THE WESTERN HARZ
The Western Harz is a rugged, mystical land of deep forests, historic mining towns, and dramatic mountains, blending nature’s beauty with a rich cultural heritage.
This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering everything from UNESCO World Heritage sites to pristine hiking trails and picturesque villages.
Most Popular Attractions
UNESCO World Heritage & Historic Cities
Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System: A monumental collection of sites illustrating over 1,000 years of mining history, all designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historic Town of Goslar: An exceptionally preserved medieval town with over 1,500 half-timbered houses, a UNESCO site, and a former free imperial city.
Rammelsberg Mining Museum: Explore the former ore mine, walking through the old shafts and learning about the brutal history of mining.
Kaiserpfalz Goslar (Imperial Palace of Goslar): A magnificent 11th-century palace that served as a major center of power for the Holy Roman Emperors.
Hahnenklee Stabkirche (Stave Church): A unique, fully wooden church built in the Norwegian stave church style, located near Goslar.
Old Town of Quedlinburg: While technically just outside the Western Harz, its proximity and UNESCO status make it a vital historic stop, famous for its half-timbered architecture.
Natural Wonders & National Park
Brocken: The highest peak in the Harz Mountains, famous for its challenging weather, Brocken Specter phenomenon, and historic railway line.
Harz National Park: A vast protected area covering deep forests, moors, and mountains, perfect for hiking and experiencing untouched nature.
Oderteich Reservoir: A historic artificial lake and part of the Upper Harz Water Management System, excellent for walking and swimming.
Rehberger Grabenhaus: A historic pumping station and part of the intricate water system, now a popular hiking stop.
Harzer Hexenstieg (Witch’s Trail): The most famous long-distance hiking trail that crosses the entire Harz, with a western section offering stunning views.
Bode Gorge (Bodetal): A dramatic, deep gorge with rugged cliffs and a wild river, offering spectacular hiking (partially on the eastern edge, but easily accessible).
Mining Heritage & Lakes
Clausthal-Zellerfeld: A historic mining town, home to the Technical University of Clausthal and the Oberharzer Bergwerksmuseum (Upper Harz Mining Museum).
Liebesbankweg (Love Bench Trail) in Hahnenklee: A scenic, themed circular hiking trail with unique ‘love benches’ and beautiful views.
Silver Lake (Silberteich) near Braunlage: A popular swimming lake nestled in the forest, offering a tranquil escape.
Sperrlutter Valley: A beautiful, quiet valley near Wieda, known for its historic water ditches and peaceful hiking.
Adventure & Unique Experiences
Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (Harz Narrow Gauge Railways): A network of historic, steam-powered trains that offer scenic rides, including the ascent to the Brocken.
Wurmberg Gondola Lift: Located in Braunlage, this cable car takes you to the summit of the Wurmberg, the second-highest peak in the Harz.
Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz (Witch’s Dance Floor): Two famous lookouts with dramatic views over the Bode Gorge, often reached by cable car.
Titan RT Suspension Bridge: Located near Oberharz am Brocken, this is one of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges, offering a thrilling experience.
Harzdrenalin Megazipline: Europe’s longest double-rope slide, stretching across the Rappbode Dam for an adrenaline rush.
Activities & Experiences
Hike to the Brocken Peak: Summit the highest mountain in the Harz, once a Cold War listening post. Choose from various trails starting in towns like Torfhaus or Schierke (the latter is technically in the Eastern Harz but is a common starting point).
Ride the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway (HSB): Take a scenic journey on the historic, steam-powered train. The route up to the Brocken is particularly famous, offering stunning views and a nostalgic experience.
Explore the Mines of Rammelsberg: Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Rammelsberg Mine in Goslar, a historical ore mine with over 1,000 years of continuous operation. Walk through the ancient tunnels and see the massive chambers.
Wander the Old Town of Goslar: Stroll through the beautifully preserved medieval town, another UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its half-timbered houses and the impressive Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz).
Visit the Iberg Dripstone Cave (Iberger Tropfsteinhöhle): Discover the fascinating underground world near Bad Grund, home to a unique geological formation and archaeological site where the “People of the Lichtenstein Cave” were found.
Go Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing: During the winter months, the Harz is a popular winter sports destination. Rent gear and explore the extensive network of groomed trails around areas like Torfhaus and Braunlage.
Cycle the Harz with a Mountain Bike: The region offers an extensive network of challenging and scenic mountain bike trails, including the popular Volksbank Arena Harz and the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg trail.
Experience the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg (Witches’ Trail): Hike a section of this famous long-distance trail, which cuts across the Harz from West to East, connecting many of the region’s historical and natural highlights.
Relax at a Thermal Spa (Therme): Spend a day unwinding in the healing waters of a local spa, such as those in Bad Grund, Bad Harzburg, or Bad Sachsa, known for their thermal baths and wellness facilities.
Walk the Tree-Top Path (Baumwipfelpfad) in Bad Harzburg: Take a panoramic walk high above the ground, offering unique views of the Harz National Park forest canopy and the surrounding landscape.
Discover Clausthal-Zellerfeld’s Mining Heritage: Explore the former Free Mining Town, home to the largest wooden church in Germany, and learn about the historic “Upper Harz Water Management System,” another UNESCO site.
Try the Harzer Cheese: Sample this regional specialty, a low-fat sour milk cheese, often served with a splash of vinegar and oil. Look for it in local markets and traditional restaurants.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is King: Due to the mountainous terrain and the need to connect various towns, nature sites, and the UNESCO heritage locations, a personal or rental car offers the most flexibility and is highly recommended for touring the Western Harz.
Public Transport – The HarzCard Advantage: The region has a functional bus network (often called “HarzBus”) connecting the larger towns. If you plan to use public transport extensively and visit many attractions, consider purchasing the HarzCard, which often includes free entry to numerous sites and free use of local public buses and some trains (excluding the HSB steam train).
The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway (HSB): While primarily a tourist attraction, the HSB steam train also serves as a critical transport link between many key towns (Wernigerode, Nordhausen, Quedlinburg) and the Brocken. Purchase tickets in advance, especially for the Brocken route.
Bike and Hike: The Harz region is a paradise for cycling and hiking. Many towns offer well-marked trails that start directly from the center. Electric bike (e-bike) rentals are widely available, which is highly recommended due to the significant elevation changes.
Embrace the “Witches”: The Harz is strongly associated with witches, especially during the Walpurgis Night (April 30th/May 1st). Many towns, particularly those near the Brocken, host large festivals and theatrical events. Look for the local witch figures (Hexen) in tourist shops—they’re a regional mascot.
Weather: The Harz is a low mountain range, and the weather, especially on the Brocken, can change rapidly. Always pack layers and waterproof gear, even in summer. The temperature on the summit can be significantly lower than in the valleys.
Dining Times & Rustic Cuisine: Dining in the Harz is generally earlier than in Mediterranean countries. Lunch is typically between 12 PM and 2 PM, and dinner often starts around 6 PM to 7 PM. The cuisine is hearty and rustic, reflecting the cold climate: look for Wildgerichte (game dishes), Harzer Cheese, and Brotzeit (a cold plate of meats and cheese).
“Kurort” Culture: Many towns, such as Bad Harzburg and Braunlage, are designated Kurorte (spa towns). This means they are focused on health and relaxation. Embrace the serene atmosphere and consider visiting a Trinkhalle (drinking hall) where locals once ‘took the cure’ from local spring water.
Hidden Gems:
The World Heritage Visitors Center at the Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz) in Goslar: Offers an excellent deep dive into the thousand-year history of the town and its mining heritage.
Oberharzer Wasserwirtschaft (Upper Harz Water Management System): This massive, historic system of ponds, ditches, and tunnels built to power the mines is an engineering marvel. It’s a great area for quiet, scenic hiking.
The Lichtenstein Cave (Lichtensteinhöhle): A Bronze Age archaeological site near Osterode, where a major family tomb was found. It offers a fascinating look into prehistoric life in the Harz.
Ruins of the Rabensteiner Stollen: Near Bad Grund, you can explore the preserved remains of a former coal mine and even take a short boat ride underground in one section.
Top Restaurants
Gasthaus Zur Klippe [$15-$25] – A classic, rustic inn near the town of Bad Harzburg, known for its hearty German home cooking and regional specialties.
Harzer Schnitzelhaus und Waffelbäckerei [$15-$25] – Located in a less-traveled part of the Harz, this spot is a favorite for generously portioned Schnitzel in many variations and traditional German waffles.
Burggasthof Hohnstein [$15-$25] – Situated below the ruins of Hohnstein Castle in Neustadt/Harz, this inn offers traditional, unpretentious Harz cuisine in a historic and authentic atmosphere.
Restaurant Rathaus Wildemann [$15-$25] – A traditional restaurant in the small, charming mining town of Wildemann, popular with locals for its regional dishes and friendly, cozy ambiance.
Armeleuteberg – Waldgasthaus [$15-$25] – A traditional forest guesthouse near Wernigerode, offering simple, hearty meals perfect for hikers, with a focus on regional ingredients.
Altwernigeröder Kartoffelhaus [$20-$30] – Located in Wernigerode, this restaurant specializes in dishes revolving around the potato (Kartoffel), a staple of the region, in a traditional setting.
Landgasthof Zur Post [$20-$30] – A charming country inn in a smaller village like Nieder-Moos, focusing on fresh, regional, and sustainable ingredients in its traditional German menu.
Hofcafé & Steakhaus Brockenbauer [$20-$30] – Located near Tanne, this spot offers regional cuisine with a focus on meat from their own Harz Red Highland cattle, providing a farm-to-table experience.
Restaurant Jagdschloss Possen [$20-$30] – Housed in a historic hunting lodge near Sondershausen, this restaurant is known for its traditional cuisine, particularly game dishes and classic Thuringian dumplings.
Köhlerhütte Stemberghaus [$20-$30] – A rustic charcoal burner’s hut near Hasselfelde, offering hearty, regional food in a very traditional, secluded forest setting.
Gasthaus Tannengrund [$20-$30] – A dog-friendly guesthouse and restaurant near Elbingerode known for its good German food and welcoming atmosphere, often used for local celebrations.
Gasthaus Zur Grünen Eiche [$20-$30] – A traditional Harz guesthouse near Elbingerode offering simple, good, and local food in a no-frills setting.
Gaststätte Zum Erpel [$20-$30] – A local favorite in Hasselfelde, offering traditional German cuisine with a focus on local ingredients in a pleasant, village atmosphere.
Waldgasthaus Armeleuteberg [$20-$30] – A popular stop for locals and hikers in the forest near Wernigerode, serving classic, unpretentious Harz dishes.
Brauhaus Goslar [$25-$35] – While popular, this brewery in Goslar is a local institution that serves traditional German food and its own craft beer in a lively, authentic atmosphere.
Klosterkrug Wöltingerode [$25-$35] – Located at the historic Wöltingerode Monastery, this atmospheric restaurant focuses on regional cuisine, including specialties from their own distillery and farm.
Das Welfenzimmer [$40-$60] – The restaurant in the Villa Viktoria Luise Boutique Hotel in Blankenburg, offering a small, well-balanced menu of fresh, modern German cuisine with a strong focus on regional and seasonal products.
Das Wipp [$30-$50] – A well-regarded restaurant that offers a fresh and modern take on German and international cuisine, often using high-quality local ingredients.
Restaurant 1835 [$30-$50] – A stylish restaurant that likely blends traditional elements with a modern culinary approach, providing a contemporary dining experience in the Harz.
Restaurant Taut’s [$30-$50] – Known for its focus on modern interpretation of regional dishes and a commitment to quality ingredients.
Restaurant Ursprung [$40-$60] – A restaurant with a focus on natural, high-quality, and creative cuisine that reinterprets regional traditions with a contemporary flair.
Restaurant 20zwanzig im FreiWerk [$40-$60] – A modern restaurant in the FreiWerk Hotel with an inventive menu that often focuses on seasonal ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques.
Das Wipp – Jasper Grill Bar Lounge [$40-$60] – This part of Das Wipp focuses on high-quality grilled dishes, blending a modern bar and lounge atmosphere with a refined cooking style.
Restaurant Villa Westerberge [$40-$60] – Located in a beautiful villa setting, this restaurant offers refined and creative cuisine, often incorporating regional and seasonal products.
Restaurant Silberstreif [$40-$60] – A restaurant known for its modern German cuisine with subtle international influences and an elegant presentation.
Charlie’s Restaurant & Bar [$40-$60] – Located in the Hotel Fürstenhof in Nordhausen, offering fine, sophisticated dishes in a stylish setting reminiscent of the Golden Twenties, blending modern and traditional elements.
Restaurant am Stadtpark [$40-$60] – A steakhouse and restaurant in Nordhausen serving delicate meat and grilled specialties, with a high-quality, modern culinary focus.
Restaurant Naturresort Schindelbruch [$50-$80] – The restaurant at a resort near Stolberg, offering a culinary journey of discovery with carefully selected, regional products in a modern, nature-focused atmosphere.
ZEITWERK [$80-$120] – Located in Wernigerode, this Michelin-starred restaurant by Robin Pietsch is the region’s top destination for innovative, high-end cuisine, focusing on small, finesse-rich courses with regional ingredients.
Joseph’s Fine Dining [$70-$100] – A highly-rated fine dining restaurant in the Harz, known for its elegant ambiance and refined, multi-course menus that showcase local and seasonal produce.
Restaurant Zwei Jahreszeiten [$60-$90] – A high-end establishment that offers upscale cuisine, often with seasonal menus that blend German and international influences.
Restaurant & Bar 1894 Bistro [$60-$90] – Likely a part of a high-end hotel, offering a refined dining experience with a focus on modern, upscale German cuisine.
Le Bistro 38 Creperie [$15-$25] – A unique spot offering delicious savory and sweet crêpes, providing an international, yet casual, alternative to German fare.
Kukkis Erbsensuppe [$10-$20] – A very local and informal experience, known for its famous, hearty pea soup, often found at small stands along main roads like the B27.
Ristorante Rialto [$20-$30] – A highly-regarded Italian restaurant offering classic dishes, providing excellent, non-German fare that is popular with locals.
Montevino Vin’Osteria [$25-$35] – An Italian-focused spot that combines an extensive wine selection with good Mediterranean food, popular for its authentic feel.
Casa Vita [$25-$40] – A restaurant in Wernigerode with a distinct Mediterranean flair, serving Italian/Mediterranean dishes, including a large variety of pizza and barbecue.
BODEGA [$30-$50] – A Spanish restaurant offering authentic tapas, fish, and meat in an engaging atmosphere, providing a break from the traditional Harz menu.
ORCHIDEA HUONG [$40-$60] – A renowned Asian gourmet restaurant in Wernigerode, offering Japanese-Vietnamese cuisine with high attention to detail and service.
Ristorante La Capri [$30-$50] – An Italian restaurant, a popular local choice for reliable, well-prepared classic Italian dishes.
Die Vorburg Allstedt [$30-$50] – Located on the grounds of Allstedt Castle & Palace, this restaurant in a time-honored outer bailey offers a blend of historical ambiance and fine cuisine.
Ristorante Pizzeria Rustica [$20-$35] – Located in Nordhausen’s old town, this Italian spot is a popular choice for traditional, quality Italian dishes like crispy pizza.
Griechisches Restaurant Syrtaki [$20-$35] – A Greek restaurant in Sondershausen, popular with locals for its traditional Greek food and large outdoor area with a view of the castle.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
CHAI LA Goslar Cocktailbar & Lounge: Located on Goslar’s Brauhof, right in the center of the old town, this lounge offers a first-class atmosphere, unique, freshly prepared cocktails, and comfortable seating. It’s also known for its Shisha service and a cozy terrace in warmer months.
Trout Bar (ForellenBar) – Landhaus zu den Rothen Forellen: Situated in Ilsenburg (eastern edge of the Western Harz), this refined bar is perfect for ending the day comfortably by a crackling fireplace, serving delicious cocktails, fine wines, and digestifs in a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Bar Weisser Hirsch: This hotel bar in Wernigerode’s historic center, part of the Hotel Weisser Hirsch, is the perfect place to let a day of sightseeing draw to a close. It offers a colorful variety of cocktails, aperitifs, and long drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
Bier Comptoir Bad Harzburg: Located in the heart of Bad Harzburg’s pedestrian zone, this cozy pub and Sky-Sportsbar features an exclusive cocktail selection, from classics to trendy mixes, alongside a large selection of beers.
The VALHALLA Bar: Located in the town of Osterode am Harz, this spot is listed among the Harz nightlife highlights, suggesting a venue for diverse drinks and a good atmosphere.
Lobbybar – relexa hotel Braunlage: An open and modern lobby bar in the relexa hotel in Braunlage, it provides an elegant setting with a lounge flair and a fireplace, serving exotic cocktails, aperitifs, and selected spirits.
Domizil Bar Bad Harzburg: Found within the Domizil dance hall, which is housed in an Art Nouveau villa in Bad Harzburg, this spot features a classic “American”-Cocktailbar in an “Old Fashion Style” and a diverse selection of spirits.
Drink’A’Bell Braunlage: Positioned in Braunlage’s Kurpark, this pub and café is designed as a cozy Kurparkbar, serving an impressive selection of beers but also providing a comfortable spot to enjoy a good drink or cocktail, often with live music.
Schwarzes Schaf Goslar: Located in Goslar, this spot is better known as a restaurant but also features a bar service with an extensive drink menu, making it suitable for a post-dinner cocktail or late-night drink in a relaxed setting.
Bar 1894: Listed as a highlighted spot in the Harz nightlife, this bar provides a cozy atmosphere likely focused on a quality selection of drinks, though its exact location varies (e.g., in Wernigerode or other Harz towns).
Tommi’s Pub Wernigerode: While primarily a British pub in Wernigerode, it offers a relaxing spot to chill with a long drink or a well-deserved glass of wine, with outdoor seating available.
Die Butterhanne Goslar: Located on Goslar’s historic market square, this traditional tavern is famous for its local Gose beer and hearty Harz cuisine, but its streetside tables offer a great atmosphere for an evening beer or schnapps.
Speisehaus & Café Brockenblick (Braunlage): Offering a cozy atmosphere, this cafe/restaurant in Braunlage is a great place for a coffee and cake during the day, which can transition into a casual evening drink stop.
Biermünze Clausthal-Zellerfeld: This historic pub, once a gold-separating lab in the former mint, is famous for its self-brewed beer but offers a unique, rustic setting in Clausthal-Zellerfeld for a traditional German evening.
Celtic-Inn Irish Pub Goslar: A great spot in Goslar for a lively pub atmosphere, offering friendly service and a fun vibe perfect for enjoying a beer or classic pub drink.