Salzwedel, Hanseatic city in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
Salzwedel is a Hanseatic city in northwestern Saxony-Anhalt, situated along the river Jeetze in the Altmark region. The settlement shows timber-framed buildings from medieval times, old defensive walls, and a historic urban structure divided into distinct quarters.
A castle built in 1112 marked the beginning of the settlement, which soon developed into a trading hub. Membership in the Hanseatic League from 1263 brought prosperity and commercial ties that lasted until the early 16th century.
The town's layout reflects its origin as two separate settlements that grew together over time, a pattern still visible in the dual arrangement of churches and squares. Bakeries here maintain centuries-old recipes for their signature layered cake, a craft passed down through generations of local families.
The town connects to regional trains on the Stendal–Uelzen line, while roads 71 and 248 provide direct access from surrounding areas. The A39 motorway lies about 59 kilometers (37 miles) away for longer journeys.
The layered cake known here has been baked over open flames for centuries, a method still practiced by a few local bakers. This regional specialty requires slow rotation and careful layering, creating rings that resemble tree growth when sliced.
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