Holiday in Harz
Area in Germany — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇩🇪
Country
Germany
Type
Area
Best time to travel
May–October, December–March
Budget/day
55–90 €
Getting there from Germany
The Harz can be reached by car or train from Hanover (1.5h), Göttingen (1h), and Magdeburg (1.5h).
About Harz
The Harz is the northernmost mountain range in Germany, extending over the three federal states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. Covering approximately 2,200 square kilometers, the landscape rises from gentle foothills to the 1,141-meter-high Brocken, the legendary peak of Walpurgis Night. The region combines mystical forests, historic mining towns, and a vibrant world of legends. The half-timbered towns of the Harz are among the most beautiful in Germany: Quedlinburg, with its more than 2,000 half-timbered houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage site; Goslar impresses with the Imperial Palace and the historic Rammelsberg mine; Wernigerode delights with its fairy-tale castle overlooking the colorful old town. The Harz narrow-gauge railways are a living piece of railway history. The steam-powered trains travel over 140 kilometers through fir forests up to the Brocken and connect the towns of the region. In winter, the Harz transforms into a winter sports area with cross-country skiing, toboggan runs, and the largest ski jump stadium in the Harz located in Braunlage. The Harzer Hexenstieg, a 97-kilometer long long-distance hiking trail, runs through the mountains and connects the highlights of the region. The Iberger dripstone cave, the Rappbodetalsperre with the longest suspension bridge in Germany, and the Upper Harz Water Management System as a UNESCO World Heritage site offer additional attractions. Culinary delights include Harzer Roller cheese, game specialties, and Brocken herbal liqueur.
Top 5 highlights in Harz
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Brocken
Northern Germany's highest mountain is accessible by steam train or on foot and is the site of the legendary Walpurgis Night.
Harzer Schmalspurbahnen
The steam-powered trains on a 140 km long track network are a nostalgic highlight and operate year-round.
Goslar
The UNESCO World Heritage city impresses with its medieval old town and the historic Rammelsberg mine.
Wernigerode
The colorful town in the Harz features a fairy-tale castle, crooked half-timbered houses, and the starting point of the Brockenbahn.
Tropfsteinhöhle Rübeland
The Baumann Cave and Hermann Cave offer underground lakes, stalactites, and even a cave salamander.
Hotels in Harz
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Harz
Recommended travel time
May–October, December–March
Summer
Cool to mild, 15–22 °C, often foggy on the Brocken
Winter
Cold, -8–2 °C, snow reliable in the higher elevations
How much does a holiday in Harz cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
30–45 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
55–90 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
120–200 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Harz
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Harz
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The Brockenbahn with steam locomotive is a must – the summit is cloud-covered on over 300 days a year.
Walpurgis Night on April 30 is celebrated throughout the Harz with witch bonfires and festivals.
The Harzer Hexenstieg is a 97 km long long-distance hiking trail from Osterode to Thale.
The Titan RT suspension bridge at the Rappbodetalsperre is one of the longest in the world.
Goslar and Quedlinburg can be easily combined for day trips.
Food & drink in Harz
These specialties you must try!
