Discover Harzgerode: Castle history and nature experiences

Harzgerode offers a variety of experiences for visitors: the history of its castle and church, interactive attractions, and winter activities. Those looking for hotels in Harzgerode can choose their destination based on these highlights. Architectural history, nature experiences, and activities combining play and learning each offer something different.

Castle and Architectural History

Harzgerode Castle was rebuilt between 1549 and 1552. The Renaissance building, completed in 1552, features a stair tower and a round tower. From 1635 to 1709, the castle served as the residence of the Harzgerode branch of the House of Anhalt. The castle’s construction and its later role as a residence therefore belong to distinct periods: the former dates to the mid-16th century, while the latter spans the 17th century and the early 18th century.

St. Mary’s Church in Harzgerode also has a clearly defined construction period: it is a Baroque building dating from 1697 to 1699. In comparison, the castle’s Renaissance architecture and the later Baroque church represent different phases of construction. The Köthener Hütte adds a different function and location to these historic sites: in 1897, the Köthen branch of the Harz Club built it as a shelter on Kapellenfelsen.

The Carlswerk in Mägdesprung offers another perspective on the region’s history. It preserves mechanical processing machines from the first half of the 20th century in their original condition, as well as a wooden crane from 1890. The employees’ lockers, workbenches, and holiday postcards complement these artifacts. Together, they illustrate the working culture of the early industrial age in an authentic atmosphere.

Experiences with a Range of Themes

At the HARZKUGELEUM in Harzgerode Castle, a beechwood ball takes visitors through different themed worlds. Through its shape and weight, it conveys information about the Lower Harz, mining, nature, and local and regional history across the ages. Local history is presented here not only through architecture and the castle’s role as a residence, but also as one of several themes in an interactive format.

The HARZGERÖDER KUGELsPASS features play and audio elements: along the route, there are two playgrounds and eight stations with marble runs. Multilingual audio stations add to the experience. In German, they are aimed at adults and children; other available languages are Russian, Danish, English, and Chinese. The route’s focus on marble runs and audio stations therefore differs from the themed worlds at the HARZKUGELEUM.

The Harzgerode nature trail includes a quiz, a barefoot path, and a sound organ. The activities appeal to different senses and interests: the quiz invites visitors to solve puzzles, while the barefoot path and sound organ engage other forms of perception. Those wishing to combine nature with a winter outing can also try the natural toboggan run. It stretches 1,100 meters, winding down from the Harzgerode plateau to the Selke Valley and the promenade in Alexisbad, with a descent of around 75 meters. Tobogganing depends on snow conditions; if there is too little snow, the route is also suitable for a winter hike.

The Festive Season and Getting There

The Harzgerode Advent trails return every year on the second Sunday of Advent as a festive experience for the whole family. Dates and programs vary, so if you are planning your stay around the event, check the details for the date you intend to visit.

For rail travel, the route described first goes to Quedlinburg and then continues to Harzgerode on the Selke Valley Railway. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Alexisbad, Güntersberge, Siptenfelde, Schielo, Neudorf, Dankerode, Tanne, Thale.

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