THE HARZ MOUNTAINS
This region in central Germany is a land of myth and enchanting half-timbered towns, crowned by the legendary Brocken Mountain. Explore ancient mining history, hike through dense forests in the National Park, and enjoy the charming atmosphere of a true fairy-tale landscape.
Why Visit The Harz Mountains?
Fairy-Tale Towns & History: Wander through UNESCO-protected Goslar and Quedlinburg, famed for their stunning medieval half-timbered houses and imperial legacy.
The Brocken and Witches: Ride the historic steam train to the highest peak, the legendary meeting place of witches on Walpurgis Night.
Adventure and Nature: Hike, mountain bike, or ski in the Harz National Park, home to deep forests, gorges, and the Titan-RT suspension bridge.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Ideal for hiking and sightseeing in the historic towns. April culminates with the festive Walpurgis Night celebrations.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): Offers the best value and a magical, snowy atmosphere, perfect for winter sports like skiing and tobogganing.
Peak Season (June-August): The best time for long days of hiking and outdoor activities. Be prepared for crowds on popular trails and in the major towns.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Historic Towns: Goslar & Quedlinburg
These two towns are the cultural heart of the Harz, with Goslar known for its Imperial Palace and Quedlinburg for its vast collection of half-timbered houses. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and provide a perfect base for exploring.
Your Smart Tip: Spend at least a full day in Quedlinburg. The small, private Christmas markets, ‘Advent in den Höfen,’ in December are a truly unique and magical experience.
Harz National Park & The Brocken
The core of the mountain range, with the 1,141m Brocken peak. This area is a haven for hiking, famous for the Harzer Hexenstieg (Witches’ Trail) and the historic Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway (Brockenbahn).
Your Smart Tip: Instead of riding the whole way, hike to the Brocken from Schierke or Torfhaus. Taking the steam train down is a wonderful reward with spectacular views.
Wernigerode
Often called the “colorful town on the Harz,” Wernigerode is instantly recognizable by its ornamental half-timbered houses and its impressive castle perched above the town. It’s a key starting point for the Brockenbahn.
Your Smart Tip: For the best photo of the castle, take the short hike up to the viewpoint at the Agnesberg. It gives you a magnificent view over the town and the whole valley.
The Western Harz
This area is famous for its mining history, including the UNESCO-listed Rammelsberg Mine and the Upper Harz Water Management System. Towns like Bad Harzburg also offer modern spas and outdoor fun, like the scenic cable car and treetop walk.
Your Smart Tip: The Rammelsberg Mine tours can be a little lengthy. Check the options and consider a guided walk of the Upper Harz Water Management System for a fascinating look at this historic engineering feat in nature.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The Harz has a cool, damp climate. Summers are mild, but temperatures can drop quickly, especially on the Brocken. Winters are cold with significant snowfall, making it an excellent winter sports destination. Rainfall is frequent year-round.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: German is the official language. English is generally understood in tourist areas, but knowing a few German phrases is appreciated.
Hiking: Trails are well-marked, but be prepared for changing weather, especially at higher altitudes. A common greeting on the trail is “Guten Tag” (Good day).
Witch Culture: The witch theme, particularly associated with Walpurgis Night on April 30th, is a playful part of the region’s folklore. Embrace the lighthearted kitsch.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($80–$140), luxury ($160+). Prices are higher in tourist centers like Goslar and Wernigerode, especially in high season.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Car rental ($40/day), Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway Brocken round-trip ticket ($50+).
Activities: Mine or castle entrance ($10–$15), ski pass ($35–$55).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$100 (hostels, small plate food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $120–$180 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $200+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car offers the most flexibility for reaching remote hiking trailheads and smaller towns. Parking can be an issue in the historic centers.
By Train: The main cities are connected by the German rail network, but the Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway is primarily a scenic/tourist attraction for reaching the Brocken and other destinations.
By Bus: A solid bus network connects most towns and villages, often free for those with a guest card (HATIX) from their accommodation.
Must-Try Food
Harzer Käse: A pungent, low-fat sour milk cheese, often served with onions and caraway seeds. A true regional classic.
Wildgerichte (Game Dishes): Given the dense forests, venison, wild boar, and other game are prominent, often served with local mushrooms and dumplings.
Forelle (Trout): Freshly caught from the Harz’s numerous clear rivers and streams, often served pan-fried with potatoes.
Harzer Schmorwurst: A type of cured sausage, often boiled or pan-fried.
Kartoffelpuffer: Crispy potato pancakes, a popular savory snack.
Hackepeter: A spreadable minced raw pork dish, served on bread (not for the faint of heart, but very popular).
Harzer Lamm (Harz Lamb): Lamb from the mountain meadows, often prepared as a hearty roast or stew.
Gulasch-Suppe: A thick, savory beef and paprika soup, perfect after a cold-weather hike.
Riesenwindbeutel: A “giant cream puff” made of choux pastry, filled with huge amounts of cream, fruit, or ice cream—a favorite dessert in mountain huts.
Baumkuchen: A distinctively layered German “tree cake,” often associated with the town of Salzwedel, near the Harz.
Must-Try Drinks
Hasseröder Pilsner: A popular, crisp local pilsner beer brewed in Wernigerode.
Altenauer Bier: Beer brewed in the small, historic Altenau brewery, with a range of specialty beers.
Harzer Klosterbrauerei: Beer from the monastery brewery in Wöltingerode.
Harzer Grubenwasser: An herbal liqueur with a strong herbal flavor. Its name translates to “Harz mine water.”
Schierker Feuerstein: Another strong herbal bitters liqueur, often consumed as a digestif.
Met (Mead): Available in various flavors, especially in the more medieval/folklore-focused towns.
Harzer Kräuterlimmo: A refreshing local herbal lemonade.
Kaffee mit Kuchen: While not a drink, the culture of “coffee and cake” is mandatory in the Harz. Enjoy a cup of hot coffee with a piece of traditional Käsekuchen (cheesecake) in a cozy café.
Glühwein: Warmed, spiced wine that’s popular during the winter months and at Christmas markets.