Harz Hotel Vogelberg

Tierpark Hexentanzplatz

Tierpark Hexentanzplatz is a unique zoo located on the scenic plateau of Hexentanzplatz, offering stunning views of the Harz Mountains. The park specializes in native wildlife, featuring animals such as lynxes, wolves, and wild boars. Visitors can explore the park's well-maintained trails, leading through various enclosures that mimic natural habitats. The park also has a small petting zoo where children can interact with friendly farm animals. In addition to the animal exhibits, Hexentanzplatz itself is steeped in local folklore, with statues and historical markers that tell the legends of witches and ancient rituals.

Quedlinburg

This medieval town has a fascinating history dating back to the first millennium. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its stunning and well-preserved half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and alleyways that wind through the old town, which also boasts world-class architecture. Here you can see different styles from long-lost eras and see building techniques in a away, like a visual roof-top table. In the centre of town is the beautiful Romanesque Church of St Servatius, which was also politically important as it is said that King Henry I was crowned here - he was buried in 936. The city has around 26,000 inhabitants. The annual Christmas market is held from November through the Christmas month and has repeatedly been voted one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Saxony-Anhalt.

Wernigerode

"The colourful city of the Harz" Wernigerode and Wernigerode castle. The castle is enthroned high above the city. In the castle you can look into princely rooms and there are various exhibitions all year round. From the castle you have a fantastic view of the Harz landscape up to Bloksbjerg. Wernigerode is a town full of charm. There are many magnificent half-timbered houses - the oldest dates from around 1400.

Christmas market in Wernigerode

Open 21nd November - 22nd December - You can visit the Christmas market's own website with current information

Christmas atmosphere between the hill and mountain tops of the Harz. With Christmas lights and old half-timbered houses, Wernigerode looks like a scene from a fairytale in December, when the town's Christmas market takes place in the square in front of the magnificent town hall. Wernigerode offers pleasant walks, stalls with the most wonderful Christmas gifts and Christmas treats galore for the sweet tooth."

Wernigerode's old square is the site of the annual Christmas market, which spreads out into the side streets of the town among the beautiful old half-timbered houses. Many of the houses date back to the 16th century and with the Christmas market's decorations and splendour, the atmospheric buildings look extra grand.

During the Christmas market there are many Christmas stalls. They sell handicrafts in many trades and various Christmas treats such as glazed apples, hot mulled wine and roasted almonds. The village centre is car-free, making it perfect for short strolls under the dark December sky.

Wernigerode is centrally located in the Harz, and can thus be experienced in continuation of and together with our many stays in the region.

Ballenstedt

Go on a driving holiday to Ballenstedt, which was also awarded the title of "State-recognised recreation site" in 2010 for its excellent location with good weather conditions, as well as cycling routes, a closed network of hiking trails and a wide range of sports and leisure activities. So there are also good opportunities for the family to have an active holiday. The charming town has everything expected of a small German town and there are shopping opportunities, small restaurants and pubs, beautiful terraces and in the centre of town is "Generations Square" which is a wonderful leisure and relaxation area where the whole family can enjoy themselves in the lovely natural surroundings.

Meisdorf Castle Golf Club

If you enjoy golf, there is an 18-hole, par 72 golf course. A great course with well thought out hazards that make the course really enjoyable to play, but also challenging at times. After a round on the course, it is possible to enjoy a drink or two in the clubhouse, and in the adjacent PRO-shop you can buy all kinds of golf equipment or maybe just golf balls, if you need some more of them. The club also organises golf lessons if you need to improve your swing.

Schierke

The small village in the middle of the Harz Mountains has about 900 inhabitants and is located at the beautiful Harz National Park right in the middle of the beautiful Germany. Schierke is situated about 600 metres above sea level and leads directly up to Bloksbjerg. The village lies in the valley of the river "Kalte Bode" and is a very popular place, both because of its beautiful location, but also thanks to the many opportunities for outdoor recreation that the surrounding mountains and parks offer. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling in the beautiful countryside. The park covers 24,700 hectares, so it may be a good idea to have a few walks prepared from home, as it is a large area.

Ski Centrum Hohegeiss - Harz

Ski Centrum Harz offers a captivating winter sports experience in the picturesque Harz mountains, a region known for its enchanting natural beauty and serene atmosphere. This ski center is ideal for both beginners and advanced skiers, featuring a range of slopes that cater to varying skill levels. The Wurmberg, standing at 971 meters, is the centerpiece of the area and the highest peak in the Harz National Park. It boasts the longest ski run north of the Alps, extending 4.3 kilometers with an altitude drop of 405 meters.

The ski area is well-equipped with modern facilities, including 18 ski lifts and 32 slopes, covering a total of 20 kilometers. For those new to skiing, the Hasselkopf slope offers a gentle and family-friendly environment. The region is also renowned for its cross-country skiing tracks, with over 500 kilometers of well-prepared routes, particularly around Sankt Andreasberg. Besides skiing, the area offers alternatives like sledging, perfect for family fun.

Harz's ski resorts are accessible, with motorways and federal roads facilitating easy travel from various locations. While the Harz may not have the altitude of the Alps, its charming setting and well-maintained facilities provide a delightful and budget-friendly skiing option in Germany. The ski center is not just about sports; it's also about enjoying the tranquil winter landscape, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in the snow.

Falkenstein Castle

Falkenstein Castle located on the beautiful hilltop in Selketal. The whole area is a nature reserve with the possibility of several good hikes. The castle was built between 1120 and 1150 and belongs to one of the most fortified castles in the Harz. Its strategic location on top of the 320-metre-high hill made the castle extremely difficult to capture, and despite several attempts it never succeeded. Today, the castle serves as a museum and is a popular tourist destination, as the area is part of the Roman Road, a beautiful eight-valley route centred in Magdeburg and linking the breathtaking Romanesque monasteries, cathedrals and castle built between 950 and 1250, which also represents the beginning of Christianity in this part of Germany. The 1,000km route features over 72 buildings across 60 different sites in the Eighth Region.

Braunlage

Go on a family holiday with the kids and visit the small German town of Braunlage, located in the Goslar region in the southern Harz Mountains. The town has its history to tell, having been founded as early as 1250. One of the oldest buildings in town is the old forge building from 1658, which today serves as a hotel. The cosy little town also has a number of shops as well as cafés and bistros.

The town's main source of income is tourism, mostly due to its fantastic location, which helps make it suitable for a lot of outdoor activities and sports in the beautiful mountains and forests. In summer, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking or cycling in the mountains, and there are several mountain bike trails to challenge most. In winter, skiing is popular and this is certainly noticeable. The Harz is a fantastic ski resort and is very popular in winter with tourists from all over Europe. The beautiful surroundings, a mixture of pine forests and mountains, make this place truly unique.

Try a turn on the ice rink in the Stadion, located in Harzburger Strasse. Ice hockey and disco skating are organised here, as well as ice shooting. Equipment can be rented at the Stadion, try to get up to speed with a pair of skates on your feet, a fun experience for all members of the family, both experienced and inexperienced. A little less balance is required to play mini golf, here more emphasis is placed on precision with a golf ball. Try the 14-hole mini golf course at Adventure Golf. This sets the stage for a wonderful and active holiday with the children, with lots of fun and exciting activities. Find a self-drive holiday with Risskov and go on an active family holiday in Braunlage, Germany.

Bloksbjerg (Brocken)

Go on holiday in the Harz and drive to Bloksbjerg, the highest point in the Harz at 1142 metres. Find a cheap hotel stay at Risskov and enjoy a real family holiday in the Harz Mountains. From Bloksbjerg there is a fantastic view when the weather is right. See the vast forests, mountains and surrounding valleys. You can either cycle, hike or travel by train to reach the top. You can also take the narrow-gauge railway from Schierke.