Helmstedter Partnerschaftsverein

Haldensleben (Germany)

Haldensleben was already mentioned in a document by emperor Otto I. in 966. A few decades later a swamp castle was built for the protection against floodings of the river Ohre. Under the reign of Henry the Lion this castle was developed into a „solid town“ around 1150. After a number of destructions and rebuildings Haldensleben became part of the archdiocese Magdeburg and finally received the Magdeburger town charter in 1224. The Roland, the only worldwide on high horse, which is standing at the Marktplatz and makes the town’s landmark, was mentioned in a document first in 1419. In 1808 Haldensleben was finaly uplifted to canton- and district capital and little later to county seat, which it is still today.

With the beginning of the industrial revolution in the 19th century also Haldensleben began to develop different industries. Crockery- and ceramic factories, as well as porcelaine factories made solid locations for industries with many jobs. Today Haldensleben is one of the leading and growing economical sites in the Börde county. Crowd-puller are among others the glass industrie, production and development of fibre composites, logistics, supplier for the automobile industrie and still the ceramic industry.

An unusual Roland statue that dates back to the classicism  is to be found at the central market square in front of the town hall. The Roland is a world wide symbol for the reception of town charters. Here however he doesn’t stand, but sits on a horse and is therfore unique in Europe. The historic centre with it’s shops, cafes and restaurants invites for a stroll and enjoyment not only during the day,  but also at night, that is not only for sleeping as everybody knows, so Haldensleben stays lively and up to date. The Kulturfabrik entices every month with numerous events from theatre to concert the Haldenslebener people and their guests.

From nearly every part of the town one can reach the green in five minutes. Whether one stumbles over a prehistoric grave within the historic square mile or one dares a view of the most beautiful landscape parks in Saxony-Anhalt is up to oneself. Castle Hundisburg is miticulously rebuilt and is with its baroque garden and the neighbouring landscape park  an attraction of the region today. A donation of the Hallenser sculptor Heinrich Apel  enabled the castle to call a collection of sculptures it’s own, which are part of the cultural ensemble, that offers a wide range with concerts and the technical monument brick manufacture.

Surrounded by the 1,6 km long defence wall houses crowd around the historic centre of Haldensleben. From the representative and ample market - on Tuesdays and Thursdays a meeting point for shopping for the whole region -  the streets run in right-angled straight lines. This is considered as evidence for a planned extension of the town by Henry the Lion.

Beauftragte für Haldensleben

Ursula Thiel
Caseliusweg 9
38350 Helmstedt
Tel. 05351/8111
thiel.harald@t-online.de