Stade is an early baroque half-timbered town. Most of the houses, gable houses situated on narrow strips of land, originate from the 17th century and the early 18th century, the so-called "Swedish period" in Stade (1645-1712). At the beginning of Swedish rule in 1659 a fire destroyed two thirds of the town. However, it was quickly rebuilt according to the old town plan, partly in a decorated half-timbered style with distinctive jetties. The Swedish period also left its architectural marks on the old town of Stade. Some of the half-timbered houses originate from as far back as the 16th century. Stade is a member of the "Deutsche Fachwerkstraße" and is situated on the stretch between the Elbe and the Weserbergland. In addition, Stade is a partner of the Half-timbered Towns Group called "Städte à la carte" ("Towns à la carte").
