Harzgerode is located in the south-eastern part of the Harz, surrounded by deciduous and coniferous forests of the Harz nature parks. In the surrounding area, you will find lakes, valleys and mountain landscapes.
The Selketal Railway is considered the origin of the Harz narrow-gauge railways. It connects Harzgerode directly and indirectly with the districts of Alexisbad, Bärenrode, Dankerode, Friedrichshöhe, Güntersberge, Königerode, Mägdesprung, Neudorf, Schielo, Silberhütte, Siptenfelde and Straßberg. The railway runs with historic steam locomotives and railbuses from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quedlinburg to Stiege, where the Selke river rises. The Selke valley forms the most peaceful section of the route. If you prefer to explore the 74 kilometres on foot, you can choose the Selketal Trail.
In Harzgerode Castle, a three-storey Renaissance building with staircase tower, covered battlement and round tower, you will find the town information office. Exhibitions present topics that have shaped the town’s history. The “Black Kitchen” regularly hosts events featuring art and cuisine. On a walk through Harzgerode, you’ll pass the market square, featuring the timber-framed town hall and St. Mary’s Church with its emblem collection, tower keeper’s apartment and crypt.
In the district of Mägdesprung stands the Carlswerk, a walk-in technical monument. In the workshop, you can watch how machines for ore processing in the Selke valley used to be made, and even take part in a forging session yourself under supervision. The “Glasebach” Mine Museum in the district of Straßberg displays tools and processes from 300 years of Harz mining. It is open all year round.
The Unterharz Forest Farm in the district of Silberhütte offers playgrounds and open-air exhibitions on forest management. It too is open all year round.
