Garden Dreams: Wall tour around the Hanseatic city of Gardelegen

Short description

From the Wall Promenade, which encircles the old town of the Hanseatic city of Gardelegen like a green ring, there are charming views of the historic buildings and the city moat.

Description

The existing ramparts were built at the beginning of the 19th century from the ruins of the former city fortifications. Initially, orchards and vegetable gardens were planted here, and the cemeteries of St. Nikolai and St. Marien Church were moved to the ramparts, as evidenced by some old tombstones. At the end of the 19th century, the ramparts were redesigned as a promenade with a double row of lime trees as part of the citys urban expansion and the closure of the cemeteries.

From the Wall Promenade, which encircles the old town like a green ring, there are charming views of the historic buildings and the city moat. Also worth seeing are remnants of the city wall and the Salzwedeler Gate, the best-preserved of the four former city gates.

 

A stroll is worth it!

Further information can be found in the directions...

Directions

A complete circumnavigation of the 2.5 km long ramparts takes about 45 to 60 minutes. There are many paths leading to the green ring. You can reach it from the central parking lot on Schillerstraße or from the town hall through Marktstraße and Notpforte. Also coming from Holzmarkt past St. Nikolai Church. You can also enter the park from both sides of the Salzwedeler Gate.

 

Around the middle of the 16th century - Gardelegen had become wealthy through the cultivation of high-quality hops and the export of Garley beer - the citizens began renewing their city fortifications. Defensive structures were built with three representative city gates, a two-lane city wall, ramparts, moats, and a sophisticated lock system to regulate the moat. It could be closed in case of danger and created a flood area up to 300 meters wide. Nevertheless, Gardelegen suffered severe devastation during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648).

 

The now useless fortifications were demolished and the area was left to its fate. Only at the beginning of the 19th century were they used again - the residents of Gardelegen planted orchards and vegetable gardens around the city and even moved the cemeteries of St. Nikolai and St. Marien to the ramparts. Some historically valuable tombstones still bear witness to this today. Around 1885, eleven linden trees were planted in connection with urban changes near the Stendaler Gate. But that was just the beginning! Today, the linden avenue encircles the entire protected old town center and forms a green ring, which you rarely find in Germany. Over the decades, ornamental ponds, flowerbeds, playgrounds, sports facilities, the rose garden, and the animal enclosure were added.

 

Highlights of a walk around the ramparts include the Salzwedeler Gate from the middle of the 16th century with its mighty bastions and beautiful stepped gable, the city moat with its rich population of waterfowl, the lovingly maintained animal enclosure, the rose garden - and of course the romantic views over the remains of the medieval walls and fortifications to the historic old town with its two large Gothic churches.

Further information

The circular tour is suitable for hikers and cyclists.

Guided tours on the theme: Garden Dreams Ramparts can be arranged by appointment. (https://www.gardelegen.de/kultur/aktivitaeten/stadtfuehrungen/)

Directions

The Hanseatic city of Gardelegen is located on the federal highways B 71 and B188, which intersect directly at the city center. The public transport connection is provided by railway stations in the districts of Gardelegen, Jävenitz, Solpke, Mieste, and Miesterhorst. An airfield with the status of special landing site is located on the outskirts of the city center.

Parking information

- Parking lot at Holzmarkt

- Administration parking lot (Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße 3)

- Parking lot

- Golden Ring (limited time)

- Tivoli parking lot (Schillerstraße)

Safety instructions

No restrictions currently in place.

Equipment

Light luggage