Introduction
Goslar, a thousand-year-old town nestled on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains in Germany, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich history and well-preserved medieval architecture. Founded in the 10th century, this former imperial city boasts an impressive array of cultural treasures, including approximately 1,500 half-timbered houses dating from the 15th to 19th centuries, the Romanesque Imperial Palace, and the historic Rammelsberg Mine. The old town, largely surrounded by former defensive structures and green spaces, reflects the economic importance of mining in the region, with its layout and buildings showcasing the mutual balance of technical, social, and economic developments over a millennium of historical mining. Visitors to Goslar can explore its charming market square, numerous museums, churches, and the Upper Harz Water Management System, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history, culture, and picturesque German towns.
Interesting Facts about Goslar
- Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts over 1,500 medieval half-timbered houses in its impeccably preserved old town.
- The Rammelsberg Mine, operational for over 1,000 years, was Europe's primary copper source during the Middle Ages.
- Holy Roman Emperors used Goslar's imperial palace as their northern residence for 300 years, making it a key political centre.
- Heinrich Heine famously mocked Goslar's cobblestone streets as "bumpy as Berlin hexameters" during his 1824 visit.
- The town's distinctive Gose beer takes its name from the local river that powered historic breweries.
- Goslar miraculously survived WWII bombing intact, preserving architecture spanning Romanesque to Renaissance styles.
- Visitors can hear a 27-bell carillon depicting mining history four times daily on the Marktplatz's historic guildhall.
- Napoleonic-era reforms led to the controversial demolition of Goslar's 11th-century cathedral in 1822.
- The town's wealth funded 47 churches and monasteries, earning it the nickname "Rome of the North".
- Goslar awards the prestigious Kaiserring art prize annually, considered the "Nobel Prize of the art world".
History
Founded in 922 CE to protect the silver mines discovered in the Rammelsberg mountain, the town quickly gained prominence when Emperor Henry II declared it an imperial city in 1009. Under the Salian dynasty, particularly Henry III, Goslar flourished as a favoured imperial residence; during his 17-year reign, Henry III held court in Goslar 18 times, often for several months. The impressive Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz), constructed between 1040 and 1050, served as a central meeting place for the Reichstag, and the town became known as the "Rome of the North" due to its 47 churches, chapels and monasteries.
The medieval period saw Goslar develop into a powerful free imperial city. In 1267, it joined the Hanseatic League, and by 1290, the council had obtained advocacy rights, confirming Goslar's status as a free imperial city. The town's economy thrived on mining in the Upper Harz, commerce and trade in Gose beer, slate and vitriol. However, conflicts with the Welf Dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg emerged, particularly when Duke Henry V seized the Rammelsberg mines in 1527, leading to decades of feuding. Despite these challenges, Goslar remained loyal to imperial authority, though it gradually decreased in importance and fell into debt, prompting Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to describe it as "an Imperial city rotted in and with its privileges" during his visit in 1777.
Goslar's imperial status was finally lost when Prussian forces annexed it during the Napoleonic Wars in 1802. After changing hands several times between Prussia, the Kingdom of Westphalia, and the Kingdom of Hanover, it ultimately returned to Prussian rule following the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. During this period, Goslar became a popular retirement residence and garrison town, while the Hohenzollern kings and emperors restored the Imperial Palace. Remarkably, the historic town escaped strategic bombing during World War II and has preserved its medieval charm. Today, Goslar stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved old town, half-timbered guild houses, and the Rammelsberg mine—the only mine in the world that operated continuously for over a thousand years.
Main Attractions
Old Town
The historic Old Town of Goslar stands as one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. This remarkable urban landscape features approximately 1,500 well-preserved half-timbered houses dating from the 15th to 19th centuries, creating a living museum of architectural styles spanning five centuries.
The narrow, winding cobblestone streets follow their original medieval layout, inviting visitors to wander through history. Each turn reveals ornately decorated façades with intricate wood carvings, colourful paint schemes, and distinctive regional building techniques. Particularly noteworthy are the buildings along Bergstraße, Worthstraße, and Schreiberstraße, where some of the finest examples of half-timbered craftsmanship can be found.
The Old Town's skyline is punctuated by church spires and the towers of the former city fortifications, creating a picturesque panorama that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The preservation of this medieval urban structure, complete with its original street patterns, squares, and building plots, makes Goslar's Old Town an exceptional example of a European trading and mining settlement.
Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz)
The Imperial Palace, constructed between 1040 and 1050 under Emperor Henry III, stands as the most significant secular building from the early Romanesque period in Germany. This imposing sandstone structure served as a residence for German emperors for over 200 years and was a centre of imperial power during the Salian dynasty.
The palace's most impressive feature is its Imperial Hall (Reichssaal), one of the largest secular halls from the Middle Ages, measuring 40 metres long and 15 metres wide. The walls of this grand space are adorned with enormous murals painted in the late 19th century depicting scenes from Germanic mythology and the history of the Holy Roman Empire. These paintings, completed over a twenty-year period, illustrate the lineage of emperors back to Charlemagne and reflect the nationalistic sentiments of the German Empire.
Adjacent to the main building stands the Romanesque Chapel of St. Ulrich, where the heart of Emperor Henry III is entombed beneath a memorial stone. The palace complex also includes an exhibition on imperial history, displaying artefacts and explaining the significance of Goslar in medieval politics. The architectural details of the building, including its round-arched windows, decorative capitals, and massive stone walls, exemplify the Romanesque style and demonstrate the power and prestige of the imperial court.
Market Square
The Market Square (Marktplatz) forms the vibrant heart of Goslar and has served as the city's commercial and social centre since medieval times. This expansive rectangular space is surrounded by some of the town's most impressive historic buildings, creating an architectural ensemble of exceptional quality.
Dominating the square is the magnificent Town Hall (Rathaus), a complex of buildings developed between the 12th and 16th centuries. Its façade features a series of Gothic arches on the ground floor, while the upper levels display ornate Renaissance elements. The eastern wing, known as the Huldigungssaal (Homage Hall), contains remarkable 15th-century frescoes depicting emperors, biblical scenes, and allegorical figures.
On the northern side of the square stands the Kaiserworth, a guild house of cloth merchants built in the early 16th century. Its striking red façade is adorned with statues of eight German emperors, intricate reliefs, and ornamental elements that exemplify the wealth and importance of Goslar's merchant class. Today, the building houses a hotel and restaurant while maintaining its historical character.
The centrepiece of the square is the Marktbrunnen (Market Fountain), topped with a golden eagle—the symbol of imperial power and of Goslar itself. The fountain basin, created in 1546, is made of bronze and features ornate Gothic tracery. At regular intervals throughout the day (9:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00), a carillon plays while mechanical figures enact the legend of Knight Ramm discovering the silver vein that led to Goslar's prosperity.
Upper Harz Water Management System
The Upper Harz Water Management System represents one of the most impressive pre-industrial energy supply systems ever created. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010 as an extension of the Rammelsberg site, this vast network of dams, reservoirs, ditches, and underground waterways was developed from the 16th to the 19th century to power the region's mining operations.
The system includes more than 100 artificial ponds, 500 kilometres of ditches, and 30 kilometres of underground waterways that collected and channelled rainwater and snowmelt from the Harz Mountains to drive water wheels for mining operations. This ingenious system allowed mines to operate regardless of local water availability and represents a remarkable achievement in early hydraulic engineering.
The Oberharzer Wasserregal, as it is known in German, features various types of dams constructed using different historical techniques. The oldest examples use simple earth and stone construction, while later dams incorporate more sophisticated engineering principles. Many of the ponds are still maintained today and form an integral part of the region's landscape and ecology.
Particularly noteworthy are the Oderteich Reservoir, built between 1714 and 1721 as the first dam in Germany designed to withstand water pressure; the Hirschler Teich, with its distinctive zigzag spillway; and the Polsterberger Hubhaus, a pumping station that used water power to lift water over a ridge to supply mines on the other side.
Market Church (Marktkirche)
The Market Church, dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, has dominated Goslar's skyline since the 12th century. This Romanesque basilica features twin towers that rise symmetrically above the Old Town, serving as a landmark visible from throughout the city.
The church's exterior displays the characteristic features of Romanesque architecture, with round-arched windows, blind arcades, and minimal decoration emphasising the solidity and permanence of the structure. The north portal, known as the Stecklenburger Portal, contains intricate stone carvings depicting biblical scenes and is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque sculpture in Lower Saxony.
Inside, the three-aisled basilica preserves its original spatial arrangement despite later modifications. The nave is separated from the side aisles by massive round arches supported by alternating pillars and columns. The church houses several important artistic treasures, including a 13th-century baptismal font made of bronze, a late Gothic winged altarpiece, and a baroque pulpit dating from 1581.
Of particular note is the astronomical clock from 1561, which not only displays the time but also tracks the movements of the sun and moon and the progression of the zodiac. The church's acoustics make it a popular venue for concerts, particularly organ recitals on its impressive Baroque instrument.
Frankenberg Church
The Frankenberg Church, dedicated to St. Peter and Paul, stands in what was once the miners' quarter of Goslar. Built in the 12th century and extensively renovated in the 14th century, this church combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements in a harmonious whole.
The church's most distinctive feature is its western tower with a copper-covered spire that creates a striking silhouette against the backdrop of the Harz Mountains. The exterior stonework shows the evolution of architectural styles, with the older Romanesque sections displaying simpler forms while the Gothic additions feature more elaborate decoration.
Inside, the church preserves a remarkable collection of medieval art, including a 13th-century crucifix, Gothic wall paintings, and a carved wooden altar from the early 16th century. The choir stalls, dating from 1480, feature intricate carvings of saints and biblical scenes, demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship in late medieval Goslar.
The Frankenberg Church has a special connection to the mining community, reflected in various decorative elements that incorporate mining symbols and in the miners' guild coat of arms displayed prominently within the building. This connection makes the church an important monument to Goslar's identity as a mining town and to the religious life of the working community that formed the backbone of the local economy for centuries.
Goslar's Fortifications and City Gates
Although much of Goslar's medieval defensive system has been lost over the centuries, significant elements remain that allow visitors to understand the once-formidable fortifications that protected this wealthy imperial city. The defensive system originally included a city wall with numerous towers, a moat, and several fortified gates controlling access to the city.
The Breite Tor (Broad Gate) is the best-preserved of Goslar's former city gates. Dating from the 15th century, this imposing structure features a central archway flanked by two round towers. The gate house contains multiple storeys with small windows that served as observation posts and positions for defenders. The exterior façade facing away from the city is more heavily fortified, while the interior side facing the city displays more decorative architectural elements.
Along Wallstraße, visitors can see substantial sections of the original city wall, which once encircled the entire Old Town. These remnants demonstrate the construction techniques used in medieval defensive architecture, with a core of rubble stone faced with more carefully dressed blocks. At regular intervals along the preserved sections, the foundations of former watchtowers can be identified.
The Charnel House (Beinhaus) near the Frankenberg Church was originally part of the defensive system before being repurposed as an ossuary in the late medieval period. Its thick walls and strategic position reveal its initial military function within the city's defences.
These remaining elements of Goslar's fortifications provide insight into medieval urban defence strategies and reflect the city's historical importance as a centre of power and wealth that required substantial protection.
Zwinger Tower
The Zwinger Tower stands as the most impressive remnant of Goslar's medieval fortifications. Constructed in 1517, this massive round tower with walls up to 6.5 metres thick served as both a defensive structure and a prison for the city's most dangerous criminals.
Rising 20 metres high with a diameter of 26 metres, the tower's imposing dimensions reflect its dual purpose as a deterrent to potential attackers and as an inescapable detention facility. The interior contains several floors connected by narrow staircases, with the lower levels housing the notorious prison cells where conditions were deliberately harsh.
The tower's architecture represents the transition from medieval to Renaissance military design, incorporating features to withstand artillery attacks while maintaining traditional defensive elements. The thick sandstone walls are punctuated by embrasures for cannons and smaller firearms, demonstrating the adaptation of fortifications to changing warfare technology.
From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Goslar and the surrounding Harz Mountains, appreciating the strategic position that made this location important for the city's defence. The structure's excellent state of preservation provides insight into 16th-century military architecture and urban defence systems.
Top Museums
Goslar Museum
A Treasure Trove of Local History
Located in a former monastery curia from 1514, the Goslar Museum offers an extensive collection on the city's history, art, geology, and mineralogy. The building itself is a remarkable example of late Gothic architecture, with its impressive façade and intricate stone carvings that hint at the treasures within. As you step through its doors, you are immediately transported through centuries of Goslar's fascinating past.
The museum's crown jewel is undoubtedly the Krodo Altar, a unique bronze altar from the early 12th century. This remarkable piece is considered the only metal church altar from the Romantic era still in existence and showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of medieval artisans. The intricate detailing and symbolic imagery provide a window into the religious practices and artistic sensibilities of the period.
Equally impressive are the Goslar Gospels, a beautifully ornamented 13th-century manuscript with its original binding intact. The delicate illuminations and calligraphy demonstrate the painstaking dedication of monastic scribes, while the preserved binding offers rare insight into medieval bookmaking techniques.
The museum also houses an extensive coin collection featuring over 1,000 Goslar coinages, telling the story of the city's economic importance throughout the centuries. The original 14th-century Goslar fountain eagle, a symbol of imperial power, stands as a testament to the city's political significance in medieval Germany.
Beyond these highlights, the museum presents everyday objects from ten centuries of Goslar's history, providing insight into the lives of its inhabitants through the ages. From domestic utensils to trade tools, these artefacts paint a vivid picture of daily life in this historic mining town across different eras.
Imperial Palace Museum (Kaiserpfalz)
The Seat of Imperial Power
The Imperial Palace Museum occupies one of Goslar's most significant historical buildings – the reconstructed palace that served as a residence for Holy Roman Emperors during the 11th and 12th centuries. This imposing Romanesque structure stands as a testament to Goslar's importance as a centre of imperial power during the medieval period.
The palace's great hall, with its impressive dimensions and restored imperial throne, gives visitors a sense of the grandeur that would have greeted medieval dignitaries and courtiers. The scale of the space reflects the emperor's status and the political significance of the imperial assemblies held here. The reconstructed polychrome decorations, based on historical evidence, provide insight into medieval aesthetic sensibilities and how colour was used to enhance architectural features.
The museum houses a remarkable collection of artefacts related to imperial governance and court life. Official seals, documents, and regalia illustrate the administrative functions of the palace and the symbolic trappings of power. These objects help visitors understand how authority was exercised and displayed during the medieval period.
Of particular note is the exhibition on the Goslar Imperial Throne, which explores the symbolic and practical significance of this seat of power. Though the original throne no longer exists, the exhibition uses historical records and comparative examples to explain its likely appearance and function within imperial ceremonies.
The museum also explores the palace's connection to the nearby Rammelsberg mines, which were a primary reason for Goslar's imperial importance. The wealth generated by these silver mines made the town an attractive location for imperial assemblies and contributed to the financing of the palace itself. This economic context helps visitors understand why emperors chose to establish a residence in this particular location.
Tin Figure Museum
Miniature Masterpieces in the Loh Mill
Housed in the historic 16th-century Loh Mill, the Tin Figure Museum is considered Germany's most beautiful pewter figurine museum. The charming half-timbered building creates a fitting backdrop for the miniature wonders contained within. The gentle sound of the mill's waterwheel provides an atmospheric accompaniment as visitors explore the exhibits.
The museum offers a unique perspective on the Harz region's history through intricate dioramas and displays. Each tiny figure is meticulously crafted and painted, bringing historical scenes to life with remarkable detail and accuracy. The attention to historical authenticity extends to the costumes, weapons, and settings depicted in these miniature tableaux.
One of the most impressive exhibits is a large diorama of the Battle of Lutter am Barenberge, featuring about 2,200 characters. This painstakingly detailed recreation allows visitors to appreciate the scale and complexity of this significant 1626 conflict during the Thirty Years' War. The positioning of troops, the battle formations, and even the landscape have been recreated with historical precision.
The museum features interactive exhibits on Goslar's Old Town, Rammelsberg Mine, and the Upper Harz Water Management System, allowing visitors to engage with the region's history in a tangible way. These displays help contextualise the importance of these UNESCO World Heritage sites and their role in shaping the region's development.
For those with a fondness for folklore, the fairy tale exhibition offers a delightful experience where visitors can guess 30 different tales depicted in miniature form. These charming scenes bring to life the rich storytelling tradition of the Harz region, which has inspired countless tales of witches, dwarves, and magical happenings.
Visitors seeking a hands-on experience can try their hand at casting and painting tin figures in the museum's workshop, gaining appreciation for the skill and patience required to create these miniature masterpieces. This interactive element makes the museum particularly appealing to families and those interested in traditional crafts.
World Heritage Site Rammelsberg
A Monument to Mining Heritage
While technically outside the town centre, the Rammelsberg Museum offers a fascinating look into the region's mining history. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents over 1,000 years of continuous mining activity, which only ceased in 1988, making it one of the oldest and most important mining operations in Europe.
The museum complex includes four main buildings: the washhouse, processing plant, power station, and magazine, each preserving different aspects of the mining operation. The industrial architecture itself is impressive, with its functional design reflecting the technological innovations of different periods throughout the mine's long history.
In the washhouse, visitors can see the machinery used to separate ore from rock, with much of the equipment still in its original position. The scale of these industrial processes becomes apparent as you move through the enormous halls filled with conveyor belts, sorting tables, and flotation tanks. The preservation of this industrial heritage in situ provides an authentic glimpse into the working conditions of the mine.
The processing plant demonstrates how the extracted ore was refined and prepared for smelting. Interactive displays explain the complex metallurgical processes involved and how they evolved over centuries. The power station, with its massive generators and control panels, illustrates the enormous energy requirements of mining operations and how they were met using the technology of the time.
The museum offers exhibits on the day-to-day work of the mine and its importance to the region's economy and culture. Personal accounts from former miners bring to life the challenges and camaraderie of this dangerous profession. Artefacts such as tools, safety equipment, and miners' personal belongings provide tangible connections to the individuals who worked in these subterranean environments.
Displays on the development of mining technology showcase how extraction methods evolved from medieval hand tools to industrial machinery. The museum also explores mining traditions, including the distinctive uniforms, ceremonies, and folklore that developed around this profession. These cultural elements highlight how deeply mining was woven into the social fabric of the region.
Museum im Zwinger
Medieval Warfare and Justice in a Historic Tower
Located in a historic 16th-century battery tower, the Museum im Zwinger houses an intriguing collection of medieval weapons and torture tools. The imposing circular stone tower was originally part of Goslar's defensive fortifications and provides an atmospheric setting for exhibits related to medieval warfare and justice.
The thick walls and narrow windows of the tower immediately immerse visitors in the defensive mindset of medieval urban planning. As you climb the spiral staircase, you encounter displays of weapons and armour from medieval times arranged chronologically to show the evolution of military technology. The collection includes swords, halberds, crossbows, and early firearms, demonstrating how combat techniques and defensive strategies developed over centuries.
One of the more unusual aspects of the collection is its display of Japanese helmets, which provides an interesting cross-cultural comparison with European armour designs. The similarities and differences in protective gear highlight both the universal challenges of warfare and the culturally specific solutions developed in different parts of the world.
The museum's collection of lances, javelins, and Roman artillery offers insight into the longer history of weaponry, placing medieval developments within a broader historical context. These exhibits demonstrate how military technology was often conserved and adapted rather than completely reinvented, with design elements persisting across centuries.
Perhaps the most sobering section of the museum deals with medieval justice and torture implements. These exhibits provide a stark reminder of historical approaches to law enforcement and punishment. While potentially disturbing, these displays offer important historical context for understanding medieval attitudes toward crime and justice.
The museum experience culminates with access to a rooftop viewpoint providing spectacular vistas of Goslar's historic centre. From this elevated position, visitors can appreciate the strategic importance of the tower within the city's defences and enjoy panoramic views of the red-tiled roofs, church spires, and surrounding Harz mountains. This perspective helps visitors understand how the city's layout and architecture developed in response to defensive needs and geographical features.
Mönchehaus Museum
Contemporary Art in Historic Surroundings
This museum of modern art is situated in a citizen farmer's house dating back to 1528, creating a fascinating juxtaposition between the historic architecture and the cutting-edge artwork displayed within. The half-timbered exterior gives way to sleek, modern exhibition spaces that have been thoughtfully integrated into the building's original structure.
The Mönchehaus Museum showcases works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Joseph Beuys, Max Ernst, Georg Baselitz, and Eduardo Chilida. The permanent collection represents significant movements in 20th and 21st-century art, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of contemporary artistic expression.
The museum spans three floors, each offering a different perspective on modern art. The ground floor typically houses temporary exhibitions that change regularly, ensuring that repeat visitors always discover something new. The upper floors contain works from the permanent collection, arranged thematically to highlight connections between different artists and movements.
A particular highlight is the sculpture garden, where three-dimensional works are displayed against the backdrop of carefully maintained greenery. This outdoor space allows visitors to appreciate sculptural works in natural light and from multiple angles, enhancing the viewing experience.
The Mönchehaus is perhaps best known for its annual exhibitions featuring works by recipients of Goslar's prestigious "Kaiser Ring" art award. This internationally recognised accolade has been awarded to some of the most influential figures in contemporary art, and the dedicated exhibitions provide insight into their artistic vision and contribution to the field.
The museum also hosts regular lectures, workshops, and educational programmes designed to engage visitors with contemporary art in meaningful ways. These events foster a deeper understanding of modern artistic practices and encourage dialogue about the role of art in society.
Zinnfiguren-Museum im Lohmühle
The Art of Miniature Storytelling
While the Tin Figure Museum has already been mentioned, its extensive collection deserves further exploration. This charming museum is dedicated to the art of pewter miniatures, a craft with deep roots in German cultural tradition. The museum's location in a historic water mill adds to its appeal, with the working waterwheel demonstrating the same power source that would have been used in traditional pewter casting.
The museum's historical dioramas go beyond mere display pieces to become educational tools that bring history to life. The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest exhibit, for example, depicts this pivotal moment in Germanic history with remarkable attention to detail, from the positioning of Roman legionaries to the tactics of Arminius's tribal warriors. These three-dimensional scenes provide a more engaging way to understand historical events than textbooks alone.
The museum's collection extends beyond military scenes to include civilian life, with dioramas depicting medieval markets, traditional crafts, and religious ceremonies. These miniature snapshots of everyday history help visitors understand the social context of different periods and how ordinary people lived their lives outside the grand narratives of kings and battles.
The craft section of the museum demonstrates the techniques used to create these miniature masterpieces. Displays show the progression from raw pewter to finished figure, including mould-making, casting, assembly, and painting. The precision required at each stage highlights the skill of the artisans who create these tiny works of art.
The museum's workshop offers visitors the opportunity to try their hand at painting pre-cast figures, providing a deeper appreciation for the steady hand and keen eye needed for this delicate work. This hands-on experience is particularly popular with younger visitors and helps ensure that interest in this traditional craft continues into future generations.
Local Cuisine
When visiting Goslar, you'll discover a rich culinary heritage that reflects the traditions of Lower Saxony. The town is famous for its Gose beer, a top-fermented local brew available in both light (Hell) and dark (Dunkel) varieties at establishments like Brauhaus Goslar. For a taste of authentic regional fare, try kale with Pinkel sausage or Bregenwurst, traditional dishes that are particularly popular during the colder months. Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the North Sea crabs and fresh fish that feature prominently on local menus. The Harzer cheese, a local specialty with a distinctive flavour, is not to be missed. Many restaurants in Goslar, such as Die Butterhanne in the Market Square, offer hearty German classics like beer goulash with spätzle and red cabbage. For a refined dining experience, visit the historic restaurant Altdeutsche Stuben, housed in the 500-year-old Achtermann Tower, where you can enjoy upscale traditional cuisine and Harz specialties prepared with contemporary flair by talented chefs who combine regional and rediscovered products in classic and imaginative ways.
Shopping
In just one square kilometre, visitors will find approximately 100 shops nestled among medieval architecture. The town boasts the greatest density of restaurants and bars in Lower Saxony, perfect for refreshment breaks whilst shopping. Popular shopping destinations include KaiserPassage, a bustling arcade with an array of colourful stores selling clothing, sporting goods and more. Shoppers can also visit Schloss-Arkaden, a contemporary shopping centre featuring over 150 specialty stores housed in a building with a historic 19th-century façade. For those driving, many shops participate in the City Parken scheme, refunding parking charges. Beyond retail therapy, Goslar offers weekly markets, handicrafts markets and a unique Christmas market and Christmas Forest during the festive season.
Nature in and around Goslar
Goslar offers a wealth of natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is situated on the edge of the Harz Mountains Nature Park, providing easy access to diverse landscapes and hiking trails. Within the park, visitors can explore expansive beech forests, ancient spruce forests, and unique features like rock formations, mountain streams, and moors. The Upper Harz Mountains Water Management System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases an intricate network of dams and ditches. For a unique perspective, the Tree Top Trail allows visitors to experience the Harz forests from above. The nearby Harz National Park is home to various wildlife, including the rare lynx, which can be observed at the lynx viewing enclosure near Bad Harzburg. Within Goslar itself, the Abzucht stream offers a picturesque walkway lined with colourful flower boxes. For those seeking green spaces within the city, Stadtgarten and Kaiserpfalzgarten provide pleasant areas for walking and relaxation.
Getting There & Around
Getting to Goslar is straightforward, with regular train services from major cities including Göttingen, Hanover, Braunschweig, and Halle/Saale running hourly. By car, travellers from western Europe can take the A44/E331 to Kassel and then the A7/E45 towards Hamburg, while those coming from southern Europe should follow the A7/E45 and exit at Seesen, continuing via the B248 and B82 to Goslar. For a more scenic route through the Harz mountains, exit the A7/E45 at Northeim and take the B241 via Osterode and Clausthal-Zellerfeld. Once in Goslar, the compact town centre is easily navigable on foot. For longer distances, the local bus network (lines 801-806) connects the town centre with outlying areas such as Oker, Jürgenohl and Hahnenklee. The HATIX visitor card provides free travel on all public buses and trams in participating municipalities. For a more leisurely exploration, hop aboard the Goslar Tank Engine for guided sightseeing tours, or hire a bicycle from local vendors like Zweirad-Linkhorst for an environmentally friendly way to get around. Dial-a-ride taxis (ALT) are also available for more flexible travel, with a small convenience surcharge of 3€ for one fare zone or 4€ for multiple zones.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Goslar is from May to September when the weather is pleasantly mild and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. During this period, temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C, providing comfortable conditions for exploring the town's historical sites, charming streets, and nearby Harz Mountains. July and August are the warmest months with the most daylight hours, but they also see the highest number of tourists. For a quieter experience with equally delightful weather, consider visiting in late spring or early autumn. September and early October are particularly lovely, as the surrounding foliage begins to change colour, creating a picturesque backdrop for your visit. Additionally, autumn brings the annual Old Town Festival, a vibrant celebration of local culture, music, and cuisine that enhances the overall experience for visitors to this enchanting German town.
