Walkenried is situated in the sunny southern Harz region at an altitude of 280 to 350 metres. The place became famous for its former Cistercian monastery. At the CistercianMuseum Kloster Walkenried, you can learn more about the life of the monks and the time of the “White Monks” through acoustic and visual presentations. The museum is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and forms the oldest part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Harz region, which also includes the Rammelsberg mine, the old town of Goslar, and the Upper Harz Water Management System. A visit to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Information Centre is a must.
On the fourth weekend of September, the international monastery market takes place at the monastery. Representatives from 30 monasteries present their products and ways of life there. Around Walkenried stretches a karst landscape with hiking trails through protected landscapes, nature reserves, and bird sanctuaries. The Harzer BaudenSteig and access routes to the mountain bike trail network also run through this area.
Wieda lies amidst mixed and coniferous forests. On the marked trails, you can experience untouched valleys, meadows, and forests. In the pastures along the way, you will often see animals of the Harz Red Mountain Cattle, an old regional breed.
At the Glass and Foundry Museum Wieda, you can explore the 100-year-old glassmaking tradition. The exhibition displays tools, techniques, and the life of glassmakers, as well as the history of the Wieda iron foundry. The wildlife feeding at Stöberhai railway station and the street festival “Spelle varn Schwelle” bring guests and locals together. During Advent, the village transforms into a landscape of nativity scenes and lights during the Wieda Christmas Nativity event held on all four Advent weekends.
Zorge was shaped by mining and metalworking for centuries and is now a state-recognised air health resort. The village features half-timbered houses, a small town centre, and a spa park with a covered promenade.
At the local history museum, you can learn more about its industrial past. A model of the first steam locomotive built in Germany and a Normag tractor recall the period of Zorge’s production. The Hammerschmiede, the smallest distillery in the Harz, opens its doors for guided tours offering insights into production followed by tastings. In summer, the forest swimming pool with three pools and a large sunbathing lawn provides a refreshing break.
