Stade, a well-kept secret in Lower Saxony

Stadium Stade is a city with a rich history. It lies on the border between the higher, southern Geest region and the fertile, lower-lying northern region near the Elbe River. The first people settled here as early as 1000 BC, making Stade one of the oldest cities in northern Germany. A permanent settlement with a harbor emerged in the 8th century AD.

Stade is one of the oldest cities in northern Germany.

Stade grew into an important port city due to its strategic location. Ships were unloaded, goods were weighed and declared. Stade's heyday lasted until the Thirty Years' War. But the city also experienced many setbacks throughout its history. Vikings plundered the city, a city fire completely destroyed two-thirds of the city, and the Swedes and Danes occupied the city. And then, on top of that, Stade was excluded from the Hanseatic League, a title it only regained in 2008.

Nowadays, the Hanseatic city of Stade can no longer be called a very important port city, but the historic cityscape has been preserved and offers a touch of the Middle Ages.

Stade's historic center is completely surrounded by water. Ramparts and moats encircle the city. You can still see old cart wheels from the old defenses. In the narrow alleyways, you'll see the most beautiful half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. Most of the half-timbered buildings in the old town have been preserved, and the finest are located in the Alter Hafen (Old Harbor). Ships from all over Europe used to dock here to sell their wares. Today, only one ship remains in the water. There is also an old crane and a granary, the Schwedenspeicher (Schweden Storage), dating back to the Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years' War. It now houses the Schwedenspeicher Museum, a museum about the city's history. The facade of the Burgermeister-Hintze-Haus (Burgermeister Hinze House) is quite striking. This house was built for Mayor Hinze in the 17th century.

Other attractions in Stade include the Baroque Town Hall (Rathaus) from 1667, St. Wilhaldi Church with its leaning tower, and St. Cosmae Church from the 12th century. On weekends, you can climb the tower of St. Cosmae Church with a guide. Guides will tell you about the church and the city's history, and you can enjoy the magnificent view over the city. In good weather, the view even extends to the North Sea.

During the city ​​walk Our guide told us that few Dutch people visit Stade. Is Stade a well-kept secret for the Dutch? To be fair, I didn't know anything about this city beforehand either. But this Hanseatic city turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I have a good reason to return, because during my trip, one of my lenses broke. My backup camera was in Iceland at the time, so I could only take photos with a wide-angle lens and my iPhone.

Stade is a well-kept secret in Germany. This Hanseatic city is definitely worth a visit.

Have I made you enthusiastic about a city trip to Stade? I recommend booking a room in the Parkhotel Stader HofThis hotel is within walking distance of the historic center, and the breakfast is extensive and delicious. A city break to Stade is a great way to combine it with other sights in Lower Saxony.