Nordhausen: Between Karst Landscapes and Mining History
Accommodation in Nordhausen
When planning a hotel stay in Nordhausen, you can choose excursions to suit a wide range of interests: the gypsum karst landscape, the history of coal mining, local culture and regional cuisine all offer different themes for planning your trip.
Karst Landscapes and Trails in the Southern Harz
The Karst Hiking Trail traverses the Southern Harz gypsum karst landscape, from Lower Saxony through northern Thuringia to Saxony-Anhalt. In the Nordhausen district, it crosses the area for 56 kilometres from east to west. This means you can explore both an extensive landscape route and a specific section through the district.
The Salamander Trail is part of the Karst Hiking Trail. It runs below and over the MĂĽhlberg in the nature reserve, through a gypsum karst uvala and past sinkholes, spoil heaps, caves and historical traces. If you are particularly interested in the formations of the gypsum karst landscape, this description offers a different perspective from the regional route of the Karst Hiking Trail: the focus here is on individual landscape features and traces along the way.
Coal Mining and the History of Ilfeld
Ilfeld is home to the Rabenstein Mine, the only coal mine open to visitors in central Germany. A guided tour introduces visitors to the almost 300-year history of coal mining in the Harz and passes the last remaining coal deposits, fossils, authentic work sites, mined-out seams and mining galleries. The “Rabenstein Express” mine train first travels 500 metres into the mountain; the route then continues into mining areas from the 18th century. Some galleries are only 60 centimetres high. Check the current tour arrangements before your visit.
The Ilfeld Local History Museum presents the history of Ilfeld and Wiegersdorf. This offers another perspective on the region: coal mining takes centre stage at the mine, while the museum explores the history of the two villages.
Culture, Cuisine and Special Places
The “From Grain to Spirit” tour at the Echter Nordhäuser Traditional Distillery takes visitors through a historic complex: from the mill room through the distillery, brandy warehouse, office and barrel cellar to the Henriette Bar. There, visitors can sample the distillery’s own premium spirits and liqueurs. Availability depends on the date; check the tickets available for your preferred date.
The Burggasthof Hohnstein offers a different culinary experience: elevated traditional German cuisine and regional specialities amid the historic ruins of Hohnstein Castle. From the terrace, the view extends over Neustadt and the Southern Harz. If you are planning to dine there, check before your trip whether the restaurant will be open on your chosen date.
Another cultural stop is the Southern Harz Nature Park Information Centre, whose interactive exhibition presents facts about the gypsum karst landscape and the special features of the Southern Harz. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway connects Wernigerode in the north of the Harz with Nordhausen in the southern Harz foothills, providing a regional connection to consider when planning your trip.
Seasonal Activities and Excursions with Children
Waldbad Neustadt is a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Its facilities include a water slide, a paddling pool, a diving facility with one- and three-metre boards, a playground, and football, volleyball and table tennis courts. As opening and facilities should be checked for each season, find out the latest information before planning a visit.
Activities for children in Harztor include the “Harztor Hiking Kids.” Programme details may vary; check the tourism portal for current activities. You can weigh up these activities alongside the other interests of your travel group, without every family member having to choose the same excursions.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Hohenstein, Hesserode, Nordhausen, Neustadt/Harz, Ilfeld, Rodishain, SĂĽlzhayn, Niedersachswerfen, Werther, Windehausen, Hainrode/Hainleite, Ellrich, Hainleite, Wolkramshausen, Heringen/Helme, Niedergebra, Bleicherode, Auleben, Harztor, Harzungen, Hamma.
For the broader travel overview: Thuringia.
