Brockenhaus: Summit Museum
Explore the Harz National Park's summit at Brockenhaus: a museum blending natural history, Cold War stories, and panoramic views from the legendary Brocken peak.
Perched atop the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, the Brockenhaus is a museum and visitor center offering a captivating glimpse into the region's unique natural environment and turbulent history. Explore exhibits detailing the Brocken's weather phenomena, its diverse flora and fauna within the Harz National Park, and its strategic importance during the Cold War. The Brockenhaus provides panoramic views and is a gateway to exploring the Brocken's summit plateau, including the Brocken Garden and historic weather station. Whether arriving by foot or the Brocken Railway, a visit to the Brockenhaus is essential for understanding the spirit and significance of this iconic German landmark.
A brief summary to Brockenhaus
- Brockenplateau, Wernigerode, 38855, DE
- +493945550005
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the weather forecast before your visit; the Brocken summit is known for rapid weather changes and fog.
- Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the exhibits and views.
- Consider taking the Brocken Railway for a scenic and nostalgic journey to the summit.
- Explore the Brocken Garden to discover a diverse collection of alpine plants from around the world.
- Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers, as the summit can be significantly colder and windier than the surrounding area.
Getting There
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Public Transport
The most popular and scenic way to reach the Brockenhaus is via the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB), the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways. Several towns, including Wernigerode, Drei Annen Hohne, and Schierke, offer train connections to the Brocken summit. From Wernigerode, the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. A one-way ticket to the Brocken costs €38 for adults and €23 for children (ages 6-14). A round-trip ticket costs €57 for adults and €34 for children. Check the HSB website for current timetables and special offers. From the Brocken railway station, it's a short, signposted walk to the Brockenhaus.
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Walking
Numerous hiking trails lead to the Brocken summit, offering varying levels of difficulty and scenic views. Popular starting points include Torfhaus, Schierke, and Ilsenburg. From Schierke, the shortest route is approximately 5.4 km with a 505m altitude difference. From Torfhaus via the Goetheweg, the hike is 8.8 km with a 360m altitude difference. Be prepared for a challenging climb, especially in inclement weather. Follow well-marked trails and wear appropriate hiking gear. Upon reaching the summit plateau, follow signs to the Brockenhaus.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
While it's not possible to take a taxi or ride-share directly to the Brockenhaus due to its location within the Harz National Park, you can take a taxi to the village of Schierke. From there, you can either hike to the summit (approx. 2-3 hours) or take the Brocken Railway. A taxi from Wernigerode to Schierke will cost approximately €30-€40. From Schierke, follow signs to the Brocken Railway station or hiking trails leading to the Brocken summit and the Brockenhaus.
Discover more about Brockenhaus
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Brocken
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Urwaldstieg
2.2 km
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Eckerlochstieg (Brücke über Schwarzes Schluftwasser)
2.4 km
Discover the enchanting Eckerlochstieg bridge in Harz National Park: a scenic gateway to breathtaking hikes, lush forests, and the majestic Brocken peak.
Eckerlochstieg
3.4 km
Experience the Harz National Park's rugged beauty on the Eckerlochstieg, a challenging hiking trail to the Brocken summit offering stunning views and diverse landscapes.
Märchenpfad "Das weiße Reh"
3.6 km
Hike through an enchanting fairytale in Harz National Park on the Märchenpfad Das weiße Reh, a 5km trail to Brocken's peak, perfect for families seeking adventure and folklore.
Alter Grenzweg
4.6 km
Hike a path through history on the Alter Grenzweg near Wernigerode, where the former East/West German border offers scenic trails and poignant reminders of a divided past.
Nationalpark-Besucherzentrum TorfHaus
5.4 km
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Harz
5.7 km
Explore the mystical Harz Mountains: Hike through ancient forests, discover medieval towns, and uncover legends in Germany's enchanting northern highlands.
Wurmberg-Steinbruch (Vogelschutzgebiet)
5.9 km
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Oberer Bodewasserfall
6.0 km
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Scherstorklippen
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Discover the majestic Scherstorklippen in the Harz Mountains: Hike through stunning granite formations, explore historic Elend, and experience the beauty of the Harz National Park.
Ilsestein
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Ottofelsen
6.6 km
Discover breathtaking views and thrilling climbs at Ottofelsen, a granite landmark in the heart of Germany's Harz Mountains, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
Luchsgehege - Beobachtungsplattform an der Rabenklippe
7.3 km
Observe reintroduced lynx in their natural habitat at the Luchsgehege near Rabenklippe, offering stunning views and hiking trails in the Harz National Park, a unique wildlife experience.
Wolfswarte
7.8 km
Discover panoramic views and a rich history at the Wolfswarte, a captivating quartzite rock formation in the heart of the Harz Mountains, perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sendeturm Brocken
0.1 km
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Kompassscheibe
0.1 km
Explore the Kompassscheibe in Wernigerode: A unique compass rose showcasing navigational history amidst enchanting scenery.
Nordstern
0.1 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Nordstern, a stunning tourist attraction in Wernigerode's Harz Mountains, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.
Brocken Garden
0.3 km
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Teufelskanzel
0.3 km
Experience breathtaking views and rich folklore at Teufelskanzel, a stunning viewpoint in the Harz Mountains, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Soldatenstein
2.0 km
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Harz Steam Railway
2.8 km
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Dreieckiger Pfahl
3.3 km
Explore the breathtaking Dreieckiger Pfahl in the Harz Mountains – a perfect blend of nature and history for every tourist.
Haifischfelsen
3.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Haifischfelsen, a premier hiking area in Wernigerode, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Obere Ilsefälle
3.5 km
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Nationalparkhaus Schierke
3.6 km
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Ferdinandsstein
3.6 km
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Altes Gemäuer
3.7 km
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Pfortenberg
3.9 km
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Luchs Denkmal Torfhausmoor
4.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Touristensaal auf dem Brocken
0.0 km
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Waldgasthaus Plessenburg
5.0 km
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Café am Kurpark
5.0 km
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Gasthaus Zur Klippe Schierke
5.4 km
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Bavaria Alm Torfhaus
5.4 km
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Villa Bodeblick ǀ Hotel & Restaurant
5.5 km
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Hexenritt Schirmbar
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Hexenritt Alm
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Montevino Vin'Osteria
5.6 km
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Restaurant Luis
5.8 km
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Molkenhaus Bad Harzburg
6.8 km
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Waldgasthaus Rabenklippe
7.2 km
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Tenne Schwof & Schmaus Am Blueberry Hill
7.5 km
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Radau-Waterfall
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Nagelschmiede by Christian Meierding-Schmidt
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Schierker Feuerstein Stammhaus
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Harzturm GmbH
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Globetrotter Equipment GmbH
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Harzspots GmbH
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Harzer Spezialitäten & Brotzeitstube puppe‘s
8.0 km
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Harzsneaks
8.1 km
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Ottos Sport & Tracht
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Sühl´s Harzspezialitäten
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Gamaswelt Braunlage
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Drei Annen Hohne
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Eckartsberg Fair & Organic Fashion
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KiK Braunlage
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Waldschwimmbad Okerteich
10.5 km
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Harzer-Baumkuchen Baumkuchenhaus
11.2 km
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Wergona Chocolate GmbH
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pension Mühlhahn
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Schirmbar Hexenritt
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Waldgaststätte zur Kamelfichte
6.4 km
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Bar Milano im San Siro
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Travellers Cafe Bar
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John's Bar
7.7 km
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Hotel & Restaurant Memory in Braunlage
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Hirschgrund-Biergarten
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Hille-Bille „betreutes Trinken“
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Hille-Bille Inh.A. Brunnen
8.0 km
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Hotel Wagner - Die Kleine Zauberwelt
8.1 km
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Zum Harzer Roller
8.2 km
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The VALHALLA Bar
8.2 km
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Kneipchen
8.3 km
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Drink'A'Bell Pub und Café
8.4 km
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