Putinnen: Guardians of Tangermünde

4.8 (6)

Explore the historic Putinnen towers in Tangermünde, remnants of the city's medieval defenses and intriguing past.

Home
Germany
Altmark
Putinnen

The Putinnen are two square towers that were part of Tangermünde's medieval town wall. They served as a defense system and, at one time, as a prison. The origin of their name remains a mystery.

A brief summary to Putinnen

Marktstraße, Tangermünde, 39590, DE
Click to display

Local tips

The Putinnen are accessible year-round and can be viewed from the outside.
Explore the Altstadt (old town) with its charming half-timbered houses and historic market square.
Visit the nearby St. Stephan's Church, a prominent landmark with an 86-meter steeple.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Der Buhnenkopf

Der Buhnenkopf: A Tangermünde Landmark

Steigberg

Steigberg: A Scenic Overlook in Tangermünde

Grete Minde Monument

Grete Minde Monument: A Memorial to Justice and Remembrance

Getting There

Walking

The Putinnen are located on Marktstraße in the heart of Tangermünde's Altstadt (old town). From the Rathaus (town hall) on the market square, walk east along Marktstraße; the Putinnen will be visible on your right, integrated into the old city wall. The towers are freely accessible for viewing from the outside. Parking is available in the Altstadt for a fee, or use the free parking lot at the harbor, a short walk away.
Public Transport

If arriving by bus from Genthin, Havelberg, or Tangerhütte, disembark at a stop near the city center. From there, walk towards the Marktstraße. Follow the street until you see the Putinnen integrated into the medieval city wall. Bus fares typically range from €2 to €4 depending on the distance traveled.

Discover more about Putinnen

The Putinnen are two closely positioned, square defense towers integrated into Tangermünde's medieval city wall. Constructed around 1470, these towers formed an integral part of the city's sophisticated defense system. They not only protected Tangermünde from potential invaders but also secured access to the Tanger River, a vital water source for local farmers, especially during dry summer months. The name 'Putinnen' is somewhat enigmatic, with experts suggesting it may derive from the Low German term 'Butentinnen,' meaning outer battlements. One of the towers, situated opposite the water access point, was used as a municipal jail for Tangermünde citizens. Interestingly, from 1819 to 1833, one of the towers housed the first calibration office of the Altmark region. During Tangermünde's peak in the mid-15th century, the city was fortified by 43 defense towers. The Putinnen stand as testaments to this era, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural heritage.