Holidays in the Harz:
Where a fairytale castle meets moments of indulgence.
In the morning, mist hangs amongst the spruce trees. At midday, a steam locomotive trails its white plume across the forest, and in the evening, the half-timbered windows glow warmly above the market square. A holiday in the Harz feels like several trips in one: peaks and moors in the national park, legends of witches and Brocken spirits, towns where history isn’t locked away behind glass but comes alive in the narrow streets.
The Harz is Germany’s northernmost low mountain range. An ideal starting point is Wernigerode, the ‘Colourful Town in the Harz’. This is where the Brocken Railway begins, the hiking trails start right on the outskirts of town, and you’ll be staying at the A-ROSA Gothisches Haus right in the heart of the market square.
Things to do in the Harz Mountains.
Up to the summit on the Brocken Railway
The steam locomotive hisses, the forest flashes past, and with every bend the air grows clearer. The Brockenbahn takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to cover the 34 kilometres from Wernigerode up to the Brocken. The best way to experience it is to take the train up and walk part of the way down.
Titan-RT Suspension Bridge & Rappbode Dam
The Titan-RT suspension bridge is 483 metres long and hangs around 100 metres above the valley – you can really feel every step you take. Right next to it stands the Rappbode Dam, which, at 106 metres, is the tallest in Germany. Hiking trails with sweeping views wind their way round the reservoir.
Stalactite caves in Rübeland
When it rains, things get exciting underground. In the Baumannshöhle and Hermannshöhle caves, the stalactites have been growing for millennia, drop by drop. A peaceful destination for families and for anyone who’d like to see the Harz from the inside.
Bodetal & Hexentanzplatz
Steep rock faces, and far below the River Bode rushes by. Near Thale, a cable car takes you up to the Hexentanzplatz, where, according to legend, witches dance on Walpurgis Night. The return journey is on foot through the Bode Valley, one of the most impressive gorges in the Harz Mountains.
Castles & Palaces
From Falkenstein Castle in the Selke Valley to Wernigerode Castle, towering high above the town’s rooftops: the Harz region is packed with medieval history within a small area. Behind the walls lie knights’ halls, castle gardens and views stretching far across the surrounding countryside.
Harz cuisine
Harz cheese, game from the surrounding forests and, after your hike, a Schierker Feuerstein: the flavours of the Harz are robust and authentic. Do try them in our dining rooms at the Gothisches Haus.
When is the best time to go on holiday in the Harz Mountains?
There isn’t really such a thing as the wrong time of year. The Harz is a year-round destination, and every season has its own unique atmosphere.
Spring: Meltwater fills the streams, and the first wildflowers bloom in the valleys. On 30 April, the Harz region celebrates Walpurgis Night with bonfires in many towns and villages.
Summer: Long days for long walks, balmy evenings on the terrace by the market square. Shady valleys such as the Steinerne Renne remain pleasantly cool even on hot days.
Autumn: Book and maple trees colour the slopes, and wreaths of mist drift across the Brocken. For many, this is the most beautiful time of year for hiking.
Winter: When there’s snow on the ground, cross-country ski trails wind through the higher ground, and ski lifts operate around Braunlage and the Wurmberg. During Advent, the Christmas market on Wernigerode’s market square, right in front of our house, is all lit up.
More resin for your journey.
Hiking in the Harz Mountains
Brocken, Hexenstieg, Steinerne Renne: the most beautiful walks starting from Wernigerode, plus tips on the best time of year to go hiking.
Places of interest in Wernigerode
Town Hall, Castle, the Smallest House: our tour of the half-timbered town, right on the hotel’s doorstep.
Holidays in the Harz Mountains with your dog
Dog-friendly walks, practical tips and a hotel where four-legged friends are welcome.
Culture in the Harz.
Scattered amongst the forests are towns, monasteries and mines that tell the stories of emperors, merchants and miners. Many of these can be reached from Wernigerode in around half an hour.
Quedlinburg
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994: around 2,000 half-timbered houses spanning eight centuries cluster around the Schlossberg, home to the collegiate church of St Servatius and its cathedral treasury. It’s a place you’ll want to explore at a leisurely pace.
Goslar
The old town and the Rammelsberg ore mine are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 11th-century Imperial Palace is a reminder of the time when imperial history was made in Goslar.
Romanesque Route
This holiday route stretches for over 1,000 kilometres through Saxony-Anhalt. Near Wernigerode lie Halberstadt Cathedral, Drübeck Abbey, Michaelstein Abbey and Ballenstedt Castle.
Upper Harz Water Management System
Miners created ponds, ditches and underground watercourses to supply the mines with energy. Today, the system forms part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site as the Rammelsberg, and many sections can be explored on foot.
Holiday offers in the Harz Mountains.
Christmas in the Harz Mountains
2 persons, 4 nights
Easter in Wernigerode
2 persons, 2 nights
Early Bird including breakfast
2 persons, 2 nights
New Year’s Eve in the Harz Mountains in Wernigerode
2 persons, 3 nights
Frequently asked questions about holidays in the Harz Mountains.
When is the best time to go on holiday in the Harz Mountains?
The Harz region is well worth a visit all year round. May to October are ideal for hiking, and in autumn the forests take on particularly beautiful colours. In winter, the snow, cross-country ski trails and Christmas markets are a real draw.
Where is the best place to go on holiday in the Harz Mountains?
That depends on what you’re planning to do. If you’re looking to combine nature and culture, Wernigerode in the Northern Harz is the perfect place for you. This is where the Brocken Railway starts, hiking trails begin on the outskirts of town, and Quedlinburg and Goslar are within easy reach.
What is there to do in the Harz Mountains?
Among the most popular activities in the Harz Mountains are:
- Hiking in the National Park
- taking the Brocken Railway up to the Brocken
- walking across the Titan-RT suspension bridge
- visiting the stalactite caves in Rübeland
- strolling through half-timbered towns such as Wernigerode, Quedlinburg and Goslar
In winter, cross-country skiing and tobogganing are also on the agenda.
What can you do in the Harz Mountains when it’s raining?
Some great places to visit include the stalactite caves in Rübeland, Wernigerode Castle, the Aviation Museum and the Harz Planetarium in Wernigerode. Afterwards, a relaxing afternoon at the spa awaits.
Is a short break in the Harz Mountains worth it?
Yes. There are lots of highlights close together, so a weekend is plenty. On the first day, you can explore the old town and Wernigerode Castle. On the second day, you can take the Brocken Railway up to the summit and walk part of the way down to Schierke.
Can you go on holiday with your dog in the Harz Mountains?
Yes, many trails are dog-friendly. Dogs must be kept on a lead in the national park. You can find tips and dog-friendly walks here:
