Do you dream of stunning mountain landscapes, unforgettable experiences, fun, action and, last but not least, adventurous moments with your loved ones? Then you should definitely consider a visit to the Harz. Whether it's a short trip or a longer stay – the nature of the Harz offers a paradise for explorers of all ages. No matter if you come with your family, with friends, as a couple or alone: you’ll have an unforgettable time. Below you’ll find eleven beautiful places that you absolutely have to see when visiting the Harz.
Top 11 attractions in the Harz
Top 11 overview
Mountain biking, downhill, road cycling and e-bikes. The Harz region offers amazing experiences on two wheels. Among other things, you can explore the narrow paths and steep mountain passes on the 74 routes in the Volksbank Arena Harz, which boasts a network of over 2,300 kilometres of trails and 50,000 metres of elevation gain. Furthermore, the routes through the Bode Valley – the most rugged rocky valley north of the Alps – are also thoroughly impressive and accessible by mountain bike. Whether it’s a leisurely bike ride with the children or a longer ride on an e-bike, there’s a suitable tour for everyone.
The Harz is one of the most popular hiking areas in Germany. With a well-marked trail network of over 8,000 km, it’s almost a paradise for hikers. Whether short or long routes, narrow trails or well-developed paths, demanding or easy tours – you’ll definitely find the right one for you. Along the way, you’ll often find places to stop for a bite to eat or accommodation, so there’s always plenty of time for a break.
Every trip with the Harz narrow-gauge railways is an experience. Historic steam locomotives take young and old explorers back in time, along unique routes through the Harz Mountains – past forests and valleys, and up to the famous Brocken. The network of about 140 kilometres connects exciting excursion destinations between Wernigerode, Quedlinburg and Nordhausen.
The magnificent Wernigerode Castle rises imposingly above the town and the surrounding forests. From the castle, which you can also visit inside, you have a breathtaking view over the Harz. On fascinating guided tours, you can travel back in time by several centuries. In winter, the castle is magically illuminated – a truly enchanting sight.
The Bocksberg is the ideal destination for an adventurous family trip. Together you can take the cable car up to the Bocksberg, have loads of fun at the adventure park at the top, and race down to the valley on the Drachenblitz or Bocksbergbob – before starting the next round. An action-packed day is guaranteed!
In the middle of the small town of Rübeland are two dripstone caves – the Baumannshöhle and the Hermannshöhle – which are among the oldest and most famous natural show caves in Germany. The fascinating underground world featuring magical stalactites, bats, and the unique olm can be explored on an exciting guided tour. Let yourself be enchanted!
The Harz treetop path takes you up to 26 metres above the ground on a trail full of exciting adventure stations. Along the way, high above the tops of the Harz forest, you’ll get to know the region’s flora and fauna as well as the history of the Earth. An exciting journey for the young and the old! If you like, you can glide back down almost silently and in a relaxed way on the tree cableway.
High above the cliffs and gorges of the magical Bode Valley – the Grand Canyon of the Harz Mountains – float through the air and enjoy breathtaking views. With the cable cars of Seilbahnen Thale this becomes a reality. Some of the gondolas offer an even more impressive experience with their glass floors. Once at the top, the Hexentanzplatz with its witches' village and an animal park provide truly unforgettable family moments.
The visitor centre in the village of Iberg opened in 2008 and introduces visitors to the local geology and history of the limestone cave. The Iberg dripstone cave, lying deep within the limestone of a former coral reef, is among the most visited caves in the region, and the modern museum in the visitor centre displays impressive reconstructions and research findings, such as the grave of one of the oldest known extended families of the Bronze Age.
High above the hiking paradise of the Selke Valley towers Falkenstein Castle, one of the most impressive and beautiful hilltop castles in Germany. The seemingly impregnable complex dates back to the 12th century. You can explore the castle’s interior and discover beautiful old halls like the Knight’s Hall as well as unique exhibitions. Annual events such as the Knight’s Festival transport visitors back to the Middle Ages – an unforgettable experience for the whole family!
Since 2017, the Titan-RT suspension bridge, one of the longest of its kind, has stretched 75 metres high across the Rappbode Dam. This spectacular construction, with a length of 458 metres, attracts numerous adventure seekers to the Harz. If you’re looking for even more excitement, you can try the Gigaswing, located directly below the Titan-RT, or fly across the water on the Megazipline. Pure adrenaline!