Holiday in the Harz Mountains
The Harz, Germany’s northernmost low mountain range, entices visitors with its dense forests, legendary peaks, and picturesque valleys. But why should travelers specifically consider the part located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, the Ostharz (Eastern Harz), for their vacation?
In common parlance, one still finds the terms West Harz and East Harz today. This refers to the time before German reunification when the Harz was still divided by the inner-German border. The part of the Harz in Saxony-Anhalt is colloquially known as the “Ostharz.” For the vacationers who have discovered the Harz for themselves, this distinction is relatively unimportant. They are simply traveling in the Harz.
The Ostharz is the historic heart of the entire Harz region. Nowhere else can you find such a density of well-preserved medieval towns. Foremost among them is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Quedlinburg, which transports visitors to another era with its more than 2,000 half-timbered houses spanning eight centuries. Just a stone’s throw away, Wernigerode, the “colorful town on the Harz,” enchants its visitors. The magnificent castle, enthroned majestically above the old town, is reminiscent of a fairytale castle and offers a fantastic view. The historic town center with its town hall and half-timbered houses invites you to take a stroll. Another highlight is a ride on the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway, which climbs from Wernigerode up to the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz.
The Ostharz is inextricably linked with the myth of the Brocken and Walpurgis Night. A hike to the 1,141-meter-high summit is rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view. The surrounding Harz National Park protects a unique flora and fauna and offers an extensive network of hiking trails for all levels.
For thrill-seekers, the region around the Rappbode Dam offers pure excitement: Crossing the Titan-RT, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, or taking a flight on the Megazipline is the highlight for many visitors.
Urlaub im Harz
The impressive suspension bridge in the Harz Mountains at the Rappbode Dam has become one of the tourist highlights in recent years. Rightly so, I think, because a visit there is really impressive.
The Harz Mountains are really excellent for a weekend getaway. Wernigerode is located in Saxony-Anhalt in the district of Harz directly on the northern flank of the low mountain range.
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.
For me, Baumkuchen is one of the most delicious cakes when it is fresh. The fact that I was able to eat this speciality in the Harzer Baumkuchenhaus in Wernigerode was a real surprise for me.
Accommodation
Landhaus Pusteblume
Comfort-Hotel garni Schierker Waldperle
Boutiquehotel Schloßpalais
Hotel Zum Bär
A-ROSA Gothisches Haus Wernigerode
Hotelpark Bodetal mit Ferienwohnungen
Travel information about the Harz Mountains
Getting there
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 supra-regional Euro Velo 13 and 2 cycle routes, you will find well-signposted cycle paths in the Harz Mountains.
There are specially signposted trail routes for mountain bikers.