The national park municipality of Ilsenburg, comprising the districts of Darlingerode and Drübeck, lies on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains, right at the foot of the Brocken. The wild and romantic Ilse Valley characterises the surrounding area with its forests, streams and footpaths.
The Heinrich-Heine-Weg is considered the most beautiful, but also the most challenging, route up the Brocken. Together with the Harz Border Trail on the Green Belt, an extensive network of hiking and cycling routes through the Harz National Park, and the access point to the mountain bike trail network of the Volksbank Arena Harz, Ilsenburg offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. The mild healing climate makes the town particularly appealing to those seeking relaxation, nature lovers, and hikers.
In Ilsenburg and Drübeck, you’ll find two monastery complexes over 1,000 years old along the Romanesque Road. They take you back to the time of the Romanesque period, the Middle Ages, and the Ottonian emperors. A visit can be easily combined with a pilgrimage on the 116-kilometre-long Monastery Trail. The route leads from Ilsenburg via Wernigerode, Blankenburg, Thale and Quedlinburg to Halberstadt and via Wöltingerode to Goslar. The Monastery Gardens in Drübeck are part of the state project “Garden Dreams”.
The Art Foundry Museum takes you on a journey through the town’s history. It is housed in the former residence of the Hereditary Counts of Stolberg-Wernigerode. The museum has been restored and will remain open until 2026, showcasing the historical development of Ilsenburg’s metallurgical industry and that of the art foundry.
The Ilse Valley has plenty to offer for all age groups. Here you’ll find a public Kneipp facility, a newly built playground and the water playground, which promises plenty of fun, especially in summer. The disc golf course will test your accuracy! In the Darlingerode Sand Valley, you can take a dip in a woodland swimming pool. The National Park Centre in the Ilse Valley rounds off the leisure activities with information about the natural environment.
For winter, you can find up-to-date information and offers on the winter sports page for Ilsenburg.
