neuendorf am Damm to Kalbe (Milde).

Parking information