HARZ NATIONAL PARK & THE BROCKEN

The Harz National Park is a rugged, enchanting wilderness at the heart of Germany. It is a land steeped in folklore, famed for its dark forests, deep valleys, and the mythical Brocken peak.

This region is a haven for nature lovers and hikers, offering a stark beauty that transitions with the seasons. It’s a place where history and legend meet the pristine grandeur of the natural world.

Iconic Peaks & Views:

  • The Brocken (Blocksberg): The highest peak in the Harz, famously associated with witches’ gatherings and offering expansive, often misty, views.

  • Wurmberg: The second-highest mountain, accessible by a gondola lift, with opportunities for mountain biking and winter sports.

  • Achtermannshöhe: A prominent granite peak near Braunlage, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Harz region.

  • Torfhaus: A major hub and viewpoint on the B4 road, offering one of the best perspectives on the Brocken.

Scenic Railways & Transport:

  • Harz Narrow Gauge Railway (HSB): A historic steam train network that runs through the park, including the spectacular journey up to the Brocken summit.

  • Brocken Railway: The specific, thrilling section of the HSB that chugs its way up the mountain’s steep slopes.

  • Selke Valley Railway: Another scenic branch of the HSB, passing through the picturesque Selke Valley.

Hiking, Trails & Natural Sites:

  • Goetheweg: The most popular and historic hiking trail leading to the Brocken, named after the famous German poet.

  • Rappbode Dam and Suspension Bridge (Titan RT): Germany’s longest suspension bridge, offering thrilling views over the Rappbode Reservoir.

  • Bodetal (Bode Gorge): A deep, dramatic river gorge near Thale, known for its steep granite cliffs and wild beauty.

  • Krumme Lanke (Crooked Lake): A smaller, serene lake near the Brocken, providing a peaceful stop on many hiking routes.

  • The Harzer Hexenstieg (Witches’ Trail): A major long-distance hiking trail crossing the entire Harz, focusing on folklore and natural beauty.

  • Rehberger Grabenhaus: A historic timber-framed house and sluice within the Oberharzer Wasserwirtschaft (Upper Harz Water Management System), a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Caves & Underground Attractions:

  • Baumannshöhle (Rübeland Caves): One of the oldest and best-known show caves in Germany, with impressive dripstone formations.

  • Hermannshöhle (Rübeland Caves): Another major cave in the area, famous for its underground lake and resident cave fauna.

  • Sankt Andreasberg Samson Pit: A historic silver mine and UNESCO World Heritage site, offering deep underground tours.

Folklore & Historic Towns:

  • Hexentanzplatz (Witches’ Dance Floor): A plateau above the Bode Gorge in Thale, heavily tied to local legends and the Walpurgis Night celebrations.

  • Wernigerode Old Town: Famous for its beautifully preserved, colorful half-timbered houses and its magnificent town hall.

  • Quedlinburg Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1,300 half-timbered houses, a stunning collegiate church, and a rich history.

  • Goslar Old Town: Another UNESCO site, historically a major mining town, with an imperial palace (Kaiserpfalz) and charming medieval streets.

  • Ilsenburg Abbey: A historic Benedictine monastery and church with a beautiful setting at the northern edge of the Harz.

Ride the Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway (Harzer Schmalspurbahnen): Take a memorable ride on the historic, steam-powered Brocken Railway all the way to the summit of the Brocken, Germany’s highest peak in the north.

Hike to the Brocken Summit: Follow one of the scenic trails, such as the famous Goethe Trail (starting from Torfhaus), for a rewarding hike to the top of the Brocken.

Collect Stamps with the Harzer Wandernadel: Participate in this popular hiking challenge by collecting stamps at 222 unique stamp locations (Stempelstellen) throughout the Harz Mountains to earn hiking pins and titles.

Walk the Tree Top Trail (Baumwipfelpfad) in Bad Harzburg: Stroll along an elevated wooden pathway through the forest canopy, offering unique views and a perspective on nature from above.

Visit the Brockenhaus Museum: Explore the fascinating history of the mountain’s climate, wildlife, and its former role as a Cold War listening post in the museum located right on the summit.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Rammelsberg Mine: Delve into the history of mining with a guided tour through the tunnels and galleries of this massive, thousand-year-old former ore mine near Goslar.

Experience the Walpurgis Night Festival: If visiting on the night of April 30th, join the vibrant celebrations with costumes and fire, especially in places like Thale or Schierke, centered on the ancient legend of witches gathering on the Brocken.

Hike the Bode Valley (Bodetal): Trek through the stunning and rugged gorge, sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of Germany,” with its lush forests and rushing river between Thale and Treseburg.

Cross the Titan RT Suspension Bridge: Walk the longest suspension footbridge in Germany, offering breathtaking views over the Rappbode Dam, and for the adventurous, try the Mega Zipline.

Wander the UNESCO Old Town of Goslar and Quedlinburg: Step back in time by exploring the labyrinthine streets, half-timbered houses, and historic sites like the Imperial Palace in Goslar or Quedlinburg Castle.

Spot the Harz Lynx: Go on a ranger-led tour or visit one of the feeding/viewing points to learn about and hopefully catch a glimpse of the re-introduced wildcats, a great conservation success story.

Car is Recommended for Flexibility: While major towns are connected by train, a car offers the greatest flexibility for exploring the smaller villages, trailheads, and numerous attractions scattered throughout the low-mountain range.

Harz Narrow Gauge Railway (HSB): This is both an essential tourist experience and a form of transport. It connects key towns like Wernigerode, Nordhausen, and Quedlinburg, and is the only rail line that goes to the top of the Brocken. Book tickets in advance, especially for the Brocken leg.

HATIX – The Harz Travel Card: For overnight guests in many participating towns (check with your host), the guest card or registration form acts as a free ticket for public buses and trams in the Harz districts. This is an invaluable way to access trailheads without needing to return to your car.

Regional Trains & Buses: An extensive network of regional trains (Deutsche Bahn and Abellio) and buses connects the larger towns on the periphery and inside the region. Use the DB Navigator app for planning routes.

Brocken’s Climate is Unique: The Brocken summit has a climate comparable to Iceland, with an average of 300 foggy days per year and the highest wind speeds in Germany. Always pack warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing, regardless of the season, even if the weather in the valley is sunny.

Embrace the Legend of the Witches: The Harz is steeped in folklore, most notably the legend of the witches and devils gathering on the Brocken for Walpurgis Night. You will find witch and devil souvenirs, themed restaurants, and statues everywhere.

Hiking Rules in the National Park: Harz National Park operates under the principle of “letting nature be nature.” To protect the wilderness, always stay on the designated, marked trails (over 600km of them), keep dogs on a leash, and do not collect or disturb the flora or fauna.

The Brocken Spectre: Keep an eye out for this atmospheric optical phenomenon on the Brocken. It’s an illusion where your own shadow is cast onto mist or fog below, often appearing gigantic and surrounded by a colorful ‘halo’.

Local Delicacies: Be sure to try traditional Harz mountain food. This includes hearty dishes like Harzer Käse (a strong, sour milk cheese, often eaten with onions and caraway seeds), game meats (venison), and local beers.

Hidden Gems:

  • Quedlinburg’s Old Town: A UNESCO site even more extensive than Goslar, with over 2,000 preserved half-timbered houses spanning eight centuries. Get lost in its maze of streets.
  • The Brockengarten: An Alpine-style botanical garden on the Brocken summit that showcases the unique high-mountain flora that thrives in the harsh climate. Guided tours are available from mid-May to mid-October.
  • The Krummelsches Haus in Wernigerode: One of the most elaborately carved half-timbered houses in the town, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture.
  • Pullman City Harz: A unique Western-themed town near Hasselfelde, offering a fun, family-friendly experience with shows, saloons, and authentic frontier life.

El Portal Taberna & Wines [$30-$50] – A chic and lively spot in Alicante city, known for its creative tapas and extensive wine list in a stylish setting.

La Taberna del Gourmet [$30-$50] – An Alicante institution near the Explanada, famous for its high-quality, traditional Spanish dishes, fresh seafood, and gourmet tapas.

Bodega La Taberna de Luceros [$20-$40] – A classic and authentic bodega in Alicante, offering a wide selection of Spanish wines and traditional tapas in a rustic atmosphere.

Bar Manero [$30-$50] – A high-end tapas bar in Alicante with a sophisticated, vintage feel, offering excellent charcuterie, premium canned goods, and creative tapas.

Sento Mucho [$20-$40] – A small, popular bar in Alicante known for its great value and delicious montaditos (small sandwiches) with a wide variety of fillings.

Taberna D’Aqui [$25-$45] – A cozy and popular tapas bar in El Campello, known for its traditional Spanish cuisine and fresh seafood.

Ca Tono [$25-$45] – A classic spot in El Campello, known for its traditional rice dishes and fresh seafood.

Restaurante Los Mellizos [$30-$50] – A traditional restaurant in El Campello, famous for its fresh seafood and grilled fish.

Mesón de Laura [$25-$45] – A classic and well-regarded spot in Altea, known for its traditional Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine.

Restaurante La Costera de Altea [$30-$50] – Located in the charming old town of Altea, this restaurant is known for its traditional paellas and seafood.

Restaurante La Cava Aragonesa [$25-$45] – A long-standing restaurant in the heart of Benidorm’s old town, famous for its extensive wine cellar and traditional tapas.

Restaurante El Pòsit [$30-$50] – A classic restaurant in the heart of Villajoyosa’s port, known for its fresh fish and traditional seafood dishes.

Ca Xoret [$25-$45] – Located in the town of Finestrat, this traditional restaurant is known for its excellent rice dishes and meat cooked on the grill.

Restaurante Venta La Montaña [$20-$40] – A traditional country-style restaurant in the mountains near Busot, famous for its home-cooked food and grilled meats.

Bar Rte El Paraiso [$20-$40] – Located in the charming town of Sax, this restaurant is a local favorite known for its traditional homemade food.

Restaurante Xiri [$25-$45] – A traditional restaurant in the town of Agost, specializing in local cuisine and grilled meats.

El Rincón de la Bahía [$25-$45] – A restaurant in the port of Santa Pola, famous for its traditional seafood dishes and great views.

Restaurante Nou Palas [$25-$45] – A traditional restaurant in the town of Crevillent, known for its excellent local rice dishes.

Mesón de L’Ermita [$25-$45] – A traditional spot in the historic town of Orihuela, known for its local and regional cuisine.

Rte. Casa Pardo [$25-$45] – A family-run restaurant in the town of Torrevieja, known for its traditional Mediterranean dishes.

Mesón La Posada [$25-$45] – A traditional and cozy restaurant in the town of Guadalest, known for its homemade food and spectacular views.

Restaurante La Barraca [$30-$50] – A classic paella restaurant located on the beach in the cove of El Portet, near Moraira, offering spectacular views.

Restaurante El Racó de Pere i Pepa [$25-$45] – A traditional restaurant in the town of Mutxamel, known for its authentic Valencian cuisine.

Restaurante El Baret de Miquel [$25-$45] – A small and humble restaurant in the town of Monóvar, famous for its home-cooked meals and traditional wine.

Restaurant Ursprung [$35-$60] – A restaurant focused on regional cuisine with a modern twist and fresh, local ingredients, highly praised for its inventive approach.

Restaurant Taut’s [$35-$60] – Known for elevated German and international cuisine, often using high-quality ingredients and contemporary presentation.

Restaurant Silberstreif [$35-$60] – A modern eatery or hotel restaurant offering a refined menu that blends regional flavors with sophisticated European techniques.

Das Wipp [$35-$60] – A contemporary spot known for modern German cuisine and a focus on seasonal changes and creative culinary ideas.

1894 Bistro & Bar [$35-$60] – A stylish bistro with a modern menu, likely serving elevated comfort food and a good selection of wines and cocktails.

Restaurant Zwei Jahreszeiten [$40-$65] – Translating to “Two Seasons,” this restaurant focuses on very seasonal, modern German cooking with a fine dining approach.

Restaurant & Hotel Schiefer [$40-$65] – A modern hotel restaurant with a focus on fresh, regional cuisine, offering a high-quality dining experience.

Weinbar Anno 1910 [$40-$65] – A highly-rated wine bar and restaurant where the waiter is known for translating the German menu and helping navigate an extensive wine list; food is exceptional and not overly touristy.

Jasper – Grill Bar Lounge [$40-$65] – A trendy grill and lounge, offering high-quality meats, a modern atmosphere, and international flavors, often popular with a younger crowd.

Montevideo Vin’Osteria [$45-$70] – An Italian-inspired restaurant focused on high-quality wine and excellent regional and Italian food, providing a non-traditional but high-quality option.

Restaurant Villa Westerberge [$45-$70] – Located in a villa, this restaurant offers an upscale experience with refined German and international cuisine and a lovely atmosphere.

Restaurant _ Kleine Zauberwelt [$45-$70] – Translating to “Little Magic World,” this restaurant is likely an intimate and charming spot known for creative, modern dishes.

Ibergeregg Stube [$45-$70] – A cozy yet elegant restaurant, probably in a hotel setting, known for a modern interpretation of regional mountain cuisine.

Ristorante Rialto [$40-$60] – A consistently good, non-chain Italian restaurant, often a local favorite for its authentic Italian dishes and a break from German fare.

Restaurant Orchidea Huong (in Wernigerode) [$30-$50] – An authentic, highly-rated local favorite for Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine (especially Pho and sushi), known for great service and atmosphere.

Casa Vita (in Wernigerode) [$30-$50] – A popular local Italian restaurant known for its diverse menu, reasonable prices, and relaxed, Mediterranean ambiance, away from the main tourist square.

Restaurant 1835 [$60-$90] – An upscale restaurant, likely named after the building’s year or a significant date, offering creative, sophisticated cuisine and impeccable service.

Restaurant Gaststuben im Travel Charme Gothisches Haus [$70-$100] – The fine dining restaurant within a prestigious hotel in Wernigerode, offering high-end gourmet cuisine.

Restaurant Naturresort Schindelbruch [$70-$100] – The restaurant at a resort in the woods near Stolberg, offering a culinary journey with carefully selected, high-quality ingredients, often focusing on slow food.

Restaurant Wolfsmühle [$70-$100] – Located in a family-run hotel in an idyllic valley, this restaurant focuses on high-quality regional cuisine, possibly using beef from its own farm.

Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen (Ilsenburg) [$80-$120] – The restaurant in a five-star hotel, indicating a top choice for a high-end, relaxing, and gourmet dining experience with a focus on freshwater fish (Forellen means trout).

Joseph’s Fine Dining [$80-$130] – A dedicated high-end establishment known for exclusive, sophisticated dishes and an elaborate tasting menu, often a Michelin or Gault&Millau mention.

Restaurant Altes Rathaus [$90-$150] – Located in an Old Town Hall (likely in Goslar or Quedlinburg), this would be a historic setting with a focus on exquisite, high-level gastronomy.

Hofcafé & Steakhaus Brockenbauer (in Tanne) [$20-$35] – A unique location where you can enjoy local, high-quality meat (steakhouse) in a farm café setting, emphasizing “Typisch Harz” products.

Café und Speiserestaurant „Waldbadschenke“ [$20-$30] – A café and restaurant in Elend offering simple, good food in a tranquil, woodside setting, often a stop for hikers.

Kaffeetasse [$20-$35] – Likely a cozy local café and bistro, perfect for traditional German “Kaffee und Kuchen” (coffee and cake) as well as light meals and snacks.

Gaststätte Tannengrund [$20-$35] – A cozy and dog-friendly guesthouse/restaurant in Neuwerk, known for traditional, unpretentious German food and local community feel.

Wirtshaus der Bodetaler Basecamp Lodge [$20-$35] – The pub/restaurant at a base camp lodge in Neuwerk, offering hearty, satisfying meals for adventurers and locals alike.

Restaurant Rathaus Wildemann [$25-$40] – A local institution in a small town, offering classic German dishes in a traditional setting, popular with residents.

Brauner Hirsch (Sophienhof) [$25-$40] – An “adventure brewery inn” where they brew their own beer according to the German Purity Law, serving traditional food to pair with their house specialties.

Heilemann’s FachwerQ [$25-$40] – Known for Western-style food and a good dessert room, this is a local favorite for its quality cakes and relaxed atmosphere in a historic timber-framed building (“Fachwerk”).

The VALHALLA Bar: Located in Braunlage, this is advertised as the “highest tasting-bar in North Germany” and offers a wide selection of Gin, Rum, Whisky, and regional spirits in a stylish, Viking-themed atmosphere, perfect for a post-hike relaxation.

Drink’A’Bell: Situated near the Kurpark in Braunlage, this cozy pub and café provides a relaxed atmosphere and a good selection of cocktails and Irish/national draft beers, often featuring live music on weekends.

Bar ANNO 1644: A hidden gem for cocktail lovers in the historic Altstadt of Goslar. This spot is known as a real insider tip for enjoying a cocktail with friends in a charming atmosphere.

Lobbybar (relexa hotel Braunlage): Found within the relexa hotel in Braunlage, this open and modern bar with a fireplace and lounge flair offers a selection of exotic cocktails, aperitifs, and spirits for a comfortable end to the evening.

JOHN’S BAR: Located in Braunlage, this bar has a focus on regional, hand-selected distillates from the Harz and surrounding areas, offering a cozy and stylish setting with an open fireplace and a “Superwiese” (super meadow) for drinks with a panoramic view.

Weinschule und Handel Harz “Wine & More”: While more focused on wine, this establishment in the Harz region is a good spot for connoisseurs looking for quality beverages in a refined setting.

Bar 1894: Mentioned among the popular bars in the Harz, suggesting a classic German bar or pub atmosphere for relaxed drinks.

Brauhaus Goslar: Although primarily a traditional brewpub in the historic Altstadt of Goslar known for its in-house Gose beer and hearty cuisine, its setting and traditional German drinks make it a central evening gathering spot.

Brauhaus Lüdde: A historical gasthausbrauerei (brewery/restaurant) in Quedlinburg that features a cozy pub atmosphere in its beautifully restored buildings, offering locally brewed beer and a traditional place to enjoy a night out.

TIM’s 5 Tageszeiten: A casual bar/restaurant in Goslar offering a welcome atmosphere and a place for a diverse selection of drinks.

Corner Pub Gernrode: A neighborhood pub located next to the St. Cyriacus Collegiate Church in Gernrode, offering a traditional pub experience and a place to meet locals and other travelers.

PapperlaPub: A cozy pub in Goslar that provides a welcoming atmosphere for drinks, a classic spot for socializing in the old town.

Celtic-Inn Irish Pub: Located near the train station in Goslar, this is the region’s go-to for an Irish pub experience, offering cheap drinks, friendly staff, and a lively vibe with events and sports screenings.

Kupferkanne: A small, cult-status, and cozy pub in Goslar known for its intimate atmosphere.

Down Under Goslar: An Australian-themed bar and restaurant that offers an impressive selection of drinks and a welcoming, warm atmosphere.

Ars Vivendi Party Club Lounge: Located near the main train station and a short walk from the Altstadt in Wernigerode, this is a dedicated music and dance club/disco that also functions as a cocktail bar, offering pulsating beats and a wide cocktail selection on weekend nights.

Elmo Klub: A vibrant nightlife hub in Wernigerode (Am Köhlerteich 2), known for its energetic music and lively atmosphere, particularly popular for themed nights and weekend parties, attracting those looking for a memorable night out in the Harz.

Tiffany´s Club & Lounge: The scene-disco in the heart of the Goslar Altstadt, directly on the market square. It has been known for decades for good music, cocktails, and hot parties, typically hosting events in its lounge space.

Bar – DV Reichenstrasse e.V.: This location in Quedlinburg is primarily a cultural and communication spot, but it functions as a bar and regularly hosts live music, DJ sets, and parties, making it a reliable spot for a night of dancing and culture.

Bowling am Schloss Bar (Quedlinburg): While primarily a bowling alley, this venue includes a bar that organizes special party nights, especially Black Light Bowling events, which provide a fun and alternative club-like atmosphere.

Hexenritt Alm Braunlage: This location near the ski lift in Braunlage is primarily a mountain hut/restaurant, but such locations in resort towns often transform into lively apres-ski or late-night party spots, especially during peak seasons.

Hexenkessel (Thale): Located in the Erlebniswelt (Adventure World) in Thale, while a bit further out, this type of venue often hosts events and large parties, typical for tourist-heavy adventure areas in the region.

Na und… die Musikkneipe: Located in Goslar, this spot is a music pub that often features live music and a lively crowd, serving as a solid alternative to a traditional club for a fun night out with good sound.

Minnas alte Liebe: A pub with “soul and sound” in Goslar, likely offering a mix of music and a cozy atmosphere for late-night drinks, often functioning as a low-key alternative to a loud club.

Köpi am Markt: This music pub in Goslar’s market area is a classic local spot known for its energetic atmosphere and being a reliable meeting point for a lively evening.

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