Belgern combines a distinctive history with opportunities to explore on foot, by bike and on the water. The town hall, Roland statue and St. Bartholomew’s Church are cultural highlights. You can also cycle along the International Elbe Cycle Route, explore the surrounding area and ride through the Dahlen-Belgern Heath. Marked hiking routes and boat trips on the town’s own yacht are also available.

Town Hall, Roland Statue and City Gates

Belgern’s town hall was built between 1575 and 1578 in the Renaissance style and has retained its original design. The Belgern Roland statue offers another glimpse into the town’s history: carved from stone in 1610, the statue is almost six metres tall and represents judicial authority, market rights and the right to mint coins. The Oschatzer Gate is the last of Belgern’s four former city gates, which formed part of the early medieval town fortifications. Built in 1258, the monastery courtyard is the oldest building in the town.

Church, Museum and Cultural Events

St. Bartholomew’s Church was built by Cistercian monks between 1509 and 1512. Its interior features elements of late Gothic and peasant Baroque design. The Baroque altar dates from 1660; its three paintings depict the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the Deposition from the Cross. The half-weathered stone image of the mermaid child is built into the church’s main entrance. Belgern’s distance column was erected in 1730.

Since 2004, the Belgern Town Museum has been housed in the Old Forge building at Topfmarkt 7. The tour begins in a fully functioning forge. The Bartholomew Festival is also part of local tradition: it is celebrated each year around 24 August in honour of St. Bartholomew. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the exact date in advance.

Cycling, Hiking Trails and the Elbe

Cyclists can choose from the International Elbe Cycle Route, the surrounding area and the Dahlen-Belgern Heath. Hiking is possible on marked routes, and boat trips are offered on the town’s own yacht. The mill steps lead from the old town down to the Elbe. This gives you a choice of different ways to get around without having to commit to a particular route or trip length.

The Belgern ferry provides a short crossing to the east bank of the Elbe and has a long history. If you are planning to take the ferry, check the latest service information for your specific crossing in advance. Treblitzsch Landscape Park is near the district of Treblitzsch, four kilometres south of Belgern, and is a protected park under nature conservation.

Belgern’s recreation rest stop displays replicas of Roland statues from other German towns and has a beach volleyball court. It offers a comparison with Belgern’s Roland statue, as well as a sporting activity to complement the cultural and active options.

Discover more destinations: Wohlau, Neußen, Jesewitz, Delitzsch, Bad Düben, Großtreben-Zwethau, Taucha, Mügeln

See the overview of the wider region: Northern Saxony.