Havelberg is an island town on a glacial ridge between the Havel and Elbe rivers. The medieval old town lies below the cathedral, while broad river lowlands stretch out all around. This brings historic architecture and a landscape shaped by rivers together in a compact area, offering two distinct themes to consider when planning your trip.
Experience the River Landscape and Nature
The lower Havel lowland area in Saxony-Anhalt is part of the UNESCO-recognized Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve. The floodplain along the Havel provides a habitat for floodplain species and serves as a resting area for geese, cranes, swans, waders and ducks. The Lower Havel Landscape Conservation Area encompasses the river landscapes of the Elbe and Havel.
For a closer look, visit the House of Rivers: its permanent exhibition explores the natural treasures of the Elbe and Havel and the ecological value of natural river dynamics. Highlights of the grounds include a water playground, a restored Havel channel and the historic Petroleum Island. A pedestrian bridge leads to Petroleum Island. Check access conditions before your visit.
If you would like to explore the surrounding area on foot, the Auenpfad Lug ins Land offers a circular hiking route of approximately 9.3 kilometres. It starts at the House of Rivers, passes St. Mary’s Cathedral and Spülinsel, and offers views across the river lowlands. The stated distance is a guide; check local conditions before setting out.
Plan Cycling Routes and Your Journey
Havelberg is a junction for the Elbe Cycle Route, the Havel Cycle Route and the Altmark Circuit. The “Radeln nach Zahlen” system lets you plan your own routes using numbered junctions and information boards. The Havel Cycle Route follows the Havel for more than 370 kilometres from Ankershagen to its confluence with the Elbe at Gnevsdorf near Havelberg. This long-distance route gives the cycling network a wider geographical context; for planning your own stages, however, the route you choose is what matters.
You can also plan your journey by train and connecting bus according to your direction of travel: from the south and west, travel via Stendal and bus route 900; from the north and east, travel via Glöwen and the same bus route. Check the timetable for route 900 when planning your connection.
Cathedral, Church and Town History
St. Mary’s Cathedral was consecrated as a Romanesque basilica in 1170 and is on the Romanesque Road. It forms part of one of the few fully preserved medieval monastery complexes in northern Germany. The historic interiors include stained-glass windows, a rood screen, Early Gothic choir stalls, Passion reliefs, the Paradise Hall and a cloister. The Paradise Hall and cloister are suitable for concerts and other events.
Another historic landmark on the old town island is St. Laurentius, its oldest building. Inside are a Baroque Scholtze organ dating from 1754, an ornate sacristy cabinet and an altar. The Prignitz Museum at the cathedral complements the churches with exhibitions, media stations and museum apps. Its offerings also include guided tours, educational programs, lectures and concerts; check current program details before your visit.
The historic town trail is marked with numbers to help you find your way around. Each site has a sign with its number and a brief description. This provides a thread through the town’s architectural and urban history, while each stop can also be explored independently. The cathedral, old town island and other landmarks each play a different role: the cathedral represents Romanesque and monastic history, St. Laurentius is another historic building, and the trail helps you navigate between the sites.
Discover more destinations: Klein Schwechten, Eichstedt, Hanseatic Town of Werben, Bismark/Kläden, Schollene, Rochau, Tangerhütte, Storkau (Elbe).
Back to the main travel overview: Stendal.
