SnowTrex showcases some of the most exciting destinations in the Harz Mountains that are sure to delight winter holidaymakers, families with children and those seeking relaxation. The Harz Mountains, renowned for their picturesque landscapes and historic towns, also offer a wealth of attractions and activities away from the ski slopes that will make your winter holiday an unforgettable experience.
1. Brocken Railway
Why go:
An unforgettable steam train experience
What to expect:
Picturesque winter landscapes and historic charm
Address:
Friedrichstraße 151, 38855 Wernigerode
Prices:
Return journey: Adults €55, children (6–14 years) €33
Practical information:
Check the timetable; tickets can be booked online
Experience a nostalgic journey on the Brocken Railway, which has been chugging through the Harz Mountains for over 100 years. The steam train runs from Wernigerode up to the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains. During the journey, you can admire the snow-covered winter landscape and be transported back to times gone by. The view from the Brocken over the surrounding forests and valleys is breathtaking and makes the journey a real highlight.
2. Wernigerode Castle and the town centre
Why go:
A fairytale castle steeped in history
What to experience:
Guided tours through magnificent halls and historical exhibitions
Address:
Am Schloß 1, 38855 Wernigerode
Prices:
Adults €9.00, concessions (school pupils, students, trainees) €8.00, children (aged 6 to 14) €4.50
Practical information:
Please note opening hours, family-friendly
Wernigerode Castle towers high above the town, an impressive testament to historical architecture. Magnificent halls and artistically decorated rooms transport visitors back to times gone by. Especially in winter, when the castle glistens beneath a blanket of snow, it seems to have stepped straight out of a fairy tale. Down in the valley, the picturesque old town of Wernigerode, with its colourful half-timbered houses, winding alleys and cosy cafés, invites you to stroll and linger – a perfect contrast to the majestic castle on the hill.
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3. Stemberghaus Charcoal Kiln
Why go:
Experience traditional craftsmanship up close
What to expect:
Guided tour of the charcoal kiln, insights into charcoal production
Address:
Stemberghaus 1, 38899 Hasselfelde
Practical information:
Open all year round, warm clothing recommended
The Stemberghaus charcoal kiln offers exclusive insights into the traditional craft of charcoal production. On a guided tour of the kiln, visitors learn more about the history and techniques of charcoal burning. Every year, our charcoal burners produce around 50 tonnes of pure beech charcoal through painstaking manual labour. The charcoal kiln is an interesting destination for anyone interested in traditional craftsmanship and regional history.
4. Rübeland Stalactite Caves
Why visit:
Fascinating natural wonders underground
What to experience:
Guided tour of impressive stalactite caves
Address:
Blankenburger Str. 36, 38889 Oberharz am Brocken
Prices:
Adults €9.50, children (4–14 years) €6.50
Practical information:
Warm clothing recommended, regular guided tours
The Rübeland stalactite caves are a true natural wonder. The impressive stalagmites and stalactites create a fascinating underground world that can be explored on guided tours, which depart every 20 minutes. Every tour is an adventure through formations millions of years old.
5. Bad Harzburg Brine Spa
Why go:
Pure relaxation and wellness
What to experience:
Healing thermal springs and modern wellness facilities
Address:
Nordhäuser Str. 2, 38667 Bad Harzburg
Prices:
Day ticket: Adults €19.50, children (up to 12) €12.50
Practical information:
Various pools and saunas, child-friendly
For those seeking relaxation, the Sole-Therme in Bad Harzburg is a true wellness paradise. The healing thermal springs, which are heated to 31 °C indoors, and the extensive range of saunas and bathing facilities invite you to unwind and relax. Especially in winter, a visit to the warm thermal baths is a wellness treat for body and soul.
6. Hexentanzplatz in Thale
Why go:
A mystical place with a magical atmosphere
What to experience:
Myths and legends, a lovingly crafted themed world
Address:
Hexentanzpl 2, 06502 Thale
Prices:
Free
Single cable car ride: Adults €6.00, children (4–14 years)
Practical information:
Cable car or car journey, open all year round
The Hexentanzplatz in Thale is a legendary place deeply rooted in German mythology. High above the Bode Valley lies a mysterious spot waiting to be explored by visitors. Especially in winter, when snow covers the rocks, the recently renovated Hexentanzplatz takes on a particularly mystical air. A cable car ride to the Hexentanzplatz is an added highlight.
7. Goslar Old Town and Imperial Palace
Why visit:
A historic town with UNESCO World Heritage status
What to see and do:
Medieval architecture, museums and culture
Practical information:
Easy to reach, plenty of cafés and restaurants
Goslar’s old town and the imposing Imperial Palace are perfect destinations for a cultural outing in the Harz Mountains. The well-preserved half-timbered houses and narrow streets transport visitors back to another era. The Imperial Palace, once the residence of German emperors, impresses with its architecture and numerous exhibitions on medieval history. A stroll through the snow-covered old town of Goslar, with its charming shops and cosy cafés, is a special experience during the cold season.
8. Harz Tree Top Walk
Why go:
A unique walk at lofty heights
What to experience:
A nature experience with impressive views
Address:
Nordhäuser Straße 2d BurgBergCenter, 38667 Bad Harzburg
Prices:
Adults €9.00, children (4–17 years) €7.50
Practical information:
Open all year round, weatherproof clothing recommended
The Harz Treetop Walk is an unrivalled nature experience. At lofty heights, the walk takes you along wooden walkways through the treetops of the Harz Forest. In winter, the trail offers a particularly picturesque view of the snow-covered landscape. Information boards along the way provide interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the Harz. A visit to the Treetop Walk is ideal for nature lovers and families who want to discover winter nature from a new perspective.
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FAQs
What family-friendly winter excursions are there in the Harz?
Families with children will find plenty of exciting winter activities in the Harz. The Rübeland stalactite caves offer a fascinating underground world with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. On the Harz Treetop Walk, children can discover the winter landscape from lofty heights. Anyone with a passion for myths and legends should visit the Hexentanzplatz in Thale, which is particularly captivating thanks to a cable car ride and a mystical atmosphere.
What historical highlights can you visit in the Harz Mountains in winter?
The Harz is rich in history, which can also be explored in winter. Wernigerode Castle impresses with its magnificent halls and fascinating history. In Goslar, the well-preserved old town and the imposing Imperial Palace invite visitors to delve deep into medieval history. Anyone interested in traditional crafts should visit the Stemberghaus charcoal kiln, where you can gain fascinating insights into charcoal production.
Are the Harz narrow-gauge railways also in operation in winter?
Yes, the Harz narrow-gauge railways also operate in winter and offer unique journeys through the snow-covered landscapes of the Harz.
What should you bear in mind when visiting the Rübeland stalactite caves?
It is recommended to wear warm clothing, as it is cool inside the caves. You should also check the guided tour times to discover the fascinating formations.
Where can you relax and enjoy some wellness in the Harz Mountains in winter?
For those seeking relaxation, the Bad Harzburg brine spa is the perfect choice. The warm thermal pools and the large sauna area offer a well-deserved break after a cold winter’s day. Moreover, the healing properties of the brine ensure pure relaxation, especially in winter.
