Gardelegen station opened in 1871 on the Berlin–Lehrte railway line and developed into a major transportation hub for passenger and freight transport in the Altmark region. A special feature was the narrow-gauge railway connection to Calbe, which began operating in 1904 and shared the station. With the closure of the line to Haldensleben in 1951, the station began to gradually decline in importance. The entrance building fell into increasing disrepair and remained unused for years.
The station has been undergoing extensive renovation since 2024. A private investor has acquired the historic building and plans to redesign it as an attractive destination. The project is supported by state funding. At the same time, Deutsche Bahn is investing in the renewal of the platforms and the modernization of the infrastructure. The goal of these measures is to restore Gardelegen station to its former glory as a prestigious and functional location for travelers and visitors. In Salzwedel, the renovation has already been successful with great results; if this project also works here, Gardeleben can look forward to a true historical gem.