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Germany
Saxony-Anhalt
Altmark
Stendal

Altmärkische Höhe

Top 20 Natural Monuments around Altmärkische Höhe

Natural monuments around Altmärkische Höhe are situated in a region defined by a low mountain range that separates the Jeetze and Biese/Aland river basins. This geographical feature contributes to a diverse natural landscape. The area is known for its ecological significance, including protected areas and unique geological formations. It offers opportunities to observe natural processes and historical landscapes.

Best natural monuments around Altmärkische Höhe

  • The most popular natural monuments is Wirler Spitze and Klocksberg Dune, a natural monument that is a relic from the last Ice Age. This site also features a historical border point and is part of the Green Belt.
  • Another must-see spot is Access to the Green Belt (Grünes Band), a trail that provides convenient entry to the Green Belt. Visitors can find signs of former border fences and experience an impressive historical landscape.
  • Visitors also love Krumke Castle and Castle Park, a castle and park featuring one of Saxony-Anhalt's "Garden Dream Parks." This park is home to an old boxwood hedge and includes an orangery and a carp pond.
  • Altmärkische Höhe is known for inland dunes, ecological corridors, and historical parks. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from geological formations to historically significant green spaces.
  • The natural monuments around Altmärkische Höhe are appreciated by the komoot community, with 76 upvotes and 115 photos shared.

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Wirler Spitze and Klocksberg Dune

Highlight • Natural Monument

Here, where the former inner-German border runs at an acute angle to the north, lies the large inland dune near Ziemendorf on Lake Arendsee - a relic from the last Ice Age. The historical border point located here is also called Klocksberg. After the Second World War, two competing power blocs faced each other here. In 1989 the Eastern Bloc collapsed and what divided it disappeared. Now, on the former death strip, the Green Belt runs through the landscape as a heath with all its heat-loving species and an old GDR border column is a reminder of recent history.

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From Ziemendorf you have a convenient access to the trail "Green Belt". You get to the top of the Wirler and on the way there are signs of the former border fences.

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Krumke Castle and Castle Park

Highlight • Castle

The Krumke Castle Park is one of Saxony-Anhalt's "Garden Dream Parks". The park is freely accessible and can be visited free of charge. The park is home to a rarity: it is said to have the oldest boxwood hedge in Europe.

In addition to the castle, there is also an orangery, a coach house, a special garden, a stone cabinet and a carp pond. A very beautiful and well-kept park.

All information about the castle park can be found here: gartentraeume-sachsen-anhalt.de/de/gartentraeume-parks/schlosspark-krumke.html

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Wirler Point – Green Belt Memorial

Highlight • Historical Site

... not far from the Wirler tip, about one to two minutes by bike you will find in the middle of the Green band set up, a billboard. On this one of many fates on the former border is described. It is already a strange feeling to stand in the middle of the death strip with the bike ... and to read that at this point in 1963 an attempted escape over the border came to a sudden end. (see also the photos).
But despite all that a tour is highly recommended there. Story live and not in the book. 🤗

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Wooden Sculptures Around Arendsee

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lovingly designed wooden art along the way

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April 17, 2026, Wirler Spitze – Green Belt Memorial

At this point, the West German area jutted pointedly into the GDR, the next place in the West is Wirl, hence Wirler Spitze as it seems, it was one of many visitor points to look into the East. Opposite the Spitze on the Kolonnenweg stood an observation tower (BT) a small sand hill or dune named Klocksberg, here you can move freely today, in all directions! There are some nature conservation projects: biotopes, pulling pines, etc. It should also be a place of remembrance and reflection. 2 posts of the border fence have remained

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On the Altmark side, there is a rest area, unfortunately only in the shade, with information about nature conservation along the Green Belt.

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On the Lower Saxony side there is a meager seating area with a good view of the inland dune.

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Can you discover some

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The Arendsee is a round, oval lake without bays in the Altmark region in the north of Saxony-Anhalt. With a water surface of over five square kilometers, it is the largest natural lake in the state and, at around 50 meters, one of the deepest lakes in northern Germany. Its formation and its current appearance can be traced back to several collapses in the subsoil, most recently in the 17th century. (Source: Wikipedia)

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The Krumke Castle Park is one of Saxony-Anhalt's "Garden Dream Parks". The park is freely accessible and can be visited free of charge. The park is home to a rarity: it is said to have the oldest boxwood hedge in Europe. In addition to the castle, there is also an orangery, a coach house, a special garden, a stone cabinet and a carp pond. A very beautiful and well-kept park. All information about the castle park can be found here: http://gartentraeume-sachsen-anhalt.de/de/gartentraeume-parks/schlosspark-krumke.html

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Krumke Castle is privately owned and not accessible. It is beautiful to look at from the outside, but it seems to be falling into disrepair. The castle park, which is part of the "Garden Dreams Parks", is open to the public and can be visited.

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The castle and park with their details form a wonderful ensemble - a world of their own.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What unique natural features can I explore around Altmärkische Höhe?

The region is characterized by its low mountain range, which naturally separates the Jeetze and Biese/Aland river basins, creating a diverse landscape. You can explore inland dunes, such as the Wirler Spitze and Klocksberg Dune, a relic from the last Ice Age. The area is also part of the extensive Green Belt, an ecological corridor with diverse biotopes.

Are there any significant nature reserves or protected areas nearby?

Yes, the Schollener See Nature Reserve, located in the same district of Stendal, is a prominent protected area. It's known for its unique floating islands, extensive reed beds, and is a significant bird paradise, recognized as a Ramsar site and an EU Special Protection Area for birds.

What is the Green Belt and why is it important in this region?

The Green Belt is a National Natural Monument that follows the former inner-German border. In the Altmärkische Höhe area, it has transformed into a unique ecological corridor, providing a habitat for numerous endangered species and offering a mosaic of biotopes. It's important for its blend of nature, history, and culture, serving as a living reminder of German reunification. You can access it via points like Access to the Green Belt (Grünes Band).

Are there family-friendly natural monuments or activities in the area?

Many natural monuments in the region are suitable for families. For instance, the Wirler Spitze and Klocksberg Dune and Access to the Green Belt (Grünes Band) are listed as family-friendly. Additionally, Krumke Castle and Castle Park offers a beautiful, freely accessible park with an old boxwood hedge and carp pond, perfect for a family stroll.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

The region, particularly areas like the Schollener See Nature Reserve, is a haven for wildlife. It's an exceptional destination for birdwatching, and you might also spot beavers and otters. The Green Belt also supports a rich biodiversity, including approximately 1,200 endangered species.

Are there historical sites related to the natural monuments?

Yes, the Green Belt itself is a significant historical landscape. At sites like the Wirler Spitze and Klocksberg Dune and Wirler Point – Green Belt Memorial, you can find historical border points and remnants of the former inner-German border, offering a unique blend of nature and history.

What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?

The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as those listed in the Running Trails around Altmärkische Höhe guide. There are also easy hikes, with options like the Easy hikes around Altmärkische Höhe guide, and gravel biking routes, detailed in the Gravel biking around Altmärkische Höhe guide.

Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers?

Absolutely. The Easy hikes around Altmärkische Höhe guide features several accessible routes. Examples include a 7.2 km loop from Polkern and a 3.6 km loop from Neulingen, which are rated as easy and perfect for a relaxed walk.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments here?

Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Wirler Spitze and Klocksberg Dune is noted for its quiet atmosphere and the feeling of being protected in the forest, while the Green Belt is celebrated as a 'wonder of nature' with unique plant species. The historical context of the former border also leaves a strong impression.

Can I find unique artistic installations or cultural elements within the natural landscapes?

Yes, around the nearby Arendsee, you can discover Wooden Sculptures Around Arendsee. These are lovingly designed wooden art pieces, often created with chainsaws, that are placed along trails, adding a unique cultural dimension to your outdoor experience.

Is there parking available near the natural monuments?

For places like Krumke Castle and Castle Park, parking is available. For other natural areas and trailheads, it's advisable to check specific location details, but generally, parking facilities are provided at common access points.

What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Altmärkische Höhe?

While the natural monuments can be enjoyed year-round, spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for outdoor activities, with mild temperatures and beautiful seasonal colors. Spring brings blooming flora, especially in areas like the Green Belt, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Birdwatching at Schollener See is excellent during migration seasons.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Altmärkische Höhe:

AlandZehrentalSeehausenAltmärkische WischeOsterburg (Altmark)Werben (Elbe)Wust-FischbeckTangerhütteHavelbergBismark (Altmark)TangermündeSchönhausen (Elbe)ScholleneKlietzKamernIdenAland-Elbe-NiederungSandau (Elbe)Hohenberg-KrusemarkWittenberge-Rühstädter ElbniederungRochauEichstedt (Altmark)

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