Discover Egeln

Egeln combines its moated castle with Marienstuhl Abbey Church and a specific destination for cyclists: the Bode Cycle Path reaches the town via Egeln-Nord. At the castle, museum collections, preserved structural features and the opportunity to climb the 36-metre-high keep come together.

Egeln Moated Castle: Museum and Architectural History

The moated castle consists of an upper and a lower castle, which were once separated by moats. Large sections of the defensive wall have been preserved, along with two round wall towers. The museum is housed in the gatehouse and the keep of the 12th-century moated castle. Its collections cover the settlement history of the Egelner Mulde, the later history of Egeln, everyday life around 1930 and the medieval history of the castle. The integrated keep dates from the 13th century. Visitors can climb the 36-metre-high tower; themed tours and night watchman tours complement a visit to the museum.

Further building phases can be distinguished at the palas: it was built around 1550 and received two sandstone Renaissance gables in 1617. These are considered rare examples, as only a few Renaissance buildings of this type survived in Saxony-Anhalt after the Thirty Years’ War. During the war, the moated castle served for a time as the headquarters of the Swedish army and as the residence of Field Marshal Johann Banér. Here, the architecture and history are evident both in specific structural features and in the castle’s former use.

Marienstuhl Abbey Church

The surviving Marienstuhl Abbey Church was built in 1732–34. Its Baroque interior dates from 1734–38 and incorporates sculptures from the Gothic predecessor church. Another historic feature is the 2.50-metre-high crucifix from 1330. Guided visits to the abbey church are available by prior arrangement. Arrange a time in advance if you would like to visit the church as part of a guided tour.

Plan Your Visit and Overnight Stay

The moated castle is located just behind the town centre and is signposted. The Upper Castle houses an open-air stage and a creative centre; the programme may change. The palas has four castle-themed rooms for overnight stays. Check availability before travelling if you are considering this accommodation option. Additional tours of the moated castle can also be arranged outside regular opening hours; it is best to arrange this in advance. This allows you to consider museum visits, tours and accommodation planning as separate parts of your stay.

Cycling Around Egeln and in the Salzland District

The Bode Cycle Path reaches Egeln via Egeln-Nord and runs mostly along a well-maintained route. Between Egeln and Wolmirsleben, it passes through peaceful floodplain landscapes with meadows, hedgerows and old oak trees. In the Salzland district, the Bode Cycle Path runs for around 51 kilometres along the Bode, linking floodplain landscapes with historic towns and villages. The Salzland district also has cycling routes along the Elbe, Saale and Bode, as well as themed routes and local trails focusing on nature, culture and history. This means the route through Egeln and the wider regional network of routes offer distinct points of reference.

Discover more destinations: Welsleben, Könnern, Bernburg, Aschersleben, Schönebeck, Hecklingen, Baalberge, Calbe

View the overarching travel guide: Salzland District.