In a nutshell
- Planning a vacation in the Harz? In this article, we’ll show you 20 truly special places to stay — handpicked for every travel style.
- Our recommendations cover all the bases: wellness hotels, hiker-friendly stays, family accommodations, boutique hotels, treehouse escapes, and romantic hideaways.
- For a seriously impressive wellness experience, the Naturresort & Spa Schindelbruch in the southern Harz is hard to beat — a 4-star eco-certified resort with a 2,500-square-meter spa.
- The Torfhaus Harzresort is our pick for a breathtaking setting — modern vacation homes at 800 meters with direct views of the Brocken, right on the edge of the national park.
- For families, the EchtZeit – dein Hotelquartier in Braunlage is a stylish, centrally located family hotel that kids will absolutely love.
- Our other hotel recommendations are sure to impress you too — there’s something great for every budget and travel style.
Where is the Harz in Germany?
The Harz is the northernmost low mountain range in Germany. It stretches across the states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
Harz National Park, the smaller nature reserve within the Harz, is located primarily in Lower Saxony.
The Brocken, at 1,141 meters also the highest peak in northern Germany, belongs to Saxony-Anhalt.
The Harz is a wonderfully idyllic region. If you’re in the mood for a city break, Brunswick (about 50 kilometers), Magdeburg (80 kilometers as the crow flies), or Hanover (87 kilometers) are all great options for a day trip.
To help you get your bearings, we’ve put together a map for you.
Alright, enough preamble. Here are our hotel recommendations for the Harz — sorted by occasion and interest.
The Best Wellness Hotels in the Harz
Fancy unspoiled nature, an active vacation, and some genuine rest and relaxation on top? Or maybe a cozy couples’ getaway with a serious wellness factor? Here are our picks for the best wellness hotels in the Harz.
Naturresort & Spa Schindelbruch
Schindelbruch in the southern Harz
Pure luxury in the middle of stunning nature awaits you at the Naturresort & Spa Schindelbruch. The 2,500-square-meter modern wellness area alone lives up to every expectation of a great wellness hotel.
In the spa area, you can unwind in two pools and several saunas — and of course, you can also book treatments and massages.
The hotel also takes sustainability seriously and is certified with an eco-label for climate- and nature-friendly hotels.
What we especially love: At the Naturresort & Spa Schindelbruch, wellness is possible for the whole family. There’s a separate family sauna and an extra pool where kids can let loose. What a great idea!
Where is the Naturresort & Spa Schindelbruch located, and what can you do there?
The wellness hotel sits in the forests of the southern Harz. There’s not much in the surrounding area — just an abundance of nature. Perfect for long walks or hikes followed by relaxation back at the hotel.
The nearest town, Stolberg, is about 4 kilometers away and is well worth a visit — especially for its charming half-timbered houses and Stolberg Castle, which sits perched high on a hill.
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Schlosshotel Blankenburg
Blankenburg in the eastern Harz
The standout feature of Schlosshotel Blankenburg, right off the bat: the wellness area is located in a beautiful vaulted cellar, and the atmosphere down there is seriously special.
Schlosshotel Blankenburg offers saunas and wellness treatments. The hotel doesn’t have its own pool, but the Bodetal Thermal Baths in Thale are nearby, where you can soak in pleasantly warm water.
Our tip: A stroll through the hotel’s castle park will make you feel as if you’ve been transported back to the Renaissance.
Where is Schlosshotel Blankenburg located, and what can you do there?
The hotel is located in Blankenburg in the eastern Harz. Many beautiful hiking trails start here, and cyclists will find a great network of bike paths, including the EuroVelo Route R1. Families will enjoy a visit to the Blankenburg Climbing Forest.
The popular destinations of Thale and Wernigerode — one of the most beautiful small towns in Germany — are also close by.
Landhaus zu den Rothen Forellen
Ilsenburg in the northern Harz
The 5-star Hotel Landhaus zu den Rothen Forellen is a small, personally run luxury hotel in a country house style with its own wellness area.
In the so-called Forellen Spa, a pool and whirlpool await you, and you can also book treatments.
The real highlight of this luxury hotel? Without a doubt, the on-site gourmet restaurant. Absolutely worth trying!
Where is Landhaus zu den Rothen Forellen located, and what can you do there?
The hotel sits right in the middle of the small town of Ilsenburg in the northern Harz, next to a small trout pond — hence the name.
Ilsenburg is an excellent base for hiking and cycling. Many trails start here in the Ilsenburg valley, including a route leading all the way up to the Brocken.
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The Best Hotels for Hikers in the Harz
Hiking and the Harz are simply a perfect match! Whether you want trails right at your doorstep or a cozy guesthouse with extra services for hikers, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay in the Harz for active travelers.
Bodetaler Basecamp Lodge
Bodetal in the eastern Harz
The Bodetaler Basecamp Lodge is definitely a special place — and not just because of its idyllic setting.
You can watch the Bode River rushing past from your room’s terrace. If that’s not relaxing, what is?
The Basecamp Lodge has super cool rooms and radiates a real spirit of adventure. You’ll feel right at home here, whether you want to hike, climb, mountain bike, or just kick back. A place for adventurers young and old.
Where is the Bodetaler Basecamp Lodge located, and what can you do there?
The Basecamp Lodge sits right in the Bodetal valley in the eastern Harz and is an ideal starting point for the popular Harzer Hexen Stieg trail.
If you’re craving more action: just a few minutes’ drive away, the Rappbode Reservoir awaits with plenty of thrilling adventures.
How about a dizzying suspension bridge or the largest double zip line in Europe? If you want to go even wilder, you can spin through the air on the Gigaswing.
Torfhaus Harzresort
Torfhaus in the upper Harz
The Torfhaus Harzresort includes a mountain hotel with 26 stylish rooms and 46 additional vacation homes in an idyllic setting.
There’s something for every taste: cozy couples’ cabins with their own sauna and freestanding bathtub, or vacation homes for the whole family or smaller groups. The style is alpine and modern throughout.
And beyond the great variety of options, the location is a real winner: from many of the rooms and terraces, you have a direct view of the Brocken.
Where is the Torfhaus Harzresort located, and what can you do there?
The resort sits in a very secluded spot at 800 meters, essentially on its own in Torfhaus, right in the heart of Harz National Park.
In winter, it’s perfect for strapping on your skis right away. In summer, those with plenty of energy can hike up to the Brocken — the trail starts right at the front door.
The idyllic location does mean you’re quite isolated up there, though. There’s one restaurant and a few small shops, and that’s about it.
So if you want to hike, ski, or simply recharge, this is your place. Having a car is also helpful for the occasional grocery run.
Regiohotel Berghotel Ilsenburg
Ilsenburg in the northern Harz
The Berghotel Ilsenburg has quite a history behind it. Originally built as barracks for East German border troops, it was later repurposed as a school. After several changes in ownership and extensive renovations, it has been welcoming guests as Berghotel Ilsenburg for nearly 20 years.
Beyond the history, the beautiful location at the edge of the forest is a major draw. After a strenuous hike, you can unwind in the hotel’s wellness area sauna.
What we like: The hotel is part of a network of properties that strive to put regional identity front and center.
Where is Berghotel Ilsenburg located, and what can you do there?
The mountain hotel sits on the outskirts of Ilsenburg in the northern Harz — right in prime hiking country. The vacation feeling kicks in even as you drive up through the forest.
Trails set off directly from the hotel, including a challenging route up to the Brocken. The town of Ilsenburg itself also has plenty to offer: climbing parks, an outdoor pool, restaurants, playgrounds — you’ll never be bored.
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Gasthof Obere Mühle
The Gasthof Obere Mühle is a cozy guesthouse in a country house style, situated slightly above the town of Blankenburg.
Thanks to its hillside location, you can lace up your hiking boots right after a delicious breakfast and head straight out.
After your hike, the perfect way to wrap up the day is with coffee and cake on the terrace, soaking in the fantastic view over Blankenburg.
Where is the Gasthof Obere Mühle located, and what can you do there?
The Gasthof Obere Mühle is located in Blankenburg in the eastern Harz, between Wernigerode and Thale.
Blankenburg Castle is just 250 meters away. The Baroque Gardens are also just a short walk from the guesthouse and make for a lovely stroll.
The Coolest Family Hotels in the Harz
The Harz is a popular vacation destination for families — and many hotels have tailored their offerings accordingly. Here are some of the best family-friendly accommodations in the Harz to help you find the right fit.
Hasseröder Burghotel
Wernigerode in the eastern Harz
Admittedly, the Hasseröder Burghotel doesn’t look all that inviting from the outside — more like a big, bulky hotel complex.
But first impressions can be deceiving: the hotel has been modernized and transformed into a themed hotel in a medieval style. Hasseröder Burghotel transports you into a world of knights and castles — perfect for explorers young and old.
The rooms are individually and thematically decorated, and there are dedicated playrooms for the little ones.
Where is Hasseröder Burghotel located, and what can you do there?
The castle hotel is located in Wernigerode in the eastern Harz.
Wernigerode offers a wide range of family-friendly activities — a wildlife park, a miniature park, and the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway are just a few highlights.
EchtZeit - dein Hotelquartier
Braunlage in the southern Harz
The EchtZeit Hotelquartier combines urban flair with a genuine feel-good atmosphere. Kids sleep in cozy bunk bed nooks or swing at the breakfast table — yes, actually swing, you read that right!
A Nespresso machine in the kitchen is ready and waiting, and if it’s raining outside you can kick back with Netflix.
The Family & Friends Apartments can comfortably sleep up to six people.
Our highlight: Some apartments have their own sauna or infrared cabin right in the room.
Where is EchtZeit – dein Hotelquartier located, and what can you do there?
The EchtZeit Quartier sits right in the middle of the small winter sports resort of Braunlage, at the foot of the Wurmberg.
From the hotel, it’s just a few minutes to the Wurmberg cable car. In winter you can hit the slopes, and in summer plenty of beautiful hiking trails await.
Unique Boutique Hotels in the Harz
Now we come to our personal favorite category — boutique hotels! We love staying in small, personally run boutique hotels, and the Harz has some real gems. Here are our favorites.
The Hearts Hotel
Braunlage in the southern Harz
Kicking things off with our top pick for where to stay in the Harz if you love boutique hotels: The Hearts Hotel is a beautiful lifestyle hotel with loving attention to detail and a distinctive design concept.
You can choose different lighting themes at the touch of a button right from your bed, and in some rooms you can even watch movies from the freestanding bathtub.
The wellness area, featuring plenty of natural wood elements, is all about relaxation. In the outdoor barrel sauna, you can unwind with a view of the national park mountains. Seriously one-of-a-kind!
Our personal highlight: If you’re not really feeling the hotel vibe, The Hearts also lets you simply rent one of their T2 VW Buses. Cruise through the Harz during the day, fold out the bed in the bus at the hotel in the evening, take one last trip to the sauna, and spend the night enjoying the peace and quiet of nature.
Where is The Hearts Hotel located, and what can you do there?
The Hearts is located in Braunlage, just outside the town center. Perfect for lacing up your hiking boots and heading straight out.
In winter, Braunlage is one of the winter sports hubs of the Harz. Just a few minutes’ walk away, the Wurmberg cable car whisks you straight into the action.
Schiefer Hotel
Goslar in the western Harz
Sure, the location right on the market square in Goslar is already a big plus. But the Schiefer Hotel earns its spot on our list for more than just its address — even if it doesn’t exactly bill itself as a boutique hotel, but rather as a lifestyle pizza joint.
The Schiefer is a small suite hotel with a whole lot of coziness. In addition to suites, there are also apartments and event spaces.
Worth a special mention is the food at the Schiefer — it’s genuinely delicious. Best to reserve a table in advance, because alongside pizza and pasta, the Schiefer serves some seriously good steaks, ideally dry-aged.
Where is the Schiefer Hotel located, and what can you do there?
As already mentioned, the Schiefer sits right on the historic market square in the heart of Goslar’s old quarter. Many historic sights are just steps from the hotel.
Goslar is located on the northern edge of the Harz and is particularly well known for its stunning historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re into half-timbered charm, Goslar should be at the very top of your list.
Design Hotel Viktoria
Braunlage in the southern Harz
From Goslar we head back to Braunlage, where the Design Hotel Viktoria awaits you in the center of this popular winter sports town.
The hotel’s red wooden façade is a real eye-catcher, and the interior impresses as well with distinctive design and real individuality.
The highlight: Some rooms even have their own sauna, where you can unwind in total privacy after an exciting day on the slopes.
Where is Design Hotel Viktoria located, and what can you do there?
You’ll find Design Hotel Viktoria right in the heart of Braunlage, a winter and hiking paradise in the Harz. The nearest cable car is just a ten-minute walk away, taking you up to the Wurmberg — at 971 meters, the second highest peak in the Harz. Active vacationers will definitely get their money’s worth here.
Boutique Hotel Schlosspalais
Wernigerode in the eastern Harz
A personal atmosphere and romantically whimsical décor await you at the Boutique Hotel Schlosspalais in Wernigerode. From some of the rooms, you look directly out at Wernigerode Castle.
In the hotel’s pool you can swim a few laps, and the sauna facilities help you recharge. Just what you need after a long day in the mountains.
The boutique hotel also prioritizes regional sourcing and sustainability. Your day kicks off with organic products from the local area at breakfast, and if you arrive by electric vehicle, you can charge your car at the hotel’s charging station.
Where is Boutique Hotel Schlosspalais located, and what can you do there?
Boutique Hotel Schlosspalais is located in Wernigerode. Here you can admire an abundance of colorful half-timbered houses — it’s no wonder Wernigerode is nicknamed the colorful town in the Harz.
A tip not just for railroad enthusiasts: Board the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway, the famous steam-powered Brocken Railway, right from Wernigerode and ride up to the Brocken — in about 90 minutes you’ll be standing on the summit.
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Weinbar & Boutiquehotel Anno 1910
Wernigerode in the eastern Harz
Next up: another boutique hotel in Wernigerode — the Weinbar & Boutique Hotel Anno 1910.
The Anno 1910 is an elegant boutique hotel in an old half-timbered building dating from — as the name suggests — 1910. You’d never guess it from looking at this charming little place.
Into the Scandinavian hygge feeling? Then Anno 1910 is exactly the right choice for you. With eight individually decorated rooms, the cozy vibes are guaranteed.
What makes Anno 1910 so special? Everything here revolves around wine. There are themed evenings, wine tastings, and of course a wide selection of delicious wines. A true haven for connoisseurs!
Where is Boutiquehotel Anno 1910 located, and what can you do there?
Anno 1910 is in a very central location in the romantic half-timbered town of Wernigerode, about 600 meters from the castle.
From here you can also set out on a hiking tour to the Brocken, though you’ll need to factor in many hours of climbing. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway gets you to the summit much faster.
Liono Boutique Hotel Goslar
Goslar in the western Harz
The Liono Boutique Hotel is a single-family home built in 1910, stylishly and cozily furnished with many loving details. In 2017 the hotel was completely modernized.
With just 16 rooms, the boutique hotel feels very intimate and personal — and that’s exactly what gives it its special charm.
The quiet hilltop location in the Steinberg neighborhood offers a lovely panorama over Goslar’s historic center.
Where is the Liono Boutique Hotel located, and what can you do there?
The Liono Boutique Hotel is just a short walk from the old town, on the outskirts of Goslar.
You’ll not only enjoy a great view, but can also lace up your hiking boots and head straight out on a trail.
If hiking isn’t your thing, maybe a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rammelsberg is? The former ore mine is now a visitor mine that gives you a firsthand look at what working underground used to be like.
Unique Treehouse Hotels in the Harz
Haven’t found the right place to stay in the Harz yet? Maybe a treehouse hotel will win you over! If you’re picturing a plain little treehouse, think again. These treehouse hotels impress with plenty of comfort and extraordinary views.
Also read our article on unique hotels in Germany
Resina Art Baumhaus Hotels
Osterode in the western Harz
At the Resina treehouses, you won’t have to sacrifice comfort or luxury for a single moment.
The various treehouses and mountain cabins in the forest are super modern, with freestanding bathtubs in the room or rain showers in the bathroom.
Add to that the unique mountain panorama you can enjoy from the terrace or right through the window. You should be comfortable with heights, though.
If you’d rather not sleep in the treetops, there are also luxury apartments available at ground level.
Where is the Resina Arts Treehouse Hotel located, and what can you do there?
The Resina treehouses are located just a few kilometers from Osterode in the western Harz — right in the middle of nature.
If you want to leave everyday stress behind and find real relaxation in nature, this is the perfect spot.
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Sonnenresort Ettershaus
Bad Harzburg in the western Harz
The Sonnenresort Ettershaus is part of a restored 1910 villa built by Bruno and Max Taut. Apparently all the old villas in the Harz are from 1910 — but that’s beside the point.
The treehouses stand in the middle of the resort’s forest, high up in the air and in a variety of styles.
The Sonnenresort Ettershaus offers a great mix for the whole family: those who want to can sleep in a treehouse, while anyone looking for even more luxury can be pampered in the villa.
The resort also includes a large wellness area with an indoor and outdoor pool.
Where is Sonnenresort Ettershaus located, and what can you do there?
The resort is centrally located in Bad Harzburg in the northern Harz. There are many walkable activities here that are great for families too — for example, a treetop walk, a saltwater spa, or a tree suspension railway.
The Most Romantic Hotels in the Harz
Attention, couples, newly in love, and anyone else who feels addressed: things are about to get romantic. Here are our favorite romantic hotels in the Harz. Let’s go!
Romantikhotel Alte Münze
Goslar in the western Harz
At the Romantikhotel Alte Münze, you’re guaranteed to feel comfortable and welcome — thanks in large part to the warmth of the team and the Prien family who runs it.
The 4-star Hotel Alte Münze is housed in a historic half-timbered building in Goslar. The rooms are charmingly and modernly furnished, with the many half-timbered beams and wooden floorboards being a particularly beautiful touch.
Our tip: To explore the town and the surrounding area, you can borrow a very modern e-bike from the hotel.
Where is Romantikhotel Alte Münze located, and what can you do there?
Romantikhotel Alte Münze is very centrally located in Goslar’s historic district. Within just a few minutes you can reach the market square or the Imperial Palace of Goslar.
The area around Goslar is also excellent for cycling — how convenient that the hotel offers rentals right on site.
Hotel Villa Viktoria Luise
Blankenburg in the eastern Harz
Romance sets in the moment you lay eyes on the hotel: the Boutique Hotel Villa Viktoria Luise is a restored Art Nouveau villa in an idyllic setting, with many small turrets and bay windows.
The 12 individually decorated rooms blend the building’s historic charm with modern elements.
For the cooler months, the hotel also has a small sauna.
Where is Hotel Villa Viktoria Luise located, and what can you do there?
The privately run Villa Viktoria Luise sits on a south-facing hillside, slightly above the town of Blankenburg.
From the hotel, you have a wonderful view over the town and Blankenburg Castle. The hillside location also makes Villa Luise an excellent starting point for hikes and day trips in the surrounding area.
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Gothisches Haus
Wernigerode in the eastern Harz
Last but not least, we’d like to recommend the 4-star hotel Gothisches Haus.
The Gothisches Haus is a hotel with a half-timbered façade, solid wooden beams, and cozy, nook-filled rooms. In the spa area, a whirlpool, sauna, and beauty treatments await you.
One of the hotel’s special features: The hotel restaurant Gaststuben Gothisches Haus consists of several historic dining rooms, each individually decorated. The menu features regional and sustainable Harz cuisine, given a modern twist.
Where is Gothisches Haus located, and what can you do there?
Romantikhotel Gothisches Haus sits right on the historic market square in Wernigerode, one of the most popular destinations in the Harz. Many cycling and hiking routes set off from here, including trails leading up to the Brocken summit.
