Things to do in Harz
Discover the best attractions and experiences Harz has to offer
Historic Monuments
The Harz region is studded with historic fortifications, castles, and medieval townscapes that tell centuries of local history.
Quedlinburg Old Town
A UNESCO-listed maze of medieval streets and timber-framed houses.
Quedlinburg Cathedral (Dom St. Servatii)
A grand Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with centuries of history.
Schloss Wernigerode (Wernigerode Castle)
Colorful hilltop castle offering panoramic views of the Harz.
Burg Regenstein
Medieval castle ruin near Blankenburg with scenic hiking nearby.
Museums
From mining heritage to local history, the Harz's museums bring the region's stories to life.
Rammelsberg Mine Museum
Exhibits tell the story of hard coal mining in the Harz.
Stadtmuseum Goslar
Local history museum housed in a historic building.
Grube Samson Visitor Mine
Tour a working historic mine deep underground.
Religious Monuments
Gothic cathedrals and ancient churches anchor the region’s towns and legends.
Halberstadt Cathedral (Dom St. Stephan)
One of the region’s finest medieval cathedrals with impressive architecture.
Quedlinburg Cathedral (Dom St. Servatii)
Historic cathedral complex set within the UNESCO town.
National & Theme Parks
Protected landscapes and legendary viewpoints offer year-round nature experiences.
Harz National Park
Protected wilderness with rugged trails and dense forests.
Naturpark Harz
Extensive nature park spanning much of the Harz range.
Hexentanzplatz, Thale
Plateau famous for legends and views over the Bodetal gorge.
Neighborhoods
Quaint districts and old-town cores invite wandering and photo-worthy discoveries.
Wernigerode Old Town (Altstadt)
Picturesque streets and pastel houses perched above the town.
Goslar Old Town (Altstadt)
Historic center with city walls and timber houses.
Quedlinburg Old Town (Altstadt)
Labyrinth of medieval lanes around the castle and cathedral.
Free Things to Do
Many Harz highlights are free to explore, from scenic hikes to strolls through old towns.
Hike the Harz trails
Explore the forested hills along well-marked paths.
Walk the Bodetal gorge
Stunning river gorge in Thale with easy trails.
Stroll Quedlinburg Old Town
Enjoy the UNESCO streets and plazas without an entry fee.
Gastronomy
The Harz region delights with hearty, regional flavors and distinctive cheeses.
Harzer Käse tasting
Try the region’s distinctive sour cheese and accompaniments.
Birnen, Bohnen und Speck tasting
Regional dish featuring pears, beans and bacon.
Pumpernickel tasting
Sample the dense rye bread classic of northern Germany.
Nightlife
Evenings in the Harz revolve around cozy pubs, atmospheric streets, and intimate venues.
Goslar pub evenings
Cozy pubs with local beers and occasional live music.
Quedlinburg night stroll
Moonlit medieval streets are especially atmospheric after dark.
Stadttheater Wernigerode
Evening performances in a charming regional theater.
Entertainment
Seasonal performances and scenic rides provide lighthearted fun in the Harz.
Harz Narrow Gauge Railway to the Brocken
Steam train journeys through the Harz with scenic views.
Theater and cultural events in the towns
Seasonal performances in regional venues.
Sports
Adventure seekers can find trails and slopes across the hills.
Hiking across Harz trails
Varied routes through forests, meadows, and viewpoints.
Mountain biking in the Harz
Rugged and scenic routes for all levels.
Winter skiing or snowshoeing on Brocken
Seasonal snow sports at the Harz's high point.
Off the Track
Hidden corners unfold beyond the well-trodden paths.
Grube Samson Visitor Mine
Underground mine tour following historic mining routes.
Rübeland Caves (Rübeländer Tropfsteinhöhlen)
Spectacular stalactites in a dramatic cave system.
Visit a Harz mineral mining site
Explore lesser-known industrial heritage spots in the region.