ferienregion.infoWhy the Harz?
The Harz sits in the middle of Germany, under three hours from Hamburg, Berlin, Hanover and Leipzig – unbeatable for a short break. Up top waits the Brocken, northern Germany’s highest summit, reachable on foot or by steam-powered narrow-gauge railway. Down below, half-timbered towns like Goslar, Wernigerode and Quedlinburg count among the best preserved in Europe.
Best time to visit
| Period | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| May – October | Hiking season on the Witches’ Trail and co., all railways running |
| April, 30 April | Walpurgis Night: witch festivals in almost every Harz town |
| December – February | Winter hiking, sledging, small ski areas (Wurmberg) |
| November & March | Low season: thermal baths, dripstone caves and very low prices |
The most beautiful spots
Brocken & national park
The mystical summit in the mist, entwined with Goethe’s witches. Climb it classically from Torfhaus via the Goetheweg (about 4 hours return) or ride the steam train from Wernigerode.
Quedlinburg & Goslar
Both UNESCO World Heritage: over 2,000 half-timbered houses in Quedlinburg; the imperial palace and Rammelsberg mine in Goslar.
Bode Gorge & Hexentanzplatz
Northern Germany’s most spectacular gorge near Thale – with a cable car, legend trail and views into the “Grand Canyon of the Harz”.
Upper Harz Water Management System & Oker valley
Historic ponds and channels (also World Heritage), plus climbing and kayaking in the Oker valley.
Where to stay
In the Harz your budget goes much further than in the Alps: holiday homes with fireplaces, half-board or spa hotels often under €100 a night. Most popular bases: Wernigerode, Goslar, Braunlage and Schierke.
See hotels in the Harz* Find holiday rentals*Activities & tours
Classics: the Brocken railway, the Titan RT suspension bridge at the Rappbode dam (one of the world’s longest), the Bad Harzburg treetop walk and the dripstone caves at Rübeland. Secure train tickets and bridge slots online in advance.
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