Check out all options, availability and prices here. For the most romantic stay, look no further than the 4-starred Hotel am Brhl. We were happy to see that theres not only one buttwo completely vegetarianplaces to eat in Goslar.
The highest peak is Brocken, measuring 1.142 meters above sea level. I joined Herr Kunze for a two hour tour and he told me all about the city, well known and unknown stories as well as lesser visited places. 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. A visit to the Harzdrenalin Centrum is a nice add on to your visit to the Harz Mountains. Stunningchurchesabound in Goslar with more than a handful located very close to each other in the city centre. With a bit of luck theres some wind making it an even more exciting experience. for all your future hikes, click on the link below. On another visit, it would be lovely to walk the full length of the Teufelsmauer!
I spent an afternoon here and hiked up to the Wernigerode Castle, towering out above the city. Just something for you to consider! As the dirt had to be putsomewhere, there are walking trails along most if not all of them. Please try again. For those looking for impressive nature: you will not be disappointed. Quedlinburg is a medieval city located in the foothills of the northern Harz area.
I have to say that the number of tourists here was quite low and not nearly as high as in other historical towns in Germany. The Rammelsberg Mine (described below) is located just a few kilometres south of town, having made Goslar famous and wealthy. We were invited by the Harz Tourism Association and spent4 full daysin the Harz Mountains in the middle of November. History has been kind to Quedlinburg in that wars have been fought elsewhere and almost no houses have burned, making for a veryauthenticexperience. Day 1. We walked along a few of thehundreds of kilometres of ditchesthat were dug to divert water. The St. Servatii church and the Quedlinburg Castle are worth visiting as well. These ge, Sometimes all you need is sand under your toes and, Calling all wild beach lovers Go to La, Ad: Quiet mornings at Cote DOr Beach Few t, Ad: Paradise found! Its pretty amazing to dangle right above the ground. Hotel Der Achtermannis conveniently located close to the train station of Goslar in the northern part of the old town. These last attractions looked a little touristy but if you venture off the main area you will soon leave everyone else behind. , Dont you just love it when hikes reward you wit, Sunset dip on a hot summer day Cooling off i, Would you pet a giant tortoise? The location also couldnt be better. From the gardens near the castle you have stunning views over the old center and mountains in the distance. The length of the Harz Mountains is some 110 kilometers and the width is some 30 to 40 kilometers. We love exploring majestic landscapes, chilling out on secluded beaches and eating local foods usually on a budget.
As you can probably tell, we were completelycharmedby the magical Harz Mountains.
Did you check out the video posted above yet? All you need to know about Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands including what to do, best beaches, when to visit and where to stay, All you need to know about visiting Lobos Island from Fuerteventura or Lanzarote, A travel guide with tips to visit the sand dunes in Corralejo Natural Park, All you need to know about visiting Playa de Cofete - one of the best beaches in Fuerteventura, All you need to know about hiking the Calderon Hondo volcano, What to expect from hiking to the beautiful natural stone arch in Fuerteventura, Don't you also feel at peace in nature? We used Goslar as a basefor our adventures in the Harz Mountains. Check prices and availability at Romantik Hotel Alte Mnze. From the mountain station youll have stunning panoramas of the Bodetal, a 10 kilometer deep valley between Thale and Treseburg. From the German-Dutch border its about a 4 hour drive. The most famous celebrations are the ones held in Schierke, the last stop on the Brocken train before the summit, and in Thale with the legendary Witches Dance Floor. At the Rappbode Dam, ride the Mega Zipline, which reaches a speed of up to 55 miles per hour. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". Timber framing houses Quedlinburg old town, Germany, Wernigerode Castle in the Harz mountains, Germany, Mines of Rammelsberg, Goslar, Harz, Germany, Aerial view of the Brocken mountain, Germany, Harz Narrow Gauge Steam Train in clouds of smoke in the Harz, Germany, Hiking to the top of the mountain, Brocken, Germany, Monument of Martin Luther in the Town Square of Eisleben, Germany. Most people will still be having breakfast in their hotel during that time of the day. Thats what the Upper Harz Water Management System is all about. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy some time outdoors, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Drubeck Monastery, once a nunnery. It has become a combination of culture, nature and adventure, making it a very diverse destination. Even if you are not doing any of the activities they offer, its still worth to see the views over the Rappbodetalsperre and surrounding mountains. If youve been to the Harz, it would be awesome to hear what you think we missed. Visitors will gain a snapshot into a past that isnt taught in textbooks. Overtake with caution. On our visit, we got to go into the mine itself andfollow in the footsteps of the miners in the narrow galleries. Time enough to actually enjoy it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Now its a listedUNESCO-World Heritage sitein the Harz National Park where the previously planted spruce forest is turning intowild naturecomplete with dead wood and lots of biodiversity. Unfortunately,Soup & Soul Kitchenwere closed for renovations during our stay, but we did visit the all-vegetarian cafSchneeweiss & Rosenrottwice. If not, scroll back up and have a look at how I cross the Rappbodetalsperre with the 1 kilometer long Mega Zipline. For 3,000 years or so, much of day-to-day life in the Harz Mountains took place underground. Torfhaus and Drei Annen Hohne are among those places able to provide you with information. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.
Youll find this center in Oberharz am Brocken, at about a half hour drive from Wernigerode. I can truly recommend staying here during your visit to Harz Mountains. Collect all 222 and get the badge of Harz Hiking Emperor or Empress. Mountain bike fans will fall in love with the mountains surrounding landscape; over 2,200 kilometres of narrow trails, forest track and rocky passages with jumping opportunities, as well as five bike parks, put your technical abilities on trial. In the Harz region there are numerous sights well worth visiting. UsingHappyCow, we had luck finding tasty vegan mealsall over the Harz Mountains. 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. Prior to visiting Rammelsberg, we hadnt, and we must say we found the experience to befascinating! Once on the top you have an amazing view of the whole Harz area and beyond. Be aware that people drivevery faston the sections of the autobahn that dont have speed limits. And we think you will be, too. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; In the southern Harz Mountains, the Cistercian Monastery Walkenried used to be the most influential church in North Germany, but today its home to a large museum where you can dive into the history of monastic life. I visited both towns during my most recent trip and will tell you all about them below. travel places around quedlinburg oh ll Here you will also find a funpark, a mini golf and a toboggan run.
The Harz Mountains is a mining area and quite mountainous. We parked our carnear Thale and walked to the Mittelstein and Knigsstein using the parking called Parkplatz Teufelsmauer on Google Maps located on Quedlinburger Str. Since its closure, the site has transformed into a monument celebrating manual labourers and mans ingenuity, offering tours above and below ground. Given its remote geographical location and relative isolation, masses of spooky, dark forest mean that local folklore in the area is all about witches, warlocks, fire, brimstone. The fare for a one way journey in 2022 is 33 and for a return ticket it was 49. This tucked-away region of Northern Germany is home to morecobblestone streetsandtimber-framed housesthan we had room for on our cameras memory card, and even though there are more cultural and historic attractions here than can fit on most peoples itineraries, the real draw of the Harz is themountains. Lutherstadt Eisleben, where Luther was born in 1483, prides itself on being the original birthplace and source of inspiration for the first waves of the Protestant Reformation. Search for the best value accommodation in the Harz Mountains here. My name is Antonette. This article was written by Alexander & Victoria on December 14, 2021. The road network in the Harz is well-developed and itsfast to go pretty much anywherein the region. If youre looking for anadrenaline rush,you wont be disappointed by the Harz Mountains, either. Its one of the most scenic railways in Germany. Luckily for you, the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways operate a fleet of 25 steam locomotives and historic coaches, which take you through the countryside and offer jaw-dropping vistas of the mountain peaks. Springis a beautiful time to visit with warming weather, rushing water and blooming flowers. We didnt use any public transport ourselves in the Harz Mountains, but it shoulddefinitely be possibleto go almost wherever you like with a combination of local trains and busses. There are so many incredible attractions and things to do in the Harz Mountains that this travel guide couldnt possibly fit them all. This masterpiece of Romanesque architecture is home to some of the most valuable trinkets of the Middle Ages. As we arrived here after the sun had set on our first day in the Harz, we felttransported back in timeon the cobbled streets (almost like we were in an old film!). With the combination of Grnderzeit and Art Nouveau villas, the Old Town of Quedlinburg makes for a highly Instagrammable destination. The hotel is huge with more than 100 rooms. Together with a visit to Quedlinburg this is a nice thing to see and do for one of your days in the Harz. Once an administrative outpost of the Holy Roman Empire and a thriving mining economy, the town now houses some of the most beautiful public buildings in Germany. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Wandering through its picturesque alleys, visitors can gaze at the examples of traditional architecture; a spectacular town hall with a timber facade, the crooked house with a tilted foundation, and the citys smallest house, which is only three metres wide and just over four metres tall. Your email address will not be published. We only stayed here for a single nightbut loved the atmosphere and design from the first moment we set foot in the hotel.
TheHarzer Hexenstiegis a popular trail running all the way through the Harz Mountains from Osterode in the west to Thale in the east for about100 kilometres notably taking you overBrocken, the highest peak of the Harz. One of the best preserved towns in the world, the former Imperial city of Goslar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often heralded as one of Germanys prettiest towns, Quedlinburg is the epitome of a fairytale countryside town. On Northabroad we share our best travel tips. If medieval religious relics are your thing, then the Collegiate Church St. Servatii on the castle hill is a must-see. You will find more than 2.000 half timbered houses in Quedlinburg, most of them in near-perfect condition. Winteris a popular time to visit for winter sports. I stayed at Hotel Am Anger in Wernigerode: a charming 3.5 star hotel located right in the heart of the city. Could a town be much more romantic than the UNESCO-listed city of Quedlinburg? thuringia germany There are various ways to climb Brocken, this time I chose to hike up from Schierke. The Oderteich is perfect if youre in search of anon-strenuous circular hikewithgreat photo opportunitieson the way. During this time of the year, plenty of privately owned gardens in the city center open up for visitors and have their own small Christmas markets.
Want to stay in cute Quedlinburg? Lovers of cultural sights can easily spend a full day in Quedlinburg or Wernigerode, whereas hikers will need more time in the mountains.
It will give you an impression of what the Harz has to offer and what the rest of my article is about and the best Harz Mountains things to do: Even though you may not expect it, you can visit various cultural places in the Harz Mountains, such as Quedlinburg and Wernigerode. 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! Booking.com (function(d, sc, u) { Either way, the Harz Mountains offer aneasy getawaythat will surely have you longing for more. Before closing in 1988, the Rammelsberg Mine had more than1,100 years of consecutive mining history and archaeological finds date mining activity here a mind-blowingly 3,000 years back in time! Have you ever beeninside a mine? I spend my time hiking The Veluwe, the largest natural area in our country, which also happens to be my back yard. The Brockenbahn has several departures each day but also has a summer and winter schedule. At the base of the hill there are plenty of small shops, cafes and restaurants for a snack or a meal. Wernigerode is also worth your consideration. In fact, its better if you like toy towns with fairytale castles, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fortresses and monasteries from the Middle ages or seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. In order to access Titan RT youll need to buy a ticket for 6 and additionally theres a 3 euro parking fee for the area. The Harz National Park occupies 247 square kilometres, 95% of which is spruce and beech forest. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic train journey. We rented a car from Sixt in Goslar and drove around the Harz Mountains for 4 days. Another suggestion is to walk around the old town with a local guide who can tell you all about Quedlinburgs history. On top of that, we shouldnt forget that there are clean,swimmable lakeseverywhere perfect for cooling down in the summer months. From gigantic swings to endless kilometres of hair-raising mountain bike routes; the region has got you covered. If learning about the Iron Curtain and the Cold War wasnt enough, the Harz Mountains were also home to one of the most famous figures of the Protestant Revolution, Martin Luther. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. As an added bonus, the restaurant at Hotel Alte Mnze serves vegan meals. Central to this significant period is the Rammelsberg Mine in Goslar, which operated continuously for more than 1,000 years. The Teufelsmauer the Devils Wall is the name of the rock formations (and the trail connecting them) laid out over about35 kilometresbetween Blankenburg and Ballenstedt in the eastern part of the Harz. free and inspiring we12travel day hike packing list, Best places to visit in the Harz Mountains, Culture: the prettiest places in the Harz Mountains, Nature in the Harz Mountains and Harz National Park, A ride with the Brockenbahn the famous Harz railway, Aventure in the Harz at the Harzdrenalin Center, More things to do in the Harz National Park, Harzer Schnitzelstubchen in Hotel Alte Brennerei, Titan RT the longest swingbridge in Germany, Geierlay Bridge: a must-do in the German Hunsrck, Micro adventure in Germany: 5 adventurous things to do, Mega Zipline in the Harz Mountains: must-do for adventurers. Whilestayinginthe mountainswould surely be lovely if you intend to mostly hike, we think acity locationwill fit most travellers best. The below is ofcourse just a suggestion and depends on how active youd like to be. I hope you enjoyed reading my blog about the Harz and that you found this travel guide useful. You will read all my tips for the Harz Mountains in this blog. Learn more about us here. In this blog youll find some affiliate links. Not a hiker? Most tourists know about the Berlin Wall, but few have any idea what the division throughout the rest of the country looked like. The longest swing bridge in Germany is located right here in the Harz Mountains. At least itll give you an idea of what a weekend in the Harz could look like: I decided to get off in Schierke and from here walk up to my final destination: the top of Brocken. The first few kilometers are on a wide forest road, only the last bit is truly steep and strenuous on a nearly vertical and rocky trail. Barbed with two rows of twin electric fences, the now open-air museum in the former border village of Sorge once formed part of the barrier that divided the country. With more than2,000 timber-framed houses, some dating back hundreds and hundreds of years, theres an almost endless array of cute atmospheric cobblestone streets, perfect for slow strolls (and a soon-to-be-filled photo library). harz germany places hngebrcke Ive been inspiring readers from all across the globe since 2011 and am the leading Dutch outdoor and hiking blog ever since. On We12travel you will find everything you want to know about outdoor travelling, nature and hiking.
Thank you for subscribing to my weekly hiking newsletter. Or for those who are rather looking for mellow (mostly) ice-free hikes inbeautifully forested and hilly landscapesfull of myths and tales. Goslar is just big enough tohave what you needin terms of supermarkets, restaurants and the like while still retaining thatsmalltown charmthat makes you lower your shoulders a bit and commit to a slower pace of life. To minimise your impact during your visit in the Harz Mountains, follow these guidelines: Thanks for getting all the way to the end! Day 3.
I didnt 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. The458-metre long suspension bridgeTitan RT runs parallel to the dam and its open for pedestrians.
I overnighted in the central located Hotel Am Anger from where I could stroll directly into the heart of the city. My room offered views of the Wernigerode castle and next to the reception youll find the Louisen Cafe which offers amazing coffee and cakes. You can take the cable car up to Hexentanzplatz (dancing place of the witches of the Harz) on the top of the mountain. Fans of cross-country skiing can experience the beauty of the winter landscape, making use of 500 kilometres of trails. The old town center is the perfect place to stroll around for a couple of hours. Ride the Brockenbahn to the top of Brocken, or walk up from Torfhaus or Schierke Dont miss thesteam trainsthat are still very much in use! s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); 4-starred Hotel Alte Mnze has theperfect locationin Goslar right next to the central Market Square. The mountains (and their accessible northern location) are the big draw here, offering everything fromeasy family- and dog-friendly hiking routesto2,000+ kilometres of mountain biking trailsfor thrill-seekers. I took this departure and it was pretty quiet, however on the return journey during the early afternoon the train was loaded.
Even though I cannot describe them all, I made a small selection of the best things to see and do.
Its also impossible to miss the100+ 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 forswimming in summer. Themost interesting stone formationsare the Grovater , Hamburger Wappen, Papenstein, Knigsstein, Mittelstein, Dicker Stein and Gegensteine. If this photo doesnt, Experience the historic city centre of Goslar, Walk across the Titan-RT Suspension Bridge, Learn about the Upper Harz Water Management System, Go on short and long hikes in the Harz Mountains, Hike around the Oderteich Lake in the national park, Visit the rock formations of the Teufelsmauer (Devils Wall), Follow in Luthers footsteps in Lutherstadt Eisleben. When Im not traveling, I live in a cabin in the woods in The Netherlands. Eighteen years later, the Upper Harz Water Management System was added to the UNESCO ensemble, stretching it across an area of over 200 square kilometres.
If youre ahistorybuff, dont miss Lutherstadt Eisleben the home ofMartin Luther. Every single street in the old city is unique with more than1,500 timber-framed housesin total each more crooked and charming than the next lining the cobblestone streets. As you arrive in Goslar by train, youcant missthe 4-starred Hotel Der Achtermann. Otherworldly activities supposedly peak on April 30 during the Walpurgisnacht (May Days eve) celebrations. If you havent been yet, please dont hesitate to ask us anything. This article was first written in February 2019 and updated in 2022. We stayed at the lovelyRomantik Hotel am Brhl, perfectly located super close to the old town. Make your way straight to the top for a chance to Instagram the spooky optical illusions created by your shadow being cast onto the fog. Tip:Its cool inside the mine (even in summer) so remember to bring a jacket or an extra layer.
Check prices and availability at Romantik Hotel am Brhl. Youd be hard-pressed to find trips inside the Harz Mountains that take more than an hour of driving. High above the city, and visible from afar, Castle Wernigerode lures you into a fairy tale of its own. Located inside the Harz National Park, nature here is protected and wild.
Another historical town worth visiting is Wernigerode. Towns and villages in the Harz Mountains follow each their own Walpurgis traditions. Imagining the lives of the miners spending all day inside the damp, dark environments with no electricity Even when theydidwear headlamps during the last years, it was still a gruelling job. Another fun thing to do but less touristic than Brocken are the cable cars near Thale, just west of Quedlinburg. Are you looking for more fun things to do in the Harz National Park or region? We didnt visit it ourselves, butNaturkost-Hotel Harzis anall-vegan bed and breakfastlocated in the mountains near Bad Grund southwest of Goslar that also serves food for non-guests. Many trains and busses have timetables and routes that are specifically designed forhikers. Please share your best tips and tricks in the comments thank you!
To receive the free and inspiring we12travel day hike packing list. Less daring bikers will also find plenty of nicely marked trails. When granted the UNESCO status along with the Old Town of Goslar in 1992, the Rammelsberg Mine became Germanys first UNESCO World Heritage Site of technology. In Goslars case, 1500 half-timbered houses, a Romanesque church, a highly elaborate Rathaus and, of course, a massive palace. Heres our list of things to see and do in this spectacular part of the world.
On Northabroad we share our best travel tips. Here nature is left to its own devices, creating refuges for wild plants and animals. Whether you want to visit the typical German half-timbered houses, pump up your adrenaline level or enjoy amazing meals: the Harz Mountains will definitely not disappoint you. 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. Its around 100 meters above the Rappbodetalsperre and almost 500 meters long.
Scroll further down to see the things we did during our time in the Harz! A good lunch can be eaten at the mountain hut on Hexentanzplatz or any of the other restaurants around it. When we return one day, it would be awesome to see thecastle in Wernigerodeand more of the national park. Your email address will not be published. Tip: make sure to visit Quedlinburg just before Christmas. The Harz is situated directly in the middle of Germanywith easy autobahn access from several big cities, but its 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. Walking is also an option of course, if your legs can still carry you after such a thrilling ride.
harz lampard A once in a lifetime experience. In the fall of 2018 I was invited by the Dutch branch of the German tourism board to visit this region. In the Harz Mountains there are plenty of options for overnighting. This option is about 6 km long and gains about 500 meters in altitude. This is a question Im often being asked by people who I tell about the Harz Mountains. harz wernigerode germany mountains duitsland If youre from a century without electrical switches and gas stations, usingrunning wateras your source of energy isalmostjust as good as the modern alternatives. In various locations you will find nature park houses where you can find all kinds of information about the national park. We loved the spa area with a big adventure pool and several different saunas.
The Harz region is the northernmost mid-mountainrange in Germany and is located in the middle of the country, more or less. Required fields are marked *. Goslar is themain city of the Harz Mountainsand historically the most important one. When you choose to go to the Harz Mountains you will find a large selection of sights to choose from. The hotel is designed in a charming style and we loved our stay. We could easily have used more time in the area! Travelling around the Harz Mountains, you will quickly realise how big of a role water has played here historically. All other accommodations in the Harz can be found here. In the towns and near attractions, you may have to pay a small fee if you park centrally. In winter, snow falls regularly in the Harz creating more than500 kilometres of cross country trailsincluding several floodlit tracks as well as53 downhill slopesranging from easy to hard in difficulty.
The tree line is located at some 1.100 meters, meaning that the top of Brocken is just above the tree line. Many hikes are dog-friendly(and some are even stroller-friendly! Day 2. Walking100 metresabove the water below, you dont want to walk here if you suffer from seriousvertigo The views are great, though! If youre looking forlonger trails, youre equally spoilt for choice. Wernigerode was first mentioned in official records in 1121. From here you can walk right into the mountains. Im sure you wont be disappointed as I loved the Harz! Then make sure to check below what the best options are. Just before arriving at Brocken you will walk along the paved road with all the other visitors, making it an easy end of the hike. I was incredible nervous just before take off but OMG it was so cool! You dont have to only like mountain climbing to visit the Harz Mountains. Alternatively, take a steep walk down Germanys largest concrete dam or experience the Gigaswing, a 75-metre drop from one of longest pedestrian suspension bridges worldwide.
Quedlinburg is the most romantic town of the Harz with its perfectly preserved historic city centre.
We visited the Harz Mountains in the middle of November where we were lucky to still see some colourful leaves on the trees. Technically, the Harz Mountains are located in the three states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. Alex also dreams of mountain biking here. Join in, if you dare.
Its also home to various stone houses, known as bowers, that were built in the 12th century.