GOSLAR & QUEDLINBURG
Goslar and Quedlinburg are Germany’s medieval jewels, nestled in the Harz Mountains, offering a journey back to the age of emperors and half-timbered splendor.
These twin UNESCO World Heritage sites preserve a millennium of history, showcasing magnificent Romanesque architecture and the enchanting allure of the German Romantic Road.
Most Popular Attractions
Historic Centers & Architecture:
Quedlinburg Old Town: A labyrinth of over 1,300 well-preserved half-timbered houses spanning eight centuries, making it an architectural marvel.
Goslar Old Town: Famous for its slate-roofed and half-timbered houses, offering one of Germany’s most picturesque medieval cityscapes.
Quedlinburg Market Square (Marktplatz): Home to the ornate, ivy-covered Quedlinburg Town Hall (Rathaus), one of the oldest in Germany, and the Roland Statue.
Goslar Market Square (Marktplatz): The central hub featuring the 13th-century Market Fountain with the Goslar eagle and the Glockenspiel (carillon) depicting the Rammelsberg mining story.
Finkenherd (Quedlinburg): An iconic, highly photogenic row of colorful, centuries-old half-timbered houses on the approach to the castle hill.
Breite Strasse (Quedlinburg): A street showcasing exquisite examples of Renaissance and Baroque half-timbered architecture.
Schuhhof & Hölle (Quedlinburg): Charming, narrow medieval alleys filled with stunning historic houses.
Brusttuch (Goslar): An opulent 17th-century half-timbered house on the Market Square, notable for its intricate carvings.
Siemenshaus (Goslar): The well-preserved 17th-century ancestral home of the famous Siemens family.
Imperial & Religious Sites:
Imperial Palace of Goslar (Kaiserpfalz): A unique Romanesque palace, the former ruling seat of Holy Roman Emperors in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Collegiate Church of St. Servatius (Quedlinburg Abbey): A Romanesque masterpiece and UNESCO site, the burial place of King Henry I and home to the renowned Quedlinburg Cathedral Treasure.
Quedlinburg Castle (Schloss Quedlinburg): The Renaissance castle housing the Schlossmuseum (Castle Museum), offering insights into the town’s history.
Market Church of St. Cosmas and Damian (Goslar): A Romanesque-to-Gothic church whose tower can be climbed for panoramic city views (Himmelsleiter).
Marktkirche St. Benedikti (Quedlinburg): A prominent church in the historic center with distinctive twin towers and Romanesque origins.
Church of St. Wiperti (Quedlinburg): A Romanesque church with a crypt dating back to the 10th century.
Neuwerkkirche (Goslar): A well-preserved Romanesque basilica, originally a Cistercian convent.
St. Nikolai Church (Quedlinburg): The parish church of the New Town (Neustadt), founded around 1200.
Museums & Experiences:
Rammelsberg Mine & Mining Museum (Goslar): A UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s only mine in continuous operation for over 1,000 years, offering underground tours.
Lyonel Feininger Gallery (Quedlinburg): An art museum dedicated to the famous German-American painter and graphic artist.
Mönchehaus Museum for Modern Art (Goslar): A museum housed in a medieval building, featuring modern and contemporary art.
Klopstockhaus (Quedlinburg): The birthplace of the renowned poet Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, now a literature museum.
Fachwerkmuseum im Ständerbau (Quedlinburg): A museum dedicated to the history and development of half-timbered architecture, housed in one of the oldest timber-framed buildings in Germany.
Goslarer Museum (Goslar): Exhibits on the town’s history, culture, and a geological collection from the Harz Mountains.
Harzer Uhrenmuseum (Quedlinburg): A unique museum with a large collection of clocks, including cuckoo and grandfather clocks.
Zwinger Museum (Goslar): Housed in a late medieval cannon tower, it showcases medieval artifacts.
Nature & Surroundings:
Upper Harz Water Management System (Harzer Wasserregal): A vast, pre-industrial system of dams, ditches, and ponds around Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage site popular for hiking.
Harz National Park: The surrounding low mountain range, ideal for hiking, with connections to the legendary Harzer-Hexen-Stieg (Witches’ Trail).
Brühlpark & Abbey Garden (Quedlinburg): Beautiful historic parks and gardens at the foot of the Castle Hill.
Münzenberg (Quedlinburg): A small hill settlement that was once a Benedictine monastery, offering lovely views and a small museum.
Oker Dam (Goslar): A popular destination for water sports and scenic views outside Goslar.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Rammelsberg Mine: Go underground at this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Goslar, a vast former ore mine. Take a tour (e.g., the mine railway or water management system) to learn about 1,000 years of mining history.
Tour the Imperial Palace of Goslar (Kaiserpfalz): Wander through the historic palace where Holy Roman Emperors once held court. Visit the Kaisersaal and the Wintersaal to admire the wall murals and exhibitions.
Stroll the Half-Timbered Labyrinth of Quedlinburg: Dedicate time to simply wander the cobblestone alleys of Quedlinburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, admiring the over 2,000 exquisitely preserved half-timbered houses spanning eight centuries.
Visit Quedlinburg’s Castle Hill & Collegiate Church: Climb the sandstone cliff to see Quedlinburg Castle and the Romanesque St. Servatius Church, which houses the priceless Quedlinburg Cathedral Treasury (Domschatz).
Take a Guided Night Watchman Tour: Join a historical evening walking tour in Quedlinburg, led by a guide in traditional night watchman attire, to hear fascinating stories of the town’s past.
Ride the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (HSB): Experience a scenic journey on an old steam train. A popular route takes you from the Harz region (accessible from both towns) up to the summit of the Brocken, the highest peak in Northern Germany.
Hike the Upper Harz Water Regale: Explore a segment of this UNESCO World Heritage water management system near Goslar. The trails following the ditches have gentle gradients and offer peaceful nature walks.
Discover Local Art and History Museums: In Goslar, visit the Mönchehaus Museum for modern art or the Zinnfiguren-Museum (Tin Figures Museum). In Quedlinburg, explore the Castle Museum (Schlossmuseum).
Find the “Dukat Pooper” Sculpture: Search for the tiny, whimsical sculpture of the Dukatenkacker (Ducat Pooper) on the corner of the Domero Rotes Eichhörnchen hotel on the Market Square in Goslar.
Ascend the Himmelsleiter for a View: For a fantastic panorama of Goslar, climb the “Stairway to Heaven” (Himmelsleiter) to the top of the tower at the Marktkirche St. Cosmas and Damian.
Enjoy Traditional German Café Culture: Stop for Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) at a historic café in the Old Town of either city, such as the charming Barock-Café Anders in Goslar.
Take a Day Trip to Wernigerode: Use the towns as a base to visit Wernigerode, another beautiful half-timbered town in the Harz, known for its fairytale castle (Schloss Wernigerode).
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Primary in the Old Towns: Both Goslar and Quedlinburg’s historic centers are compact and pedestrian-friendly, best explored entirely on foot. Be mindful that many streets are cobbled, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential.
Car is Recommended for the Harz Region: A rental car offers the most flexibility for exploring the wider Harz Mountains, including the Brocken, Wernigerode, and various hiking trailheads and viewpoints. Driving in the region is generally easy.
Inter-Town Rail Connections: A direct train line does not connect Goslar and Quedlinburg, but they are linked via a transfer, typically at Halberstadt Hbf. The total journey by train is around 1 hour 40 minutes and is a stress-free option between the two cities.
The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (HSB): This historic steam train network is a key attraction for regional travel, especially for reaching the Brocken summit. Check the timetables and routes in advance, as they are a unique experience but can be slower than standard rail.
Parking Tips: If driving, consider hotels or guest houses slightly outside the immediate historic center, as parking can be limited and often paid within the pedestrianized old towns. Quedlinburg, in particular, has surprisingly affordable or free parking options in nearby streets or dedicated lots.
UNESCO World Heritage Status: Respect the historical preservation rules. Both Old Towns were miraculously spared significant damage during WWII, which is why their half-timbered architecture is so uniquely preserved.
The Fachwerk (Half-Timbered) Houses: Take time to notice the architectural details. The houses date from the 14th to the 20th centuries, with Goslar showing a more North German slate-shingled style, while Quedlinburg boasts a vast, dense collection of various half-timbered eras.
Harz Legends and Folklore: The Harz region is the setting for many German myths and legends, particularly those involving witches and devils (associated with the Brocken mountain and Walpurgis Night). Look for subtle cultural references and events related to this folklore.
Dining and Cuisine: Look for regional specialties like Harzer Käse (a strong-smelling, low-fat sour milk cheese, often with caraway), Bockwurst (a type of German sausage), and hearty German cuisine involving potatoes and forest game. Don’t miss trying a local beer from a traditional brewery, like Brauerei Lüdde in Quedlinburg.
Hidden Gems:
- Quedlinburg’s Ständerbau: Located in the Old Town, this is one of Germany’s oldest surviving half-timbered houses, dating back to the 14th century, offering a look at early construction techniques.
- The Maltermeister Turm (Goslar): A short walk from Goslar’s Old Town, this former watchtower offers a restaurant with a fantastic panoramic view over the city.
- Gernrode: Just outside Quedlinburg, visit the Collegiate Church St. Cyriacus, a significant Romanesque building on the famous German Romanesque Road.
Language: While English is spoken in most tourist-focused businesses, learning a few basic German phrases (Hallo, Danke, Bitte) will be appreciated, especially in smaller, more local establishments.
Top Restaurants
Brauhaus Goslar [$15-$25] – A traditional brewery in a cozy half-timbered building, known for its locally brewed Gose beer and hearty German/Harz region dishes like Schnitzel.
Die Butterhanne [$15-$25] – A classic, no-frills tavern on the Marktplatz in Goslar’s historic center, offering a wide range of traditional Saxon and Harzer specialties like wild game and homemade cakes.
Brauhaus Lüdde [$15-$25] – A charming brewery in the heart of Quedlinburg established in 1807, known for its house-brewed beer and large portions of traditional German fare.
Restaurant Zum Kachelofen [$20-$30] – Located in Goslar, this highly recommended spot offers delicious, regional cuisine with a focus on impeccably prepared, traditional dishes.
Worthmühle Goslar [$20-$30] – A specialty restaurant in the center of Goslar, offering a very cozy, rustic atmosphere with unique decor and a menu focused on regional German cuisine, including a lovely beer garden by the river.
Himmel & Hölle das Restaurant in der Hölle [$15-$25] – A cozy half-timbered restaurant in Quedlinburg offering classic German dishes like Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) and Flammkuchen (thin flatbread).
Restaurant Benedikt [$25-$35] – Located in the heart of Quedlinburg, this restaurant beautifully marries traditional German cuisine with a delightful dining experience.
Fischkate Quedlinburg [$20-$30] – A centuries-old, elegant eatery in Quedlinburg, known for its fish soup, herring dishes, and a strong focus on seafood.
Münzenberger Klause [$20-$30] – A cozy restaurant in Quedlinburg with a warm, inviting atmosphere, offering traditional German comfort food.
Paulaner Wirtshaus an der Lohmühle [$20-$30] – A charming Bavarian restaurant housed in a historic half-timbered building in Goslar, serving hearty Bavarian and regional German food.
Ratskeller Quedlinburg [$20-$35] – Located in a historic cellar, this restaurant offers traditional German cuisine in a vaulted, classic setting.
Restaurant Ratsstuben [$20-$35] – A charming eatery in the heart of Goslar with a lovingly decorated interior, offering a traditional dining experience.
Restaurant Zum Schwan [$20-$30] – A traditional German restaurant in Quedlinburg, popular with locals for its classic dishes and good portions.
Wildfang – Bier & Wirtshaus [$25-$35] – A stylish establishment in Goslar offering an updated and refined version of traditional German dishes.
Restaurant Alte Münze [$40-$60] – A unique Slow Food restaurant nestled within a boutique hotel in Goslar’s old town, focusing on upscale, traditional Harz cuisine interpreted modernly with ingredients sourced from regional organic farmers.
Restaurant Altdeutsche Stuben [$35-$55] – Located in the historic Achtermann Tower in Goslar, this restaurant combines tradition with innovative elements of modern, fresh cuisine amidst 500-year-old stone walls.
Weinstube am Brühl [$50-$80] – A MICHELIN Selected restaurant in Quedlinburg, converted from former stables, offering elevated international cuisine that closely follows the seasons in a charming, country-feel ambiance.
Restaurant Trüffel [$30-$50] – A laid-back eatery in Goslar specializing in Mediterranean cuisine and an array of delectable truffle-infused dishes, often with outdoor seating.
Kiku Restaurant By Jan Fribus [$70-$120] – A highly-regarded, MICHELIN Recommended restaurant in Quedlinburg’s half-timbered old town, known for its extraordinary three-hour gastronomic adventure blending Far Eastern cuisine with French-German techniques. Reservation essential.
Schiller’s [$40-$60] – A hidden gem in Quedlinburg with an inviting ambiance, offering inventive and scrumptious culinary creations.
Heilemanns FachwerQ [$30-$50] – A popular international and Italian restaurant in Quedlinburg, noted for its creative cuisine and good reviews.
TATU restaurant [$35-$55] – A restaurant in Quedlinburg praised for its inviting atmosphere, a mix of old-world charm and modern comfort, and delightful cuisine.
Käsekuchenbäckerei Vincent [$5-$15] – In Quedlinburg, famous for what many consider the best Käsekuchen (German cheesecake) in the region. Perfect for a traditional sweet treat.
Bar ANNO 1644 [$15-$25] – A small, rustic bar with a cozy atmosphere and a beautiful inner courtyard in the outskirts of the Romantik Hotel Alte Münze in Goslar, serving spirits and cocktails.
Blumencafé Goslar [$10-$20] – A charming eatery in Goslar, perfect for coffee, cake, and lighter fare in a rustic setting near the market square.
Cafe Steffens [$10-$20] – An unpretentious establishment in Goslar with a relaxed eatery, serving coffee, cake, and simple meals.
Harzer Schnitzelkönig [$20-$35] – A “Harz Schnitzel King” experience venue in nearby Lautenthal, known for its huge portions of Schnitzel and fun, rustic atmosphere.
Trattoria Da Enzo [$20-$35] – A delightful spot in the heart of Goslar offering authentic Italian cuisine, a good alternative to German fare.
Olympia Bei Niko und Ruben [$25-$40] – A highly-rated Greek restaurant in Goslar known for its amiable staff, delectable cuisine, and generous portions.
Restaurant Bombay [$25-$40] – Enjoy a taste of Indian cuisine in Goslar.
Le Feu Quedlinburg [$15-$25] – Specializes in Flammkuchen (thin, crispy flatbread traditionally topped with sour cream, onions, and bacon) with a variety of toppings.
Ristorante Perli’s Pasta Mia [$20-$35] – A charming restaurant in Quedlinburg offering a cozy atmosphere and traditional Italian cuisine.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar ANNO 1644 (Goslar): Located in the historic setting of the Romantik Hotel Alte Münze in Goslar’s old town, this rustic yet cozy bar is considered an insider tip. It offers a nice selection of refreshing cocktails and spirits, with a beautiful inner courtyard open during the summer months.
Our Hotel Bar (Der Achtermann) (Goslar): Situated within the historic Hotel Der Achtermann, near Goslar’s train station, this bar provides a stylish space to enjoy delicious cocktails, aperitifs, or a cool, regional beer conjured up by the bartenders. It’s a classic hotel bar experience.
The VALHALLA Bar (Goslar): As part of the nightlife scene in the Harz region, this establishment in Goslar offers a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying spirits, cocktails, and perhaps getting in touch with the local party scene.
Weinstube am Brühl (Quedlinburg): Meaning “wine bar,” this is one of Quedlinburg’s nicer establishments, situated close to the historic center. While known for its beautifully prepared dishes and fine wine list, it is an excellent place to enjoy a sophisticated evening drink.
Flames Lifestyle Bar & Lounge (Goslar): A modern hotspot right in the heart of Goslar’s Old Town on the Brauhof. It’s known for its lifestyle lounge atmosphere and a diverse drinks menu that includes exotic, international cocktails prepared right in front of you.
Celtic-Inn Irish Pub (Goslar): Found in Goslar’s picturesque old town, this pub offers a lively, friendly vibe and is a great spot for both traditional German brews and, of course, a range of international spirits and whiskies often used in classic cocktails.
Musikkneipe Ko (Goslar): A classic German-style Kneipe (pub) in Goslar’s city center, known for its well-priced local beers and a relaxed environment with classic pop and rock tunes from the 80s, offering a less formal setting for drinks and simple mixed beverages.
Ruinenromantik (Quedlinburg): A café and pub located by the Kornmarkt in Quedlinburg, known for its charming setting in front of a fountain. It’s a great spot in the historic center to enjoy a casual drink or a simple cocktail blend with a fabulous backdrop of colorful, centuries-old half-timbered houses.
Drink’A’Bell (Goslar): Listed as one of the prominent spots in the Harz region’s nightlife, this venue in Goslar likely offers a mix of spirits and mixed drinks in a lively atmosphere for a fun night out.
Bar 1894 (Goslar): Another noteworthy establishment in the broader Harz nightlife, found in Goslar, offering a venue for socializing and enjoying a selection of drinks, potentially including crafted cocktails, for a leisurely evening.
Wasserturm Quedlinburg (Quedlinburg): While primarily a historical landmark, some events or associated spaces in or near the former water tower complex might offer pop-up bars or seasonal terraces, providing a unique backdrop for an evening beverage in Quedlinburg.
Brauhaus Goslar (Goslar): Although primarily a historic brewery and restaurant on the Market Square famous for its local Gose beer, its full-service nature means you can enjoy simple mixed drinks or local spirits alongside your brew.
Die Butterhanne (Goslar): A traditional tavern in the historic Altstadt on the Marktplatz. While focused on hearty traditional Saxon dishes and local beer, its historical charm makes it a lovely spot for a digestif or a classic spirit at the bar.
Altdeutsche Stuben Bar (Goslar): Located in the Achtermann Tower of the Hotel Der Achtermann, this bar provides a unique, historic ambience behind 500-year-old stone walls, an ideal setting for enjoying an after-dinner cocktail or aperitif.
Flames Lifestyle Bar & Lounge (Goslar): Doubling as a late-night venue, this location on the Brauhof transforms into a party hot-spot on Friday and Saturday nights with DJs, known as one of the main places to go out and dance in Goslar.
Musikkneipe Ko (Goslar): While more of a pub, it functions as a late-night venue in the city center where you can expect good music and a lively crowd well into the night, offering an unpretentious club-like atmosphere.
The VALHALLA Bar (Goslar): This location, often mentioned in the Harz nightlife context, is likely one of the few places in Goslar that offers a more energetic, club-style experience, especially on weekends, focusing on music and dancing.
Drink’A’Bell (Goslar): Given its listing among the Harz clubs, this establishment in Goslar serves as one of the local venues for late-night music and partying, catering to those looking for a louder, more dynamic evening.
Bar 1894 (Goslar): Similar to other Harz nightlife spots, Bar 1894 in Goslar is a place where locals and visitors go for an extended evening, often featuring DJ sets or a club-like atmosphere on prime nights.
Kieswerk Club (Goslar): Located slightly outside the absolute city center, this venue is known for hosting larger parties and events, often featuring diverse music genres and providing a traditional club experience for the region.
Pub-Wispel (Quedlinburg): Classified as a bar/bistro in Quedlinburg, its function as a later-night spot in the historic center means it provides a convivial, buzzing atmosphere that approaches a club feel, often hosting local gatherings.
Quedlinburg Brewery (Quedlinburg): While a brewery, these spots sometimes host local music or late-night events, functioning as a vibrant meeting place that can turn into a dance floor on special occasions.
Local Event Venues: Both towns have smaller venues or halls that host scheduled dance nights and parties, which change weekly. It’s recommended to check local listings for specific club-style events happening during your visit.
Hotel Bars in Quedlinburg: Larger hotels, like the Romantik Hotel am Brühl, often have cozy lounges that stay open late, offering a more tranquil but elegant alternative to a club, especially when the main club scene is quiet.
Student Bars (Goslar): Goslar has a technical university and some smaller student-oriented bars or pubs near the campus may offer later opening hours and more energetic music, resembling a casual club on certain nights.