Lake Arendsee offers an abundance of fish life and a wide variety of sports and leisure facilities including hiking paths, a bathing complex, boat and bicycle rental and boat trips. The scenic lake developed from subterranean erosions which in turn resulted in the collapse of the ground above.
Stork Stork
At the southern shores of lake Arendsee lies a lovely town of the same name. Worthwhile are the ruins of the Benedictine monastery built between 1148-1208.
The Altmark region is home to a colony of storks who frequently nest under the roofs and in the red brick walls.
Tangermünde Tangermünde
This lovely town at the confluence of the Elbe and Havel rivers was the second home of Charles IV, King of Bohemia, in the 14th century.
The entire old town of Tangermünde is listed. Attractions include the splendid Rathaus featuring a local history museum in the basement, and the main house of worship, the St. Stephanskirche, which houses a 17th century organ - reputedly one of the most valuable in Europe.
Stendal Stendal
About 60km north of Magdeburg lies Stendal, the largest town of the Altmark region. Many splendid medieval buildings have survived and have been renovated, making Stendal a pleasant stop.
Well worth seeing are the Gothic Rathaus (1462), the Marienkirche (Church of St. Mary) (1435-1447), the Dom St. Nikolai (1423-1467), the Katharinenkloster monastery and the two Town Gates affording great views of the old town. The Altmärkisches Museum displays local artefacts, religious art and items from Stendal´s heydays as a trading metropolis.
