harz mountains places to visit

A Complete Travel Guide to the Harz Mountains: 16 Best Things to Do in Germany’s Secret Adventure Wonderland

Fairytale towns and mystical mountains.

The Harz Mountains have captured the imaginations of poets, writers and artists alike for centuries, and we can easily understand why.

This tucked-away region of Northern Germany is home to more cobblestone streets and timber-framed houses than we had room for on our camera’s memory card, and even though there are more cultural and historic attractions here than can fit on most people’s itineraries, the real draw of the Harz is the mountains .

While they are quite a bit lower than their far-away southern neighbours of the Alps, they are much more accessible – especially for people in Northern Europe looking for shorter travel times. Or for those who are rather looking for mellow hikes in beautifully forested and hilly landscapes full of myths and tales.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you won’t be disappointed by the Harz Mountains, either. From gigantic swings to endless kilometres of hair-raising mountain bike routes; the region has got you covered.

We have visited the magical Harz Mountains twice and as you can probably tell, we were completely charmed . We think you will be, too.

In this travel guide to the Harz Mountain, we will share our best tips on what to see and do in the area, where to stay, when to visit and much more!

Table of contents

Why visit the Harz Mountains?

Our time in the harz, where to stay in the harz mountains, what to do in the harz mountains, where to eat in the harz mountains, how to get around the harz mountains, how to get to the harz mountains, when to visit the harz mountains, what to bring to the harz mountains, minimise your impact.

As we alluded to in the introduction above, we think that the Harz Mountains are a very suitable holiday option for many types of travellers.

The mountains (and their accessible northern location) are the big draw here, offering everything from easy family- and dog-friendly hiking routes to 2,000+ kilometres of mountain biking trails for thrill-seekers. Less daring bikers will also find plenty of nicely marked trails.

On top of that, we shouldn’t forget that there are clean, swimmable lakes everywhere – perfect for cooling down in the summer months.

In winter, snow falls regularly in the Harz creating more than 500 kilometres of cross country trails including several floodlit tracks as well as 53 downhill slopes ranging from easy to hard in difficulty.

Cities or nature?

The towns of the Harz Mountains are truly unique with incredibly well-preserved city centres full of cute houses , romantic streets and pretty churches.

You can mix spending time in the charming towns with exploring the forested paths through the misty rolling hills and mountains or you can simply focus on one or the other.

Either way, the Harz Mountains offer an easy getaway that will surely have you longing for more.

Our first visit

On our first visit to the Harz Mountains, we spent 4 full days in the middle of November.

While it was a bit chilly, we had a great time exploring both the towns and the surrounding nature – all without tourist crowds.

Goslar was the base of our adventures for most of our visit, but we also spent a night in lovely Quedlinburg to experience the eastern part of the Harz.

Our second visit

For our second time, we had the luck of visiting the Harz region in the middle of sunny June .

There were flowers everywhere and the landscapes were vibrantly green . It looked quite different than it had in the autumn but equally impressive.

This time, we finally got to visit Wernigerode , Brocken , Hamburger Wappen and many of the other highlights we had missed the first time around.

Scroll further down to see all of the best things to do in the Harz Mountains!

Map and geography

Depending on how you look at it, the Harz Mountains are either located in the middle of everything or the middle of nowhere (in the good sense!).

The Harz is situated directly in the middle of Germany with easy autobahn access from several big cities. Still, it’s far away enough to make its visitors feel completely at ease – and give that special far-away-from-urban-life atmosphere that city-dwellers often so desperately need.

Technically, the Harz Mountains are located in the three states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. The region stretches for approximately 100 kilometres from west to east and 32 kilometres from north to south.

The Harz Mountains area is compact enough that any choice of location will still leave you able to visit the rest of the region in a breeze – especially if you travel by car.

While staying in the mountains would surely be lovely if you intend to mostly hike, we think a city location will fit most travellers best. This way, you won’t be constrained by food options and you’ll still be very close to nature.

Goslar is your best bet with Quedlinburg a close second. Wernigerode is also worth your consideration.

Search for the best value accommodation in the Harz Mountains here (adlink) .

Goslar: Haus Mittenmank am Marktplatz

The 5-starred luxury apartments of Haus Mittenmank am Marktplatz are located directly in the middle of Goslar.

If you like to have more space and/or enjoy cooking some of your own meals, this is a fantastic place to stay.

Check prices and availability at Haus Mittenmank am Marktplatz (adlink) .

Ilsenburg: Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen

With a great central location in the Harz Mountains in-between Goslar and Wernigerode at the foot of Brocken, 5-starred Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen is one of the region’s top choices for that ultimate relaxing place to stay .

With a swimming pool , spa area and sauna you’ll have plenty of ways to wind down after a day in the mountains.

Don’t forget to check out the nearby Ilsetal ( Ilse Valley ) for stunning nature and hiking.

Check prices and availability at Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen (adlink) .

Value for money

Goslar: romantik hotel alte münze.

4-starred Hotel Alte Münze has the perfect location in Goslar right next to the central Market Square.

The hotel almost feels like a small town; a mix of buildings old and new tucked away on a quiet side street. As we arrived here after the sun had set on our first day in the Harz, we felt transported back in time on the cobbled streets (almost like we were in an old film!)

As an added bonus, the restaurant at Hotel Alte Münze serves vegan meals. The service at the reception was also top-notch.

Check prices and availability at Romantik Hotel Alte Münze (adlink) .

Goslar: AKZENT Hotel Villa Saxer

This is where we lived in Goslar during our second time in the Harz Mountains.

Ideally located in Goslar, this 4-starred hotel is a very comfortable place to stay complete with parking opportunities, breakfast buffet and all the amenities you’d need in the room.

We especially loved the view over the roofs of Goslar from our windows at the top floor.

Check prices and availability at AKZENT Hotel Villa Saxer (adlink) .

Goslar: Hotel Der Achtermann

As you arrive in Goslar by train, you can’t miss the 4-starred Hotel Der Achtermann.

Being the largest hotel in town, it’s only fitting that they also have a huge spa area complete with an adventure swimming pool, a hot tub and several saunas – just what we needed after a long day out exploring the Harz!

Check prices and availability at Hotel Der Achtermann (adlink) .

Quedlinburg: Romantik Hotel am Brühl

Quedlinburg is the most romantic town of the Harz with its perfectly preserved historic city centre.

For the most romantic stay, look no further than the 4-starred Hotel am Brühl.

We only stayed here for a single night but loved the atmosphere and design from the moment we set foot in the hotel.

Check prices and availability at Romantik Hotel am Brühl (adlink) .

Quedlinburg: Bellevue Ferienwohnungen

For our second time in Quedlinburg , we stayed in Bellevue Ferienwohnungen.

The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a dining room and two big bedrooms.

It was honestly much bigger than we needed it to be, but we can imagine this being the perfect place to stay for a family!

Check prices and availability at Bellevue Ferienwohnungen (adlink) .

Quedlinburg: Schlosshotel zum Markgrafen

A real-life (renovated) castle, 4-starred Schlosshotel zum Markgrafen is a unique place to stay in Quedlinburg.

It looks like there has been paid great attention to detail . And it’s actually cheaper than we expected.

Check prices and availability at Schlosshotel zum Markgrafen (adlink) .

Wernigerode: Boutique-Hotel Anno 1910

We (unfortunately) haven’t stayed in Wernigerode ourselves, but if we did, it would be a dream to stay at the stylish Boutique-Hotel Anno 1910.

Check prices and availability at Boutique-Hotel Anno 1910 (adlink) .

Hahnenklee: Dein Hotel

Located in Hahnenklee just 15-20 minutes from Goslar (and right next to the Liebesbank Trail !), Dein Hotel looks like a nice place to stay for a nature-filled trip to the Harz Mountains.

Check prices and availability at Dein Hotel (adlink) .

Goslar: Hotel Harzlodge

Hotel Harzlodge is located a little more than a kilometre from the centre of Goslar’s old town and is a fine choice for a budget place to stay in the Harz.

Check prices and availability at Hotel Harzlodge (adlink) .

There are so many incredible attractions and things to do in the Harz Mountains that this travel guide couldn’t possibly fit them all.

These were our favourites.

Here are the 16 best things to do in the Harz Mountains:

• Experience the historic city centre of Goslar
• Go inside the Rammelsberg Mine
• Walk across the Titan-RT Suspension Bridge
• Walk the cobblestoned streets of Wernigerode
• Catch the unique view towards Wernigerode Castle at Agnesberg
• Visit Brocken, Northern Germany’s highest mountain
• Stand in awe under the old linden tree at the Burg Lauenburg ruins
• Learn about the Upper Harz Water Management System
• Experience Quedlinburg’s medieval charm
• Go on short and long hikes in the Harz Mountains
• Hike the Liebesbankweg (love bench trail)
• Hike the circular Torfhausmoor trail in the national park
• Hike around the Oderteich Lake in the national park
• Visit the rock formations of the Teufelsmauer (Devil’s Wall)
• Go back in time at the Walkenried Monastery
• Follow in Luther’s footsteps in Lutherstadt Eisleben

1. Experience the historic city centre of Goslar

Goslar is the main city of the Harz Mountains and historically the most important one.

The Rammelsberg Mine (described below) is located just a few kilometres south of town, having made Goslar famous and wealthy.

Every single street in the old city is unique with more than 1,500 timber-framed houses in total – each more crooked and charming than the next – lining the cobblestone streets.

Stunning churches abound in Goslar with more than a handful located very close to each other in the city centre.

Also, don’t miss the palace !

Using Goslar as a base for the Harz Mountains

We used Goslar as a base for our adventures in the Harz Mountains.

Not only is it conveniently located with easy access to both the mountains, attractions and other towns of the Harz, it’s also an idyllic place in itself.

Goslar is just big enough to have what you need in terms of supermarkets, restaurants and the like while still retaining that smalltown charm that makes you lower your shoulders a bit and commit to a slower pace of life.

Where we stayed in Goslar

We have stayed at three different hotels in Goslar : Hotel Der Achtermann, Romantik Hotel Alte Münze and AKZENT Hotel Villa Saxer.

Hotel Der Achtermann (adlink) is conveniently located close to the train station of Goslar in the northern part of the old town.

The hotel is huge with more than 100 rooms. We loved the spa area with a big adventure pool and several different saunas.

Hotel Alte Münze (adlink) is quieter and has more of a boutique feel to it. The location also couldn’t be better.

AKZENT Hotel Villa Saxer (adlink) is kind of in-between the two. Not huge, but also not a classic boutique hotel. Definitely a solid option nonetheless.

2. Go inside the Rammelsberg Mine

Have you ever been inside a mine ? Prior to visiting Rammelsberg, we hadn’t, and we must say we found the experience to be fascinating !

Imagining the lives of the miners spending all day inside the damp, dark environments with no electricity… Even when they did wear headlamps during the last years, it was still a gruelling job.

On our visit, we got to go into the mine itself and follow in the footsteps of the miners in the narrow galleries.

Before closing in 1988, the Rammelsberg Mine had more than 1,100 years of consecutive mining history – and archaeological finds date mining activity here a mind-blowingly 3,000 years back in time!

Tip: It’s cool inside the mine (even in summer) so remember to bring a jacket or an extra layer.

3. Walk across the Titan-RT Suspension Bridge

Travelling around the Harz Mountains, you will quickly realise how big of a role water has played here historically.

To this day, it still does – exemplified by the Rappbode Dam (Rappbode-Talsperre) – the largest dam in the Harz region and the highest dam in Germany.

The 458-metre long suspension bridge Titan RT runs parallel to the dam – and it’s open for pedestrians.

Walking 100 metres above the water below, you don’t want to walk here if you suffer from serious vertigo … The views are great, though!

If you feel extra brave, check out the GigaSwing – dubbed the most spectacular pendulum jump in Europe.

The bridge is open every day from 09:00 to 18:00 and the price to cross it is 6 euro for adults (~ 6.8 USD) and 4 euro for children aged 4-14 (~ 4.5 USD).

4. Walk the cobblestoned streets of Wernigerode

Walking the old streets of Wernigerode is like stepping back in time , immersing yourself in the charming ambience of a medieval town .

Wernigerode may be slightly less renowned than Goslar and Quedlinburg, but it offers an equally captivating experience.

Only a short walk away from the main thoroughfare will take you to hidden cobblestone paths adorned with beautiful half-timbered houses .

Don’t miss the Marktplatz ( marketplace ) in the centre of town as well as the views up towards Schloss Wernigerode ( Wernigerode Castle ). We also enjoyed strolling around the Lustgarten ( pleasure garden ).

5. Catch the unique view towards Wernigerode Castle at Agnesberg

You’ve seen the Wernigerode Castle from Wernigerode’s old town and perhaps you’ve even been inside its medieval walls .

But have you seen the unique view from behind the popular castle at Agnesberg?

The hike up from town is relatively steep , but at only about 1.5 kilometres each way with an incline of 100 metres, it’s doable for most people. And the viewpoint is truly stunning .

We parked (for free) at the parking lot called “ Parkplatz Am Lustgarten “. The Agnesberg viewpoint is right by “ Stempelstelle HWN 31 “.

6. Visit Brocken, Northern Germany’s highest mountain

Apart from its fairytale-like towns, the Harz Mountains are probably most known for being home to Brocken – Northern Germany’s highest mountain.

Standing at 1.142 metres above sea level , it’s not a truly tall mountain. But with no nearby competitors, it certainly feels tall enough!

The views from up here are naturally amazing as you can see as far as the visibility of the day will allow you to in all directions .

There’s a circular path that goes around the summit which is very family-friendly.

The climate at the summit is almost alpine and often quite cold and surrounded by clouds , so remember to bring appropriate clothing.

Fun fact : If you go in a straight line east from Brocken, the next prominent elevation would be in the Ural Mountains in Russia.

How to get to Brocken?

The most popular way to get to the top of Brocken is with the steam train (Brockenbahn).

Leaving from Wernigerode , the trip to the summit takes more than 1.5 hours – so this is certainly not for people in a rush…

It is however a pretty cool experience to travel with one of Germany’s last remaining steam trains and take in the landscapes in a slow, leisurely way.

For active people, it’s possible to both hike and bicycle to the top. As it’s located in the Harz National Park, no cars are allowed at the summit of Brocken .

7. Stand in awe under the old linden tree at the Burg Lauenburg ruins

We’ll say it right away: This place is severely underrated .

A beautiful, old linden tree seems to be growing right out of the ruins at Große Lauenburg ( Big Lauenburg ) – and with a good chance, you’ll have the magical place all to yourself .

While the tree certainly steals the show, don’t miss the tower at Kleine Lauenburg ( Small Lauenburg ) where you’ll get vistas of the landscapes below.

We parked by the “ Naturfreundehaus Schullandheim Stecklenberg ” and hiked the ~1.6-kilometre forest path to Große Lauenburg with a height difference of about 160 metres.

8. Learn about the Upper Harz Water Management System

To run a mine, you need energy. A lot of energy.

If you’re from a century without electrical switches and gas stations, using running water as your source of energy is almost just as good as the modern alternatives. That’s what the Upper Harz Water Management System is all about.

The people of the Harz Mountains were ingenious in their ways of using water to drive the water wheels of the mines, and the systems are still clearly on display today.

We walked along a few of the hundreds of kilometres of ditches that were dug to divert water. As the dirt had to be put somewhere , there are walking trails along most – if not all – of them.

It’s also impossible to miss the 100+ water reservoirs (although many of them actually are hidden a bit off the beaten track). They were historically used as “batteries” and are now mostly used for swimming in summer .

To learn more about the water management of the Harz Mountains and go on a guided tour in the surrounding landscape, pay a visit to the Upper Harz Mining Museum (Oberharzer Bergwerksmuseum) – one of the oldest technological museums in Germany.

9. Experience Quedlinburg’s medieval charm

Could a town be much more romantic than the UNESCO-listed city of Quedlinburg?

Often heralded as one of Germany’s prettiest towns, Quedlinburg is the epitome of a fairytale countryside town.

With more than 2,000 timber-framed houses , some dating back hundreds and hundreds of years, there’s an almost endless array of cute atmospheric cobblestone streets, perfect for slow strolls (and a soon-to-be-filled photo library).

History has been kind to Quedlinburg in that wars have been fought elsewhere and almost no houses have burned, making for a very authentic experience.

Schlossberg

A must-do in Quedlinburg is visiting the Schlossberg (Castle Mountain).

Unfortunately, it has been in the middle of some renovations while we’ve stayed in town (should be all done at the end of 2024), but walking up the hill and catching the magnificent views of the city and surrounding landscapes is nevertheless totally worth it.

We can also recommend catching the views of the Schlossberg from nearby Münzenberg .

Don’t miss the cute backstreets of Münzenberg as well as discovering the small but pretty Münzenbergmuseum .

Where to stay in Quedlinburg?

We stayed at the lovely Romantik Hotel am Brühl during our first time in Quedlinburg, perfectly located super close to the old town.

The hotel is designed in a charming style and we loved our stay. This is surely one of (if not the ) best hotels in Quedlinburg.

10. Go on short and long hikes in the Harz Mountains

The Harz Mountains are a prime hiking spot with more than 9,000 kilometres of marked trails crisscrossing hills, towns, rivers, forests, valleys and meadows.

Many hikes are dog-friendly (and some are even stroller-friendly!), but you’ll also easily find hikes in the Harz with more demanding terrain and elevation gains .

If you’re looking for longer trails , you’re equally spoilt for choice.

Choose between the Harzer Hexenstieg (100 km), the Harzer Baudensteig (100 km), the Harzer Grenzweg (100 km), the Karstwanderweg Suedharz (200 km), the Selketal-Stieg (72 km), the Harz Monastery Trail (64 km), the Harzer Foersterstieg (60 km) and the Teufelsmauer Stieg (35 km)… To name just a few.

The Harzer Hexenstieg is a popular trail running all the way through the Harz Mountains from Osterode in the west to Thale in the east for about 100 kilometres – notably taking you over Brocken, the highest peak of the Harz .

You can also collect stamps at the 222 checkpoints of the Harzer Wandernadel , located all over the Harz Mountains, to record your visit. Collect all 222 and get the badge of Harz Hiking Emperor or Empress.

11. Hike the Liebesbankweg (love bench trail)

The Liebesbankweg hike in Hahnenklee is a real crowd favourite in the Harz Mountains and one of the best things to do whether or not it’s a sunny day or one of the more overcast ones.

At about 7 kilometres in total length, the circular hike will take you along forest trails past vistas (and many benches!) as well as a couple of scenic ponds ( teich) – a few of which you can swim in.

12. Hike the circular Torfhausmoor trail in the national park

If you’re into nature, you’ll be delighted to explore the stunning trails in Harz National Park . Here the environment is mostly left to itself so biodiversity can flourish .

One of the best hikes in the Harz National Park is the hike around Torfhausmoor, offering picturesque landscapes and a charming boardwalk .

This circular hike is approximately 4.5 kilometres long and can be completed in about 1.5 hours.

13. Hike around the Oderteich Lake in the national park

Once, the Oderteich was the largest dam in Germany. Now it’s a listed UNESCO-World Heritage site in the Harz National Park where the previously planted spruce forest is turning into wild nature complete with dead wood and lots of biodiversity.

The Oderteich is perfect if you’re in search of a non-strenuous circular hike with great photo opportunities on the way.

The route around the lake is approximately 4.5 kilometres long and takes about an hour to walk.

Located inside the Harz National Park, nature here is protected and wild.

14. Visit the rock formations of the Teufelsmauer (Devil’s Wall)

The Teufelsmauer – the Devil’s Wall – is the name of the rock formations (and the trail connecting them) laid out over about 35 kilometres between Blankenburg and Ballenstedt in the eastern part of the Harz.

The most interesting stone formations are the “Großvater”, “Hamburger Wappen”, “Papenstein”, “Königsstein”, “Mittelstein”, “Dicker Stein” and “Gegensteine”.

On our first time in the Harz, we visited the Königsstein and Mittelstein. Second time around, we got to see Hamburger Wappen.

Königsstein and Mittelstein

We parked our car near Thale and walked to the Mittelstein and Königsstein using the parking called “ Parkplatz Teufelsmauer ” on Google Maps located on Quedlinburger Str. 13 in Thale.

The hike was easy and provided great views of the rocks as well as the surrounding landscape.

Hamburger Wappen

On our second visit, we visited Hamburger Wappen from Timmenrode. We parked here .

Hamburger Wappen is a pretty big area with lots of opportunities for exploration and photo spots. An easy recommendation if you like big rocks and nice views!

15. Go back in time at the Walkenried Monastery

Visiting the Walkenried Monastery ( Kloster Walkenried ) is a captivating experience in the Harz that offers a glimpse into the rich history and architectural grandeur of the past .

Stepping foot into the church ruins allows you to immerse yourself in a bygone era, where you can explore the remnants of this medieval monastic complex (from the 12th century!).

We really liked the ruins’ mysterious charm , with weathered stone walls, towering arches, and crumbling corridors that evoke a sense of awe and intrigue – all mixed with the light from the huge windows.

Don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage Information Centre Walkenried right next door where you can learn all about UNESCO and the World Heritage Site (“Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System”) in interactive installations.

Also: We can recommend taking a walk around the cute town of Walkenried .

16. Follow in Luther’s footsteps in Lutherstadt Eisleben

If you’re a history buff, don’t miss Lutherstadt Eisleben – the home of Martin Luther .

Martin Luther was the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, and in Lutherstadt Eisleben you can visit his birthplace as well as his death place .

Three churches you can’t miss on your visit:

• St. Andreaskirche : The largest church in the city. St. Andreas played an important role in the Reformation and Luther delivered his last sermons here.
• St.-Petri-Pauli-Kirche : This is where Martin Luther was baptized. Contact the church in advance if you want to get baptized here yourself in the new circular pool.
• St. Annen : Visit the Augustinian Hermits Monastery and check out the incredible coffered ceiling from 1608 inside the church. Also, the views from up here across the Lutherstadt Eisleben are beautiful.

Parking tip : Parkplatz Siebenhitze is free all day long and very close to the city centre.

Bonus: Check out all of the most photogenic viewpoints of the Harz Mountains

If you haven’t noticed already, the Harz Mountains are full of photographic opportunities.

So many, in fact, that we can’t include them all here.

If you’re interested in adding beautiful photos to your portfolio and/or Instagram feed, make sure to check out our guide on where to find the best photo spots & most beautiful viewpoints (with 21 ideas).

While Germany (apart from its bigger cities) might not be famous for putting plants at the centre of the plate, we’ve actually been able to eat lots of diverse, delicious plant-based foods in the Harz Mountains.

Goslar has the most dining options, including two fully vegetarian places ( Schneeweiss + Rosenrot as well as Soup & Soul Kitchen ). We also liked Brumbys Restaurant .

We haven’t spent much time in Wernigerode , but here you’ll also have quite a few options. We dined in the cosy courtyard at Garden of India .

For lunch in Quedlinburg , Samocca is a really solid choice.

Using HappyCow , we’ve had luck finding tasty vegan meals all over the Harz Mountains .

Arabic, Vietnamese and Indian cuisine are often good bets for veganising common dishes in Germany.

We didn’t visit it ourselves, but Naturkost-Hotel Harz (adlink) is an all-vegan bed and breakfast located in the mountains near Bad Grund southwest of Goslar that also serves food for non-guests.

The road network in the Harz is well-developed and it’s fast to go pretty much anywhere in the region. You’d be hard-pressed to find trips inside the Harz Mountains that take more than an hour of driving.

Parking is generally free in many places. In the towns and near attractions, you may have to pay a small fee if you park centrally. It’s a good idea to bring cash (euro coins) in those cases.

By public transport

We didn’t use any public transport ourselves in the Harz Mountains, but it should definitely be possible to go almost wherever you like with a combination of local trains and buses.

Many trains and buses have timetables and routes that are specifically designed for hikers .

Don’t miss the steam trains that are still very much in use!

The Harz Mountains are connected to the German autobahn meaning you can go here by car from all of Europe in a whizz.

Be aware that people drive very fast on the sections of the autobahn that don’t have speed limits. Overtake with caution.

Fly into either Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Leipzig or Frankfurt and catch a local train or hire a car to get to the Harz Mountains.

Use our adlink below to find the cheapest tickets:

Search for the cheapest flight tickets on Momondo .

It’s possible to travel by train from all over Europe to the Harz Mountains.

Goslar is the main hub, but it’s also possible to for example go to Wernigerode and Quedlinburg.

On our first visit, we took the train from Copenhagen, Denmark to Goslar which took about 7-8 hours total each way with transfers in Hamburg and Hannover.

There’s no bad time to visit the Harz Mountains, but as with most other holiday destinations, avoiding the main holiday seasons is a good idea if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy cheaper accommodation.

Spring is a beautiful time to visit with warming weather, rushing water and blooming flowers.

Summer is naturally the warmest season. The summer holidays in Germany are spread out between the middle of June and the middle of September. When we visited in June we had incredible, warm and sunny days.

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit. We visited the Harz Mountains in the middle of November where we were lucky to still see some colourful leaves on the trees. For the best autumn foliage, it might make sense to visit a little bit earlier.

Winter is a popular time to visit for winter sports. Especially so during Christmas and New Year’s. During heavy snowfall, the Harz Mountains turn into the most perfect fairytale winter landscape.

• Travel insurance (adlink) . Never travel without it!
• A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use .
• Sunscreen (adlink) . The sun can be strong even in winter.
• Hiking shoes , sneakers or other comfortable shoes you can walk in.
• Swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim or stay at a hotel with a spa.
• Water and snacks .

To minimise your impact during your visit in the Harz Mountains, follow these guidelines:

• Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
• Avoid single-use plastics , including straws.
• Dispose of waste properly .
• Check your sunscreen if you intend to swim. Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
• Take only photos, leave only footprints . Let everything stay in its natural place.
• Be considerate of other visitors .
• Respect wildlife.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for getting all the way to the end! We hope this travel guide to the Harz Mountains has been useful.

What do you think about the northernmost mountains in Germany and all of the lovely historic towns?

If you’ve been to the Harz, it would be awesome to hear what you think we missed. Please share your best tips and tricks in the comments – thank you!

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re only happy to help.

Pin for later:

Our favourite travel resources:

• Booking.com for cheap hotels.
• Momondo for the best flight deals.
• SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller . All three compared here .

Our camera gear:

• Panasonic GH5 . Used for all of our photos and videos.
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro . Best drone out there!
• Sirui Tripod . Lightweight and strong.
• See all of our camera gear here .

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2 thoughts on “ A Complete Travel Guide to the Harz Mountains: 16 Best Things to Do in Germany’s Secret Adventure Wonderland ”

Hi Alex and Victoria, I am touring Europe this May for 2 months and having read your guide to the Harz Mountains have decided to go there. I’m visiting Düsseldorf and Leipzig so it will be a great adventure to get out into the wild area of northern Germany. Thanks so much for your very detailed guide, great that you share the free parking points too. Decided to visit Kassel, Goslar, Gustav Adolf Stave Curvh, then do the summit walk. Then on to Wernigerode to get that picture of the castle 🙂 Will then venture on towards Leipzig calling in at the beautifully described Quedlinberg.

Hi Ian, thanks so much for your kind words and for sharing your itinerary! We’re sure you’ll love venturing out into the wild – the Harz Mountains truly is a beautiful area of Germany. Enjoy! 🙂

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The prettiest places to visit in the Harz Mountains

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that I’m a big fan of Germany. I travel there quite often and figured it was about time for a new blog on one of my favorite regions: the Harz Mountains. In the fall of 2018 I was invited by the Dutch branch of the German tourism board to visit this region. I didn’t just do quite some spectacular things but also visited the best historical places, hiked through nature, enjoyed some of the best Kaffee mit Kuchen ever and more. You will read all my tips for the Harz Mountains in this blog.   This article was first written in February 2019 and updated in 2022  

Table of Contents | Inhoudsopgave

Where are the Harz Mountains in Germany?

Best places to visit in the Harz Mountains

Culture: the prettiest places in the Harz Mountains

Even though you may not expect it, you can visit various cultural places in the Harz Mountains, such as Quedlinburg and Wernigerode. I visited both towns during my most recent trip and will tell you all about them below.  

The quaint little town of Quedlinburg

Wernigerode and its castle

Nature in the Harz Mountains and Harz National Park

For those looking for impressive nature: you will not be disappointed. Previously I already wrote this blog about how I lost my heart to the Harz and about hiking a section of the Harzer Hexenstieg. I also climbed Brocken back then and during this visit, I climbed it again, from another trail this time.  

A ride with the Brockenbahn – the famous Harz railway

Climbing Brocken

Visit Nationalpark Harz

The Harz National Park is made up up dense forests, steep cliffs and rock formations. The tree line is located at some 1.100 meters, meaning that the top of Brocken is just above the tree line. In the national park you’ll find countless hiking trails, one of them being the Harzer Hexenstieg, one of the Top Trails of Germany. In various locations you will find nature park houses where you can find all kinds of information about the national park. Torfhaus and Drei Annen Hohne are among those places able to provide you with information.  

Riding the cable cars at Thale

Aventure in the Harz at the Harzdrenalin Center

Since a couple of years the Harz has some fun attractions for the thrill seekers at the Harzdrenalin Center . You’ll find this center in Oberharz am Brocken, at about a half hour drive from Wernigerode. A visit to the Harzdrenalin Centrum is a nice add on to your visit to the Harz Mountains. Even if you are not doing any of the activities they offer, it’s still worth to see the views over the Rappbodetalsperre and surrounding mountains.  

Mega Zipline in the Harz

The Titan RT swing bridge

Where to stay in Harz Mountains

In the Harz Mountains there are plenty of options for overnighting. From bungalow parks to small B&B’s and pretty hotels in half timbered houses: there’s something for everyone’s wishes. I stayed at Hotel Am Anger in Wernigerode : a charming 3.5 star hotel located right in the heart of the city. My room offered views of the Wernigerode castle and next to the reception you’ll find the Louisen Cafe which offers amazing coffee and cakes. I can truly recommend staying here during your visit to Harz Mountains.   All other accommodations in the Harz can be found here .  

4 Days in the Harz – things to do!

More things to do in the Harz National Park

Are you looking for more fun things to do in the Harz National Park or region? Then make sure to check below what the best options are. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed as I loved the Harz!  

Conclusion and disclaimer

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog about the Harz and that you found this travel guide useful. This trip was made in collaboration with the German Tourism Board and Harz Tourismus. In this blog you’ll find some affiliate links. If you decide to buy and/or book something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

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22 Amazing Things to Do in the Harz Mountains, Germany

The Harz Mountains is a beautiful highland area in Northern Germany, famous for its well-preserved medieval towns, stories of magic and witches, regal castles, and immersive forest hikes through the 247 km 2 (95 sq mi) Harz National Park. It combines land from three different federal states: Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.

If you’re like me, you’ve just found out about the Harz Mountains and are asking yourself, “How is it possible I’ve never heard of this place?” This guide to the Harz mountains includes:

• How to reach the Harz Mountains – How to reach Harz from cities like Berlin.
• Quick tips for visiting Harz – The best time to visit, what to pack, and how to plan your trip.
• Where to stay in the Harz region – Where I recommend staying in Harz to travel efficiently.
• Things to do in the Harz Mountains – All the best things I did on my own Harz Mountains trip, which I can highly recommend you try for yourself!

How to reach the Harz Mountains

You can reach the Harz Mountains from anywhere in Northeast Germany, such as Berlin, Leipzig, Hamburg, or Dresden, in under 3 hours. It works as a Berlin day trip but for the best experience, you’ll want to stay for at least a couple days.

Here are the different ways to reach the Harz Mountains:

• By car – The easiest way to reach the Harz Mountains is definitely by car. This is because the trains run infrequently, so if you miss a connection you’ll be waiting for an hour at minimum. We always book with Discover Cars and recommend them.
• By train – There are two main train stations in Harz which you can reach from Berlin: Wernigerode and Goslar . Between the two, I’d recommend staying in Wernigerode. To get the best deal, you should definitely book these tickets in advance. For train tickets to Wernigerode from Berlin, click here to check prices and availability .
• By tour – The only tour I could find departs from Leipzig as a day trip. If you only have one day and you’re based in Leipzig, you can check that out here .

Tips for visiting Harz

• You should spend at least 3 days in Harz. We stayed for an entire week, and still felt like we had much more to see. In three days, you can visit the main towns, do one longer hike, and have a flexible day for special excursions.
• The best time to visit Harz is Summer and Autumn. Harz is often cooler than neighboring cities, so it’s a great escape from the heat. Autumn sees spectacular foliage, as well. Prepare for intermittent thunderstorms in both seasons.
• Most menus, signs, and directions will only be in German. Some of the more touristic towns like Wernigerode and Goslar will have more available in English. But it’s best if you come prepared, either brushing up on your German or with a translation app handy.
• Cell phone reception is very spotty in smaller towns and on the road. It’s extremely common to drive through Harz National Park and lose your cell signal. Be sure to download offline maps.
• Make reservations for any meal you plan to eat out. It is surprisingly hard to find somewhere to eat in this region without a reservation (even for breakfast!). Call ahead and make a reservation every night, you won’t regret it.

Where to stay in Harz

The Harz region looks pretty big on a map, and it can actually take quite a long time to travel from corner to corner (45 minutes to an hour, depending on the route). That’s why it’s so important to carefully choose where you’re going to stay.

• Braunlage Best for a long stay – This is where we stayed. Very central location, close to great hiking spots. We stayed in BergNest Braunlage which was an absolute steal at under 100€ per night.
• Wernigerode or Quedlinburg Best for a short stay – Located in the Northwest, these are convenient spots for exploring North Harz (the most popular area).
• Sankt Andreasberg – Located next to Braunlage, also has a proper dining/shopping street and a small supermarket for stocking up.

If you’re staying more than a weekend, I definitely recommend staying in Braunlage , a surprisingly cute mountain town on the edge of the Harz National Park in the East. Tons of places to eat dinner, handy hiking and outdoors shops, several proper-sized supermarkets close-by, a gas station, and located centrally.

These towns are small, and get booked out fast . If you’re planning a trip now, put in your dates below and hit “Search” to see what’s available:

Things to do in the Harz Mountains

1. collect stamps for the harzer wandernadel.

Harz is famous for hiking, and one of their initiatives to get people to visit more diverse areas in the region is the Harzer Wandernadel .

Known as the “Harz Hiking Pin” in English, Harzer Wandernadel is a program where you can collect stamps from 222 different stations scattered throughout the region in a booklet. Then, you can trade in those stamps for pins as you reach certain milestones.

Participating in the Harzer Wandernadel was easily one of my favorite things to do in Harz!

Each location has a number, and the booklet you pick up has a list of each and where to find them. Though sometimes, finding the stamp location can be an adventure on its own!

It’s a fun, gamified way to explore the region while you seek out stamps in all sorts of obscure locations. Most locations will include a bit of hiking (which makes sense, given the name).

Here’s an example of what one of the Stempelstelle (stamp locations) looks like:

By the end of our weeklong trip, we were able to claim both the Bronze and Silver hiking pins! Beyond that you can also get a gold pin, and be crowned as the Harz hiking king or queen for collecting stamps at all 222 locations.

My top tip: Pick up the Harzer Wandernadel pass early in your trip, so you can get as many stamps as possible without needing to backtrack. We got ours at the tourism center in Wernigerode.

2. Hike the Bode Valley (Bodetal)

Bodetal is easily the top outdoor destination in the entire Harz region. Sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of Germany”, this valley features lucious green forests and calming river sounds to keep you company on your hike.

There are two main ways to hike the Bodetal: down next to the river, or at the top of the canyon. If you make it a roundtrip hike (10km there and back), you can theoretically take both paths.

If you want to really hike through the more forested areas, then you’ll enjoy the lower path. The hike starts out with a wide, almost paved path and after the Jungfernbrücke gets more rocky and more like a typical hiking path.

Definitely bring food for lunch, and plenty of water. This hike took us something like 5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace, stopping for photos/video, and admiring the valley.

If you’re not up for the full hike, just hiking to Jungfernbrücke is a popular, and very short path. There’s a restaurant at the end which will be very busy if you arrive around lunch.

The most popular way to do this hike is to start in Thale and do it as a one-way hike ending in Treseburg . From there, you can call a taxi or take a (very infrequent) bus back to Thale. Make sure to bring cash (30€ at least), in case the taxi doesn’t accept card.

There’s not much going on in Treseburg, so I wouldn’t plan on it for more than a post-hike refreshment. You’ll see prettier towns during your Harz trip.

3. Climb the Agnesburg for a view of Harz’s best castle in Wernigerode

I’d be lying if visiting the Schloss (castle) in Wernigerode wasn’t towards the tippy-top of my Harz itinerary. This stunning castle can be seen from many angles in Wernigerode, but the best is undoubtedly from the viewpoint at the top of Agnesburg .

The hike up here wasn’t long, but it’s all uphill and is a little confusing with all the winding paths. But if you make it, and catch a glimpse of sunshine, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Schloss Wernigerode .

At least when we went, there weren’t a ton of people at the top. This meant we had time and space to ourselves to take photos and enjoy the view. I certainly enjoyed some nice bench time after the uphill hike.

4. See the famous orange town hall in Wernigerode

While you’re in Wernigerode, you can’t miss the famous Rathaus (town hall) in the main square. It clearly looks like something out of an old witches tale, with its ominous pointed spires and half-timbered exterior.

Attached is a cafe, and behind it on the left you’ll find the Wernigerode tourism office (where you can pick up your Harz Hiking Pass!).

Wernigerode has plenty more scenic streets while not being a huge town. Your main challenge will be finding parking, as it’s one of the most popular spots to visit in the entire Harz region. Its popularity is also reflected in steep prices for food and coffee.

Come early to avoid the crowds, or later in the afternoon when they’ve all emptied out. The morning is best for pictures because that’s when the Rathaus has direct sunlight.

5. Hike the Ilsenburg (or go all the way to Brocken)

While the Bodetal is inarugably the most popular hike in Harz, I’d venture to say that Ilsenburg is even prettier. Both have beautiful forested pathways you can wander along for hours, but what Ilsenburg offers is a lot of variety along the way.

Your first stop on this hike will be the Ilsenburg Lower Falls, a great spot for a picnic and some photos from the bridge. We thought that the lower falls looked even better than the upper falls, which you’ll reach later.

Along the way there are also a lot of little detours you can take to scenic viewpoints (and more hiking stamps!). You can easily just keep an eye on sign posts, and check in your hiking pass whether the locations are named.

One great place to get a view over the valley is Ilsestein .

You’ll also find a lot of self-described Klippe (“cliffs” in English). Like this one below called Gebertsbergklippen , which does not exist as a location on Google maps: a common issue in Harz.

Towards the end of our hike, we landed in Plessenburg . Here we could collect a hiking stamp, and down a Radler for refreshment. But it’s possible to hike all the way to the highest point in the Harz, the Brocken.

5. Have a coffee in Germany’s most beautiful village, Stolberg

Stolberg was rated Germany’s most beautiful village a few years ago, and if you’re one of the few people to visit you’ll see why.

This cute town in the South of Harz used to be much more popular with tourists. But in recent years, people have flocked instead to the bigger towns of Quedlinburg and Wernigerode instead. Better for you, as you wander the streets of this adorable village, ice cream in hand!

Come here for a coffee on the main square, and visit the next spot on the list: the Luther Beech forest just outside of town.

6. Walk up to the Luther beech forest for a view of Stolberg palace

After you’ve seen Stolberg, climb the path to the Luther Beech Forest. It’s named after Martin Luther, who apparently came to Stolberg and stopped to rest and reflect at this spot.

There’s a wooden plaque attached to a tree that claims Luther compared the town to the shape of a bird. Whether or not that makes any sense is for you to decide, as you peer over Stolberg and its castle.

As usual, you can collect a stamp here for your Harzer Wandernadel.

7. Ride the Brockenbahn

The Brockenbahn is what’s called a Schmalspurbahn , which translates literally into “narrow-guage train”. This steam-powered train is a blast from the past, and traverses 140 kilometers of narrow guage railway throughout the Harz region.

It’s called the Brockenbahn because you can take it all the way up to the Brocken, which is the highest mountain in the region at 1,141 meters (3,743 feet) above sea level. This particular line was completed in 1899.

You can ride the Bahn for 34€ as an adult (one-way), or 51€ (return trip). That is to say, it’s not cheap especially considering how short the ride is.

If you just want to snap some photos, the best place to get a glimpse of the Brockenbahn is at stations like Drei Annen Hohne .

8. See over 16,000 half-timbered houses in Quedlinburg

Quedlinburg includes a castle, church, and old town which were all added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. The town contains over 16,000 half-timbered houses and is one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval and Renaissance towns in all of Europe.

This is because it escaped much of the bombing in Germany during World War II.

In fact, the buildings in Quedlinburg are from at least five different centuries. One of which, is from the 14th century and one of Germany’s oldest buildings. And you thought you had to go to Munich to see traditional Germany? Not so!

Among domestic tourists, Quedlinburg is probably more famous for its Christmas market, with hotels and guest houses selling out months in advance. Can you imagine something more quintessentially German than a Christmas market in a town that looks like this? I think not.

9. Go inside one of Germany’s only surviving Stave churches

Stave churches are ornate, wooden churches that were once common in North Western Europe but few survive today. The most famous examples are located in Norway, but a precious few churches in this style survive in Europe. As you can probably imagine, being made of wood, they had a nasty habit of burning down.

The Gustav Adolf Stave Church is actually more of a replica of older churches, in particular the Borgund Stave Church located in Norway. As such, it was only constructed in 1907.

The church is located in Hahnenklee and you can go inside for a small fee.

10. Climb to the top of Josephskreuz in South Harz

On your way to Stolberg, stop by the Josephskreuz where you can climb up this steel structure to get a view over the entire South Harz region. It was inaugurated in 1896 and is held together by about 100,000 rivets. From the top, you’re about 38 meters above ground.

To reach Josephkreuz, you’ll start on a forest path marked by these two creepy children carvings. Go through and it’s about a 20-30 minute walk from the parking lot up to the Kreuz.

Once you arrive, you can buy an entry ticket and climb up to the top of the structure. Originally, Josephskreuz was built in wood but because it wore down with time, it was eventually replaced by the steel structure you see today which weighs in at 125 tons.

The spiral staircase to the top includes about 200 steps, and lets you see the entire landscape of the lower Harz region. This includes the Brocken mountain, Inselsberg and Magdeburg. And as usual, you can pick up a stamp here for your Wandernadel.

11. See the smallest half-timbered house in Germany, Kleinstes Haus

Say hello to Kleinstes Haus , which literally means “Smallest House” in German. Located in Wernigerode, this is the smallest half-timbered house in all of Germany. It contains a small museum, which unfortunately wasn’t open when we visited late in the afternoon.

If anything, a quick pitstop during your trip to Wernigerode.

12. Drive up to Hexentanzplatz (Witch’s Dancing Place) for a view over the Bodetal

Hexentanzplatz is like a very, very miniature amusement park for children which also includes some places to eat. Apart from statues of devils that children play on, you’ll also find a few trailheads you can use to see the Bodetal from several different angles.

13. Hike over to La Viershoehe

This viewpoint called La Viershoehe is located just around the corner of the main viewing platform at Hexentanzplatz. From here, you can walk out to the edge and see a sweeping view of the Bodetal.

It’s a great way to end your hike around the Bodetal, because you get to see the kind of terrain you were surrounded by during your hiking adventure.

14. Go to Goslar

Goslar is one of the bigger, and more developed towns in Harz and completes the trifecta of towns most tourists go to see (with Wernigerode and Quedlinburg being the other two). It’s quite a bit bigger than the other two, with a population of around 50,000 people.

Goslar’s most famous viewpoint is the town square, which includes the Town Hall and market fountain. This fountain is considered the largest and oldest surviving Romanesque fountain in Germany.

From here you can just wander around and find some cute, cobbled streets for your Instagram shots. Goslar is also a great place to grab a traditional German meal at once of the eateries near the center.

15. Grab a stamp at Engagement Island in the Oker

Engagement Island is one of the many places on our Harz trip we originally just stopped to pick up a stamp for our Wandernadel. It was a bit of an adventure to find the path that would actually lead us to the island and not result in falling into a pit of mud.

But once we made it, it was a beautiful spot to enjoy golden hour.

16. Visit Herzberg am Harz in South Harz

Herzberg am Harz is a cute, small town in Harz which has a main, car-free pedestrian center. Maybe the favorite structure we saw during our stroll through Herzberg was this firehouse:

On the way out, you’ll also probably see the Herzberg Castle, which the town is probably most famous for. After that, the fun fact about Herzberg am Harz is that it happens to practice Esperanto as an auxiliary language to German.

17. Stop by Lonauer Waterfall

Lonauer Waterfall is a 10-meter high natural waterfall, and the largest natural waterfall in the western Harz mountains. You can reach it on an easy hike, which you’ll find in an otherwise residential neighborhood of Herzberg am Harz.

It’s a worthy stop if you happen to be in the area and want to catch a waterfall.

18. See one of Germany’s most impressive monuments at Kyffhäuser

Kyffhäuser Monument is a monument to Frederick I Barbarossa, the legendary king that united Germany from a patchwork of over 1,600 states into a single nation. In fact, the ruins of Imperial castle are also located here and date back to 1,000 AD.

According to legend, Barbarossa slept under the Kyffhäuser until Germany needed him. The king who actually had this monument constructed, Kaiser Wilhelm I, was portrayed as the second coming of Barbarossa and is also memorialized at Kyffhäuser.

19. Grab a stamp and a view at Rote Stein

Rote Stein is one of the many scenic viewpoints in the Harz region, which also has a stamp you can get for your Harzer Wandernadel. Come for the stamp, stay for the views.

20. Visit Teufelsmauer (Devil’s Wall) from two locations

Teufelsmauer is a rock formation made of sandstone, located on the Harz region. It runs all the way from Blankenburg to Ballenstedt, and as such there are several pieces you can specifically visit. All the key paths to the rock formations are easily accessible by footpaths and not too far from the car park.

21. Visit the monastery at Walkenried

The Walkenried Abbey was founded back in 1127 by Cisterians, a Catholic religious order of monks and nuns. During its long history, it was greatly damaged and much of it fell into disrepair until the first effort to renovate the building began in 1876. Today you can go inside and visit a museum.

People are still excavating the area around the abbey and if you come here you may see archaeologists at work.

22. Radau Waterfall

The Radau waterfall stems from the Radau river, and ultimately plunges 23 meters (75 feet) into a pool below. This waterfall is easily accessible from the highway, making it a lovely and quick stop during your Harz road trip.

Planning a trip to Harz?

I hope you enjoyed this guide to visiting Harz, Germany and you have a wonderful trip. If you’re planning to visit more in East Germany, don’t miss my guides to Berlin’s best day trips and things to do in Berlin .

About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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Things to Do in Harz, Germany - Harz Attractions

Things to do in harz.

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• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
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• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Cave Experience Centre Iberg Dripstone Cave

2. WeltWald Harz

3. 19 Lachter Stollen

4. Uhrenmuseum

5. Waldschwimmbad Okerteich

6. Wolfswarte

7. Bergbaumuseum Knesebeckschacht

8. Hubichenstein

9. Zoo Aschersleben

10. Altenauer Brauerei

11. Touristinformation Bad Gandersheim

12. Kriminalpanoptikum Aschersleben

13. Portal Zur Geschichte Kloster Brunshausen

14. Stiftskirche Bad Gandersheim

15. grafikstiftung neo rauch.

16. Stadtmuseum

17. Grauer Hof

18. Kristall "Heisser Brocken"

19. Marktplatz

20. Stadtmuseum Bad Gandersheim

21. Bronzerelief Der Altstadt

22. Festspielbrunnen

23. hardys welt.

24. Glowgolf

25. bogenzentrum-huy.

26. Zur Ecke seit 1866

27. gaststatte 24.

28. Harz Keramik

29. Roemerschlacht am Harzhorn

What travelers are saying

• Waldschwimmbad Okerteich
• Altenauer Brauerei
• Cave Experience Centre Iberg Dripstone Cave
• WeltWald Harz
• Kriminalpanoptikum Aschersleben
• Zoo Aschersleben
• 19 Lachter Stollen

15 Things to Do in Harz Mountains & National Park

Author:  Caroline

The fantastical Harz Mountains sprawls out across three regions in Germany, is the birthplace of many a-legend and home to the most storybook medieval half-timbered villages in the country. There is plenty to do in the Harz Mountains & the Harz National Park, let’s delve in.

The Harz Mountains, located in central Germany , is a spectacular mountainous region carpeted in neverending forests made up of beech trees and high-altitude spruces. There is something mythical about this part of the country, where wild lynx roam the forest, a 19th-century steam train slowly puffs its way through the mountains and every year, on the 30th of April, Walpurgis night is celebrated. Legend has it that witches gather on Brocken Mountain awaiting the arrival of spring. This guide to the Harz Mountains was carefully created after I visited the region multiple times, once in winter and once at the beginning of Spring. The below itinerary can be done in 5-7 days and does not require a car, aside from one or two lesser-reachable attractions.

Please note:  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).  Learn more .

Harz Mountains Quick Guide

WHERE TO STAY

• Bad Harzburg (Treehouse): Sonnenresort Ettershaus
• Goslar: Romantik Hotel Alte Münze
• Wernigerode: Ringhotel Weißer Hirsch

HIGHLIGHTS OF HARZ

• Top activity: Sunset Hike on the Brocken
• Favorite museum: Rammelsberg Mines
• Drinks with a view: Maltermeister Turm in Goslar

USEFUL READING: €49/month ticket Deutsche Bahn & Tools for Sustainable Travel by German National Tourism Board

OFFICIAL TOURISM WEBSITE: Town of Goslar ; Region of Harz ; Federal State of Lower Saxony ; Federal State of Saxony Anhalt

MONEY SAVER : Look into the Harz Card which grants access to various museums and activities throughout the entire Harz Region.

INSPIRATION: Explore northern Germany with an electric car

15 Things to Do in Harz Germany

1. Meander around Goslar

The medieval town of Goslar is one of my absolute favorite places in the Harz Mountains. The remarkably well-preserved old town is UNESCO-classified thanks to the 1500 beautiful half-timbered houses, some of which date back to the 12th century.

Goslar was part of the Hansen Cities , a powerful medieval trading alliance of cities in northern Europe, promoting economic cooperation and maritime trade from the 12th to the 17th century. Its prominence can be traced to the discovery of rich mineral deposits, particularly silver and copper, in the nearby Rammelsberg mountain during the 10th century. The mining industry thrived, attracting skilled miners and craftsmen to settle in Goslar.

Goslar became an important mining and administrative center, where the extraction and trade of precious metals played a crucial role. The wealth and power of the mining guilds contributed to the town’s prosperity and led to the construction of magnificent churches, guild halls, and merchant houses.

THINGS TO DO | Visit Goslar Imperial Palace, Wander through Old Town, Climb the Bell Tower (Goslarer Marktkirchturm), Visit the Goslar Museum, Grab a drink on the Market Square, Find the Siemens house

VIEWPOINT | Walk up to the Maltermeisterturm for the best views over the town. As you meander back down, the rolling plains in front of the town are carpeted in picnic goers of all ages during summer.

WHERE TO EAT | Schneeweiss + Rosenrot (delicious vegan lunch); Soup and Soul Goslar; Weite Welt Goslar; Trüffel; Paulaner Goslar

PRACTICAL | Store your luggage in a locker inside the Tourism Office (requires €1/coin) while you explore the town.

2. Head into Rammelsberg Mine

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 09.00 am to 06.00 pm; closes at 05.00 pm November to March Entrance Fee: €9 without a guided tour, €18 with a guided tour (recommend) How to get there: Walk 30 min from Goslar Altstad // Take either bus 803 or 809 (buy the ticket from the bus driver, in cash)

While I was hesitant at first “What am I going to do in a mine?”, the tour turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip to the Harz Mountains. As it was once the beating heart of Goslar, it is an essential stop for anyone looking to delve a little deeper into the local history and culture.

The mines has a remarkable underground mining system, consisting of tunnels, shafts, and galleries. This innovative engineering marvel allowed for the efficient extraction of resources and served as a blueprint for subsequent mining operations.

GUIDED TOURS | The Rammelsberg Mines offer 6 different types of guided tours, and the option to visit the on-site museum without a tour. Most tours are available in English and German, while a select few also offer Danish tours. I took the Roeder Stollen gallery tour, which lasted about 1h30.

Good to know: If you are planning on going inside the mines, make sure to wear proper footwear as the ground is uneven and slippery in certain places. I wore sneakers, which worked out perfectly.

3. Wander around Bad Harzburg

The tiny hamlet Bad Harzburg is worth a visit if you are looking for a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle. The town was a favored destination for royals and nobles seeking respite in its healing thermal springs. A popular spa destination in the late 19th and first half of the 20th century, when Bad Harzburg was brimming with holiday goers, for whom lavish pensions (B&B’s) and health resorts were built. These buildings are slowly being renovated, slow being the operative word.

THINGS TO DO | Explore the ruins of the Harzbug Castle, walk along the Tree Top Trail, ride the scenic Burgberg cable car or go hiking in the surrounding Harz National Park.

WHERE TO EAT | Sagenhaft for salads, Cafe Flora for cake and coffee.

HOW TO GET AROUND | If you stay in Bad Harzburg you will receive a HATIX card , allowing you free access to all the busses. If not, make sure to bring cash to pay for a (bus) ticket from the driver or a (train) ticket from the vending machine in the station.

TREEHOUSE HOTEL: I used Bad Harzbug as a base to explore Goslar and Harz National Park. It is well connected via bus/train and I got to stay in an awesome treehouse at Sonnenresort Ettershouse !

4. Walk the Tree Trail in Bad Harzburg

Opening Hours:  April to October – 09.30 am to 6.00 pm; November to March – 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Entrance Fee: €9 (adults) How to get there: Walk 20 minutes from the Bad Harzbug train station or take bus 875/871/873 from the station. Get off at stop Bad Harzburg Märchenwald (line 875); Bad Hazrburg Burbergbahn (line 871/873)

The Tree Top Trail ( Baumwipfelpfad ) is an elevated wooden pathway winding its way through the lush forest, granting visitors a unique perspective of nature from above. Stretching over 1,000 meters in length and rising up to 26 meters high.

Along the route, strategically placed viewing platforms offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Harz Mountains, showcasing their majestic peaks, verdant valleys, and shimmering lakes. Educational signs and interactive exhibits provide valuable insights into the ecosystem and wildlife that call this area home.

I visited on a quiet weekday in June, which in practice meant I almost had the walkway to myself. The path was built to offer an inclusive experience for all kinds of travelers, ensuring young and old can enjoy soaring above the canopy.

5. Ride the Most Scenic Cable Car in Harz & Zipline Back Down

Opening Hours: April to October – 09.30 am to 6.00 pm; November to March – 10.00 am to 05.00 pm Entrance Fee: Cable Car €5 (up and down); Zipline €15 How to get there: Cable Car Ride starts at the ticket office

The little white cabins whizzing over the Tree Top Trail are locally known as the Burgbergseilbahn and have been operating since 1929, long before the tree trail walk was opened. The 3-minute ride takes you up to the top of the BurgBerg from where a plethora of hikes into the Harz National Park start.

As you get off the cable car, take a left and head up the little stairs. Here you will find both a viewpoint (great at sunrise) and a small restaurant. Turn right from the cable car and walk about 5 minutes to reach the starting point of the zipline ( BaumSchwebeBahn ).

The “zipline” was created to accommodate all types of travelers. It slowly glides along metal rails down the BurgBerg to the top of the Tree Top trail. Personally, I am not convinced it is worth the entrance fee. A 45-minute hike will bring you back down to Bad Harzburg and provide the same views.

TICKET PURCHASE | There is one ticket office for the cable cars, zipline and Tree Top Trail.

RECOMMENDED ITINERARY | Take the cable car up to the BurgBerg, grab a coffee at Plumbohms B&B and hike in the direction of Molkenhaus for lunch. From here embark on one of the many different hikes around the Harz National Park and back down to Bad Harzburg.

6. Stroll Around Wernigerode

We made but a very brief pitstop in the colorful town of Wernigerode, which was decked out in full Christmas regalia, adding to the already undeniable charm. Walking around Alstadt, with its 16th-century half-timbered houses and cobblestone alleys felt like stepping into a postcard, albeit one with questionable Christmas music playing in the background.

THINGS TO DO | The absolute best thing to do is simply get lost in the labyrinthine stress of the town. Start from the central square and check out the lavish 15th-century town hall ( Rathouse Wernigerode ), saunter past the Krummelsches Haus and see if you can find the smallest house in town ( kleinstes house ).

WINTER TIP | The Christmas Market is held from the last week of November until a few days before Christmas (dates vary each year).

7. Check Out Wernigerode Castle

Entrance Fee: €7 adults; €4.5 children Tickets: Purchase at the entrance Guided Tours: Available upon request, pre-booking required online Opening Hours: Check official website

If you are exploring Wernigerode, then a visit to the beautiful Wernigerode Castle is an absolute must. This turreted beauty is arguably one of the most iconic castles in the entire Harz Mountains. The magnificent interior contains over 50 rooms all of which can be visited with an audioguide (a surcharge of €2.5 for the audioguide is applicable).

The original castle dates back to the 12th century when it was a small medieval fortress. Over the years the castle was extensively renovated and expanded. It served as a residence for the noble family of Stolberg-Wernigerode until the early 20th century.

BEST VIEWPOINT | The opposite hill, Agnesberg , offers the very best views of the castle itself. We hiked a short 10 minutes to the top of the hill, which has a little bench and a large clearing with uninterrupted views of the castle itself.

8. Hike in Harz National Park

With over 9,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails, the Harz National Park is one of the very best places for hiking in Germany. The terrain is varied ranging from steep climbs to gently sloping paths crisscrossing thick forests. Most of the trails are well-marked and dog-friendly!

I picked up a hiking map at the tourism office in Bad Harzburg and embarked on an easy day hike from the top of the Burgberg, round to the Rabenklippe and in the direction of the Molkenhaus (which serves delicious lunch). After lunch I made my way back down in the direction of Bad Harzburg simply by following the signs.

If you want to go about your hike in a slightly more organized manner, check out Komoot or Alltrails for tons of hiking inspiration. Although I had a 4G signal throughout my hike, this might not always be the case so be sure to download the offline map before you head out.

GOOD TO KNOW | Weather in the Harz Mountains, like any other mountain range, can be pretty unpredictable. Always carry a rainjacket with you are wear solid hiking shoes.

9. Ride the Brocken Train

Ticket Price: €49 (to and back) Ticket Purchase: Online or at the station Train Table: Check online (only in German) Route: Wernigerode to the top of the Brocken

The Brocken Train, also known as the Harry Potter Train of Germany, is a historic railway line in Germany that winds its way through the picturesque Harz Mountains. Its history dates back to the late 19th century when it was primarily used for the transportation of goods and people.

During the Cold War era, Brocken Mountain became an important observation point, and the train was closed to the public. It resumed its passenger services after the reunification of Germany in 1989. I went in winter to ride this vintage steam locomotive and loved every minute of it. It offers a scenic journey to the summit of Brocken Mountain, the highest peak in the Harz range. The ticket price of €49 allows you to ride the entire route from Wernigerode to the top of Brocken Mountain (1h54 trip). We got on at the station of Schierke (about 30 minutes train ride) and paid the same price. It seems there is but one price for the entire journey, regardless of where you get on.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT | While the Brocken Train might look beautiful, it has an undeniable negative effect on the surrounding Harz National Park. It runs on coal and as such is highly pollutive.

10. Hike around Lake Oderteich

HIKING ROUTE | Check out the route on Alltrails or simply follow the path.

GETTING THERE | Getting here by public transportation is possible from Bad Harzburg although it will take around 45 minutes to reach, 20 minutes by bus and another 20 minutes walk from the bus station.

Lake Oderteich is one of the largest artificial lakes in northern Germany, nestled in the very heart of the Harz National Park at the foot of Brocken Mountain. The hike around the lake is easily accessible for everyone, the 4.5km loop should take between 1 and 2 hours to complete.

The first time I visited the make was covered in a thick layer of ice and the pathways were blanketed with soft snow, this made hiking around more challenging and will require proper footwear. The second time I visited in summer, the pathways were easy to navigate and sneakers were more than adequate.

11. Hike the Brocken

HIKING TRAILS | Check out the various trail on Alltrails (from 6 to 16km)

The Brocken is the highest peak of the Harz Mountains, standing tall at 1,141 meters (3,743 feet) above sea level. After WW2, the Soviet troops closed off the mountain for hiking as they set up a complex espionage station right at the very top. These days spyware has made way for cafés and a restaurant.

I was lucky enough to hike up to the very top of the Brocken with local friends during the spring, we caught a beautiful sunset at the television tower before making our way back down (with the help of a headlight). The hike we embarked on was a solid 16km and did require proper hiking shoes. The various trails are clearly signposted along the way, but I would make sure to download a map beforehand, just in case (either use Map.Me, the Alltrails app or download Google Maps offline). Once you head higher up the mountain, the 4G connection becomes very spotty!

12. Fall in Love With Quedlinburg

Storybook Quedlinburg was voted one of the prettiest towns in Germany, and boy does it live up to that reputation. The town was founded over a thousand years ago and it has been preserved remarkably well, so much so it earned a UNESCO World Heritage status.

The mix of half-timbered houses, labyrinthine cobblestone streets, bustling marketplaces and hidden squares is very similar to Wernigerode and Goslar. If you are short on time, my personal recommendation would be to prioritize Goslar and Quedlinburg.

THINGS TO DO | Visit the Quedlinburg Castle, grab a drink in the former Quedlinburg Abbey, learn about half-timbered architecture in the Fachwerkmuseum Ständerbau, pop into the St. Servatius Church, get lost in the Old Town

BEST VIEWS | Hike up the Münzenberg for breathtaking panoramic views of Quedlinburg, the surrounding countryside, and the iconic silhouette of the castle.

13. Visit the Gustav Adolf Stave Church

Opening Hours: Check official website (hours vary each day & according to the season) Entrance Fee: €2 or €5 for a guided tour Address: Professor-Mohrmann-Weg 1, 38644 Goslar, Germany How to get there: Reachable via bus from Goslar (40-min ride)

While beautiful, the Gustav Adolf Stave Church seems slightly out of place in the heart of the Harz Mountains. Stave Churches are medieval wooden churches typically found in Norway, these days only about 28 of them have survived the passing of time. This beautiful specimen is in fact a very recent addition, having been completed in 1908 with spruce from the local mountains. When we visited in December, the church was sadly closed so we never got to see the beautiful carved interior. But, one quick Google should make it abundantly clear that, if possible, definitely head inside!

14. Take in a Bit of History at the Walkenried Monastery

Opening Hours: April to October 10.00 am to 05.00 pm (last entry 04.00 pm); Closed on Monday Entrance Fee: €7 (adults) Address: 4a Steinweg Walkenried Getting there: Requires a car to reach

The Walkenried Monastery is the only monument I did not get to visit. But it is rather too captivating not to add, so if you are in the neighborhood make sure to pop in. Founded in 1127 by Cistercian monks, the monastery thrived for centuries as a spiritual and cultural center. It played a significant role in the region’s history, witnessing periods of prosperity and turmoil.

The monastery’s architectural ensemble reflects the transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles, with its church being an outstanding example of early Gothic design. The intricate vaulted ceilings, elegant cloister, and tranquil gardens transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into the lives of the monks who once inhabited this sacred space.

In recognition of its historical significance, the Walkenried Monastery was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010 as part of the “Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System” property.

15. Hike in and Around The Hexentanzplatz

Getting there: Reachable via train from Quedlinburg Trails: 24 different trail options

The Hexentanzplatz holds a bit of a mystical allure. Translating to “Witches’ Dance Floor,” this rocky plateau is the very spot where witches gathered for midnight gatherings and pagan rituals. At least according to local folklore.

Today, the Hexentanzplatz offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the Bode Gorge and Harz Mountains. A small theme park with a wildlife park and a witches’ museum is great if you are traveling with kids.

Alternatively, skip the theme park and delve into the abundant hiking trails available. The most popular ones start in Thale and hike up toward the Hexentanzplatz. You will need sturdy hiking shoes as the terrain is uneven.

How to Reach the Harz Germany

I took a train from Bru ssels to Bad Harzburg, with a transfer in Hannover and Cologn. The total journey time was a little over 8 hours. For this ride, I took the ICE (high-speed train), which requires booking in advance.

Compare prices via Omio or book directly via DeutscheBahn . Keep an eye out for their summer deals, where some long-distance routes cost as little as €10.

The Harz Mountains are connected to the rest of Germany via their autobahn. The first time I came to Harz, I actually drove from Brussels (6 hour drive).

The closest airport is Hannover, however, you can also opt to fly into Berlin or Hamburg and hop on a local train that will take you straight to the Harz Mountains. Check various trains on the Omio platform before you go.

Where to stay in Harz

Depending on the duration of your stay and the focus of your trip to the Harz Mountains, I would opt to stay in Bad Harzburg, Goslar or Wernigerode. HIKING TRIP | If your focus is hiking, stay in Bad Harzburg. It is budget-friendly and at the entrance of the Harz National Park.

LONGER STAY | For an extended stay that includes both hiking and culture stay in either Goslar or Wernigerode. Wernigerode has slightly better public transportation connections.

RECO – BAD HARZBURG: Sonnenresort Ettershouse ($$)

The Sonnenresort Ettershouse Hotel has a set of very cool treehouses right off their main hotel building. Either book a cabin for larger groups or opt to stay in a cozy little round treehouse (pictured) for 2 people like we did!

GOSLAR: Romantik Hotel Alte Münze ($$)

Goslar is the perfect base to explore the Harz National Park. Romantik Hotel Alte Münze is located in the heart of the historic center in a beautiful half-timbered house.

WERNIGERODE: Ringhotel Weißer Hirsch ($$)

The family-run Ringhotel Weißer Hirsch is located right on the town’s main square. The beautiful 17th-century half-timbered building house has been tastefully restored. Guests have free access to the on-site sauna.

How to Get Around Harz

I went two separate times to the Harz Mountains, once by car and once entirely reliant upon public transportation. The region might look large on a map, but in reality, it is relatively small. For reference, Wernigerode to Quedlinburg in car takes 20 minutes and it is a mere 45 min by train.

Public Transportation

The Harz Region has an extensive network of buses and regional trains that can get you pretty much anywhere. Make sure to check out the HATIX card which includes the free use of all buses and trams. I received mine from my accommodation, it was however only valid for the town where I was staying.

GOOD TO KNOW | Bus tickets are to be purchased in cash from the driver, while train tickets can be purchased at the vending machine inside the train station. The vending machines can be very fickle with (credit) cards so best to have cash on hand here too.

The roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate. Parking is free in many towns and surprisingly abundant. Some of the more remote places (Walkenried Monastery, Brocken) are slightly easier to get to by car.

Harz Mountains Germany Sample Itinerary

DAY ONE: Goslar, Rammelsberg Mine & Gustav Adolphe Stave Church

DAY TWO: Bad Harzburg, Tree Trail Bad Harzburg, Cable Car Burgberg

DAY THREE: Hiking in Harz National Park / Brocken

DAY FOUR: Wernigerode or alternatively take the Brocken Train

DAY FIVE: Quedlinburg

DAY SIX: Hike around the Hexentanzplatz

DAY SEVEN: Walkenried Monastery

Best Time to Visit The Harz National Park

The Harz Mountains are a year-round destination. Noteworthy to mention is the school holidays is Germany take place between the middle of June to the beginning of September.

SPRING: Oftentimes the Upper Harz is still carpeted in snow until the end of April, while the flowers in the Lower Harz have already started to bloom. Spring is a bit of a mixed bag, weather tends to be more volatile.

SUMMER: The second time I visited was at the beginning of summer, right before high season. Temperatures were a comfortable 21°C (70°F), the perfect conditions for some long hikes. This season sees the least amount of rain but has the highest prices. Aim for June if you can.

AUTUMN : The beautiful autumn foliage carpets the area from September to October and turns the region into one giant patch of orange oftentimes covered in moody fog.

WINTER : I went during winter and while the temperatures were cold (0°C /32°F) there was no denying the magic of thick blankets of snow in the mountains and the little towns decked out in full Christmas regalia. If you are not looking for hardcore hiking aim to visit in December.

Tips to Minimize Your Impact in the Harz Mountains

LOCAL PRODUCTS : Look for the Typisch Harz label which is awarded to regional products that meet certain criteria. Can be awarded to individual food products but also to restaurants and handicraft products. 

HEAD INTO NATURE : With over 9,000km of hikes crisscrossing the region, there is a hike for everyone. Many of the hikes will have a smaller section that is accessible for travelers with limited mobility.

STAY A LITTLE LONGER : The Harz Mountains have an unparalleled wealth of culture and nature. Book at least one week to get in some stunning hikes and explore the various UNESCO world heritage sites .

TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION : Public transportation gets you everywhere in the Harz Region. Look into the HATIX card before you go and remember to always carry cash to pay for your ticket if needed.

MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING EUROPE

Germany: Things to do in Karlsruhe and surroundings Germany: 7-day road trip through northern Germany in an electric car Belgium:   Beautiful places in Belgium to add to your bucket list Belgium: 16 Castles you can actually stay in Belgium Luxembourg: Is Luxembourg worth visiting? Luxembourg: Visiting Vianden Castle in Luxembourg

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Caroline Muller is an award-winning travel blogger. She writes and photographs full-time while oscillating between Sicily and Brussels as a home base.  She has documented over 60 countries across six continents and does not plan to stop any time soon. A staunch vegetarian for over 25 years, she loves exploring local cuisine in search of that perfect (plant-based) mouthful. With this blog, she hopes to help you travel slower, more sustainably and a hella lot more meaningfully. Pack your bags!

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Thanks for dropping in! My name is Caroline , and I am a full-time writer & photographer. With this blog, I hope to harness the power of travel to do good in the world. Think connecting with local cultures, sustainable tourism , and in-depth guides to known and lesser-known adventures. Adventure awaits!

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Harz Mountains: 13 beautiful places you absolutely have to see

An overview of the most beautiful places in the harz.

I was particularly enchanted by these beautiful places in the Harz:

Quedlinburg

Witches' Dance Site

Wernigerode

World Forest Harz

Engagement Island in the Oker

Rappbode Dam with Titan RT

1. Quedlinburg

A beautiful Harz town you must see is Quedlinburg in Saxony-Anhalt. The old town with its winding alleys and around 2000 half-timbered houses in the Harz Mountains is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Quedlinburg was first mentioned in a document in 922. Be sure to plan some time for your visit. It is very worthwhile to wander through the individual streets. You will discover something everywhere. Not only the beautiful half-timbered houses are worth seeing, but also the street names, such as Hölle.

Hölle referred to the old part of town that used to lie between the old and new town. Both parts were closed off by a city wall. We didn't know where to look first. Everything there enchanted us. Quedlinburg's town hall is also an architectural masterpiece.

You should treat yourself to coffee and cake at Vincent , the Cheesecake King (Google Maps ).

Goslar also enchanted us. Not only is the old town with the market church absolutely enchanting. The Kaiserpfalz Goslar is a huge, grandiose building from the 11th century. It is considered the largest secular building of its time. You absolutely must see this place in the Harz Mountains.

You can find more unusual accommodation tips in the article on Saxony-Anhalt. Another tip would be the imposing Goslar Zwinger ( check prices here* ).

A three-part heritage site in Lower Saxony was also included in the UNESCO list. It includes not only the old town of Goslar , but also the Rammelsberg mine and the Upper Harz Water Regal with the Samson mine and Walkenried Monastery.

3. witches' dancing place

In the Bode Valley lies a legendary place in the Harz Mountains. The Hexentanzplatz Thale (Google Maps ) is a plateau high in the Harz Mountains and probably also an ancient Saxon cult site.

This spectacular canyon in the middle of Germany fascinated us immensely and reminded us directly of the Black Canyon in the USA. The Hexentanzplatz is a scenic experience for the whole family.

Children will be perfectly attracted to the witch figures and the upside-down witch's house. The Walpurgis Hall is also well worth a visit. You can get there by taking the Bodetal cable car.

Our camping tip : There is also a designated camper van and camping site right next to the large car park at the Hexentanzplatz.

By the way, here you can find our excursion tips for families with children in the Harz Mountains .

The Harz National Park lies largely in Lower Saxony and, as the largest forest national park in Germany, is home to extensive woodlands and moors.

In the heart of the Saxony-Anhalt part of the Harz mountains is the famous Brocken (Google Maps ), which at almost 1,142 metres is the highest mountain in the Harz and in the whole of northern Germany. For us, it is one of the most beautiful places because the view from the summit is simply magnificent.

Since 1899, you have been able to reach the summit with the historic Brocken Railway or on one of the popular hiking trails.

Several great hiking trails lead to the summit. The shortest and most popular hike to the Brocken starts in Schierke and leads through the so-called Eckerloch.

But the Goethe Trail, which is just under 18 kilometres long, or the 100-kilometre-long Harzer Hexenstieg long-distance hiking trail are also very popular.

As this last name suggests, there are numerous myths and legends surrounding the Brocken and its environs - which is why the mountain is also popularly known as Blocksberg .

Extra tip : Since our hike begins in Schierke , you should also take a culinary dip in the Harz.

In terms of beverages, the Harz has always been a traditional beer region in Germany. The Hasseröder brewery is the largest of its kind in the Harz. A popular spirit and super souvenir is Schierker Feuerstein - it was created over 100 years ago when apothecaries experimented with various herbs and created several successful herbal liqueurs.

5 Wernigerode

The town of Wernigerode in Saxony-Anhalt is also one of the most beautiful towns in the Harz Mountains. The half-timbered houses in Wernigerode are excellently preserved. One of the reasons for this is that in GDR times the town was a model town in terms of facades and townscape.

The town hall is mentioned in writings as early as 1277. The beautiful patrician houses on the market square also attract attention.

Also worth seeing is the imposing Wernigerode Castle in neo-Gothic style, which towers high above the beautiful town.

Incidentally, the narrow-gauge Brockenbahn also starts in the town and takes visitors up to the Brocken , the most popular peak in northern Germany.

Lutherstadt Eisleben is also located in the foothills of the Harz Mountains - and is also the region's last World Heritage Site. Admittedly, we didn't find the town as beautiful as the half-timbered towns of Quedlinburg, Goslar and Wernigerode before it. But Eisleben, as Lutherstadt, definitely deserves to be mentioned in this list of beautiful places.

The market square with the Luther monument is well worth seeing. So is the St. Petri Paul Church, where Martin Luther was baptised. The old baptismal font is still there today. Right next to it you will find the museum of Luther's birthplace .

Stolberg in the Harz Mountains, or more precisely in the Lower Harz, has the title of European City. The town hall street with its beautiful half-timbered houses and half-timbered ensembles leads the eye directly to Stolberg Castle .

Stolberg Castle dates back to the 12th century and is absolutely worth seeing. Today, many events take place here. In the Old Mint Museum you can find out everything about the minting of coins at that time and gain an insight into a historic minting workshop.

8. world forest Harz

The World Forest Harz is an experience for the whole family. You'll find wonderful hikes there, but also great sights.

We were particularly impressed by the short climb to the Hübichenstein with its striking eagle - a very special place. Incidentally, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also visited this place in 1784.

Children will enjoy the Indian trail with its long suspension rope bridge. The Knesebeck mine is also nearby, as is the Iberg Dripstone Cave Adventure Centre .

9 Engagement Island in the River Oker

The Engagement Island in the Oker is a truly enchanted place. The entire Oker valley is perfect for hiking. We hiked down the small path to the Oker River and came to the Engagement Island in the Harz Mountains. It also counts as a great resting place.

The river island is embraced by the Oker, so to speak, and is nestled in nature. It's fun to walk along the river and stroll over the large rocks. This place is definitely suitable for the whole family and well worth a visit.

10 Rappbode Dam & Rope Bridge Titan RT

In the Upper Harz you will find the Rappbode Dam (Google Maps ). It is a visitor magnet for young and old. Not only can you go for a walk directly at the dam and get a great view of the dam from various vantage points.

The Titan RT , a huge suspension bridge, crosses the valley. The bridge is 458 metres long and runs along the dam wall at a dizzying height.

By the way, car fans also get their money 's worth. At the weekend, many motorbikes and tuned cars gather here and speed through the tunnel. The louder and faster, the better is the motto. The engines really roar in the tunnel and the noise is amplified.

11 Selke Valley

The Selke Valley near Falkenstein (Google Maps ) is equally popular and impressive. There, the 67-kilometre Selketal-Stieg is considered the most beautiful and romantic hiking trail, leading to Quedlinburg in four stages.

It's worth making a detour to the Selke Falls (Google Maps ), which are man-made and very flat, but still very picturesque.

There is a youth hostel in the Selke Valley, as well as beautiful hiking trails.

12 Oderteich

A truly enchanting place in our eyes is the Oderteich in the Harz Mountains. In recent years, it has become a real Instagram spot. No wonder, because the beautiful lake, surrounded by a fairytale landscape, is particularly photogenic.

Incidentally, the Oderteich was Germany's largest dam from 1722 to 1891. However, the Oderteich is not the oldest dam in the Harz. The dam near Osterode was built as early as 1931.

13. mountains and valleys

In addition to great places, vantage points and beautiful towns with half-timbered houses, the Harz naturally has other great scenery to offer. The low mountain range landscape in the Harz is definitely not to be underestimated and bears witness to wild, unspoilt beauty.

For example, it's worth taking a detour to the Bocksberg (Google Maps ). It is located near Goslar in the Harz Nature Park and is about 727 metres high. There used to be a bobsleigh run there, of which there are still remains - but today there is a modern summer toboggan run. There is also a cable car, a lookout tower with a view of the Brocken and a mountain restaurant.

The Ravensberg in the southern Harz is also beautiful (Google Maps ). There, too, is a mountain farm, various hiking and mountain biking routes and several ski slopes. The popular view from Ravensberg reaches as far as the Kyffhäuser Mountains in Thuringia and the Brocken.

In the Harz there are not only high mountains, but also deep valleys. Particularly beautiful for hiking are, for example, the Ilse Valley near Ilsenburg (Googe Maps ) or the Bode Valley near Thale (Google Maps ), which is also called the "Grand Canyon of the Harz". By the way, this is also the location of the Hexentanzplatz, which I will present to you later in the excursion destinations!

Beautiful walks in the Harz

In addition to the selected hiking trails I've already shown you, there are other well-known hikes in the Harz. Of course, I don't want to deprive you of them!

One of the most beautiful hiking trails through the low mountain range is the Liebesbankweg (website ). It runs for about seven kilometres around the Bocksberg and was one of the first premium hiking trails in Lower Saxony. As the name suggests, you will find many special sights, works of art and special benches related to love.

The Harzer Wandernadel is exciting for passionate hikers. Various tours lead to a total of 222 stamping points throughout the Harz, and at the end the hiker is awarded various prizes depending on the stations reached. These range from the Harzer Wandernadel in bronze (with 8 stamps) to the Harzer Wanderkaiser (with all 222 stamps).

Incidentally, there is also an interesting route in the Lower Harz: Germany's first official naturist hiking trail. The 18-kilometre Harzer Naturistenstieg is a circular trail for nude hikers that starts and ends at the Wippra Dam (Google Maps ). However, the condition of the trails and the poor signposting are unfortunately repeatedly criticised.

Finally, another interactive culinary tip: the Harzer BaudenSteig . It connects the 10 most beautiful forest restaurants and mountain inns, called Bauden in the Harz, and leads hikers on 6 stages about 100 kilometres from Bad Grund to Walkenried Monastery. The six BaudenSteig circular trails are ideal for day tours.

Other popular "gateways" to the beautiful Harz Mountains are, for example, Nordhausen in Thuringia (more information on Nordhausen and the southern Harz can be found at Couchflucht). Angela from Unterwegs mit Kind reveals her most beautiful tours in the Harz here. Here you can also find the top sights in the Har z.

Facts and figures about the Harz Mountains

Until the Middle Ages, the Harz was called "Hart" - meaning mountain forest.

In the heart of the Harz, people still greet each other with the old miner's greeting "Glückauf".

The oldest rock in the Harz is around 490 million years old

The Harz is considered the most geologically diverse of the German low mountain ranges

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Harz Mountains

What the Harz Mountains lack in alpine dramatics, they make up for in atmosphere and accessibility. Some of Germany's oldest, most endearing villages are tucked away in this broad region shared by three states: Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. Gorgeous Goslar's crumbling city walls, medieval cobbled streets and teeny-tiny miners' houses complement Quedlinburg's crooked, couldn't-be-cuter, half-timbered architecture. Both towns' welcoming vibes beckon you to linger. But the region's robust all-rounder is shutterbug's-delight Wernigerode, where you can visit a dazzling Disney-esque castle and catch a steam train to the top of the Brocken, the highest peak (1142m) in the Harz.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Schloss Wernigerode

Originally built in the 12th century to protect German Kaisers on hunting expeditions, Schloss Wernigerode was enlarged over the years to reflect late…

KZ-Gedenkstätte Mittelbau Dora

A deeply sobering place: at least 20,000 people were worked to death here building the tunnels beneath Mittelbau Dora, and the rockets now decaying within…

John Cage Orgel Kunst Projekt

The performance of American avant-garde composer and musical theorist John Cage's Organ²/ASLSP began in the shell of the former Kirche St Burchardi in…

Rammelsberg Museum & Besucherbergwerk

The shafts and buildings of this 1000-year-old mine are now a museum and Unesco World Heritage Site. Admission to the mine includes a German-language tour…

Harz National Park

Covering a total land mass of 24,700 hectares, Harz National Park is the first national park in Germany to occupy land in two states: Lower Saxony to the…

Wernigerode's spectacular towered Rathaus (town hall) began life as a theatre around 1277, only to be given its mostly late-Gothic features, which loom…

Grosser Burgberg

It takes just over half an hour to walk from town, or a zippy three-minute ride on the Burgberg-Seilbahn, to reach the top of this humble peak (483m),…

Stiftskirche St Cyriakus

One of the purest examples of Romanesque architecture from the Ottonian period is this church in Gernrode, 8km south of Quedlinburg. Construction of the…

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Mountain Magic: 5-Day Itinerary in Germany’s Harz Mountains

Our 5-day itinerary in Germany’s Harz Mountains covers activities such as mountain climbing, exploring towns with fairytale castles, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, discovering monasteries from the Middle Ages, and experiencing one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.

Nestled in the heart of Germany, buried deep in the woods, the Harz extends about 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide, spanning three different German states: Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Lower Saxony. The beautiful and fairytale-like Harz National Park lures hiking and cycling enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and families on holiday. Consequently, extending our itinerary in Germany’s Harz Mountains to one or two weeks is easily achievable.

Where we stayed

Our stay was at Apartment am Pulverturm , situated directly in the old town of Quedlinburg and close to the castle. Each unit provides a fully equipped kitchen with a dining table, flat-screen TVs, a bathroom featuring a shower, and a hairdryer. Additionally, there are amenities like a microwave, toaster, coffee machine, and kettle. The apartment includes access to an outdoor pool, and guests can make use of a barbecue and terrace during their stay at Apartment am Pulverturm .

Our apartment was not only clean but also spacious and comfortable. Conveniently, we always managed to find free parking spaces on the streets nearby. The owner of the apartment, a friendly man, resides in the same courtyard. He offered us detailed information about the area, which was immensely helpful.

During our trip, we came across several accommodations in the old town area with considerably high rates on the booking platform:

• Schlosshotel zum Markgrafen
• Ferienwohnung unterm Schreckensturm
• Ferienwohnungen Finkenherd 5

Detail of the 5-Day Itinerary in Germany’s Harz Mountains

Our trip occurred during the summertime when many German states also have their summer holidays. However, due to the ongoing pandemic situation, there were only a few international guests. Consequently, some of the scenic areas had fewer visitors than usual. This circumstance offered us opportunities to explore more places than we initially anticipated.

Here is a summary of our 5-day itinerary in Germany’s Harz Mountains:

1 st Day: Goslar Old Town, Treetop Walking (Baumwipfelpfad) in Bad Harzburg

2 ed day: devil’s wall ( teufelsmauer ) near weddersleben, suspension bridge titan-rt, quedlinburg old town.

• 3 rd Day: Wernigerode old town, Quedlinburg old town
• 4 th Day: Blankenburg Castle, Michaelstein Monastery, Hamburger Wappen near Timmenrode (part of the Devil’s Wall ), Falkenstein Castle
• 5 th Day: Quedlinburg Castle , Gegensteine near Ballenstedt (part of Devil’s Wall) , Stiege Castle, Walkenried Monastery

Goslar Old Town

Goslar Old Town is brimming with northern Germany-styled half-timbered houses. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the old town twice, but always in the winter. Consequently, I’ve been yearning to witness the summer scenery. During our brief stay before we reached Quedlinburg, we had a few hours to take a round walk, starting at the Imperial Palace of Goslar, weaving through the historic old town, and leisurely strolling along its charming narrow streets.

Treetop Walking (Baumwipfelpfad) in Bad Harzburg

The treetop trail in the Harz region provides an insight into nature. Spanning 1,000 metres, the trail commences in the spa garden of Bad Harzburg, traversing the 26-metre depth of the valley. Beyond a mere walking path, it has adventure stations, platforms, a glass bridge, and more, making it an ideal spot for families on holiday.

Devil’s Wall (Teufelsmauer) near Weddersleben

The Devil’s Wall (Teufelsmauer) is an interesting rock formation crafted from robust sandstones nestled in the heart of Germany’s Harz Mountains. Emerging amidst verdant plains, meadows, and fields, this rocky expanse extends from Blankenburg (Harz) through Timmenrode, Weddersleben, and Rieder to Ballenstedt. The entire stretch encompasses various sections, including the noteworthy Hamburger Wappen.

Hiking trails connecting the villages in the area offer a pleasant exploration. Our initial trek led us to the rock formation near Weddersleben, known as Königstein. The prominent Eagle’s Rock (Adlerfelsen) stands proudly at 185 meters above sea level.

The Suspension Bridge Titan-RT

Established in 2017, the Pedestrian Suspension Bridge Titan-RT gracefully spans the Rappbode Valley with an impressive length of 458.5 meters and suspends itself 100 meters above the Wendefurth reservoir. It is the longest suspension bridge in Germany and one of the largest globally-

Quedlinburg old town

In the late afternoon, we made our way back to Quedlinburg . The old town, home to approximately 2,000 half-timbered buildings spanning several centuries, proudly holds a place on the UNESCO list. I’ve never witnessed such a concentration of half-timbered houses in one location!

These timber-framed houses showcase their beauty with exposed beams and colourful painted walls. Meandering through the medieval old town, we found ourselves losing our way a few times. However, the old town isn’t overly expansive, making it relatively easy to rediscover our path. Our evening was spent capturing some of the finest evening scenery the old town had to offer.

3 rd Day: Wernigerobe old town, Quedlinburg old town

Wernigerode old town

Most tourist spots are right in the heart of the old town with pedestrian-friendly streets. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll in the centre, exploring artisan workshops and getting happily lost in the charming little alleys.

Unfortunately, the weather took a turn for the worse, and we had to skip a visit to Wernigerode Castle since it’s about a 20-minute walk up the hill.

When we were back in the old town of Quedlinburg , the sky was light again. So we decided to try the cheesecakes from the famous café shop, the Café Vincent next to Klopstock museums. The shop offers more than 100 different types of cheesecakes. We bought four cheesecakes with cherry-honey (Kirsch Honig), blueberry lime (Heidelbeer Limette), lingonberry yogurt (Preiselbeer Joghurt), and sea buckthorn cassis (Sanddorn Cassis) flavour. They are interesting combinations, aren’t they?

Upon our return to the charming old town of Quedlinburg, the skies cleared up once again. With a craving for something sweet, we popped into the renowned cheesecakes at Café Vincent, conveniently located next to the Klopstock museums. Among the extensive selection of over 100 different cheesecake varieties, we opted for several interesting types: cherry-honey (Kirsch Honig), blueberry lime (Heidelbeer Limette), lingonberry yogurt (Preiselbeer Joghurt), and sea buckthorn cassis (Sanddorn Cassis). Quite a delightful experience, wouldn’t you agree?

4 th Day: Blankenburg Castle, Michaelstein Monastry, Hamburger Wappen (part of the Evil’s Wall), Falkenstein Castle

Blankenburg Castle

High above the city of Blankenburg, offering a broad view of the Harz foothills, the Baroque Blankenburg Castle is easily reachable from many places. We began our hike from the castle garden, which is well-maintained and has numerous viewpoints.

Michaelstein Monastery

Michaelstein Monastery is just about two kilometres away from the centre of Blankenburg. Founded in the 12th century by a group of Cistercian monks, the monastery grows ancient medicinal and herbal plants, as well as local fruit and vegetables in the gardens. Numerous ponds on the grounds raise local trouts. Set in a natural environment, the monastery offers a tranquil and idyllic atmosphere. For lunch, we enjoyed a simple meal of fresh grilled trout paired with typical German potato salad.

Hamburger Wappen (part of the Devil’s Wall)

Hamburger Wappen is another impressive rock formation, resembling the coat of arms of Hamburg, and stands up to 40 metres high. It only took us 10 minutes to hike there from the parking place, and we took a short break in the sandstone cave on the slope opposite.

Falkenstein Castle

Falkenstein is a fortified castle that has overlooked the Selke valley for many centuries, sitting high above. The castle site spans an area of about 310 x 90 metres. It took us approximately 30 minutes to walk from the nearest parking place to the castle site, so there were only a few tourists there in the late afternoon.

5 th Day: Quedlinburg Castle Hill, Gegensteine near Ballenstedt (part of Evil’s Wall), Stiege Castle, Walkenried Monastry

Quedlinburg castle hill

Quedlinburg Castle Hill is the focal point of the Quedlinburg old town . As we crossed the castle square (Schlossplatz), we encountered many vibrant half-timbered houses. Choosing the stairs on the right, we ascended to the summit of the castle hill. Positioned in the petite castle garden, we relished panoramic views of the old town from the rooftop.

Counter Stones (Gegensteine near Ballenstedt, part of Devil’s Wall)

From a distance, the striking sandstone rocks with a summit cross seemed almost mystical, as if the “devil’s hand” had tossed them into the heart of the flat landscape. We ascended the staircase carved into the substantial counter stone, reaching the pinnacle of the sandstone rock. A walkway along the ridge offered stunning views. Strolling along the edge, we couldn’t help but marvel at the distinctiveness of nature and the lush vegetation in the area.

Stiege Castle

On our way to the next destination, we came cross this charming place. The castle is surrounded by a picturesque lake. We took a brief stroll along the water and captured some truly amazing scenes.

Walkenried Monastery

The monastery is an integral part of the “Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar, and Upper Harz Water Management System” world heritage site. Its architectural highlights include the double-naved Gothic wing of the cloisters and the Fountain House. The museum offers a modern interpretation of the past world through comprehensive exhibitions.

We were satisfied with our 5-Day Itinerary in Germany’s Harz Mountains. Unknown to much of the outside world, the Harz region is a great place for family holidaymakers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Should we revisit, we would extend our hiking adventures along the Devil’s Wall (Teufelsmauer) and explore the interconnecting villages. Shuttle services are readily available for hikers, simplifying the planning of hiking activities.

While the smaller villages and quaint resort towns serve as excellent starting points for various activities, the larger towns like Goslar and Quedlinburg also serve as potential gateways for excursions. For convenient exploration, renting a car is advisable.

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I would love to travel to Germany. This article was very informative

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Harz mountains.

Vast forests with beautiful villages and hills

1 travellers have this on their Bucket List

1 been here

The Harz Mountains  is a rugged forest area of more than 247 km full of beech and spruce. It has many small traditional villages and cities. At 1,142 meters, Brocken Mountain is the highest point in northern Germany .

The Harz, as this area is often affectionately called, has something magical about it. You can discover the countless hills, streams and picturesque villages for yourself. The Harz is perfect for getting out and about; on foot or by car. It's also a good area for cycling. These are the main attractions of the Harz Mountains. With some nice excursions to do as well.

The Titan RT suspension bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Germany. It is located in the middle of the Harz Mountains. The Titan RT hangs parallel to the large Rappbo Valley dam. This attraction is located south of the towns of Hüttenrode and Wernigerode.

See my tips for the Titan RT

Harz Witches' Trail (100 km)

If you really want to experience the Harz, you have to go hiking. The Harz Witches' Trail is a famous hike in the region and even throughout Germany. It starts on the outskirts of the town of Osterode in the Harz. You walk through countless hills to Thale, the end point. Where you can see the famous Devil's Wall, among other things. And you will hike to the top of the Brocken mountain. You can get more information at the local tourist offices.

Brocken is the highest mountain in the Harz at 1141.1 meters. And the Brocksberg, as it is sometimes called, is also the highest point in Northern Germany. What is special is that the top is above the tree line and has an alpine climate. This is due to the extreme weather such as storms. In winter there is snow for months, which makes the mountain very popular. You can climb the Brocken, there are various hiking trails to the top.

Brockenbahn: Famous Steam train to the top

You can also go up by train. The so-called Brockenbahn is the only steam train in Germany. It is a very special excursion, especially in winter. Then the train chases up the mountain in the snow. But the landscape is also impressive in spring and summer, when you can see many flowers in bloom.

A ticket for the Brockenbahn is not cheap. Even though it's a very popular excursion in summer. And in winter when you can find a fairyland on the mountain. The starting point is Wernigerode and the total route is 19 kilometers. You can also hop on in Drei Annen Hohne and Schierke.

Read my tips for the Brockenbahn

Visitor centres in Harz National Park

The wildest part of the Harz Mountains are protected. The Harz National Park had several visitor centres. You can obtain a lot of information about walking routes and places of interest. You will find one on the Brocken, but also at the Sankt Andreasberg if you want to know a lot about geology. The visitor center Torfhaus you learn a lot about the animals that live in these forests.

Wildlife in Harz Mountains

Much of the Harz is a protected nature reserve. Some special animals live in the Harz National Park. In addition to red deer, roe deer and wild boar, you can also glimpse the lynx, wild cat, capercaillie, boreal owl, Eurasian pygmy owl, nutcracker, peregrine falcon, ring ouzel and black stork.

Quedlinburg

The town of Quedlinburg is about 1,000 years old. But it is best known for the almost 2,000 half-timbered houses that you can see in all shapes and sizes. The historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit the beautiful St. Servaas Church with countless church treasures. This town can get very busy, so preferably avoid weekends and school holidays.

Goslar is a well-known half-timbered town in Germany. You can walk easily go for a stroll and explore the town yourself. The historic town of Goslar is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A striking number of half-timbered houses can be found in town. You can also see many sculptures by artists.

See my tips for Goslar

Mines of the Harz

For years, mines were used to search for silver, gold, copper, tin and iron. You can visit a few of them. Including the famous Rammelsberg near Goslar, which has been used for more than 1,000 years. The Grube Samson in St. Andreasberg and the Kupferhütte Mansfeld also offer guided tours and other excursions.

Halle is a pleasant town located just outside the national park. The beautiful Marktplatz with the 84-meter-high Roter Turm and the special Marktkerk Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe is a must-see.

Joseph Cross

The Josephs Cross is a special viewpoint on the Grote Auerberg near Stolberg. This imposing structure stands at a height of 759 and is built of steel. It was built between 1832 and 1834. The tower is 38 meters high. From the lookout tower you have a wonderful view over the Harz, including the Brocken.

Wernigerode

The town of Wernigerode is particularly beautiful because of the many half-timbered houses. The Market Square, City Hall and Werningerode Castle is certainly well worth a visit. You can stroll through the town, although it can get busy with tourists. Early in the day is the best time if you want to avoid most people.

Visiting Harz Mountains

The Harz lies between the major cities of Hanover and Leipzig. You can reach various cities on the outskirts of the area by train, such as Wernigerode for example. From there you can travel further with local buses.

Find the best accommodations in Harz Mountains

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Harz Mountains – The most beautiful sights in the Harz area

• Gepostet am 30. October 2020
• last updated 5. February 2024
• , in: East Germany

Table of content

The Harz Mountains are one of the most legendary regions in Germany. In GDR times, the region was partly a restricted area. Today it attracts millions of visitors every year. So there’s no question that we have to introduce you to the best Harz sights. Because between the nature park and the half-timbered houses, there are many more sights that are almost unknown, but belong on every visit agenda. Let’s start with the most beautiful Harz sights.

Brocken – The highest peak in the north

A hike to the Brocken is an absolute must for a visit to the Harz Mountains. Here in the national park you can really enjoy nature and pass small streams on the way through the fairytale forests. Unfortunately, the bark beetle troubles them right now, which is also due to the fact that a spruce monoculture was planted here in the past. From the peak of the Brocken you have a magnificent view, which under good weather conditions ranges all the way to Leipzig. The summit is closed to car traffic. If you prefer not to walk up to the Brocken, a ride on the Brockenbahn is worthwhile.

Harzer Schmalspurbahnen – With steam to the Harz attractions

One of the most beautiful ways to explore the Harz Mountains is with the Harz narrow-gauge railroads. The old steam locomotives (and sometimes diesel cars) take guests in all directions of the Harz. Here you can choose between three routes:

• Brockenbahn – takes passengers up the Brocken and back to Wernigerode
• Harzquerbahn – crosses the Harz Mountains once from Wernigerode in the north to Nordhausen in the south, making it the longest narrow-gauge line in Germany
• Selketalbahn – runs from Quedlinburg to Eisfelder Talmühle on the oldest narrow-gauge line in Germany through a beautiful river valley

The trips with the Harz narrow-gauge railroads are not quite cheap. But if you want to enjoy a short ride for little money, you can also take a simple short route: For example, a trip from Wernigerode to Schierke (instead of to the Brocken) is a good choice.

Schierke – Base camp for the Brocken

Schierke is a health resort and is located at the foot of the Brocken. The picturesque half-timbered houses in the middle of the valley of the Cold Bode make Schierke a nice stopover. From here you can also start a relatively short, albeit quite sporty climb up the Brocken. But there are also numerous other hiking trails that lead along here. In the “Alte Apotheke” (“Old Pharmacy”) you can try the herbal schnapps Schierker Feuerstein, which was invented here.

Rübelandbahn – Alternative to the narrow gauge railroads

The Rübelandbahn is an alternative to the Harz narrow-gauge railroads. However, it is not a narrow-gauge railroad, but runs with steam locomotives on the standard gauge. The line is electrified and is also used by freight trains. However, the trips with the historic steam locomotive do not take place daily, but only about once a month. More information about when the trips take place can be found on the website of the Rübelandbahn working group .

Dripstone caves in Rübeland – Mini zoo for caudate amphibians

Rübeland is home to two famous dripstone caves. The Baumannshöhle is even the oldest show cave and the oldest natural monument in Germany. Even Goethe admired the bizarre shapes that have been formed over thousands of years. Almost next door lies the Hermann’s Cave. Here you can see a population of grotto olms, which were released in the 1930s and actually come from Slovenia. The grotto olms are amphibians that live underground. On guided tours of the caves, you’ll learn all about the formation of the caves and their inhabitants. Unfortunately, there are no combined tickets and the tickets for 8.50 € entitle you to visit only one cave at a time.

Wernigerode – Small town with small train and the smallest house

Wernigerode is not only the best base camp for exploring the Harz Mountains. The town hall on the market is one of the most beautiful in Germany. The castle could also fit as a fairy tale castle or perhaps a Dracula film adaptation. The surrounding old town is home to, among other things, the smallest house in Germany. Eleven people are said to have once lived there. Trains run from the Wernigerode station of the Harz narrow-gauge railroads to Nordhausen and the Brocken. In Miniaturland, there are models of the most important sights in the Harz Mountains. And the Aviation Museum offers a collection of impressive aircraft and flying machines.

Quedlinburg – Because a café in a house would be boring

Quedlinburg does not belong geographically directly to the Harz, but it is located in the Harz district. And already because of the magnificent old town, the city is one of the most beautiful Harz sights. Hundreds of half-timbered houses line up in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and give Quedlinburg its own charm. Especially nice: the café in the seven houses. From the collegiate church, whose first buildings were here under Henry I, you have a beautiful view of the Harz Mountains and the surrounding old town. By the way, this is where the state of Lithuania was first mentioned in a chronicle.

Misery and sorrow are close together – literally

Misery (Elend in German) and sorrow (Sorge in German) are close to each other. And in the Harz Mountains, even quite officially. Because there are two places in the Harz that have that name. The inner-German border used to run here. You can find out more about this in the Sorge Border Museum. Elend, on the other hand, is home to Germany’s smallest wooden church, which was inaugurated in 1897 and is still used for church services today. Given the shrinking church communities everywhere, there aren’t many anymore, but at least there are a few.

Halberstadt – Underestimated cathedral city with a Jewish history

One of the places in the Harz Mountains that is often overlooked is Halberstadt. However, Halberstadt Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in central Germany. The builders probably took their inspiration from the cathedral of Reims in France. The bell ringing, with 13 bells of various sizes, is among the best in Germany. And the cathedral treasury dates back to the Fourth Crusade in the 13th century. Also worth seeing in Halberstadt are the Klaus Synagogue and the Behrend-Lehmann House, which bears witness to Halberstadt’s once important Jewish community. In the Spiegelsberge, people used to go hunting. Today, many come here because of the largest giant wine barrel in the world.

Blankenburg – The Welf prince wants to have it

Blankenburg is home to a real Guelph castle, which Prince Ernst August of Hanover has been fighting for for decades. The baroque castle garden is one of the most beautiful in the region. And with the Michaelstein Monastery, Blankenburg also offers an important stop on the Romanesque Road. The local music academy hosts a series of concerts and the grounds are perfect for a stroll.

Just outside the town are the ruins of the medieval Regenstein Castle, which is also one of the best Harz sights. From here you have a great view as far as the Brocken.

Ballenstedt – Appreciated not only by Nazis and Communists

Ballenstedt is a rather tranquil town in the Harz Mountains. Unlike most places in the region, Ballenstedt belonged to the Principality of Anhalt for a long time. And what many also do not know: The famous founder of Naumburg Cathedral , usually called Uta of Naumburg, was actually named Uta of Ballenstedt. You can still visit the ancestral seat of her family today and also walk through the magnificent castle garden on a hill. Ballenstedt was also famous during the Nazi era, as a Napola, an elite Nazi school, once stood here. In the GDR, the building was then converted into the district party school of the SED.

Gernrode – The biggest bird in a clock

Gernrode is a really typical town for the Harz and has some of the things to offer that you would probably expect from a typical Harz visit. Because in addition to the impressive collegiate church of St. Cyriakus, which is located on the Romanesque Road, you can see the largest cuckoo clock in the world here. Exactly, because the Harz Clock Museum has specially installed a cuckoo here, which entertains you every hour on the hour. You can immediately wash down the “shock” with a local schnapps from the Harz liqueur factory . Cheers!

Bode Valley – Hike through the German Grand Canyon

From the Roßtrappe, you can see how massively the Bode river has carved its way through the granite rocks of the Harz and now forms the Bode Valley, which is sometimes referred to as the German Grand Canyon. There are wonderful hiking trails in the valley from Treseburg to Thale that will meet all your expectations of the Harz.

There are rapids, whirlpools and the fast river. If you hike the ten kilometers from Treseburg, you have the option of taking a cable car to the Hexentanzplatz or the Roßtrappe at the end.

Thale – Taking the cable car to the witches

Once upon a time, in pre-Christian times, witches were said to have gathered here every year on April 30 for Walpurgis Night and danced around the fire. Whether this is true is not entirely clear. But on April 30, it is still celebrated with many costumed people. And even otherwise, both Hexentanzplatz (“Witches’ Dance Square”) and the Roßtrappe offer a breathtaking view. From the Roßtrappe, a beautiful princess is said to have once jumped from the cliff on a white steed. Her pursuer Bodo fell into the river, which is therefore called Bode. A hoof-like imprint actually exists. Take a cable car to the Hexentanzplatz (round trip 7 euros) or the chairlift to the Roßtrappe (round trip 4.50 euros).

Devil’s wall – Come hell or high water

Speaking of legends: There are a lot of them in Thale. The Brothers Grimm wrote that the devil and God wanted to divide the world. To separate the kingdoms, the devil built a wall. In a fit of rage, however, he destroyed it. What remained was the Devil’s Wall, which stretches for about 20 kilometers through the Harz Mountains. The bizarre rocks are a great backdrop for photos. Access is free.

Rappbode dam – Adrenaline rush high above the valley

The Rappbode Dam is a gigantic technical monument and at the same time the highest dam in Germany. The dam wall rises 106 meters for the production of drinking water and electricity. You can easily walk over the wall for free or even just drive over it by car. If you need a little more thrill, you have two options: Walking across the newly built suspension bridge Titan RT (6 Euro entrance fee) right next to it is still quite harmless. For the more adventurous among you, there’s either a zipline across the valley or even a Gigaswing, which is a rope swing. Help!

Hasselfelde charcoal burning – Very hot wood

The Harz charcoal burning is also a hot affair. But at least you won’t fall off anywhere. Instead, you can experience in the Harzköhlerei how charcoal was made in the Harz mountains in the past. The charcoal burners in this unique museum still make about 50 tons of beech charcoal a year. In the museum and during the guided tours you will learn how this works and then you can take a bag of this handmade charcoal for barbecuing.

Falkenstein Castle – Traveling to the Middle Ages

Falkenstein Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in eastern Germany. It is located in the middle of the forests of the Harz Mountains. With its thick walls and half-timbered architecture, it looks like a real castle from the Romanesque period. In the Falkenburg you can book a meal with medieval representations and there are often medieval markets. But the most beautiful thing is the view of the surrounding Harz foothills from the tower of the Falkenburg.

Stolberg – Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!

The southern Harz is on the radar of far fewer visitors to the Harz. This is a pity, because the half-timbered houses of medieval Stolberg are among the most beautiful in the region. Thomas Müntzer was born here and several battles of the Peasants’ War took place near Stolberg. A walk through the castle will take you on a journey back in time to the courtly life of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In the city, on the other hand, there are delicious coffee houses and at FRIWI you can stock up on delicious cookies, gingerbread and other delicacies.

• Krell, Detlef (Author)

• Feldhoff und Anne Christine Martin, Stefan (Author)

What are the most beautiful Harz sights for you and where have you always wanted to go in the Harz Mountains? Let us know and write us a comment!

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Peter Althaus

Peter Althaus is a journalist, author and blogger. In 2011, he founded the travel blog Rooksack. But his real love has always been Eastern Europe. He now lives in Lviv, Ukraine, where he runs a tour operator. But since he still loves to write, today there is Wild East – the Eastern Europe travel blog.

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Best towns in the Harz Mountains – Stunning places in Germany’s most beautiful mountains

Welcome to the highest low mountain range in northern Germany and one of the most beautiful mountains in the entire country: the Harz Mountains. Spread over an area of more than 2,000 km², you can find breathtaking nature, picturesque small towns with medieval atmosphere, numerous UNESCO cultural sites, national parks, and plenty of adventure opportunities for young and old.

A blog post about the Harz has been redundant for a long time. And not just because I grew up here, but rather because there is hardly any other region in Germany with so many unique places to discover. The Harz is so much more than just a destination for hiking groups and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Families, couples, photography fans, and young people are also guaranteed to get their money’s worth here.

Since the Harz is full of grandiose sights, we focus in this article mainly on the most beautiful towns and cities in the Harz. I hope that in the future a report about the most beautiful hiking trails will follow.

What to find out in this post

• 1 What makes the Harz Mountains so special?
• 2 Harz Mountains Facts
• 3 Where are the Harz Mountains on a map?
• 4 The best towns in the Harz Mountains, Germany
• 5 The Imperial City of Goslar
• 6 The colorful town of Wernigerode
• 7 World Heritage Town Quedlinburg
• 8 Blossom Town Blankenburg
• 9 Bad Lauterberg im Harz
• 10 Resort Thale
• 11 Mountain and University Town Clausthal-Zellerfeld
• 12 Hahnenklee-Bockswiese
• 13 Therapeutic climatic spa Bad Sachsa
• 14 Bad Harzburg
• 15 Luther town Eisleben
• 16 Esperanto town Herzberg am Harz
• 17 Torfhaus
• 18 Historic Europe town Stolberg (Harz)
• 19.1 About the AuthorVicki

What makes the Harz Mountains so special?

The Harz Mountains are simply a great destination at any time of the year: whether it’s for winter sports, hiking, outdoor adventures, or sightseeing in some of the most beautiful places in Germany. The Harz region convinces with spectacular nature, species-rich flora and fauna, UNESCO-designated attractions, picturesque villages, geological and cultural diversity, and plenty of adventure opportunities for young and old.

Harz Mountains Facts

• 2.226 km² area
• covers three German federal states
• The name is derived from the German medieval word “Hart”, which means mountain forest
• the highest elevation is the Brocken with 1.141 meters
• Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Around 2,200 km of mountain bike trails

Where are the Harz Mountains on a map?

The Harz Mountains are located at the intersection of the three federal states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. Here, the largest part lies in Saxony-Anhalt and only a tiny part in Thuringia. Therefore, at the time of the division of Germany, the mountains were also divided by the former German-German border. The Brocken, the highest elevation of the mountains, thus belonged to the territory of the GDR.

The Harz Mountains are about 110 km long and 30 to 40 km wide and thus extend over a distance of 2,226 km². The towns of Seesen in the west and Eisleben in the east are considered the borders of the Harz Mountains.

The best towns in the Harz Mountains, Germany

Now that you know why the Harz Mountains are so special, you will surely want to know which are the most beautiful places to visit in the Harz Mountains. We will focus mainly on towns worth seeing in the Harz. However, we will deal with the best hiking trails in the great nature of the Harz in another article.

The Imperial City of Goslar

How could I write an article about the Harz Mountains without mentioning my wonderful hometown Goslar? This medieval town resembles one of those cities you heard about when your parents used to read you from an old fairytale book as a child.

With its narrow medieval streets, picturesque half-timbered houses, impressive market square, and imposing imperial palace that once served as the summer residence for numerous German emperors, Goslar is truly a showstopper.

So it’s hardly surprising that Goslar’s old town, along with the Rammelsberg mine on the outskirts of the city, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To this day, Goslar owes a few unique tourist attractions to the mine and its medieval wealth, which made it possible to build and maintain this beautiful town.

A visit is especially worth it in December when the Goslar Christmas Markets enchants its visitors with its festive vibe.

The colorful town of Wernigerode

Wernigerode, often referred to as the colorful city on the Harz Mountains , is one of the most underrated cities in Germany. Medieval half-timbered houses make the city center a real experience. Especially the impressive town hall, located on the town’s market square, stands out. But Wernigerode’s smallest house, which houses a museum inside, and the Leaning House are also worth visiting.

The city’s highlight is the imposing castle, which sits on an elevation above the city. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the castle now serves as a museum and a vantage point over the city and the surrounding nature.

If you want to experience the entire Harz Mountains without leaving Wernigerode, you can marvel at replicas of the Harz sights in the Miniatures Park or visit the Harz Museum to learn more about the largest mountain range in northern Germany.

World Heritage Town Quedlinburg

Quedlinburg is arguably the most famous city in the Harz Mountains. However, anyone who has ever walked through Germany’s impressive largest half-timbered town will hardly be surprised to learn that this historic old town also holds a title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But with its incredible mix of different architectural eras, Quedlinburg’s inner city is also truly something special.

The 2,000 or so half-timbered houses dating back several centuries, the cobblestone winding streets, and the Renaissance town hall probably account for most of the charm of this popular city. A walk through Quedlinburg is almost like a journey back in time. Starting with the medieval buildings, which are still as well preserved as in hardly any other city in Germany, to Romanesque architecture on the Romanesque Road, to Gothic and neo-Gothic churches and the Hällenhof ( Court of Hell ), one of the oldest stone buildings in the region.

In the castle museum, you can also get a great overview of the city’s history through the different eras. It is worth a visit.

Blossom Town Blankenburg

Blankenburg (Harz) is probably one of the lesser-known cities in the Harz region. Despite its not too great fame or just because of it, it is worth a visit. If you’ve ever heard of Blankenburg, it’s probably in connection with Blankenburg’s impressive castle. In fact, this Harz town offers two fantastic castles.

The small castle gained local fame, especially for its unique Baroque castle garden. The more than 100-hectare garden ensemble invites you to daydream during an extended walk. Stroll through the impressive terrace garden or relax at the adjoining mountain garden. Fans of photography and landscape architecture should not miss these beautiful parks.

If you couldn’t get enough of imposing castles during your visit, the next castle, Regenstein Castle and Fortress, is already waiting for you just outside Blankenburg.

But also the old town of Blankenburg (Harz) with its fantastic half-timbered houses is definitely worth a visit.

Bad Lauterberg im Harz

Pure relaxation awaits you in Bad Lauterberg. As a recognized Kneipp spa and Schroth spa town, Bad Lauterberg offers everything you need for a real relaxation vacation. The small town is even considered the oldest water spa in northern Germany.

Situated in the southern part of the Upper Harz Mountains, plenty of relaxation opportunities await you alongside fantastic adjacent nature in the Harz National Park. In addition to two spa parks, which offer a great opportunity for a long walk, there are also a few specialized clinics. You can find even more relaxation in the Vitamar bathing and sauna fun and the Kirchberg thermal bath.

Resort Thale

If the term Walpurgis means something to you, you have certainly heard of Thale. Because according to ancient Germanic tradition, the witches of the region fly to Thale every year on Walpurgis Night , April 30, to celebrate on the Hexentanzplatz ( Witches Dance Square ). No wonder that the Walpurgis Night in Thale is a real highlight for all visitors. Besides a big party, especially the Walpurgis Market is a popular destination during the Walpurgis days.

But also outside of Walpurgis, Thale is a great destination in the Harz Mountains. Besides the Hexentanzplatz, you should also stop by Thale’s other granite massif, the Rosstrappe. Furthermore, Thale is directly connected to the beautiful Bode Valley, where breathtaking nature awaits you.

In the town itself, the adventure museum Harzeum has opened its doors for you. Here you can learn more about the history of the place, but also about the animal world. If you are interested in the wildlife of the Bode Valley, you should definitely visit the Hexentanzplatz Zoo.

Mountain and University Town Clausthal-Zellerfeld

The city of Clausthal-Zellerfeld, located in the Upper Harz Mountains, has made a name for itself primarily as the seat of the Technical University and thus tries to combine offers for its young and older visitors. The town is located in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Oberharzer Wasserwirtschaft and thus offers plenty of idyllic hiking and walking trails along numerous picturesque lakes.

If you’re interested in the mining history that was once so crucial to the region’s wealth and the construction of all those unique architectural structures in the Harz, don’t miss a visit to the Mining Museum.

The mining farmers’ market, which takes place every Thursday in the district of Zellerfeld, attracts numerous visitors every week. Because then not only fresh regional food but also rows of handicrafts are for sale here.

Another popular attraction of the town is the market church of the Holy Spirit. What makes it special is its striking blue color and the fact that it’s considered one of the largest wooden churches in the world.

Hahnenklee-Bockswiese

Only a few minutes’ drive from Clausthal-Zellerfeld are the two small villages of Hahnenklee and Bockswiese. Although they are only a short distance from Clausthal-Zellerfeld, the two officially count as a district of Goslar.

A visit to Hahnenklee is a real must for nature lovers, as there are plenty of unique hiking trails to discover. Especially the Liebesbank trail ( Love bench trail ), which is the first premium hiking trail in the Harz Mountains, is a popular trail for couples, families, groups, and solo hikers at the same time. Even though it is a relatively short hiking trail with 7 km, it offers a real experience with its 25 love benches along the way, which each represent the sequence of a love relationship.

Another highlight in Hahnenklee is its stave church. Built according to the Nordic model, it is the only stave church in Germany and therefore something very special.

Therapeutic climatic spa Bad Sachsa

If you are looking for fresh, healthy air, you should probably choose Bad Sachsa as your destination in the Harz Mountains. Starting with a walk through the dreamy old town of Bad Sachsa, where you can admire the old half-timbered buildings of the city.

nature and hiking trails surrounding the small town in the Harz Mountains also add to Bad Sachsa’s charm. The spa park also provides beautiful walking options without leaving the city. To learn more about the surrounding nature, a visit to the NatUrzeit Museum is mandatory. But also the Grenzlandmuseum is an exciting place, which deals with the history and life at the Inner German border – a really worth seeing museum, not only on rainy days.

Finally, you should definitely visit the Salztal-Paradies adventure pool, which provides fun and relaxation at the same time with its bathing and sauna area.

Bad Harzburg

The small town in the district of Goslar is the perfect destination for those in search of nature and relaxation. Hiking enthusiasts are particularly fond of Bad Harzburg. On the treetop path, you can experience the region’s biodiverse nature at heights of up to 26 meters, allowing you to discover the Harz Mountains from a whole new perspective. Other great ways to experience the region from lofty heights include the BaumSchwebeBahn, the Burgberg cable car, and the Skyrope high ropes course.

If you prefer to stay on the ground, you can learn more about the creatures on the ground and the roots of the plants native to the area at numerous adventure stations on the tree root trail. However, many other excellent hiking routes are waiting for you in the region. The so-called Luchstour and the Kästeklippentour were even awarded the German Hiking Seal.

If you are more in the mood for relaxation, the Sole-Therme and the Silberbornbad are probably your best bet.

Luther town Eisleben

As can already be seen from the title Lutherstadt, the traces of the reformer Martin Luther in his birthplace can hardly be denied to this day. Together with the Lutter Memorials of Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the city’s memorials have been awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site title. In addition to the house where he was born and died, the UNESCO sites include the churches of Sankt Petri-Pauli, Sankt Andreas, and Sankt Annen and the monument on the market square.

However, the Helfta Monastery and Eisleben’s theater, together with the charming old town, are also considered the town’s main attractions.

Esperanto town Herzberg am Harz

Herzberg am Harz is another rather unknown city in the Harz Mountains, which is nevertheless a great tourist destination. The title of Esperanto City was given to Herzberg because of its outstanding efforts for the Esperanto language. Thus, the planned language is taught in all city schools and the city’s intercultural center. In addition, many congresses, meetings, and events on the subject are held in the city.

Probably the most popular sight in Herzberg is the almost 1000-year-old Guelph Castle. Herzberg Castle, located on a hill above the city center, is considered the largest castle complex in Lower Saxony. Due to its half-timbered architecture, the Guelph Castle is considered one of the most beautiful and unique castles in the region. Inside it, you can learn more about the history of the city, in addition to a tin museum.

In addition to long walks and hikes in the enchanting surrounding nature, a stroll around the lake Juessee, located in the middle of the city of Herzberg, is also worthwhile.

Located at about 800 meters above sea level, this district of Altenau, another district of Goslar, is considered the highest settlement in Lower Saxony. With its unique nature and view of the Brocken, Torfhaus is the perfect travel and excursion destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Because there are numerous hiking trails of various difficulty levels and lengths. Following the Goethe hiking trail, you can even hike up to the Brocken from here.

If you want to take it a little easier, you can also take an extended walk across the Torfhaus moor via the wooden footbridge. In the national park visitor center, you can also warm up and find a lot of interesting information about the surrounding nature and its inhabitants.

Torfhaus is also extremely popular with active visitors. While you can experience the surroundings from your mountain bike in the summer, there is a fabulous ski resort here during the cold winter months.

Historic Europe town Stolberg (Harz)

A real insider tip, even among those who know the Harz mountains, is the small town of Stolberg. But if you get lost on a trip to the small town in the southern Harz, you will be enchanted by its picturesque old town. With its location nestled between valleys, Stolberg seems like a town out of a storybook. You can admire a whole of 380 half-timbered houses during a relaxed walk through the town.

But also the Stolberger Castle should not be missed as a landmark of the city. It is perched a bit above the old town on a hill, so you can hardly miss it. While the castle once served as home to important counts, today there is a museum inside, where you can learn more about the interesting history of the small town.

Air spa and western town Hasselfelde

In Hasselfelde, two worlds meet, which could hardly be more different. On the one hand, here is an idyllic little town with a quiet atmosphere, pure air, and surrounded by fantastic natural landscapes.

Hasselfelde’s hiking trails provide access to some of Harz’s most important hiking trails, such as the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg and the Via Romae pilgrimage trail. Popular recreational activities also include the Waldseebad lake and the Harzköhlerei Stemberghaus charcoal kiln, where charcoal is still traditionally made today.

On the other side, Hasselfelde is also home to the western town of Pullman City. This exciting theme park will take you back in time to the Wild West. Because here Indians and cowboys make their mischief. The park is popular with families, groups, and bachelor parties at the same time.

Which is your favorite place in the Harz? Or do you have an insider tip for us that is not on the list? Let us know in the comments below!

Interested in Germany?

About the Author Vicki

Hi, we are Vicki & Eduardo, an international travel couple on a mission to help you save money for priceless travel experience. Follow us through the miracles of this world and you will be rewarded with a bunch of practical travel tips.

2 thoughts on Best towns in the Harz Mountains – Stunning places in Germany’s most beautiful mountains

Really helpful. Many thanks for compiling this information! Would have been useful to mention also nice restaurants in the towns or the surrounding. Thanks for putting this together.

Thanks a lot for your comment and your feedback. I will try to add some in the future. 🙂

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Unknown to much of the outside world but a mini-Black Forest to northern Germans, the Harz mountains cover an area about 100km long and 30km wide where Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Lower Saxony meet. Soaring peaks may be absent, but the region is blessed with thickly wooded rolling hills, low peaks and snug valleys in which small villages and modest resort towns nestle, offering pleasant base-camps for a variety of outdoor activities. The key points of interest are Thale for its location at the mouth of the Bode Valley, an attractive hiking destination; the Brocken , the Harz’s highest peak with its captivating associations with the pagan festival Walpurgisnacht; and the low-key ski resort town of Braunlage . Towns in the foothills such as Quedlinburg and Goslar are also possible gateways for forays into the hills, but if you’re reliant on public transport you’ll need to rise early; though offering vital shuttle services to hikers, bus connections around the Harz take time. Trains are a bit faster and – as part of a network of narrow-gauge railways with steam trains – the journeys are a delight in themselves.

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The rather nondescript little town of BRAUNLAGE sits in a beautiful location in a cradle of hills that include the Wurmberg (971m), the Harz’s second-highest peak, whose regular snow has made it a reasonable small ski resort – with Germany’s longest cable-car. But it’s often off-puttingly busy at weekends and, in marginal winters, often slushy around its base. At these times, the better option is to repair to the excellent network of cross-country skiing trails on the rolling hills about town, or mess around on a toboggan – and there are good runs both on the Wurmberg and in town for this – look for signs to the Rodelbahn. Gear for all these winter activities is readily available in town: expect to pay around €20 for a ski or snowboard setup.

Braunlage is also a popular summer base for hikers and bikers , and the tourist office publishes useful free brochures on the local trail network.

As northern Germany’s green lung and main range of proper hills, the Harz has been well-developed for all the most common outdoor activities. And some first-class spa and sauna complexes provide the perfect counterbalance.

The rolling hills, low peaks and dark valleys of the Harz offer easy terrain for a huge network of well-signposted trails, while maps are readily available. Recommended are the inexpensive waterproof and tear-proof ones published by Publicpress – with a logo of a sun wearing sunglasses – which cover a number of areas of the Harz at different scales; the 1:50,000 ones are most useful for hiking. With navigation very straightforward and terrain relatively undemanding, it’s easy to forget that the Harz is a highly changeable mountain environment, so be prepared for storms and sharp temperature changes.

With good trails everywhere there’s no single best base for hiking the Harz, though Thale by the Bode Valley, and Schierke on the slopes of the Brocken, are particular hotspots.

Cycling the Harz is a pleasure if you’re reasonably fit, though many of the roads have tight corners and fast traffic, so it’s worth planning routes along the many even and fairly smooth forestry trails that crisscross the range. Again, these are well marked on Publicpress maps, who have a range of cycling maps at a more useful smaller scale. Mountain-bikers will find the network, expertly documented in the book Der Harz für Mountainbiker (€13.60; available from most tourist offices), a bit tame, so adventurous riders should try visiting the main ski areas in summer for their ski-lift-accessed trails. Best are Braunlage and Hahnenklee ( bike-park-hahnenklee.de ), 16km southeast of Goslar; Thale’s Rosstrappe also has a single reasonable trail (see Thale).

When snowfall cooperates, skiing and snowboarding are possible throughout the Harz and many towns are geared up for winter sports, making equipment rental easy and inexpensive. Tobogganing is very popular, with special runs in many places and the cross-country skiing trail network well developed.

The main downhill centres are at Braunlage and St Andreasberg in the central Harz and Hahnenklee in the north, but there are half a dozen smaller spots too. Braunlage often has the best conditions and offers a good selection of runs to keep most skiers and boarders happy for a long weekend. Check harz-ski.de for conditions throughout the range.

Braunlage is also home to the ice hockey team Harzer Wölfe ( harzer-woelfe.de ), a reasonably talented, and fairly rabidly supported, outfit who play in the stadium in the centre of town. Catching a game can be good fun for the atmosphere and chants alone.

The finest spas and saunas in the Harz are in some of its smallest towns, where good signposting generally means they’re easy to find; enquire at a local tourist office for bus connections if you don’t have your own transport.

Bodetal Therme Parkstr. 4, Thale,0170 528 55 66. The newest spa in the Harz, with a lovely selection of saunas and steam rooms and the crowning glory of some terrific views. 4hr for €12. Mon–Wed & Sun 10am–10pm, Thurs–Sat 10am–11pm.

Heisser Brocken Karl-Reinecke-Weg 35, Altenau, 05328 91 15 70, kristalltherme-altenau.de. Relatively new and well-designed sauna complex, 20km northwest of Braunlage, with excellent views over wooded hills from several outdoor pools (one with a waterfall). Three hours: €10.80. Mon–Thurs & Sun 9am–10pm, Fri & Sat 9am–11pm.

Sole-Therme Nordhäuser Str. 2a, Bad Harzburg, 05322 753 60, sole-therme-bad-harzburg.de. Rambling pool and sauna complex with many different heated outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms, including one in which you rub salt into your body. Day-ticket €12. Mon–Sat 8am–9pm, Sun 8am–7pm.

Vitamar Masttal 1, Bad Lauterberg 05524 85 06 65, vitamar.de. Large family-friendly pool and small swank sauna complex, 18km southwest of Braunlage. Three hours: €9.60. Mon–Fri 10am–10pm, Sat & Sun 10am–9pm.

The severe little town of RÜBELAND strung out along the Bode River, 15km from Thale, has been on the tourist map ever since the 600,000-year-old Baumannshöhle cave was discovered by a fifteenth-century miner. Goethe toured the cave three times, as did Heine, treading in the footsteps of Stone Age inhabitants and Ice Age bears, some of whose skeletons are on display. The neighbouring Hermannshöhle is more modest, but its stalagmites and stalactites more impressive. The two sets of caves tend to open on alternate days; call in advance to find out.

The large village of SCHIERKE gathers at the foot of the Brocken (1142m), the Harz’s highest peak, 15km west of Rübeland, and is the last stop for the narrow-gauge Brockenbahn. Hiking up the Brocken is the obvious attraction, but there are many other good rock-climbing, biking and hiking routes in the area, including two enjoyable shorter walks to jagged rock formations: the Feuersteinklippen are just thirty minutes’ walk away, the Scharcherklippen ninety minutes. Pick up free maps at the tourist office. In winter there’s first-class snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on a 70km-long trail network.

The Brocken

Given its mystical reputation (see “Walpurgisnacht”), and as the highest peak in the Harz, the ascent of the Brocken is for many a vital part of a Harz itinerary. So if you’re after peace look elsewhere. Options to ascend it include the Brockenbahn railway (€18 one-way), horse-drawn wagon – or sleigh in winter (both around €20 return; contact tourist office in Schierke) – or on foot. From Schierke, the sealed but traffic-free Brockenstrasse makes for a straightforward 12km hike, but is probably a better descent, taking the more interesting and scenic 7km route via Eckerloch up. The Brockenmuseum by the railway terminus near the summit has exhibits about geology and the mountain’s mythology, but says little about the GDR era, when the Brocken was a military no-go area for Germans. The easy 2.5km path around the summit offers good views over the blanket of trees that covers the Harz and some of the settlements in the foothills.

Upstream along the Bode River, 10km southeast of Quedlinburg, the Harz mountains rear up beside the modest steel-making town of THALE in scenery which awed both Goethe and Heine. In particular, two rugged outcrops – the Hexentanzplatz and the Rosstrappe – capture the imagination, partly for their mythical associations. Both are accessible by chairlift while the lush Bode Valley between them is home to the Hexenstieg , one of the Harz’s most idyllic hiking routes and an easy day-hike. With a further 100km of marked trails in the vicinity, Thale also makes for a superb base for longer walking holidays.

Among railway buffs the Harz is famous for having Europe’s largest narrow-gauge railway network: the Harzer Schmalspurbahn (03943 55 80, hsb-wr.de). Its 140km of track is plied largely by steam trains, and seeing the antique technology in action is as much part of the pleasure as the scenic terrain that’s negotiated by steep gradients and tight corners. It all adds up to an interesting and unusual way to see some attractive, out-of-the-way places without doing the legwork yourself. Tickets can be bought for single journeys, or as a pass to the entire network (available at the main stations): €44 for three days and €49 for five days; children travel half-price, while a €68 family card covers two adults and two children for a day. The network divides into three lines: the Brockenbahn climbs steeply from the Schierke up the Brocken to a height of 1125m, scenically at its best in winter when the peaceful heights are blanketed in snow; the Harzquerbahn is a 60km route that twists all the way across the Harz in seventy bends between Wernigerode in the north and Nordhausen in the south. At its highest point, Drei Annen Hohne, you can transfer onto the Brockenbahn; the Skeletbahn , beginning in Quedlinburg, runs to the Eisfelder Tal where you can change onto the Harzquerbahn. The steam trains along this route are real antiques – the oldest is from 1887.

According to legend, every year on April 30, Walpurgisnacht , witches and warlocks descend on the Harz to fly up the Brocken on broomsticks and goats. Here they gather to exchange tall tales of recent evil deeds as foreplay to a Bacchanalian frenzy of fornication, including with the devil himself. The event was so vividly embellished that for centuries local peasants lived in fear of meetings with stray witches. By hanging crosses and herbs on house and barn doors they tried to protect themselves and their animals; church bells would toll and the most superstitious would crack whips to deter evil forces.

At some point this night became combined with age-old local festivals: the Celts celebrated this as the devil’s final fling before spring triumphs over winter in festivals similar to those in other Celtic lands, including Scotland’s Beltane, while Germanic tribes celebrated the wedding of the gods Wodan and Freyen. The name Walpurgisnacht probably comes from Waldborg, the pagan goddess of fertility. Over the centuries, as Christianity frowned on these celebrations, they became a highlight of the black-magic calendar: Goethe’s Faust joined a “whirling mob” of witches on the Brocken’s summit.

Today, gatherings by New Age pagans and revellers occur all over the Harz on Walpurgisnacht, but the most popular places are at the Hexentanzplatz in Thale where 35,000 arrive for an organized celebration; and the trek up the Brocken from Schierke in which similar numbers come together for a more rough-and-ready experience that lasts until dawn.

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to our legendary mountain wilderness

In 2006 Harz became the first National Park in Germany to cover two federal states; the eastern part in Sachsen-Anhalt consists of 8,900 ha of land and was set up in 1990. In 1994, the federal government of Niedersachsen established the western part of the park, covering 15,800 ha. As a result, the united Harz National Park consists of approximately 24,700 ha. The Park is part of Natura 2000 – the European nature conservation – network. Harz National Park stretches from a low mountain range near Herzberg in the southern part of the mountains, across the Harz massif to its northern slopes near Bad Harzburg and Ilsenburg. It offers the entire range of characteristic ecological systems, variations in height, slopes and rocks. Height varies from approximately 240 m in the north and 270 m on the southern edge up to 1,141 m on Brocken peak. The Park offers an ecologically complex landscape and contains different vegetation zones.

Harz National Park is virtually uninhabited, but does contain some settlements. Nearly all the land within the Park is forested and belongs to the federal states. Scientific research has identified numerous habitats which are, based on Middle-European standards, quite close to a natural state, such as the high and middle regions or zones of the Harz, rocky biotopes, many running waters, and a large beech, spruce and mixed forest area. In some sections, however, ecological changes in afforestation must be carried out in order to get closer to original, natural forest conditions. One of the priorities in the future for Harz National Park is carrying out environmental information and education services. With its geographical location, beautiful landscape and characteristic natural environmental setup and layout, the Harz National Park region is one of the most significant recreational areas in Central Europe. The Harz Tourist Federation calculates that there are more than five million overnight stays and approximately ten million visits to the Park area and its adjacent towns a year. A group of 39 rangers and several National Park Visitor Centres contribute a great deal to the services for the visitors.

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The 10 Most Amazing Peaks in the Harz Mountains | Komoot

Harz Mountains

Peaks in the Harz Mountains

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The Top 10 Peaks in the Harz Mountains

Brockengipfel

Hiking Highlight

Logically, you also have the best view from the highest point far and wide. If, yes, if it weren't for the problem with the fog. There was a year when … read more

Großvaterfelsen

The Grandfather Rock is part of the Devil's Wall. Some strength is required to climb it. But the effort is rewarded. From the top you have a magnificent view of … read more

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Ilsestein (HWN 030)

"On the tower-like top of the rock stands a big iron cross, and if need be, there is room for four human feet." (Heinrich Heine) About three kilometers from Ilsenburg … read more

Wolfswarte (HWN 135)

The highest mountain in Lower Saxony, the Wurmberg, is known beyond the state's borders. As is so often the case, however, the runner-up is in the shadow of the limelight. … read more

Tip by Romy von Etappen-Wandern

The Wurmberg is the little brother of the Brocken. So they stand shoulder to shoulder, loyal to each other. When the weather is clear, you have a fantastic all-round view … read more

Mountain Biking Highlight

The highest peak in the Harz Mountains above the tree line. Certainly not the most exciting ascent with the MTB, but a must, simply because it is there. ;-)

La Viershöhe (HWN 72)

From here you have a fantastic view of the Bodetal. The name of the height is reminiscent of the head forester La Viers, who was the highest-ranking forestry official in … read more

Achtermannshöhe (HWN 12)

The Achtermannshöhe is the fourth highest mountain in the Harz. It lies, so to speak, in the slipstream of the Brocken and of course also allows a fantastic view of … read more

Großer Burgberg (HWN 121)

Legendary panoramic view! In addition to the Canossa Column, the remains of the castle walls are still standing here. The inn and lodging house Aussichtsreich can also be found here. The Harz hiking nobility also has stamp number 121 here.

Tip by Andreas Platzl

Leistenklippe (HWN 15)

The Leistenklippe is next to the Grenzklippe one of the cliffs of the Hohnekamm. Also located at 900 meters, the view from here is probably the most spectacular. The border … read more

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• Osterode am Harz

• 1.1 Lower Saxony
• 1.2 Saxony-Anhalt
• 2.1 Orientation
• 3.1 By train
• 4 Get around

The Harz is a low mountain range in the Central Uplands of Germany , famous for its historic silver mines that brought prosperity to the region and to the Electorate of Hanover. It lies between the river Elbe and Weser in the states of Lower Saxony , Saxony-Anhalt and, to a small extent, Thuringia . The range runs for 100 km from northwest to southeast and is 30 km wide. The terraced plateaus are made of limestone, sandstone, and slate and have been cut by many narrow, deep valleys.

The two highest peaks in the area are the legendary and mysterious Brocken (1,141 m or 3,743 feet high), just higher than Snowdon , and the Wurmberg (971 m or 3,186 feet high), both of which are made of granite. The higher, northwestern area is known as the Upper Harz ( Oberharz ) and the lower, southeastern area is the Lower Harz ( Unterharz ). The highest mountains - around the Brocken - are sometimes called the High Harz ( Hochharz ).

The Upper Harz plateau slopes from 1,000 m elevation in the west down to 485 m in the centre and suffers from a cold and damp climate, even in the summer, caused by its susceptibility to westerly winds. The Brocken rises above the plateau and is internationally famous for the stories and myths associated with it in local folklore and literature. The summit of the Brocken is bare and has an Alpine climate, but its lower slopes are forested and interspersed with moorlands and river beds.

The Lower Harz has a gentler climate which has enabled it to be exploited by agriculture. The area supports grain and cattle farming, and was once abundant with game, Eurasian lynx, brown bears, and wolves. They were hunted to extinction, but there are projects to reintroduce some of these native animals again. The lynx reintroduction at least has been successful, with the Harz mountains now being marketed as the Kingdom of the Lynx . The area is also famous for a number of rarer animal breeds, including the Harzer Roller canaries, bred for the mines.

Between the 10th-16th centuries, the area became immensely important for mining and metallurgy, lead, silver, iron, zinc, and copper being the main products. Easy access to water and wood helped the early settlers. Dams, however, have now been introduced to control the waters to remove the possibility of flooding or shortages in the summer. These dams generate hydroelectric power and ensure a steady supply of drinking water for the area.

Industries such as quarrying (marble, granite, and gypsum) as well as wood processing for paper and cardboard provide sources of income. The area is also heavily dependent on tourism with water sports and resorts being important, but it is its forest scenery in the Harz National Park which attracts the majority of the tourists.

Cities [ edit ]

Lower Saxony [ edit ]

• 51.882778 10.561667 1 Bad Harzburg — charming spa town, ancient cable cars, and a base for walks in the surrounding hills
• 51.7264 10.6101 2 Braunlage — the main ski resort and cable car to Lower Saxony's highest peak, the Wurmberg
• 51.805 10.335556 3 Clausthal-Zellerfeld — a resort in the Harz. Its manufactures include textiles and wood products. The town was once a centre for the mining of copper, zinc, and lead
• 51.906003 10.429163 4 Goslar — former Free Imperial Town with more than 1,000 years of history
• 51.8025 10.5367 6 Torfhaus — the highest settlement in Lower Saxony and starting point for numerous walks
• 51.655556 10.339444 7 Herzberg am Harz
• 51.8017 10.4473 8 Altenau — old mining town with its own brewery and the Kräuterpark Altenau

Saxony-Anhalt [ edit ]

• 51.795278 10.962222 9 Blankenburg — quaint former East German town and home to an imposing castle
• 51.895833 11.046667 10 Halberstadt — playing a piece of music that's scheduled to last for 639 years
• 51.966667 10.716667 11 Osterwieck — historic town on the River Ilse, north of Wernigerode
• 51.791667 11.147222 12 Quedlinburg — its beautiful town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 51.763889 10.664722 13 Schierke — historic border village and starting point for walks up the Brocken
• 51.566667 10.949722 14 Stolberg — a health resort in the state of Saxony-Anhalt
• 51.751111 11.042778 15 Thale — old mining town and former summer resort for Berliners; gateway to the Bode Gorge
• 51.835 10.785278 16 Wernigerode — known for its impressive Romanesque castle and its timber-framed houses that have been largely preserved in their original styles

Understand [ edit ]

Prior to 1990, the border between Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt was also the border between East and West Germany, complete with fence and fortified frontier. The Brocken was an East German and Soviet military surveillance post used to spy on military activity in Western Europe. From the East German side access to many villages was severely restricted. Roads and railway tracks were either closed or demolished, thus later facilitating the establishment of the Harz National Park. The division of the Harz by the Iron Curtain is still noticeable in the marketing of the Harz as a tourist destination with various sites on the old Inner German Border being preserved for historic and tourism reasons.

Tourism is the main source of income for the region. Unemployment is high, especially after the collapse of the industrial complexes in former East Germany. The number of tourists visiting a town is politically important. Goslar and surrounding villages compete against the cluster of Wernigerode, Quedlinburg, and Blankenburg and the Southern Harz regions in attracting tourists. This competition is not always friendly!

Recommendations on where to go in the region may be coloured by a person's (East German or West German) origin. Each of the regions tries to pass itself of as the "ultimate Harz experience". Try to the forget about the East/West rivalry as reunification is more and more a thing of the past (and a long term success) in people's minds at least, and just enjoy the wild and natural beauty of the area.

Orientation [ edit ]

The Harz is divided into 2 main regions:

• The Upper Harz ( Oberharz ) in the west, in the state of Lower Saxony
• The Lower Harz ( Unterharz ) in the east, in Saxony-Anhalt

In addition, the area around the Brocken with the highest peaks (1,141 m) in the range is also referred to as the High Harz ( Hochharz ).

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

The access point for the northern part is Goslar , which can be reached from Hanover and Halle (Saale), while the southern part is reached by train from Göttingen and Erfurt . The lines have suffered from neglect due to lying "in the middle of nowhere" during the 40 years of German partition, but since than several investments have restored the lines to a workable state.

By bus [ edit ]

Flixbus is by far the biggest name in the game.

By car [ edit ]

The A38 runs south of the Harz from Halle to Göttingen and the A395 connects Goslar and Bad Harzburg in the northwest with Brunswick ( Braunschweig ). The A7 connects Göttingen in the southwest and Hanover in the north as well as Brunswick. From Hanover follow the A7 down to the "Seesen/Harz (67)" junction to follow the range from north to south , or to the junction "Rhüden Harz (66)" to follow to the north B82/B6 to Goslar, Bad Harzburg and on to Wernigerode. The B6 is an important east-west dual carriageway along the northern edge of the Harz.

Get around [ edit ]

The best-known mode of transport is the historic narrow-gauge steam railway network operated by the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways ( Harzer Schmalspurbahnen ) or HSB. Today the HSB is the longest steam operated railway in Europe and while it also offers picturesque views and a sense of travel "as in the old times" its value for transportation should not be discounted. There are also other, standard gauge lines run by Deutsche Bahn, mainly around the margins of the Harz. Local buses connect towns which are not on the railway line. Having your own car is recommended if you want to travel extensively in the region. Inside the national park the only permissible ways of getting about are on the steam railway, on foot, or by bike.

• Harz-Mobil , Breite Str. 92, 38855 Wernigerode , ☏ +49 3943 9048470 . E-bike stations in a number of towns in the region ( updated May 2017 )

See [ edit ]

• Bode Gorge . Part of the Bode Valley (Bodetal) between Treseburg and Thale . The gorge originates on the east side of the Brocken and runs from a depth of 280 m at Thale up to 140 m at Tresburg. The gorge is a nature reserve in its own right covering an area of just under 500 hectares and is only accessible on foot. Other forms of transport are banned, including rafting, and walking off route is forbidden, but an accessible path wends its entire length, 10 km (6 mi). There are a number of interesting places, along the route, many linked to old German myths and traditions and there are 4 stations that count towards the Harzer Wandernadel. The Bode Gorge is one of the most popular walking destinations in the Harz Mountains.  

• The TV Tower . The tradition of radio and TV engineering on the Brocken dates back to the beginning of TV broadcast. It was determined in 1929 during the first wireless television broadcasting, that the short wave used was not suitable for television. Also, very high locations were required for its transmitters to transmit the very high frequencies required for TV to succeed. In 1934, the post office was given responsibility for building a mobile transmitter. In 1935 the first public picture transmission took place. In 1936, there were live transmissions of the Olympic games in Berlin. From 1936 to 1937 a 52-m-high television station and hotel with 16 floors was built. With the installation of the antenna system in 1938 the television station became operational. With the beginning of World War II, television transmissions stopped. Radio broadcasts on up to 40 transmitters carried on. In April 1945 an air raid by the Americans destroyed the hotel. The transmitter however was spared, to be used by the occupying forces. In 1947 allied troops pulled out toward the west. To justify the Americans having their part of Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt was handed to the Soviets. The Americans left in a state of chaos and the station was a gutted ruin. In 1948 the TV tower was shortened by around seven floors and a flat roof was added. From 1973 to 1976 the new landmark 152 m high metal end transmitter masts were built to enable the transmission of the East German TV channel "DDR 2". Now there is a museum and restaurant, a more modern hotel, and various cafes. The views from the summit are breathtaking and with the correct equipment and right weather conditions, some towns and reference points can be seen up to 80 km away.  

• Oker Valley ( 6km SE of Goslar ). A romantic valley with magnificent rocky scenery and the Romkerhall Falls, it is considered by nature and trekking enthusiasts as the most beautiful valley in the Harz Mountains. The River Oker runs through the this stunning valley, starting in the middle of the Harz National Park , at over 900 m elevation and runs in a general northerly direction, for 105 km until it joins with the River Aller at Müden/Örtze near Celle. Historically, the River Oker has formed an important political boundary. It flows through deep rocky ravines and over waterfalls. This is the Oker Valley at its best. Since 1956 the Oker Valley Dam ( Okertalsperre ) has stopped the river from overflowing. This was an issue in the late-1940s when the towns of Brunswick ( Braunschweig ) and Wolfenbüttel were flooded. The dam stopped this happening again. However the small hamlet of Schulenburg was destined to be inundated by the dam's construction. So the town was removed in 1954 and rebuilt above the dam. The dam provides drinking water for towns as far away as Hildesheim and Hanover , as well as being a very efficient hydro-electric site that provides over 4 megawatts of power to the surrounding area.  
• Rübeland . Part of the Upper Harz Brocken community, a village of nearly 1,000 inhabitants. The village is near the Bode River, and in the Harz Mountains is best known as being an important railway station on the Rübeland Railway, which was built from 1880-1886 and previously known as the Harz Railway. The Rübeland Railway operates special festive train services at different times of the year between Blankenburg and Rübeland using old steam locomotives. The journeys take about 45 min each way, and there is the attraction during Advent of visiting the Christmas market in Rübeland. Amongst the other attractions nearby is the famous viewing point on the Schornsteinberg ("Chimney Hill") which is also a checkpoint on the Harzer Wandernadel hiking network.  
• Selke Valley . The valley is dominated by the river Selke with its source in the Lower Harz and a tributary of the river Bode falling over an overall height of 340 m. The river is 64 km in length of which 30 km flow through the mountains of the Harz and the last 34 km through the agricultural land of the Harz approaches. The river itself was often the cause of sudden floods with water bursting its banks, and as a result a number of dams were planned along its route. The most recent project is a storm water embankment near Meisdorf planned to be 12 to 18 m high. A local protest movement has claimed that the embankment would ruin the landscape, and further arguments have been raised by inhabitants in villages up stream that not enough flood protection is available and so plans are in progress for dams at Straßbeg to protect the current storm water dam at Uhlenbach.  
• Falkenstein Castle ( Selke Valley ). A striking medieval castle, high on a ridge above the Selke Valley, was built between 1120 and 1180 and since then has been used in a number of different ways. Because of its position it was never captured. Today the castle is a museum and one of the most popular places to visit in the Harz Mountains. The museum is on the so called "Romantic Road" and contains amongst other things a falconry, and a restaurant that offers a special 'Knights' Menu'. Since 2006 a European-wide singing competition has been held in the castle known as the 'Minneturnier', which refers to a singing contest in the Middle Ages, and today famous singers from Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany take part. The castle is number 200 on the Harzer Wandernadel hiking network.  
• Selke Valley Railway ( Selke Valley ). Among the attractions of the Selke Valley is the Selke Valley Railway or Selketalbahn . This is a metre gauge railway that passes through Quedlinburg, Gernrode, Alexisbad and Harzgerode, with branch lines from Alexisbad to Stiege to Hasselfelde, and from Stiege to the Eisfelde Talmühle, much of this track being relaid in 2006 to link to the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway. The railway itself has become a delicatessen for railway aficionados as it travels through the most dramatic parts of the central Harz using small steam engines of which only 17 were built, and the route traverses the steepest grade in the Harz railway system of 4%. At Stieg station there is a unique terminal loop known as a balloon loop which allows heavier trains destined for Silberhütte to turn without reversing.  

Do [ edit ]

• Hiking . The Harz is a hiker's and walker's paradise and is criss-crossed by trails of every conceivable length and difficulty. Many of the longer trails are named: the Goethe Way ( Goetheweg ), the Kings and Emperors' Way , the Inner German Border Way , and the Harz Witches' Path ( Harzer Hexenstieg ) to name a few. In order to encourage fitness and tourism, the Harzer Wandernadel was founded a few years ago. They established a network of checkpoints and a badge system based on the number of checkpoints visited. Thousands of hikers, young and old, have participated in the scheme. This is a great way to explore the Harz as the checkpoints are sited at places of interest: lofty crags, medieval castles, museums, lakes, view points, and hilltops. The pass books (€2) and map sets (€7.50) may be purchased in most information and tourist offices in the region as well as participating restaurants and museums or online. Contact details for the Harzer Wandernadel are:  
• Nude Hiking . The Harz is home to Germany's first official naturist hiking trail, the Harzer Naturistenstieg. Consisting of a circuit of about 13 km from the dam in Wippertal and clearly signposted as an area where public nudity may be encountered, it offers naturists a space where they can legally hike naked through the forests.  

Eat [ edit ]

Harzer cheese contains only about one percent fat. It is made from low-fat curd cheese. It is known for its distinct strong taste.

Drink [ edit ]

Since 1617 Altenau has produced beer by hand. Nordhausen is famous for its Doppelkorn , that is a distilled spirit made from various grains, usually rye. It is somewhat similar to vodka, though distilled to less alcohol content (Doppelkorn being the higher alcohol variant of normal Korn ) and not filtered as much, leaving it with more of a taste to its own. Korn (and not beer) is the alcoholic drink of choice in most of Northern and parts of Central Germany and is usually drunk neat. The Korn tradition of Nordhausen goes back at least five hundred years, as a tax on locally produced liquor is first mentioned in a text from 1507, thus indicating some production already prior to this point in time.

Go next [ edit ]

• Bad Gandersheim — the town's origins can be traced back to the 9th century, when it was an important administrative centre
• Einbeck – historic market place with timber-framed houses rich with ornamentation and unique medieval carvings
• Halberstadt
• Sangerhausen
• Wolfenbüttel

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• Travel to the Harz

Travel to the Harz Mountains

Tips for getting to the Harz, and how to navigate once you're there.

Getting to the Harz

Getting oriented makes it easier to travel to the Harz. There are so many ways to approach the area, it really helps to study the maps.

The Harz region is centrally located, but not really near any major cities. Once you are there, it is easy to get from one village to another by train, bus or car.

Travel to the Harz By Air

The major airports closest to the Harz region are Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Frankfurt and Leipzig. From there, travel would be by train or rental car.

Travel To the Harz By Train

From the larger cities, the train routes usually go by way of Halberstadt coming from the east, Goettingen or Kassel from the west and south, Hannover from the north, then changing to a local line going to the town you are starting with.

Check out the  German Railway Schedules  via the  Deutsche Bahn  website.

If you like the old, narrow gauge,  steam trains , you're in the right place. The Harz Mountains have an extensive network of these trains that are used for actual transportation between many of the towns, not just as a ride for tourists. For more information, see the  Harz Steam Train Map .

Which Map to Use?

The  Michelin  map for Germany is a great map, but has one problem for a traveler. It is a  gigantic  piece of paper. Unless you are staying in one small area, you will be constantly wrestling with it.

The  Rough Guide  map of Germany is excellent. It has sufficient detail and the colors are easy on the eyes. It has the additional advantage of being laminated in a way that feels like smooth paper but is tough enough to withstand repeated folding and accidents of the liquid variety.

Both of the these maps are available through Amazon.

The map I used was very handy for travel to the Harz as well as the rest of Germany. Unfortunately it is only available to  AAA  members (The "Germany, Poland, Czech and Slovak Republics Map", four countries in one). If you can get it, it's small and easy to manage, with enough detail on it.

Traveling Around in the Harz Mountains

Because the towns are so closely clustered, it is possible to pick one of them and do day trips to the others. Wernigerode is the most central of the towns, so if you want to avoid changing hotels every night, you could stay there and see the others easily.

Or you could stay in  Goslar , and do day trips to  Wernigerode , the Brocken and the Rammelsberg mine outside Goslar, then stay in  Thale  and do a day trip to  Quedlinburg  (or vice-versa). That's assuming you have time for or want to see all of them.

Travel Tip:   you can save money by using the  Harz Holiday Ticket . If you pay the visitor's tax by staying in a hotel (in most of the Harz towns), they'll give you a card that allows you to travel free on all the local buses around the Harz (but not the trains).

See the  Harzer Urlaubs-Ticket .

Another Tip:  you can get  free admission  to many museums, castles, chairlifts, swimming pools, etc. throughout the Harz by purchasing a 48 hour or 4-day  Harz Card .

It includes the steam train up to the Brocken and entrance to the Rammelsburg mine in Goslar.

Which is the best town to visit?

If you can only see one or two, that's a tough one! What would I recommend? Definitely  Quedlinburg , then either  Thale  for great scenery and walks, or choose  Wernigerode  (great castle) or  Goslar  (fascinating mine) for another dose of half-timbered charm. I'm sure others might disagree with my choices; a good case could be made for any one as top pick!

In any case, the Harz is a good stepping off point for other places in your travels through Germany.

For Information on Towns in the Harz, see.....

Maps of the Harz Mountains

Map of the harz region.

Harz Location in Germany

Map data (c)  OpenStreetMap  and contributors,  CC-BY-SA

Towns of the Harz...

Traveling in Germany

Check the  German Rail website  (Deutschebahn) for train and bus schedules, prices, and ticket bookings.

The last remaining Covid restrictions in Germany , in terms of vaccination and masking requirements, ended April 7, 2023.

See  current Covid rules for more information.

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JUST 87 KM FROM HANNOVER

Harz mountains.

Local recreation area in Lower Saxony: Hiking and wellness: a short trip to the Harz Mountains National Park.

Hannover - Harz: just 87 km to the mountains

Located in southwestern Lower Saxony, not far from the state capital of Hannover, the Harz National Park with its forests and mountains is a hugely attractive destination for hiking and wellness tourists.

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Its distance of 87 km from Hannover allows quick and easy access for those hoping to enjoy Germany’s low mountain range and its peaceful scenery. Whether by car via the A7 or A2, or by train, the nature conservation area at the foot of North Germany’s highest peak is only around two hours away. This makes the Brocken an attractive destination, even for those with less time to spare.

Enticed by the clean forest air and untouched mountain landscape, visitors to the area can roam free on the Harz National Park’s hiking paths and leave feeling revitalised. This is something wellness tourists value greatly and explains why the wellness hotels in the Harz region are such popular destinations for a weekend away. A trip to the mountains is always a welcome break from the day-to-day routine

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In Lower Saxony, everything is close together. It doesn’t matter whether visitors prefer to lie around in the hotel, go for a long hike or just take a relaxed stroll: a visit to the Harz keeps you fit and healthy and makes for an ideal weekend away .

Hiking & wellness in the Harz Mountains near Hannover

With their diverse range of flora and fauna, the Harz Mountains offer an impressive backdrop for hiking. The breathtaking hiking region runs along rivers and streams coursing through deep valleys up to the Brocken. The area stretches from North Germany’s highest peaks to the peaceful, untouched areas of picturesque forest.

The region is perfect for an excursion, whether that be a trek through the extensive beech and spruce forests around Braunlage , Nordic walking to the amazing Lake Stausee at the Oker Dam or a hike to the Upper Harz Water Management Area - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether taking a mountain hike or a walking trail, the Harz Mountains are great for all types of exercise.

The unspoiled forests of the Harz also provide moments of peace and wellness for the spirit. The peaceful Mountain Forest in Lower Saxony’s national park is home to many hotels providing visitors with the opportunity to relax and revitalise. The diverse natural scenery and the healing climate are enough in and of themselves to have a rejuvenating effect. The clean forest air, the soothing powers of the spa treatments and various opportunities for retreats leave visitors feeling relaxed in next to no time. One thing that a holiday in one of the many wellness hotels in the Harz Mountains guarantees above all else is plenty of “me” time.

Hiking in the Harz

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More information you find at:

• www.9staedte.de
• www.nationalpark-harz.de
• www.goslar.de  
• www.braunlage.de
• www.okersee.de/de/home
• www.ohwr.de

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Hiking in Lower Saxony

Discover Lower Saxony’s hiking routes between crustacean tracks and witch trails. 

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Harz winter world

magical moments in the snow

Alpine skiing in the Harz Mountains

Experience the thrill of downhill skiing and snowboarding in the heart of Germany. Top quality resorts, slopes for all levels, professional ski schools and modern facilities make the Harz your perfect winter destination.

Ski-lifts can be found in the towns of Altenau , Bad Lauterberg , Bad Sachsa , Braunlage , Hahnenklee , Hohegeiss , St. Andreasberg , Schulenberg , Torfhaus and Wernigerode . When the temperature dips below freezing and sufficient snow covers the slopes, ski areas are groomed and ski-lifts will be in operation. In the Harz there are many slopes that cater for beginners and advanced skiers in addition those slopes that have different levels of difficulty from light to hard (black).

On special days during the week it is possible to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the evening in floodlight in Bad Lauterberg , Bad Sachsa , Braunlage , Hohegeiss , Schulenberg and St. Andreasberg . It is best to check with the local tourist information for up to date information.

Modern snow cannons support the natural conditions in Braunlage , Hahnenklee and St. Andreasberg . If you are new to skiing or just need a refresher course there are ski schools in all of the major ski centres. In addition special classes are available for children.

If you need skis, boots, snowboards and any other equipment there a number of ski-hire stations available in all major ski resorts of the Harz.

Cross country skiing

With over 500km of perfect cross-country skiing available in the Harz, there is no better way to experience the outstanding beauty of a winter landscape in the Harz.

Many well-groomed trails with various levels of difficulty lead through the snowy forests of the Harz. Especially recommended are the cross country ski tracks of the Harz National Park.

Cross country ski equipment for both adults and children can be hired in all major ski resorts of the Harz, while cozy comfortable forest restaurants along the trails provide tasty specialties of the Harz.

The flood lit cross country ski tracks in Braunlage , Hohegeiss , Buntenbock and Clausthal-Zellerfeld are great for some adventure skiing after dark.

The trails of the Harz are usually linked with each other to form a complete network of cross country skiing tracks.  So for example starting in Braunlage you can easily reach the cross country skiing tracks in Schierke and Torfhaus. In Schierke there is a cross country skiing area with guaranteed snow and about 40km of trails which are located below the Brocken and lead with an altitude of more than 1,000 meters directly into the National Park . Some of the ascents and descents of these trails are highly challenging.

The cross country skiing tracks surrounding Sankt Andreasberg are very popular with various circular courses and connecting trails to suit all levels. Such as the 12km long circuit around the Sonnenberg which is regularly groomed and maintained.

The cross country skiing tracks in Bad Sachsa start from the Ravensberg Mountain and are connected to the 42km long South Harz Trail, which leads to Bad Lauterberg .

The 20km long border trail around Benneckenstein runs along the borders of three states of the Harz: Lower Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt. In Sorge there is a circuit which leads to the Freiland-Grenzmuseum showing the Ring of Remembrance and runs along the federal state boundary to the Dreilaenderstein.

These are just some examples of the numerous cross country skiing tracks that are waiting to be discovered in the Harz.

Hikers are advised to be careful and not to step on the cross country skiing tracks in order to ensure the good condition of these can be maintained.

Sledging in the Harz Mountains

A sledging outing is always fun. Pack away the skis and snowboards and enjoy the fast pace of sliding down a mountain. Great fun for all the family.

With well-groomed sledging hills, some with floodlights and some with lifts that carry you back up; you can feel the thrill and exhilaration as you ride down the slopes. Sledges can be hired in many of the towns in the Harz.

The three sledging runs in Braunlage with a combined length of 1,500 meters provide a challenging course.

If you wish to avoid pulling the sledges back up then make use of the sledge lifts in Braunlage , Hohegeiß or the one in Torfhaus , where the 300-metre descent ensures plenty of fun and a beautiful view towards the Brocken.

Just as long and also equipped with floodlights as well as snow-cannons is the sledging hill in St. Andreasberg . Owing to its special facilities it is possible to do snow-tubing here. The ski-lift takes you and your equipment back up to the summit. As you cannot control the speed; fun and action are to be expected during snow-tubing.

The 1500 meter long sledging run in Hahnenklee also ensures plenty of fun as it can be artificially snow-covered and offers floodlights on the last 400 meters. The ski slope on the Ravensberg in Bad Sachsa provides a 300 metre toboggan run, which will surely delight all winter sports fans.

Discover the Harz winter world now!

sledging run

indoor & outdoor ice rink

Current wintersports conditions

open slopes, snow depths & Co!

10 tips for your winter holiday

Snowshoe and winter walks

Winter and Christmas markets

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