Harz natural region
The Harz Mountains, Germany’s northernmost and legendary low mountain range, invite you to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in its diverse nature. Although the mountain range stretches across Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, the largest and most attractive part is in Lower Saxony. A unique landscape awaits travelers here, characterized by rugged mountains, deep valleys and vast, dense forests.
The majestic nature of the Harz immediately casts a spell over every vacationer. From the rolling hills to the highest peaks such as the Wurmberg (971 meters) in Lower Saxony and the legendary Brocken (1140 meters), the highest elevation in the entire Harz Mountains, it is a true paradise for nature lovers. The forests, dominated by beech and spruce, are criss-crossed by clear streams and rivers that make their way through the landscape. Today, this untouched wilderness is once again home to rare animal species, including the shy lynx, the graceful wildcat and the imposing capercaillie. With a bit of luck, you can observe these fascinating inhabitants in their natural habitat.
The Harz Mountains are the perfect destination for an active vacation. A dense network of well-signposted hiking and mountain biking trails criss-crosses the region. Water sports fans will also get their money’s worth. The numerous reservoirs, such as the Oker dam or the Innerste dam, offer opportunities for sailing, canoeing, stand-up paddling and swimming.
When the natural Harz region is covered in a thick blanket of snow, it transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Then it’s time for winter sports. From December to February, there are cross-country ski trails for cross-country skiers, perfectly groomed downhill slopes for skiers and snowboarders and fast-paced toboggan runs for the whole family. There is also plenty to discover off the slopes in the Harz Mountains: You can enjoy the tranquillity of nature on a guided snowshoe hike or simply stroll through the snow-covered villages.
Holidays in the Harz nature region
It is not far from Bad Harzburg or Torfhaus to the Oker reservoir. In the Lower Saxon district of Goslar, the Oker flows into a reservoir that is bordered by the dam.
I love the TV pictures of the Brocken, when you see the storm sweeping over the mountain top and people trying to move forward. For that reason alone, it was clear to me relatively quickly that if I'm in the Harz, I have to go to the Brocken.
Travel information
Arrival
By plane
The nearest major international airports are in Hanover and Leipzig. Both are a good 100 kilometres from the edge of the Harz Mountains.
By train
The long-distance trains of the railway, i.e. the ICE and IC trains, bypass the Harz Mountains. If you want to go on holiday in the Harz mountains by train, you have to change to regional trains. Trains leave from the long-distance stations in Braunschweig, Hildesheim, Göttingen, Magdeburg, Halle or Erfurt.
By car
The A 7, A 38 and A 36 federal motorways pass by the Harz region. Federal highways and numerous smaller and often very well developed roads lead through the mountain range.
By bike
The EuroVelo 13 (Iron Curtain Trail) and the European Cycle Route R1 (EuroVelo 2) run through the Harz Mountains.
On the way in...
With the bus
With the Harz holiday ticket and the registration form, overnight guests can use the regional bus network free of charge.
By train
The Touristikbahn, a partly steam-driven Harzquerbahn, connects Wernigerode with Nordhausen. The Brockenbahn also branches off from this line. The steam-powered Selketalbahn runs from Nordhausen to Quedlinburg.
In the eastern and lower Harz, the Rübelandbahn connects Blankenburg (Harz) with Rübeland.
In addition, regional trains run through the area.
By car
Some of the smaller villages or smaller starting points of hiking routes are very rarely reached by public transport. Here, the car is often the only sensible alternative.
On foot
The Harz is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Numerous very well signposted trails lead through the entire region.
By bike
In addition to the national cycle routes Euro Velo 13 and 2, you will find well-signposted cycle paths in the Harz Mountains.
There are specially signposted trail routes for mountain bikers.
Best time to travel
The Harz Mountains are worth a visit at any time of year. However, if you plan a visit to the Brocken, you should bear in mind that the conditions here are different from those in the valley due to the altitude. The mountain top is often shrouded in fog and the average annual temperature is 2.4 degrees. It can be quite cool on the mountain even in high summer.