On our visit, we got to go into the mine itself andfollow in the footsteps of the miners in the narrow galleries. 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. Learn more about us here. 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. The longest swing bridge in Germany is located right here in the Harz Mountains. 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. Overtake with caution. Youll find many churches and monasteries nestled in the Harz Mountains. Join in, if you dare. This masterpiece of Romanesque architecture is home to some of the most valuable trinkets of the Middle Ages. We love exploring majestic landscapes, chilling out on secluded beaches and eating local foods usually on a budget. Unfortunately,Soup & Soul Kitchenwere closed for renovations during our stay, but we did visit the all-vegetarian cafSchneeweiss & Rosenrottwice. Please share your best tips and tricks in the comments thank you! For those looking for impressive nature: you will not be disappointed. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Quedlinburg is a medieval city located in the foothills of the northern Harz area. Thank you for subscribing to my weekly hiking newsletter. Autumnis a wonderful time to visit. Ride the Brockenbahn to the top of Brocken, or walk up from Torfhaus or Schierke If youre looking for anadrenaline rush,you wont be disappointed by the Harz Mountains, either. On Northabroad we share our best travel tips. A good lunch can be eaten at the mountain hut on Hexentanzplatz or any of the other restaurants around it. I was incredible nervous just before take off but OMG it was so cool! As you can probably tell, we were completelycharmedby the magical Harz Mountains. I also climbed Brocken back then and during this visit, I climbed it again, from another trail this time. We cant find a country that matches your search. 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. For the best autumn foliage, it might make sense to visit a little bit earlier. Being the largest hotel in town, its only fitting that they also have ahuge spa areacomplete with an adventure swimming pool, a hot tub and several saunas just what we needed after a long day out exploring the Harz! Explore unspoilt forests, deep valleys and lush meadows by choosing from over 9,000 kilometres of hiking trails, many of which have inspired poets in the past. The below is ofcourse just a suggestion and depends on how active youd like to be. At the base of the hill there are plenty of small shops, cafes and restaurants for a snack or a meal. Train enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of riding a unique steam engine, while also taking the opportunity to snap some stunning photographs, as the train circles the mountain one and a half times before stopping at the top almost 50 minutes later. If youre ahistorybuff, dont miss Lutherstadt Eisleben the home ofMartin Luther. 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. This trip was made in collaboration with the German Tourism Board and Harz Tourismus. Torfhaus and Drei Annen Hohne are among those places able to provide you with information. 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. Wernigerode is also worth your consideration. Its around 100 meters above the Rappbodetalsperre and almost 500 meters long. I spent an afternoon here and hiked up to the Wernigerode Castle, towering out above the city. To get to Goslar, we took thetrain from Copenhagen, Denmark which took about 7-8 hours total each way with transfers in Hamburg and Hannover. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Want to stay in cute Quedlinburg? The Brockenbahn has several departures each day but also has a summer and winter schedule. 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. 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. Time enough to actually enjoy it. The Harz region is the northernmost mid-mountainrange in Germany and is located in the middle of the country, more or less. On We12travel you will find everything you want to know about outdoor travelling, nature and hiking. You can also subscribe without commenting. Scroll further down to see the things we did during our time in the Harz! On top of that, we shouldnt forget that there are clean,swimmable lakeseverywhere perfect for cooling down in the summer months. From the gardens near the castle you have stunning views over the old center and mountains in the distance. If medieval religious relics are your thing, then the Collegiate Church St. Servatii on the castle hill is a must-see. Martin Lutherwas the seminal figure of theProtestant Reformationin the 16th century, and in Lutherstadt Eisleben you can visit hisbirthplaceas well as hisdeath place. To run a mine, you need energy. You dont have to only like mountain climbing to visit the Harz Mountains. Unfortunately, it was in the middle of some renovations while we stayed in town, but walking up the hill and catching themagnificent viewsof the city and surrounding landscapes was nevertheless totally worth it. 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. Here nature is left to its own devices, creating refuges for wild plants and animals. Day 2. The Harz Mountains are connected to the Germanautobahnmeaning you can go here by car from all of Europe in a whizz. While they are quite a bit shorter than their far-away southern neighbours of the Alps, they are much moreaccessible especially for people in Northern Europe looking for shorter travel times. Goslar is your best bet with Quedlinburg a close second. A once in a lifetime experience. 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. If you feel extra brave, check out the GigaSwing dubbed the most spectacular pendulum jump in Europe. The location also couldnt be better. We could easily have used more time in the area! The hotel is huge with more than 100 rooms. Less daring bikers will also find plenty of nicely marked trails. We only stayed here for a single nightbut loved the atmosphere and design from the first moment we set foot in the hotel. High above the city, and visible from afar, Castle Wernigerode lures you into a fairy tale of its own. From the mountain station youll have stunning panoramas of the Bodetal, a 10 kilometer deep valley between Thale and Treseburg. Tip:Its cool inside the mine (even in summer) so remember to bring a jacket or an extra layer. Three churches you cant miss on your visit: Parking tip: Parkplatz Siebenhitze is free all day long and very close to the city centre. Its advised to book ahead or be at the ticket office in time as its a popular attraction and can be very busy. Heres our list of things to see and do in this spectacular part of the world. Central to this significant period is the Rammelsberg Mine in Goslar, which operated continuously for more than 1,000 years. The journey will take place with an old steam train and take some 1.5 hours one way. It probably doesnt come as a surprise that Im a big fan of Germany. The hotel almost feels like a small town; a mix of buildings old and new tucked away on a quiet side street. The Rammelsberg Mine (described below) is located just a few kilometres south of town, having made Goslar famous and wealthy. Although the Harz Mountains are not the Alps, the snow-covered areas allow for guided sled dog tours, tubing, snowboarding, skiing and skating on the lake. Booking.com (function(d, sc, u) { Fly into either Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Leipzig or Frankfurt and catch a local train or hire a car to get to the Harz Mountains. Its one of the most scenic railways in Germany. 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. 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. You can also collect stamps at the222 checkpoints of the Harzer Wandernadel, located all over the Harz Mountains, to record your visit. Search for the best value accommodation in the Harz Mountains here. And we think you will be, too. Visit to Quedlinburg and Thale Bergbahnen Most people will still be having breakfast in their hotel during that time of the day. All other accommodations in the Harz can be found here. My room offered views of the Wernigerode castle and next to the reception youll find the Louisen Cafe which offers amazing coffee and cakes. Not one for the faint hearted, well worth the effort. In the Harz region there are numerous sights well worth visiting. At least itll give you an idea of what a weekend in the Harz could look like: The Harz Mountains are aprime hiking spotwith more than9,000 kilometres of marked trailscrisscrossing hills, towns, rivers, forests, valleys and meadows. Wernigerode was first mentioned in official records in 1121. Times can be found here. Not a hiker? Fans of cross-country skiing can experience the beauty of the winter landscape, making use of 500 kilometres of trails. This article was written by Alexander & Victoria on December 14, 2021. To minimise your impact during your visit in the Harz Mountains, follow these guidelines: Thanks for getting all the way to the end! Quedlinburg is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its amazing half timbered houses and its phenomenal architecture. ), but youll also easily find hikes in the Harz with moredemanding terrain and elevation gains. 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. From here you can walk right into the mountains. This is surely one of (if notthe) best hotels in Quedlinburg. From the best outdoor clothing to the greatest multi-day treks in the world, and everything in between. For the most romantic stay, look no further than the 4-starred Hotel am Brhl. I spend my time hiking The Veluwe, the largest natural area in our country, which also happens to be my back yard. We hope this travel guide to the Harz Mountains has been useful. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Alex also dreams of mountain biking here. You can also see brewing traditions and centuries-old recepies from the Middle Ages come to life in the Woeltingerode Monastery near Goslar. Check prices and availability at Hotel Der Achtermann. Check prices and availability at Romantik Hotel Alte Mnze. UsingHappyCow, we had luck finding tasty vegan mealsall over the Harz Mountains. Have you ever beeninside a mine? In Goslars case, 1500 half-timbered houses, a Romanesque church, a highly elaborate Rathaus and, of course, a massive palace. You can take the cable car up to Hexentanzplatz (dancing place of the witches of the Harz) on the top of the mountain. Especially so during Christmas and New Years. Day 4. Mount Brocken, the highest peak in northern Germany, is covered in mist for roughly 300 days out of the year. A ticket costs 39 and a car will take you back to the starting point. What do you think about the northernmost mountains in Germany and all of the lovely historic towns? I hope you enjoyed reading my blog about the Harz and that you found this travel guide useful. The Harz Mountains is a mining area and quite mountainous. Many hikes are dog-friendly(and some are even stroller-friendly! Morning visit to Titan RT and optional the Mega Zipline, afternoon departure. Located inside the Harz National Park, nature here is protected and wild. Theres no bad time to visit the Harz Mountains, but as with most other holiday destinations,avoiding the main holiday seasonsis a good idea if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy cheaper accommodation. This option is about 6 km long and gains about 500 meters in altitude. A visit to the Harzdrenalin Centrum is a nice add on to your visit to the Harz Mountains. 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. Towns and villages in the Harz Mountains follow each their own Walpurgis traditions. Its also home to various stone houses, known as bowers, that were built in the 12th century. 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. This way, you wont be constrained by food options and youll still be very close to nature. 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. To this day, it still does exemplified by theRappbode Dam(Rappbode-Talsperre) the largest dam in the Harz region and the highest dam in Germany. Parkingis generally free in many places. On another visit, it would be lovely to walk the full length of the Teufelsmauer! Tip: make sure to visit Quedlinburg just before Christmas. 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. 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. Goslar was the base of our adventuresfor most of our visit, but we also spent a night in lovely Quedlinburg to experience the eastern part of the Harz. Another historical town worth visiting is Wernigerode. Did you check out the video posted above yet? Today, visitors can explore this unique site through guided hiking tours across the 107 lakes and 310 km of water-ditches. for all your future hikes, click on the link below. Travelling around the Harz Mountains, you will quickly realise how big of a role water has played here historically. In the fall of 2018 I was invited by the Dutch branch of the German tourism board to visit this region. 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? 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!). 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. Since meeting each other in 2010 weve travelled all over the world. The highest peak is Brocken, measuring 1.142 meters above sea level. 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). I can truly recommend staying here during your visit to Harz Mountains. Day 1. If not, scroll back up and have a look at how I cross the Rappbodetalsperre with the 1 kilometer long Mega Zipline. 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. Required fields are marked *. The fare for a one way journey in 2022 is 33 and for a return ticket it was 49. We visited the Harz Mountains in the middle of November where we were lucky to still see some colourful leaves on the trees. Im sure you wont be disappointed as I loved the Harz! With a bit of luck theres some wind making it an even more exciting experience. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy some time outdoors, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Drubeck Monastery, once a nunnery. If youre from a century without electrical switches and gas stations, usingrunning wateras your source of energy isalmostjust as good as the modern alternatives. 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. If youve been to the Harz, it would be awesome to hear what you think we missed. From the German-Dutch border its about a 4 hour drive. Here you will also find a funpark, a mini golf and a toboggan run. The hike was easy and provided great views of the rocks as well as the surrounding landscape. Its also impossible to miss the100+ water reservoirs(although many of them actually are hidden a bit off the beaten track). 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. From bungalow parks to small B&Bs and pretty hotels in half timbered houses: theres something for everyones wishes. While it was a bit chilly, we had a great time exploring both the towns and the surrounding nature all without tourist crowds. s.type = 'text/javascript'; We stayed at the lovelyRomantik Hotel am Brhl, perfectly located super close to the old town. Im a world traveller, writer and lover of being outdoors. Youd be hard-pressed to find trips inside the Harz Mountains that take more than an hour of driving. Once, the Oderteich was the largest dam in Germany. History has been kind to Quedlinburg in that wars have been fought elsewhere and almost no houses have burned, making for a veryauthenticexperience. 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. Hotel Alte Mnzeis quieter and has more of a boutique feel to it. Quedlinburg is the most romantic town of the Harz with its perfectly preserved historic city centre. In this blog youll find some affiliate links. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.async = true; Or you can accompany one of the Harz National Park rangers to watch the magnificent stags fight each other during rutting season. A must-do in Quedlinburg is visiting theSchlossberg(Castle Mountain). In various locations you will find nature park houses where you can find all kinds of information about the national park. The length of the Harz Mountains is some 110 kilometers and the width is some 30 to 40 kilometers. Check out all options, availability and prices here. Whilestayinginthe mountainswould surely be lovely if you intend to mostly hike, we think acity locationwill fit most travellers best. 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. If you decide to buy and/or book something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Visitors will gain a snapshot into a past that isnt taught in textbooks. One of the best preserved towns in the world, the former Imperial city of Goslar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Good food can be found at Harzer Schnitzelstubchen in Hotel Alte Brennerei and a perfect Kaffee mit Kuchen was made for me at Louisen Cafe. The route around the lake is approximately4.5 kilometres longand takes about an hour to walk. 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. 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. 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. Winteris a popular time to visit for winter sports. Goslar is themain city of the Harz Mountainsand historically the most important one. Since its closure, the site has transformed into a monument celebrating manual labourers and mans ingenuity, offering tours above and below ground. Collect all 222 and get the badge of Harz Hiking Emperor or Empress. They were historically used as batteries and are now mostly used forswimming in summer. Could a town be much more romantic than the UNESCO-listed city of Quedlinburg? p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); Prior to visiting Rammelsberg, we hadnt, and we must say we found the experience to befascinating! Summeris naturally the warmest season. 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! From here I continued my walk on towards Agnesberg and from the Erfgrabenweg I passed many great see-throughs, offering me views of Brocken in the distance. I overnighted in the central located Hotel Am Anger from where I could stroll directly into the heart of the city. 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 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! If youre looking forlonger trails, youre equally spoilt for choice. 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. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. It has become a combination of culture, nature and adventure, making it a very diverse destination. Come Christmastime, the town is replete with festivities and twinkling lights. I stayed at Hotel Am Anger in Wernigerode: a charming 3.5 star hotel located right in the heart of the city. We rented a car from Sixt in Goslar and drove around the Harz Mountains for 4 days. Collegiate Church, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg. For 3,000 years or so, much of day-to-day life in the Harz Mountains took place underground. Walking is also an option of course, if your legs can still carry you after such a thrilling ride. 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. 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. I visited both towns during my most recent trip and will tell you all about them below. You will find more than 2.000 half timbered houses in Quedlinburg, most of them in near-perfect condition. Finally Id like to help you to plan your weekend getaway to the Harz Mountains in four days. The Harz National Park is made up up dense forests, steep cliffs and rock formations. 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. Technically, the Harz Mountains are located in the three states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. 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. , 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? Dont miss thesteam trainsthat are still very much in use! In the Harz Mountains there are plenty of options for overnighting. The towns of the Harz Mountainsare truly unique with incredibly well-preserved city centres full ofcute houses,romantic streetsand pretty churches. Are you looking for more fun things to do in the Harz National Park or region? 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. My name is Antonette. We loved the spa area with a big adventure pool and several different saunas. TIP: take the first train from Wernigerode (departure at 08.55 am in 2021) as this will be the most quiet ride. Nowadays, due to its high bio-diversity, the area that was previously known as the Iron Curtain acts as a greenbelt. 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. The service at the reception was also top-notch. The458-metre long suspension bridgeTitan RT runs parallel to the dam and its open for pedestrians. When we return one day, it would be awesome to see thecastle in Wernigerodeand more of the national park. Either way, the Harz Mountains offer aneasy getawaythat will surely have you longing for more. There are so many incredible attractions and things to do in the Harz Mountains that this travel guide couldnt possibly fit them all. 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. There are various ways to climb Brocken, this time I chose to hike up from Schierke. On Northabroad we share our best travel tips. Many trains and busses have timetables and routes that are specifically designed forhikers. I decided to get off in Schierke and from here walk up to my final destination: the top of Brocken. The Oderteich is perfect if youre in search of anon-strenuous circular hikewithgreat photo opportunitieson the way. The zipline is about a kilometer long and the flight takes about a minute. As authentic locations of the Reformation of outstanding universal significance, the local Luther memorials were given UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1996. 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. Another suggestion is to walk around the old town with a local guide who can tell you all about Quedlinburgs history. 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. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK".
Resort Pass William Vale, Real Estate Developers Near Hamburg, Above Ground Pool Fittings, Hydraulic Hose Fitting Size Chart Pdf, La Shield Sunscreen Side Effects, Home Depot Patio Furniture Clearance 59, Sweatshirt Rompers Baby, Best Hostels In Antigua Guatemala, Fragonard Perfume Paris, Jimmy Choo Perfume Women,