The Milde
Altmark river landscapes
The Milde: the river through Kalbe – from source to Elbe
In short: The Milde rises near Letzlingen in the area of the Hanseatic town of Gardelegen and flows north through Kalbe (Milde). Together with the Biese and the Aland it forms a tributary of the Elbe around 97 kilometres long – three names for one river.
As of: November 2026
Where does the Milde rise?
The source of the Milde is near Letzlingen, a district of the Hanseatic town of Gardelegen. From there the river flows north towards the Elbe. The photos below show the source of the Milde and its surroundings.
Why is Kalbe (Milde) called “Little Venice”?
After about 16 kilometres the Milde reaches Kalbe (Milde). Because of the many bridges over the river and its branches, the little town is also known as “Little Venice” (“Klein-Venedig”). This is where the Milde valley begins, considered one of the most charming landscapes in the central Altmark. Our hotel is in the middle of the old town, just a few steps from the Milde.
Milde, Biese, Aland: one river, three names
- Milde: Upper course from the source near Letzlingen via Kalbe to the Beese/Meßdorf area north of Kalbe.
- Biese: Middle course. At Osterburg it is joined by the Uchte, coming from Stendal. According to tradition, the name goes back to Dutch settlers brought in under Albert the Bear to drain the lowlands – “Biese” means rush (the plant).
- Aland: Lower course from the confluence with the Taube Aland south of Seehausen. The Aland crosses into Lower Saxony and flows into the Elbe at Schnackenburg.
How can you experience the Milde?
The easiest way is on foot: a walk through Kalbe takes you over several bridges across the Milde and past the ruins of the moated castle. For a break afterwards we recommend Café Friedenseck in Kalbe, with very good ice cream, fresh sheet cake and gateaux. By bike, you can follow the river through the Milde valley, for example towards Gardelegen. You will find more ideas in our day-trip tips for the Altmark.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Milde rise?
The Milde rises near Letzlingen, a district of the Hanseatic town of Gardelegen in the Altmark.
How long is the Milde?
Together, the Milde, Biese and Aland form a tributary of the Elbe around 97 kilometres long. The section called the Milde is about 36 to 39 kilometres long, depending on the source.
Why is Kalbe (Milde) called Little Venice?
Because of the many bridges that cross the Milde and its branches in Kalbe.
In the meadow at the source of the Milde
Neighbours of the Milde's source
The source of the Milde
The Milde further downstream
Landhotel “Zum Pottkuchen” is a small, owner-run hotel in a listed merchant’s house from 1775 in the old town of Kalbe (Milde). Eight rooms, breakfast in-house, free 1 Gbit/s fibre-optic internet and a conference room for small groups – and the Milde flows right through our little town. View our rooms or send us an enquiry.
