Discover Blankenburg (Harz)

Blankenburg (Harz) brings together hiking trails, nature and cultural attractions to create a destination with a range of highlights. Four routes lead directly through Blankenburg; there are also sandstone rocks in the Heers, the seasonal “Am Thie” natural swimming pool and several historical attractions. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first plan your activities around hiking, nature or culture.

Hiking trails in Blankenburg

The Harz Monastery Hiking Trail, the E 11, the Routes of German Emperors & Kings and the Teufelsmauerstieg lead directly through Blankenburg. Another option is a popular circular hiking trail of about 8 kilometres. It runs from Großvaterfelsen via the ridge path and through Heidelberg, below the Teufelsmauer. The approximate length helps you factor the distance into your plans; the points mentioned also give you an idea of the route. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Nature and seasonal swimming

In the Heers, a forest clearing about the size of a football pitch is home to impressive sandstone rocks, some of which have formed caves. Blankenburg therefore offers a striking rocky landscape as a nature attraction alongside its hiking trails. The “Am Thie” natural swimming pool is centrally located, borders Thiepark and offers chlorine-free swimming. As swimming at the pool is seasonal, check the latest operating information when planning a visit.

The Hostel Museum, Regenstein and the palace gardens

The Blankenburg Hostel Museum is Germany’s only historically preserved journeymen’s hostel that has been developed as a museum. Its themed exhibition focuses on the travels of journeymen. A roughly 45-minute journey back in time shows what life was like for travelling journeymen around 1900 and why the hostel existed. Visiting times vary by season; check the latest opening details before your visit.

The open-air museum at Regenstein Castle and Fortress offers a different historical focus: it gives visitors access to various historic rooms and displays exhibits on the history of the Regenstein family. The Hostel Museum, by contrast, focuses on the travels of journeymen. The terrace garden in the Blankenburg Palace Gardens is also part of the town’s history: it was laid out in 1718.

As a digital addition, visitors can discover up to 17 virtual historic buildings in their original locations in the real-world surroundings. Ask locally whether this offer is currently available.

The wider Harz destination

The Harz is part of the wider UNESCO Global Geopark Harz–Braunschweiger Land–Ostfalen. Its visitor facilities include Geopark information centres, adventure trails, show mines, boulder gardens and museums. The Harz National Park also has its own visitor facilities: eight visitor centres and national park houses provide information about the park, hiking tips, exhibitions and film screenings. The Harz National Park also offers guided hikes and excursions with rangers, experts, national park guides and national park forest guides; current dates may change.

For hiking enthusiasts across the Harz, the Harzer Wandernadel links 222 stamping stations. Anyone who collects all 222 stamps earns the title “Harz Hiking Emperor”. These regional attractions add further themes from the wider Harz destination to your experience of Blankenburg.

Discover more destinations: Hüttenrode, Wienrode, Cattenstedt, Derenburg, Timmenrode, Ballenstedt, Harzgerode, Wegeleben.

See the wider travel overview: Harz.