Witches and devils. Dwarves and giants. Gods and mythical creatures. That’s what you’ll find in Thale. In the Bode Valley. In the ‘Sagenharz’ (Legendary Harz).
On this page, you can find out everything else this mythical town at the foot of the Hexentanzplatz and Rosstrappe has to offer – from factual information to interesting tips for day trips.
Thale lies at an average altitude of 190 metres above sea level on the north-eastern edge of the Harz Mountains, at the point where the River Bode emerges from the mountains. The town’s history dates back to the 9th century, when the foundation stone for subsequent settlement was laid with the establishment of the canonesses’ convent known as Wendhusen.
Since the Saxony-Anhalt municipal boundary reform, which was completed at the end of 2010, Thale, together with the districts of Allrode, Almsfeld, Altenbrak, Friedrichsbrunn, Neinstedt, Stecklenberg, Treseburg, Warnstedt, Weddersleben, Wendefurth and Westerhausen, forms the Bodetal holiday region, which is also known as the ‘Sagenharz’ (Land of Legends) due to its wealth of legends and myths.
Tip: Explore the town along the Thale Myth Trail, which takes you from the mouth of the Bodetal valley to Thale’s old town. Simply follow the horseshoes embedded in the footpath to reach the various figures from Germanic mythology.
The climatic health resort of Treseburg excels in precisely these qualities. This picturesque little village of 100 souls lies at an altitude of around 270 metres at the confluence of the Luppbode and Bode rivers, right in the heart of the idyllic Bode Valley. It epitomises peace and seclusion, surrounded by natural beauty. In this dreamy spot, those plagued by stress can relax wonderfully and enjoy the unspoilt natural surroundings with all their senses.
The village’s history began in the 15th century with mining. Just like the neighbouring village of Altenbrak, the previously independent municipality of Treseburg was incorporated into the town of Thale on 1 July 2009 and has since been part of the Bodetal holiday region.
