Discover Derenburg

Derenburg combines a distinctive local history with plenty of reasons to spend time outdoors. Points of interest include the town hall, a menhir and an information board about the town’s history. At the Harzkristall glassworks site, a playground, cycle route and bus stop come together; the Derenburg Osterholz circular trail adds scenic views and a place to picnic. The themes that interest you most—historic buildings, Harzkristall or paths through the landscape—may help you decide where to stay.

Local history at the town hall, menhir and information board

Derenburg was first documented in 937 and is one of the region’s oldest inhabited settlements. The town hall stands between St. Trinitatis Church and the market square. The half-timbered building was constructed in 1789, giving the townscape a landmark with a precise historical date.

On Bocksberg, where the Derenburg circular hiking trail meets the Route of the German Emperors and Kings of the Middle Ages in the Harz, an updated information board tells the town’s history. The Derenburg menhir, also known as the monolith, offers another historical point of interest: it was re-erected in 2004 during archaeological excavations carried out as part of the construction of federal highway 6, now the A36. The date refers to the re-erection in connection with the excavations and road construction.

Harzkristall: playground, bus and cycle route

The Harzkristall glassworks has an adventure playground for children of all ages. Separately, the transport links described below can help you plan your journey to the site: the “Glasmanufaktur Harzkristall” bus stop is right next to it. Route 231 between Wernigerode and Halberstadt runs every 60 minutes. As route details may change, check the current timetable before travelling.

The site is also accessible by bicycle. The R1 EuroVelo route runs alongside the Holtemme river and passes right by the site; from there, cyclists can reach the glassworks grounds. The bus and cycle route thus offer distinct, clearly described ways to get there.

Derenburg Osterholz circular trail on foot or by bike

The Derenburg Osterholz circular trail starts and ends at Derenburg market square. On the western side of Osterholz, an open view takes in the Harz Mountains, the Brocken and the silhouette of Wernigerode Castle. The route offers a viewpoint where both the landscape and the named landmarks on the horizon come into view.

The route is also suitable for a cycling tour, although cyclists skip the section at Thyrstein and walk up it on foot. At the Thyrstein section, a bench and a shelter just a few steps away offer a place to picnic. If you are considering the cycling option, bear in mind this change from cycling to walking when planning your trip; no walking time or difficulty level is specified.

More destinations in the wider Blankenburg (Harz) area

Blankenburg (Harz) also has its own cultural and leisure attractions. The Herbergsmuseum Blankenburg is Germany’s only historic journeymen’s hostel to have been developed as a museum, and features a themed exhibition about journeymen’s travels. Opening times vary by season. At Regenstein Castle and Fortress, the open-air museum gives visitors access to various historic rooms and displays exhibits on the history of the Counts of Regenstein.

For a different kind of outing, the “Am Thie” natural outdoor swimming pool is in the centre of Blankenburg (Harz). It borders Thiepark and offers swimming without chlorine. As the pool operates seasonally, check current opening information before visiting. These attractions broaden the picture of the wider destination without replacing Derenburg’s local history, playground or walking routes.

Discover more destinations: Wienrode, Hüttenrode, Cattenstedt, Timmenrode.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Blankenburg Am Harz.