The three small villages of Elend, Sorge and Tanne are located in the Upper Harz and belong to the town of Oberharz am Brocken. They are characterised by their setting in unspoilt nature and their tranquillity far from large cities. Because of their proximity to the Brocken, they are an ideal starting point for hikes in the Harz National Park.
The Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway stops in Elend and Sorge on its way to the Brocken. All three villages have a well-developed network of hiking trails. Elend is also located along the long-distance hiking trails Harzer-Hexen-Stieg (southern route) and Teufelsstieg.
Elend
Elend is known for the smallest wooden church in Germany. The landmark was built in 1897 in neo-Gothic style as a half-timbered structure. Covering an area of 5 × 11 metres, it offers 80 seats. The altar is on wheels due to limited space. In summer, the forest outdoor pool at the edge of the woods invites you to cool off. Swimming pool, children’s pool, slide, lily pond, beach volleyball court and sunbathing lawn offer relaxation for the whole family.
Sorge
In Sorge, you can explore the border landscape with the original border installations and the nature artwork “Ring of Remembrance”. The small Border Museum in the former train station provides insights into the border history of the Harz. To round off a day of hiking, the gondola pond with its barbecue area invites you to stay for a while.
Tanne
In Tanne, it’s worth visiting the village church with its pulpit altar and a winged altarpiece from the 16th century. Popular excursion destinations also include the 528-metre-high Kapitelsberg and the demonstration farm. In the local heritage room, history, customs and traditions are illustrated by numerous antiques. A particular highlight is the “Tanne Cow Ball” with its parade, where the Red Harz Cattle – a breed native only to the Harz region – takes centre stage.
You can find more information about the cross-country ski trail network on the winter sports page.
