Brocken: The Peak of the Harz
Ascend to the legendary Brocken, the Harz Mountains' highest peak, and discover breathtaking views, captivating history, and enchanting folklore amidst a unique subalpine landscape.
The Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, is shrouded in both natural beauty and captivating legends. Rising to 1,141 meters, this iconic summit offers panoramic views stretching across Northern Germany. However, the Brocken is more than just a scenic spot; it's a place steeped in history, folklore, and unique ecological features. From its reputation as a meeting place for witches during Walpurgis Night to the elusive Brocken spectre optical illusion, the mountain has long captured the imagination. Visitors can explore the Brocken Garden, home to diverse alpine plant species, or delve into the mountain's past at the Brockenhaus museum. Whether arriving by foot, bike, or the historic Brocken Railway, a trip to the Brocken promises an unforgettable experience.
A brief summary to Brocken
- K1356, Wernigerode, 38879, DE
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions on the Brocken can change rapidly. Dress in layers and be prepared for wind, fog, and cold temperatures, even in summer.
- Consider taking the Brocken Railway for a scenic and relaxing journey to the summit. Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
- Explore the Brockenhaus museum to learn about the mountain's history, ecology, and climate. The museum offers interactive exhibits and panoramic views from its observation deck.
- Hike along the Brocken's summit trail to discover unique plant species in the Brocken Garden and enjoy panoramic views of the Harz National Park.
- If you're visiting during Walpurgis Night (April 30th), experience the traditional celebrations in nearby towns like Schierke or Wernigerode.
Getting There
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Train
The most popular way to reach the Brocken summit is via the Brocken Railway (Brockenbahn), a historic narrow-gauge steam train. From Wernigerode, Nordhausen, or Quedlinburg, take the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (HSB) to Drei Annen Hohne or Schierke. From there, transfer to the Brockenbahn for the final ascent to the summit. A one-way ticket to the Brocken costs approximately €38 for adults and €23 for children (6-14 years). A round-trip ticket costs €57 for adults and €34 for children. Check the HSB website for current timetables and fares. Seat reservations are possible for groups of 8 or more for a fee of 2.50€ per person and direction.
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Walking
Several hiking trails lead to the Brocken summit, offering varying levels of difficulty. A popular route starts from Torfhaus, following the Goethe Trail (approximately 9 km). Another option is to hike from Schierke (approximately 6 km). Be prepared for a challenging ascent, especially near the summit. Sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing are essential. Parking is available in Torfhaus for a fee of €5 per day.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
While not common for the entire ascent, you could take a taxi or ride-share to a closer access point like Torfhaus or Schierke. From Wernigerode to Schierke, a taxi would cost approximately €30-€40. From either of these points, you would then continue on foot or via the Brocken Railway.
Discover more about Brocken
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Brocken
0.0 km
Ascend to the legendary Brocken, the Harz Mountains' highest peak, and discover breathtaking views, captivating history, and enchanting folklore amidst a unique subalpine landscape.
Urwaldstieg
2.1 km
Discover the untouched beauty of the Harz National Park on the Urwaldstieg, a short trail through a centuries-old primeval forest near Brocken mountain.
Eckerlochstieg (Brücke über Schwarzes Schluftwasser)
2.2 km
Discover the enchanting Eckerlochstieg bridge in Harz National Park: a scenic gateway to breathtaking hikes, lush forests, and the majestic Brocken peak.
Eckerlochstieg
3.2 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"
3.4 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
4.4 km
Hike a poignant path through history on the Alter Grenzweg near Wernigerode, where the former East-West German border now thrives as a Green Belt.
Nationalpark-Besucherzentrum TorfHaus
5.4 km
Discover the Harz National Park: Explore interactive exhibits, hike scenic trails, and immerse yourself in the wilderness from the TorfHaus Visitor Center, your gateway to adventure.
Harz
5.6 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)
5.7 km
Explore the breathtaking Wurmberg-Steinbruch, a birdwatching haven in Braunlage, filled with diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
Oberer Bodewasserfall
5.9 km
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Scherstorklippen
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Ottofelsen
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Ilsestein
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Luchsgehege - Beobachtungsplattform an der Rabenklippe
7.4 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
Kompassscheibe
0.0 km
Explore the Kompassscheibe in Wernigerode: A unique compass rose showcasing navigational history amidst enchanting scenery.
Sendeturm Brocken
0.1 km
Experience breathtaking views and rich history at the Sendeturm Brocken, the highest peak in Northern Germany's Harz Mountains.
Brockenhaus
0.2 km
Explore Brockenhaus: A captivating visitor center on the Brocken plateau, bridging nature and culture in the heart of Harz National Park.
Brocken Garden
0.2 km
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Teufelskanzel
0.2 km
Experience breathtaking views and rich folklore at Teufelskanzel, a stunning viewpoint in the Harz Mountains, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Soldatenstein
1.9 km
Discover the breathtaking Soldatenstein in Wernigerode, a hiker's paradise offering stunning views and serene trails through nature's beauty.
Harz Steam Railway
2.7 km
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Dreieckiger Pfahl
3.2 km
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Haifischfelsen
3.3 km
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Nationalparkhaus Schierke
3.4 km
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Obere Ilsefälle
3.6 km
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Ferdinandsstein
3.7 km
Experience the breathtaking views and serene beauty of Ferdinandsstein in the Harz mountains, a hidden gem for nature lovers and adventurers.
Altes Gemäuer
3.8 km
Experience the rich history and stunning natural beauty at Altes Gemäuer, a must-visit tourist attraction in Ilsenburg, Harz.
Luchs Denkmal Torfhausmoor
4.0 km
Immerse yourself in nature at Luchs Denkmal Torfhausmoor, a tribute to the lynx in the stunning Harz National Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Pfortenberg
4.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Touristensaal auf dem Brocken
0.1 km
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Café am Kurpark
4.9 km
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Waldgasthaus Plessenburg
5.1 km
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Gasthaus Zur Klippe Schierke
5.3 km
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Hexenritt Schirmbar
5.4 km
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Villa Bodeblick ǀ Hotel & Restaurant
5.4 km
Discover Villa Bodeblick: A charming hotel and restaurant in Wernigerode offering delightful breakfasts and serene accommodations amidst stunning landscapes.
Bavaria Alm Torfhaus
5.4 km
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Hexenritt Alm
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Montevino Vin'Osteria
5.5 km
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Restaurant Luis
5.7 km
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Molkenhaus Bad Harzburg
6.9 km
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Tenne Schwof & Schmaus Am Blueberry Hill
7.3 km
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Waldgasthaus Rabenklippe
7.3 km
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Radau-Waterfall
7.6 km
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Nagelschmiede by Christian Meierding-Schmidt
7.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Schierker Feuerstein Stammhaus
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Harzturm GmbH
5.4 km
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Globetrotter Equipment GmbH
5.4 km
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Harzspots GmbH
5.5 km
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Harzer Spezialitäten & Brotzeitstube puppe‘s
7.9 km
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Harzsneaks
7.9 km
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Ottos Sport & Tracht
7.9 km
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Sühl´s Harzspezialitäten
8.1 km
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Gamaswelt Braunlage
8.1 km
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Eckartsberg Fair & Organic Fashion
8.3 km
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Drei Annen Hohne
8.3 km
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KiK Braunlage
8.9 km
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Waldschwimmbad Okerteich
10.5 km
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Harzer-Baumkuchen Baumkuchenhaus
11.3 km
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Wergona Chocolate GmbH
11.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pension Mühlhahn
4.5 km
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Schirmbar Hexenritt
5.4 km
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Waldgaststätte zur Kamelfichte
6.3 km
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Bar Milano im San Siro
7.3 km
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Travellers Cafe Bar
7.4 km
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John's Bar
7.5 km
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Hotel & Restaurant Memory in Braunlage
7.8 km
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Hirschgrund-Biergarten
7.9 km
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Hille-Bille „betreutes Trinken“
7.9 km
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Hille-Bille Inh.A. Brunnen
7.9 km
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Hotel Wagner - Die Kleine Zauberwelt
7.9 km
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Zum Harzer Roller
8.0 km
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The VALHALLA Bar
8.1 km
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Drink'A'Bell Pub und Café
8.2 km
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BegebaR
8.2 km
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