The best MTB trails in Salzwedeler Forst

The former water tower, a round tower in the Neo-Gothic style, was built in 1903. It is adorned with decorative niches and a copper spire. Planning and construction management was handled by the Salzwedel master builder and architect Albert Strauchenbruch. The 43.7-meter-high tower houses a 7-meter-high balancing reservoir at a height of 25 meters, which could store up to 35 cubic meters of water. After the completion of the then waterworks, the pipes were laid to the constructed water tower. The first households could be supplied. Initially, the supply of tap water was based on a flat-rate consumption estimate. With the increase in water consumption, however, water meters became necessary, and in 1938 an electric pump drive was added. In 1981, the city discontinued the operation of the water tower, as water storage tanks were built approximately 5 km away on the Schwarzen Berg. They made it possible to let the water flow downhill cost-effectively. https://entdecke-salzwedel.de/wasserturm/

The original Lüchower Tor was a typical Gothic stepped gable building and was demolished in 1837/38 due to dilapidation. In its place, a new gate structure was built in 1840 with four sandstone pillars and double leaf gates made of oak wood. Until the completion of the structure, smugglers had free rein for years. This was a nuisance for the main customs office. It reported in 1838 that no adequate security was guaranteed against the nocturnal smuggling of taxable goods. The outer pillars with castle battlement-like crowns and the small passage gate fitted with masonry stones are remnants of the 1840 structure. The two inner pillars along with the gates were removed in 1892 to make way for increasing traffic. The Schäfergraben once flowed along behind the gate. https://entdecke-salzwedel.de/luechower-tor/

In Salzwedel, an 11.5-meter-high natural gas flare commemorates the history of natural gas production in the Altmark region. It stands by the indoor swimming pool and was ceremonially unveiled in May 2017. The flare represents decades of natural gas production, particularly by the former VEB Erdgasförderung Salzwedel during GDR times. On August 17, 1969, natural gas from the Altmark region flowed to Magdeburg for the first time. Subsequently, the production area developed into the second largest in Europe. The natural gas field in the Altmark – one of the largest natural gas deposits on the European mainland. While the monument commemorates the tradition, the company Neptune Energy is currently carrying out backfilling work on the former gas well Altensalzwedel 151 south of Mahlsdorf, which was in production until 2022. 📜volksstimme.de

This is a truly lovingly designed excursion destination in the Altmark region, which is a particular highlight for families with children. Over 35 detailed fairy tale huts and more than 450 figures (from Little Red Riding Hood to regional legends) transport you into a fantasy world. A special labyrinth that symbolizes the stages of human life – from birth to "paradise". It also encourages adults to reflect.

The Salzwedeler Dumme is a left (or western) tributary of the Jeetze, also called the Jeetzel. The river name "Dumme," first mentioned in 1343 as "de dummen," is of Germanic origin. It may derive from the Old Low German *dumba*, meaning 'dust cloud,' or *duma*, meaning 'cloud of fog.' However, the most likely origin is from the Old Low German *dumb* or Old High German *tumb*, meaning 'mute.' The name thus indicates the slow flow rate of the river.

The Chein peat bog, due to its isolation in the shadow of the former inner-German border, which now forms the Green Belt, has largely been spared from extensive drainage. Fed by numerous springs, a colorful mosaic of species-rich wet meadows, moorland, and swamp forests has been preserved here. We recommend a visit in spring. Then the air is filled with the chorus of moor frogs, tree frogs, and common frogs. In May and June, the bog displays a vibrant array of colors with the blooming of over 6,000 orchids, including the rare broad-leaved marsh orchid. Since 2025, a platform has been in place here so that visitors can experience the meadow's colorful splendor without disturbing the delicate ecosystem.

Café Kruse in Salzwedel is an ideal destination for a stopover on your bike. Since 1842, the famous original Salzwedel Baumkuchen has been baked layer by layer over an open flame in the traditional way. In the glass-fronted bakery, you can even watch the bakers at work before enjoying a piece of the specialty in the cozy café – whether classic fondant or covered in fine chocolate. After a bike ride through the Altmark region, this visit is a particularly sweet stopover that perfectly combines indulgence and regional culture.

Very nice walk in absolute peace.