Holiday in Harz

About Harz

The Harz is Germany's most mystical low mountain range – a place of ancient legends, dense forests, steep gorges, and a history that dates back to the time of Germanic mythology. As the northernmost mountain range in Germany, the Harz rises abruptly from the North German Plain and offers a surprising variety of natural experiences, historic towns, and family-friendly attractions in a relatively small area. The Brocken, at 1,141 meters the highest peak, is the heart of the Harz. According to legend, witches dance here on Walpurgis Night, May 1st – a myth that permeates the entire Harz region. The Harz narrow-gauge railways, especially the steam-operated Brockenbahn, puff through fog-covered spruce forests up the mountain, offering one of the most romantic train experiences in Germany. Wernigerode, the "Colorful Town at the Harz," enchants with over 500 half-timbered houses and a fairy-tale castle high above the town. Goslar, once an imperial residence and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surprises with the medieval Rammelsberg mine and a perfectly preserved old town. Quedlinburg, also UNESCO-protected, boasts over 2,000 half-timbered houses from six centuries – more than any other place in Germany. For active vacationers, the Harz offers over 8,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails, including the Harzer Hexenstieg that crosses the mountain range. The Rappbodetalsperre houses Germany's longest suspension bridge (458 meters) and a mega zipline. In winter, modest but charming ski areas beckon, and the ice skating season transforms frozen ponds into winter fairy tales. The Harz is easily accessible from anywhere in Germany – from Hanover, Göttingen, or Magdeburg in one to two hours. There is no airport connection, but that is precisely what makes it appealing: the Harz is a destination for slowing down, for families, hikers, and anyone who wants to experience Germany away from the big cities. The best time to visit depends on preferences – spring and autumn for hiking, winter for snowy romance, summer for family adventures.