Harz, Germany Travel Guide

Discover the Harz Mountains: A blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and enchanting folklore in the heart of Germany.

The Harz Mountains in Germany offer a magical escape into nature's beauty, steeped in a rich history and folklore. This region, located in the heart of Germany, is famous for its dense forests, stunning peaks, and charming medieval towns. A visit to Harz promises an experience that blends outdoor adventures with cultural exploration. One of the highlights of the Harz is the Brocken, the highest peak in northern Germany. Often shrouded in mist, the Brocken is tied to numerous legends and is a popular destination for hiking. The Brocken Railway, a historic steam train, takes visitors on a scenic journey to the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For history enthusiasts, the medieval town of Quedlinburg is a must-visit. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quedlinburg boasts narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and the impressive Quedlinburg Abbey. The town's well-preserved architecture and historical significance provide a glimpse into Germany's past. Nature lovers will enjoy the Harz National Park, which is home to diverse flora and fauna. The park offers numerous trails for hiking, cycling, and even winter sports. With its pristine environment, the Harz provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. The Harz Mountains also host several vibrant festivals throughout the year, including the Walpurgis Night celebrations. This traditional event, held on April 30th, features lively parades, music, and bonfires, celebrating the arrival of spring with a touch of mysticism.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Harz.

Carry comfortable hiking shoes; the terrain can be rugged.
Check the weather forecast before visiting the Brocken; it can be foggy and cold.
Visit during the Walpurgis Night for a unique cultural experience.
Stay in Quedlinburg to explore its medieval charm and easy access to other Harz attractions.
Try local specialties like Harzer Roller cheese and Harzer beer.

Destinations in Harz

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Harz National Park

Harz Mountains

Explore Harz: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Harz

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Wernigerode Castle

Discover the enchanting Wernigerode Castle, a fairytale fortress in the Harz Mountains, blending history with stunning natural beauty.

4.5

Hexentanzplatz Thale

Explore the enchanting Hexentanzplatz Thale in the Harz Mountains—a blend of breathtaking hikes, folklore, and stunning vistas await you.

4.2

Landschaftsschutzgebiet Harz und südliches Harzvorland

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Harz Nature Preserve - a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Germany.

4.6

Pullman City Harz

Experience the thrill of the Wild West at Pullman City Harz, a premier amusement park in Germany's scenic Harz Mountains, perfect for family fun and adventure.

4.3

Best landmarks in Harz

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Untere Bodefälle

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Untere Bodefälle in Braunlage, a scenic paradise of waterfalls and lush landscapes perfect for nature lovers.

4.7

La Viershöhe

Explore La Viershöhe, a breathtaking mountain peak in the Harz Mountains, offering stunning views and invigorating hiking trails for every adventurer.

4.7

Wernigerode Castle

Discover Wernigerode Castle, a stunning neo-romantic palace with centuries of history, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into aristocratic life in the Harz Mountains.

4.5

Brocken

Ascend to the legendary Brocken, the Harz Mountains' highest peak, and discover breathtaking views, captivating history, and enchanting folklore amidst a unique subalpine landscape.

4.6

Best restaurants in Harz

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Bavaria Alm Torfhaus

Discover authentic Bavarian cuisine with stunning views at Bavaria Alm Torfhaus in Germany's beautiful Harz region.

4.3

JASPER Grill Bar & Lounge / Club

Discover culinary delights and vibrant nightlife at JASPER Grill Bar & Lounge in Braunlage – where every meal is an experience!

4.0

51° Nord - Steakhouse & Bar

Experience the best steaks at 51° Nord - Steakhouse & Bar in Braunlage, where quality meets exceptional service in a cozy atmosphere.

4.5

Harz Hotel Altes Forsthaus Braunlage

Discover comfort and authentic German cuisine at Harz Hotel Altes Forsthaus in Braunlage - your gateway to the scenic beauty of the Harz mountains.

4.5

Best bars in Harz

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Schirmbar Hexenritt

Experience the charm of the mountains at Schirmbar Hexenritt, a cozy bar in Braunlage offering stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.2

JASPER Grill Bar & Lounge / Club

Discover JASPER Grill Bar & Lounge in Braunlage, offering delicious grilled dishes, vibrant nightlife, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

4.0

51° Nord - Steakhouse & Bar

Experience the best steak in Braunlage at 51° Nord - Steakhouse & Bar, where culinary excellence meets a cozy atmosphere.

4.5

Karthi‘s

Experience the smoky goodness of grilled cuisine at Karthi's Grill in Braunlage, where every meal is a delightful culinary journey.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Harz

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Bergtheater Thale

Discover the enchanting Bergtheater Thale, where captivating performances meet breathtaking views in the heart of the Harz Mountains.

4.5

Nachtschicht

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Goslar at Nachtschicht, where the dance floor comes alive with electrifying beats and an energetic crowd.

3.4

Ars Vivendi Party Club Lounge Wernigerode

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Ars Vivendi Party Club Lounge in Wernigerode, where exceptional cocktails and pulsating dance beats await.

4.4

Harz-Mountains Ranch

Discover the enchanting Harz-Mountains Ranch, a lively venue for live music and country club fun in the breathtaking Harz Mountains.

4.6

Best shops in Harz

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Landschaftsschutzgebiet Harz und südliches Harzvorland

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Landschaftsschutzgebiet Harz und südliches Harzvorland, a premier nature preserve in Germany, perfect for outdoor adventures.

4.6

Harzer-Baumkuchen Baumkuchenhaus

Experience the unique flavors of traditional Baumkuchen in the heart of Wernigerode at Harzer-Baumkuchen Baumkuchenhaus, a sweet delight for every visitor.

4.4

Nordharz Center

Experience shopping bliss at Nordharz Center in Blankenburg, where diverse stores, delightful dining, and family-friendly fun await.

4.3

Südharz Galerie

Explore the Südharz Galerie, Nordhausen's premier shopping mall with diverse stores, dining options, and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.

3.9

Explore Harz on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Harz, mapped for you.

Harz Essentials

The Harz region can be accessed via several major airports, including Hannover (HAJ), Leipzig/Halle (LEJ), and Berlin (BER). From these airports, you can take a train or rent a car to reach towns within the Harz region. The Deutsche Bahn network offers frequent trains to cities like Goslar, Wernigerode, and Quedlinburg. Driving is another convenient option, with well-maintained roads leading to various Harz destinations.
Within the Harz region, transportation options include trains, buses, and rental cars. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway (Harzer Schmalspurbahnen) is a scenic way to explore the area, connecting towns like Wernigerode, Quedlinburg, and the Brocken Mountain. Public buses operate regularly between major towns, and taxis are available but can be expensive. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, especially for visiting remote areas.
Germany uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in towns throughout the Harz region. Contactless payments are becoming more common, but always check before making a purchase.
The Harz region is generally safe for tourists. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in parked cars. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Major towns have hospitals and clinics, and pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest embassy or consulate if you need consular assistance.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for outdoor activities. Layers are recommended due to variable weather. Don't wear overly casual clothing when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions when visiting churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Guten Tag.' Handshakes are common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Harzer cheese and Schierker Feuerstein. Don't leave a tip on the table; instead, hand it directly to the server.
To experience Harz like a local, visit the weekly markets in towns like Goslar and Quedlinburg for fresh produce and local crafts. Hiking is a popular activity; the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg trail offers breathtaking views and historical sites. Engage with locals in small village taverns to learn about the region's folklore and traditions. Don't miss seasonal events such as the Walpurgis Night celebrations and Christmas markets.

When is the best time to visit Harz?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Harz

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Harz. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHallo
  [Ha-lo]
- GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [Owf Veeder-zane]
- YesJa
  [Yah]
- NoNein
  [Nine]
- Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bi-te]
- Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-ke]
- Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-gung]
- How are you?Wie geht's?
  [Vee gates?]
- Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Gooot. Oond deer?]
- Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Shpre-chen Zee Eng-lish?]
- I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Ikh fer-shtay-eh nikht]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [Ikh heh-teh geh-ner dee Spy-ze-kar-teh, bi-te]
- I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Ikh es-se kайн FLYSH]
- Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte
  [Ikh mer-chte be-zah-len, bi-te]
- Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-fe]
- Go away!Geh weg!
  [Gay vek]
- Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roo-fen Zee dee Po-lee-tsai]
- Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roo-fen Zee eye-nen Artzt]
- I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen
  [Ikh ha-bee mikh fer-lau-fen]
- I'm illIch bin krank
  [Ikh bin krangk]
- I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [Ikh mer-chte ... kau-fen]
- I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Ikh shau-eh noor]
- How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [Vee feel kost-et es?]
- That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Das ist tsoo toy-er]
- Can you lower the price?Könnten Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kern-ten Zee den Prize sen-ken?]
- What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpaht ist es?]
- It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist ine Oor]
- Half past (10)Halb nach (10)
  [Halb nahkh (10)]
- MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nahkh-mit-tahg]
- EveningAbend
  [Ah-bent]
- YesterdayGestern
  [Ges-tern]
- TodayHeute
  [Hoy-te]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- 1Eins
  [Eyns]
- 2Zwei
  [Zvy]
- 3Drei
  [Dry]
- 4Vier
  [Veer]
- 5Fünf
  [Finf]
- 6Sechs
  [Zex]
- 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
- 8Acht
  [Acht]
- 9Neun
  [Noyn]
- 10Zehn
  [Tsen]
- Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der ...?
  [Vo ist ine/der ...?]
- What's the address?Wie lautet die Adresse?
  [Vee lowt-et dee Ah-dres-se?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Könnten Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?
  [Kern-ten Zee meer (owf der Kar-te) tsigh-en?]
- When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn kommt der nay-sh-te (Boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ...)
  [Ayn Ti-ket (nahkh ...)]

History of Harz

Brocken Mountain, also known as Blocksberg, is the highest peak in the Harz mountain range and has held a prominent place in German folklore and legend. Standing at 1,141 meters, the Brocken has been associated with witches and devils, particularly due to Goethe's 'Faust,' which immortalized the mountain as the site of Walpurgis Night celebrations. Historically, the Brocken was also a site for scientific research, notably by German botanist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe himself.
The Harz region is rich in mining history, and the Rammelsberg Mine in Goslar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that highlights this legacy. Founded over 1,000 years ago, the mine was a significant source of silver, copper, and lead, contributing to the economic prosperity of the region. Visitors can explore the mine's tunnels and learn about medieval mining techniques, as well as the lives of the miners who worked there.
The Harz region was deeply affected by the witch trials that swept through Europe from the late 15th to the early 18th centuries. The most infamous of these in the Harz occurred in Quedlinburg and Wernigerode, where numerous individuals were accused of witchcraft and subsequently executed. These trials reflect the broader historical context of fear and superstition that gripped Europe during this period.
The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways are a testament to the region's industrial heritage and scenic beauty. Established in the late 19th century, these steam-powered trains traverse the picturesque landscape of the Harz, connecting towns and villages. The most famous route is the Brocken Railway, which takes passengers up to the summit of the Brocken Mountain, offering stunning views along the way.
During World War II, the Harz region was strategically significant due to its location and resources. The area saw the establishment of forced labor camps, and the Brocken Mountain was used as a military base. In the closing days of the war, the Harz served as a refuge for Nazi officials fleeing the advancing Allied forces. The region's history during this time is a somber reminder of the war's impact.
Following World War II, the Harz region was divided by the Iron Curtain, with the western part in West Germany and the eastern part in East Germany. This division had a profound impact on the local communities, splitting families and cutting off traditional trade routes. The Brocken, located in the East, was off-limits to civilians and used for military purposes. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 eventually led to the reunification of the Harz region, and today, visitors can explore remnants of the former border.
The Harz is dotted with picturesque medieval towns and imposing castles that offer a glimpse into the region's past. Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts over 1,200 half-timbered houses and a stunning Romanesque collegiate church. Wernigerode Castle and Goslar's Imperial Palace are other notable landmarks, each with its own unique history and architectural splendor.
Established in 1990, Harz National Park preserves the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region. Covering over 247 square kilometers, the park is home to dense forests, rare wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. The park aims to protect the unique landscape and promote sustainable tourism, allowing visitors to experience the Harz's pristine environment while learning about conservation efforts.