Things to Do in the Harz: Insider Tips from a Local

Tips and Info for a Vacation in the Harz

Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important information you need before heading to the Harz.

Location

Germany’s northernmost low mountain range stretches across the states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.

Braunschweig is just 90 kilometers away, and Halle an der Saale is less than 1.5 hours by car.

The popular vacation region is also within easy reach of Erfurt — just 120 kilometers and you’re in Thuringia’s state capital.

The Harz also makes a great base for a side trip to the cultural city of Weimar. By car, you’ll be there in under two hours.

Our Hotel Recommendations

Here are our hotel picks in the Harz for every budget:

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for the Harz

Our Expert

I’m Vicki — tourism manager, travel blogger at Vickiviaja.com, and author. Although I’ve been living in my adopted home of Barcelona for several years now, my roots are in the Harz. That’s where I grew up and spent nearly 20 years of my life.

We visit the Harz at least once a year when we come back home, always discovering even more beautiful places.

The Harz in Three Words

Harmonious, idyllic, adventurous.

Why Go There!

A lot of people think of the Harz as a destination for senior day trips. But it’s so much more than that — it’s a genuine explorer’s destination!

There’s honestly something for every type of traveler: walks in nature, room to run around for the kids, ski areas, zip lines and mountain bike trails, medieval half-timbered houses, romantic stays for couples, great food, and much more.

What Makes the Harz Unique

The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway is truly one of a kind. The historic steam locomotive runs daily from Wernigerode all the way up to the Brocken — at 1,141 meters, the highest peak in the low mountain ranges and in all of Saxony-Anhalt. The name says it all.

You’ve probably already spotted a photo of this impressive train on Instagram or in magazines.

Things to Do and See in the Harz

Must-Sees

It’s tough to give a blanket answer here since the Harz covers a large area and it really depends on where you’re based. But here are three solid tips for highlights in the Harz.

You should definitely visit at least one of the historic half-timbered towns. Vicki naturally recommends her hometown of Goslar — but Wernigerode and Quedlinburg are equally impressive and rank among the most beautiful small towns in Germany.

The main draw, of course, is the nature. That could mean a strenuous hike up the Brocken or a relaxed stroll through Harz National Park. Beyond the mountains and forests, you’ll also find mysterious caves like the Barbarossa Cave or the Iberg Stalactite Cave.

On Rainy Days

The Harz has plenty of interesting museums — perfect when the weather isn’t cooperating. Vicki especially recommends the Tin Figures Museum, the Harz Museum in Wernigerode, or the GDR Museum in Thale.

The Harz also has a very long mining tradition. On rainy days, it’s well worth a trip to the UNESCO Visitor Mine Rammelsberg in Goslar, the Lachter Stollen, or the Upper Harz Mining Museum in Clausthal-Zellerfeld.

With Kids

Having grown up in the Harz herself, Vicki can say with confidence that there’s an incredible amount for kids to experience here. Especially for children from big cities, the pure nature offers a fantastic change of pace — you can help the little ones identify animal tracks on the forest floor, collect leaves or chestnuts, go cycling, or go sledding.

For something a little more out of the ordinary, the climbing park in Ilsenburg or the treetop walk in Bad Harzburg are both seriously fun options.

The Harz in Winter

Winter is actually one of the peak travel seasons for the Harz. A January or February trip is especially well-suited for winter sports enthusiasts — the Harz has a wide selection of ski areas.

Thanks to its elevation, the Upper Harz gets snow even when the surrounding lowlands are still frost-free. That makes it great for sledding, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.

But a visit to the Harz’s towns is totally worth it in winter too. There are ice skating rinks and some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in all of Germany.

For Relaxation

Honestly, you can unwind just about anywhere in the Harz — on a walk in nature or a stroll through one of the small town centers. The village of Hahnenklee in the Upper Harz is one of those places, as are Bad Harzburg and Stolberg.

Best Viewpoint

There’s a spectacular vantage point for just about every corner of the Harz. Vicki’s personal favorite is the Rabenklippen, where you get an excellent view over the Eckertal valley.

The hike up there is quite relaxed, and you can easily combine it with a visit to the lynx enclosure.

Also read our tips on the most mystical places in Germany!

Best Photo Spot

The Harz is a real paradise for photographers, especially when it transforms into a winter wonderland. And since the region is so large, you usually don’t have to worry about crowds ruining your shots.

Around Schierke and the Rappbode Reservoir, for example, there are great spots for landscape photography. If you’re more after idyllic half-timbered streets, Stolberg is the place to go.

Wildest Activity

In Hasselfelde, the Pullman City cowboy town is waiting for you. From the moment you walk in, you feel transported back to the Wild West. You’d never expect to find a theme park like this in such a small place.

Best Event of the Year

That’s clearly Walpurgis Night. According to ancient legend, witches gather every year on April 30th at the Hexentanzplatz in Thale to celebrate with the devil and then fly together up to the Brocken. This event is celebrated throughout the entire Harz with all kinds of festivities.

Thale itself is especially lively on this day. But there are also celebrations and “witch burnings” at other locations, wrapping up at midnight with the arrival of the May Queen. Since May 1st is a public holiday, it’s a perfect time for a visit.

Heads up: Book your accommodation well in advance — Walpurgis Night draws huge crowds from across Germany and beyond.

Food and Drink in the Harz

Culinary Specialty

A classic of the Harz is the Harzer Roller, a sour milk cheese. Its strong smell doesn’t win over every visitor right away — but it’s worth trying. Given the proximity to the forest, various types of game are also always among the local specialties.

After a hearty meal, treat yourself to a typical schnapps like Schierker Feuerstein. Or how about a Harz dessert? Arme Ritter — probably better known today as French toast — actually originates from the Harz.

Favorite Restaurants

One of Vicki’s favorite spots in the Harz is the Harzer Schnitzelkönig near Lautenthal. As the name suggests, it’s all about schnitzel here — served in enormous portions. (Don’t worry, there are vegetarian options too.) The absolute standout on the menu is the Swiss schnitzel with an incredibly delicious chili cheese sauce.

Her other favorite is in Goslar: Butterhanne, serving up classic German specialties. Even for non-meat-eaters, the beef rouladen is seriously worth making an exception for.

Best Ice Cream

As a self-confessed ice cream fanatic, Vicki has tried many shops across the Harz. Her original go-to has unfortunately since closed — but there’s now a great alternative on Goslar’s market square: Eiscafé Caesar.

If you stop by, you absolutely have to try the “Grandma’s Apple Cake” flavor!

Day Trips from the Harz

Best Swimming Spots

If you prefer swimming pools, the Sehusa Wasserwelt in Seesen is a fantastic choice — a big water slide and various pools make it great for all ages.

For lake swimming, the Harz has plenty of options. Especially popular are the Okerstausee and the Kiefhölzer Teich near Clausthal-Zellerfeld. Both are family-friendly, though there are no lifeguards on duty.

Most Beautiful Hike

Asking which hike in the Harz is the most beautiful is probably about as tricky as asking which baguette in France is the best!

Vicki is a big fan of the Torfhaus area. From here there are various hiking options, some going all the way up to the Brocken, plus shorter routes like the path across the Torfhaus Moor.

There’s plenty of parking here, and right next to the lot you’ll find several restaurants where you can refuel after your hike.

Most Beautiful Cycling Route

Cycling in the Harz is not for the faint of heart — the inclines can be really demanding depending on your route. That’s why Vicki usually sticks to the Harz foothills.

For experienced cyclists, the Innerste Cycle Path is a particularly popular option, with plenty of cultural highlights along the way. Anyone riding the full route will typically spend several days traveling between the starting point in Goslar and the endpoint in Sarstedt.

Towns for a Stroll

The Harz is full of fabulous small towns worth exploring. Goslar is a natural first recommendation, but Wernigerode and Quedlinburg are equally popular for their romantic historic centers with half-timbered houses and great shopping.

Where to Stay in the Harz

Favorite Hotel

Since Vicki typically stays with family and friends during her time in the Harz, it’s hard for her to pin down a specific place to stay.

During her wedding in the Harz, however, guests had very positive experiences with privately rented vacation apartments through Booking.com as well as with the Hotel Hubertus Hof near the Goslar Imperial Palace.

Best Base for a Vacation

Goslar is a great home base — many of the top attractions in the Harz are easy to reach from here. Goslar also has train connections to Hannover, Wernigerode, Göttingen, and Braunschweig, making it super easy to get to from across the region.