Ballenstedt: Little Potsdam on the Romanesque Route

en roUTE
Oct 18, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

«Cradle of Sachsen-Anhalt» with rich History and Culture

Ballenstedt - located on the north-eastern edge of the Harz Mountains - still unfolds its splendour somewhat off the beaten track. Yet the small town has a rich history dating back to its foundation in 1073, which earned it the reputation as the "cradle of Sachsen-Anhalt". This is associated with fascinating legends and sights.

Ballenstedt - Promenade and city museum (left) — Ballenstedt - Promenade and municipal museum (left)

Ballenstedt, with its alleyways and streets, the prestigious promenade and avenue leading to the castle square as the visual axis of the town, is also associated by locals with "Little Potsdam". My grandparents and parents also spoke always of this sympathetic comparison. The picturesque castle ensemble in particular is a reminder of this - with its baroque castle, castle church, castle park and tower overlooking the vast Harz landscape. The popular castle theatre from the 18th century is now a real treasure for art and culture.

The "Marstall" café in the castle's old stables and the "Schlosshotel" are also good places to stop for a bite to eat.

Castle ensemble:

The castle park is reminiscent of a courtly past and presents itself as a picture gallery: cascade with fountains and water features, the castle pond and small ponds, the babbling brook, the castle mill, the lion statue, lots of naturalness and wild corners. And always idyllic lines of sight. Seats and loungers at the edge of the path and in the meadows invite you to take a break and enjoy yourself.

Castle park:

Ballenstedt's origins goes back to the noble family of the Ascanians. Their most famous representatives were "Uta of Naumburg", born Countess of Ballenstedt, and "Albrecht the Bear", later Margrave of Brandenburg. Uta is one of the founders of Naumburg Cathedral and is popularly regarded as the most beautiful woman of the Middle Ages. ‘Albrecht the Bear’ rendered outstanding services to the assertion of Anhaltine rule in the eastern and central German region. "The Bear" adorns the coats of arms of numerous Anhalt towns and even the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. The exhibition in the castle and municipal museum "Wilhelm von Kügelgen" is highly recommended to anyone who feels like exploring more.

In addition to the castle ensemble as the main attraction, other highlights show the charm of Ballenstedt (a small selection from my side):

The actual old town is located south of the centre with the town hall, "Oberhof" and market tower.
The "Zollweghaus" (customs house at the end of the town towards Gernrode) is reminiscent of old trading times.
The Bismarck Tower as a vantage point (Opperode district).
A walk to the somewhat overgrown and enchanted city park on the small Ziegenberg hill is worthwhile, as it not only houses a statue of "Albrecht the Bear", but also offers a wonderful view over rooftops to the castle.
The historic bathhouse (Lindenallee) is a real eye-catcher.
Not far from the castle, crossing the main road axis, is the former castle railway station (Bebelstraße). Lovingly refurbished by private owners, a charming entrance area and a café welcome guests.
The café "Liselotte" (with garden area) serves delicious, home-baked cakes in a lovely ambience and you can even watch them being made (Breitscheidplatz).
The highly recommended and extraordenary sattlery in the "Allee"