Ballenstedt
Reveal the secret of the "cradle of Anhalt"
The lovingly maintained baroque castle ensemble above the town of Ballenstedt gives you an idea: Significant history has taken place here. And that’s right, the great noble family of the Ascanians has its roots in Ballenstedt. The town is idyllically nestled in the Selke Valley on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains.
Enjoy a relaxing and stimulating break in Ballenstedt, a town with lush nature, great history and vibrant culture.
Visitors to Ballenstedt will be captivated by the magic of the yellow castle ensemble ensemble. The way there leads out of the town along a magnificent avenue. Once you reach the top, it is worth looking back: an archway frames the picturesque scenery wonderfully. Now, at the latest, curiosity grows: who created this dream?
The history of Ballenstedt in a nutshell: A nobleman named “Ballo” is said to have founded the first settlement on the site of today’s lower town almost 1,500 years ago. The town was first mentioned in documents as Ballenstedt in 1073. Later, the Ascanian Otto the Rich was the first to call himself Ballenstedt. The “fairytale castle” was finally built in the 18th century under the Princes of Anhalt-Bernburg . The story tells you comprehensive the exhibition in the Castle Museum.
Ballenstedt is located in Saxony-Anhalt. Did you know that the early ancestral seat of the Ascanians is immortalized in the name of the state? Under Otto the Rich in the 12th century, the noble family built the Anhalt Castle on the local mountain above the Selke valley. Ballenstedt is therefore often referred to as “The Cradle of Anhalt”.
Albrecht the Bear is probably the most important Ascanian. With him, the noble family experienced its greatest political and territorial rise to power. Honor to whom honor is due: An interactive solo exhibition in the monastery church is dedicated to this important ruler.
After the mental nourishment, the body needs refreshment. Restaurants and cafés at the castle ensemble and in the city provide for your physical well-being. Here you will find other places of interest such as the old and new town halls, museums, traditional libraries and numerous churches. churches.
Freshly fortified, we recommend a walk through the magnificent castle park. Take the time to enjoy this 18th century work of garden art to the full. From Ballenstedt there are equally beautiful circular hiking trails to excursion destinations in the forests of the Selke Valley, which offer breathtaking views over the valley.
Ballenstedt is rightly a state-approved health resort – here you will find all the amenities you need for an exciting break from everyday life.
The performances in the historic castle theater from 1788, once graced by Franz Liszt, are one of the oldest stages in Germany that are still in use today. The program ranges from classical music and cabaret to rock and pop concerts and family musicals. You can find the dates in our calendar of events.
In addition to the town center, Ballenstedt comprises the districts of Asmusstedt, Badeborn, Opperode, Radisleben and Rieder – each with its own highlights that are well worth a visit.
Albrecht der Bär Denkmal
Altes Rathaus
Fürstin-Pauline-Bibliothek
Bismarckturm
Falkenstein/Harz
The imposing Falkenstein Castle gives the town of Falkenstein/Harz its illustrious name. You can experience how this important heritage is preserved in seven lively districts.
Harzgerode
The town of Harzgerode comprises 13 districts – each with its own exciting history. The town center itself is a real architectural treasure trove that you should not miss,
