The Harz National Park or “Nationalpark Harz” is a nature reserve located in the German federal states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. It is 24,700 hectares covering about 10 per cent of the total Harz area. The national park lies in the western part of the Harz and stretches from Wernigerode and Ilsenburg (north) to Herzberg and Bad Lauterberg (south). The highest point of the Harz, Brocken is also located within this park. The responsibility of managing and preserving of this nature reserve lies on park rangers. Digital leaflets about the Harz National Park (in English) can be downloaded here.
There is much to do within the Harz National Park:
Wildlife in Harz
The Harz region is rich with flora and fauna. Within the National Park, the Harz Park Rangers play active roles in ensuring these flora and fauna are preserved and protected. The vegetation within the Harz varies accordingly to the altitudinal zones. As a result, one can expect to see various types of vegetations covered by beech woods, mixed woods, spruce woods and raised bogs.
Additionally, the Harz National Park plays an important role in providing protection to endangered species such as the lynx, pygmy owl, peregrine falcon, ring ouzel and many others. The biggest attraction of wildlife within the Harz National Park is the Lynx enclosure. Here one can have an upclose experience and to learn more about these vulnerable creatures.
The best way to experience the Harz National Park would be to go on hiking tours or mountain biking tours. Whilst within the Harz National Park, it is of great importance that guests adhere to the Park’s rules and regulations while enjoying the facilities provided by the Harz National Park.
Please click here to be have further information about the wildlife in the Harz National Park.
Hiking
Regardless of seasons, hiking is an enjoyable sport. There are many good hiking tracks located within the Harz National Park for all levels. The following are some hiking tours organised by the Harz National Park:
- Guided tours to Brocken (highest peak in the Harz region)
- Harz National Park hiking for Beginners
- Experience the east and west Germany border divide
- Jungle trekking with the Harz Rangers
- Explorations with the Harz Rangers
- Guided tours
- and many more…
Please click here for more information about these tours.
The Harz Walking Badge Award
The Harz Walking Badge Award or also known as the “Harzer Waandernadel” may be of interest to hiking enthusiasts.Within the Harz region, lies 222 Checkpoints, whereby hiking enthusiasts can have their “Wanderpass” or their hiking pass book stamped at these Checkpoints.
To attain an award, a certain number of stamps have to be collected. Naturally, the more stamps collected, the greater the award. For more information, please visit Harzer Wandernadel webpage:
Please click here for more information about the Harz Walking Badge Award.
For our young guests
Families with children should not fear that the Harz National Park is boring for their young ones. The young ones can also have as much fun as the adults. The following are some activities for our young guests:
- Bat trails
- Wild forest exploration with park rangers
- Horse riding (Autumn)
- Animal trails with park rangers
- Children show with Boris the Bark Beetle
- and many more…
The Harz region provides for all with lots of possible outdoor activities. Whilst your holiday in the Harz, expect lots of outdoor sports indulgement. Regardless of seasons, there is always something to do in the Harz. The Harz caters for guests who seek solitude or for guests who enjoys the company of others. The Harz promises the much needed relaxation as guests can carry out their favourite activities while enjoying the beautiful scenic view. From hiking, mountain biking, motor biking, quading, canoeing, swimming, winter sports, and many more…
The following are some suggestions of activities for the bravehearted:
Motor Biking
The Harz region is also a haven for motorbike enthusiasts. Enjoy the scenic views during your thrilling and exciting excursions. Many motorbikers head towards the Harz when the season is right. It is no surprise as the area is made of well paved out roads with beautiful curves that provides motorbikers with thrill and excitement. As the area welcomes many motorbikers yearly, it is well equipped for motorbiker guests.
Expect lots of thrills and challenges as the Harz region provides well made winding roads. Guided motorbike excursions are also available.
For further information about motor biking tours please click here.
Mountain Biking Tours
Mountain biking is a popular activity within the Harz. If you want to cover the area quickly through the wilderness, why not try mountain biking. One can learn lots through guided mountain bike tours. The following are some links for guided mountain bike tours and further information:
Quading
Whether travelling with family, with friends, or with partners, the experience you will gain from quading excursions will be unforgettable. Excursions will bring you through the most beautiful parts of the Harz. Excursions around the Harz usually takes approximately 2 hours, however is weather dependent. Excursions include 2 breaks allowing for the enjoyment of breathaking views and relaxation. Private tours are also possible.
Each quad has the capacity to carry 2 people. Drivers will need to have a Class 3 driving license (B). A short briefing would be given by an experience guide to provide information regarding maneuvers and expected tracks (narrow roads, gravel, dirt roads, and forest paths).
The Oker Valley – Rock Climbing, Hiking and Canoeing
The Oker Valley located near the Harz town Goslar, is the most popular climbing destination offering not only experienced climbers but also caters for beginners. The valley promises lots of adventure to the braved hearted. It provides good climbing routes, exciting trekking paths and also canoeing spot by the waterwall of the Oker River.
The HarzBlock guide is recommended for those who would like to go rock climbing in this area. This guide is available in both German and English. For further details please click here.
Water Fun
There are many beautiful lakes and rivers in the Harz region. Amongst the breathtaking nature, lay these lakes and rivers. You will most likely meet many lakes and rivers during your hiking and mountain biking expedition. During the warm summer season, expect somewater fun – swimming, boating, fishing. Alternatively, why not lay out a blanket by the lake and enjoy the nice sunshine.
Some rivers such as the Oker river caters for canoeing. In general, one can participate in water sports in the lakes within the area. However, these activities will vary accordingly to the lakes.
As the area receives abundant rainfall, many dams have been built to cope with the rainfall.
The Harz region promises endless breathtaking sights and tranquility. There are various ways to enjoy the scenic views – walking, hiking, mountain biking, quading or just relaxing indoors in our holiday homes whilst relishing the wonderful nature. Within the Harz, there are so many towns which provides different types of activities and excursions.
There is always something to do with friends and family. Additionally, due to the ample rainfall that the area receives, there are many dams and lakes which you can enjoy within the Harz region
What’s more, the area consists of many towns which provides cultural experiences. For up-to-date events, please visit our Events page. There is always something new to do and experience during your stay in the Harz.
Winter is a beautiful time of the year in the Harz. It is the perfect place to go for a quiet relaxing retreat. There are several ski course within the Harz region.
Moreover, with vast area and land, cross country skiing and Nordic skiing are very popular winter activities in this area. Other popular sports includes sledging and toboggans. There are many things to do not just for the adults but also for the young ones.
| Course | Length & Height | Difficulty Level | Address | Parking Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lerbach Ski Course | L: 302m, H: 103m | Beginners to Advanced | An der Mühlwiese, 37520 Osterode, Ortsteil Lerbach | Free Parking |
| Zellerfelder Ski Course | L: 296m, H: 56m | Beginners | Spieglthalerstrasse, 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld | Free Parking |
| Torfhaus Ski and Toboggan Course | L: 300-400m, H: 76m | Beginners to Advanced | Lies between Braunlage and Bad Harzburg | Free Parking |
| Area | Ski Trails | Type & Length | Difficulty Level | Entry Points | Parking Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clausthal-Zellerfeld | Spiegelthal | Circuit, 9km | Middle | Spiegelthaler Straße Schützenplatz Zellerfeld | Free Parking |
| Clausthal-Zellerfeld | Ringelhalder | Circuit (lighted), 2km | Light | Sportplatz Ringelhalde Zellerfeld Parkplätze | Free Parking |
| Clausthal-Zellerfeld | Clausthal-Butenbock | Ski Trail, 3,5km | Light | Kurpark Butenbock Schützenplatz Clausthal | Free Parking Inside Butenbock |
| Butenbock | Kurpark | Circuit (lighted), 5km | Light | Dorfgemeinschaftshaus | Free Parking Inside Butenbock |
| Butenbock | Butenböcker Wanderloipe Ziegenbergloipe | 5km | Light-Middle | by the sports hall (gymnasium) Am Brink 11 38678 Buntenbock | Free Parking Inside Butenbock |
| Hahnenklee | Großloipe | Circuit, 15km | Middle-Hard | Hotel "Der Waldgarten" | Free Parking |
During the winter season, let the young ones enjoy some winter fun. The Harz region is not too crowded, making it the perfect place for those who appreciates more space and less queues. Let the young ones enjoy:
- Playing with Snow
- Building Snow Men
- Fun with Sledge and Toboggan
- Attend Skiing classes
There is much to do!
While enjoying your holiday in the Harz, why not make some time for some pampering moments. What better way than to reward yourself with some body loving time. There are many places that caters for sauna, massage & spa, thermal bath/spring and swimming pools.
The German way of sauna is truly a refreshing experience to relax and unwind the muscles and nerves . The benefits of sauna is undeniable during the cold winter seasons, as it maintains a good general health during this season and also ensures that we feel energised and refreshed. To maximise the benefits of sauna, follow each sauna session with a very cold shower.
The following are some popular places :