Introduction
Wernigerode, known as "the colourful town of the Harz Mountains," is a picturesque destination located on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains in Germany. This charming town is renowned for its well-preserved historic centre featuring lavishly restored half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Dominated by the majestic Wernigerode Castle, which was originally a medieval fortress dating back to the 12th century, the town offers visitors a glimpse into 800 years of history. Wernigerode received its town charter in 1229 and developed as a significant trading hub. Today, with a population of over 32,000, it serves as an ideal base for exploring the Harz region, whether by the historic steam-powered Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, hiking trails, or road. The town experiences a temperate oceanic climate, making it suitable for visits year-round, though May to September is considered the best time to visit.
Interesting Facts about Wernigerode
- Wernigerode Castle began as a 12th-century hilltop fortress before being transformed into a prime example of North German historicism during the 19th century.
- The town is nicknamed "the colourful town of the Harz Mountains" due to its lavishly restored medieval half-timbered houses with vibrant façades.
- Wernigerode's Town Hall, built in 1420, is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful examples of half-timbered architecture with intricate Renaissance carvings.
- It houses Germany’s first centre for 19th-century art and history within Wernigerode Castle, established in 1998.
- The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, originating from Wernigerode, form Germany’s longest narrow-gauge network and steam up to Brocken peak – the highest in the Harz Mountains.
- Christianental Wildlife Park combines historic castle gardens with a family-friendly animal enclosure near the town centre.
- Wernigerode’s Miniature Park "Kleiner Harz" features scale models of regional landmarks like Brocken Mountain and Harz Railway.
- The Krummel’sche House showcases a rare 17th-century wooden façade completely covered in elaborate carvings.
- As part of East Germany until reunification, the town underwent significant restoration to preserve its medieval character post-1990.
- Wernigerode hosts the only ski lift in the eastern Harz region, offering winter sports opportunities against a historic backdrop.
History
Wernigerode traces its roots back to 1121, when it was first mentioned in historical records as the seat of Count Adalbert of Haimar, who became known as the Count of Wernigerode. The settlement was granted town rights on 17 April 1229, modelled after those of Goslar. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Wernigerode flourished economically through trade in cloth, beer, and brandy, with thriving marketplaces and craftsmen's guilds establishing the town's prosperity.
The castle that dominates Wernigerode's skyline began as a medieval fortress in the early 12th century, serving as a secure stopover for German emperors during hunting trips to the Harz region. Throughout its history, the castle underwent numerous transformations—expanding in late Gothic style in the late 15th century, becoming a Renaissance fortress in the 16th century, and suffering damage during the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century. Count Ernst zu Stolberg-Wernigerode began reconstructing it into a baroque residence in the late 17th century. The most significant renovation occurred between 1862 and 1885 under Count Otto zu Stolberg-Wernigerode, transforming it into an impressive representation of North-German historicism.
Following the Napoleonic Wars in 1815, Wernigerode became part of the Prussian Province of Saxony, and the 19th century brought industrial development with the arrival of railways in 1872 and the founding of the Hasseröder brewery. After World War II, the town found itself in East Germany, positioned very close to the inner German border. Since German reunification in 1990, Wernigerode has been part of the restored state of Saxony-Anhalt and has dedicated itself to preserving its historical buildings and charm. Today, the town is known for its picturesque half-timbered houses in bright colours, which earned it the nickname "colourful town".
Main Attractions
Historic Town Centre
Wernigerode Marktplatz
The market square forms the vibrant heart of Wernigerode, serving as both a historical focal point and a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. This expansive square is framed by a collection of colourful half-timbered buildings that exemplify the town's distinctive architectural character. Each structure features unique decorative elements, from intricate wooden carvings to elaborate façade paintings, creating a visually stunning ensemble.
The market square has been the centre of civic life in Wernigerode for centuries, hosting markets, festivals, and public gatherings. Its cobblestone surface and traditional layout have remained largely unchanged over time, allowing visitors to experience the square much as it would have appeared to residents hundreds of years ago. Throughout the year, the square comes alive with seasonal events, including a traditional Christmas market that transforms the space into a winter wonderland.
Wernigerode Town Hall
The Town Hall of Wernigerode stands as one of the most remarkable examples of medieval civic architecture in northern Germany. Constructed in 1420, this imposing structure combines practical functionality with artistic excellence. Its distinctive features include soaring towers that punctuate the skyline, Renaissance bay windows that project outward from the main façade, and exquisite stained glass windows that filter light into the interior spaces.
The building's history reflects the evolving needs of the town. Originally serving as a court house and playhouse for the counts of Wernigerode, it was donated to the town in 1427. In 1530, it underwent a significant transformation to become the official town hall, adopting its current appearance as a late Gothic half-timbered building. The exterior is adorned with an intricate entrance portal that welcomes visitors, while inside, historical frescoes depict scenes from the town's past.
Particularly noteworthy are the wooden sculptures that decorate the building's exterior. These detailed carvings represent various figures from medieval society, including craftsmen practising their trades, jesters providing entertainment, and saints offering spiritual protection. Each figure was carved with remarkable attention to detail, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the period and providing a visual record of daily life in medieval Wernigerode.
Notable Historic Houses
Wernigerode's town centre is distinguished by several unique historic buildings that showcase the diversity of the town's architectural heritage. The Crooked House (Schiefes Haus) leans at a dramatic angle, the result of settling foundations and centuries of structural adaptation. Despite its precarious appearance, the building has stood for generations and now serves as a visual reminder of the town's long history.
The Smallest House (Kleinstes Haus) demonstrates how even the most compact spaces could be transformed into functional dwellings. This tiny structure, with its miniature doorway and windows, offers a fascinating glimpse into historical living conditions and space utilisation in medieval urban settings.
The Oldest House (Ältestes Haus) dates back several centuries and has survived numerous conflicts and changes that have affected the town. Its weathered timbers and traditional construction techniques provide valuable insights into historical building practices and materials.
Perhaps most impressive is the Krummel'sche House, which features a façade entirely covered with intricate wooden carvings. These detailed reliefs depict a variety of scenes and symbols, representing both religious themes and aspects of daily life. The craftsmanship displayed in these carvings represents the pinnacle of woodcarving art during this period.
Wernigerode Castle
Perched majestically above the town, Wernigerode Castle dominates the skyline with its impressive silhouette. Originally constructed as a medieval fortress in the 12th century, the castle has witnessed numerous architectural transformations throughout its long history. In the 15th century, it adopted late Gothic elements, before being converted into a Renaissance fortress in the 16th century. By the late 17th century, it had evolved into a romantic residence castle, showcasing the changing tastes and requirements of its noble inhabitants.
Between 1862 and 1885, the castle underwent a significant historic reconstruction, emerging as one of the leading examples of North-German historicism. This extensive renovation preserved the castle's historical significance while adapting it to contemporary standards of the time.
Today, the castle stands as a testament to over eight centuries of regional history. Visitors can explore nearly 50 meticulously preserved rooms that tell the story of the counts and princes of Wernigerode who once called this magnificent structure home. The castle's interiors feature ornate furnishings, impressive artwork, and historical artefacts that provide insight into aristocratic life throughout different periods.
The castle is complemented by three distinct garden areas—Lustgarten, Tiergarten and Terrassengärten—each offering its own unique landscape design and botanical features. These gardens provide not only a pleasant environment for strolling but also spectacular panoramic views of Wernigerode and the surrounding Harz countryside. Since 1999, the entire complex has been designated as a national cultural monument, recognising its outstanding historical and architectural importance.
Wernigerode Castle Train
The Wernigerode Castle Train provides an enchanting alternative to the uphill walk to the castle, combining practical transportation with a delightful sightseeing experience. This charming road train, designed with aesthetic nods to traditional railway carriages, navigates the winding streets of Wernigerode before ascending the castle hill along a scenic route that offers progressively more impressive views.
The journey begins in the town centre, where passengers board the distinctive yellow carriages. As the train sets off, it passes through historic neighbourhoods, allowing riders to admire the traditional architecture and colourful half-timbered houses from a comfortable seated position. The route has been carefully planned to showcase some of Wernigerode's most picturesque streets and viewpoints that might otherwise be missed by visitors focused solely on reaching the castle.
As the train climbs higher, passengers are treated to expanding panoramas of the town below, with its red-tiled roofs, church spires, and surrounding green hills coming into view. The gradual ascent provides an opportunity to appreciate how the castle's strategic position dominates the landscape, offering insights into why this location was originally chosen for a defensive structure.
The castle train's leisurely pace allows ample time for photography and observation, while the open sides of the carriages ensure unobstructed views throughout the journey. The driver often provides commentary, pointing out notable landmarks and sharing interesting historical anecdotes that enrich the experience. Upon reaching the castle, passengers disembark just a short walk from the entrance, perfectly positioned to begin their exploration of this magnificent structure.
Harz Narrow Gauge Railways
The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways represent an engineering marvel and a living museum of railway history. With 140.4 kilometres of track, this network constitutes the longest narrow-gauge railway system in Germany. The railway connects numerous towns throughout the Harz region, serving both as a practical transportation option and a popular tourist attraction.
What makes this railway system particularly remarkable is its continued use of traditional technology. Many trains are still hauled by steam locomotives, primarily 1950s vintage 2-10-2 tank engines that puff and whistle their way through the picturesque landscape. These powerful machines pull traditional open-platform bogie carriages, allowing passengers to experience rail travel as it was in a bygone era.
The railway's routes feature some of the most challenging and scenic terrain in the region. Steep gradients require exceptional engineering solutions, while the tracks wind through forests, across meadows, and alongside streams, offering constantly changing vistas. The rhythmic sound of the steam engines, combined with the scent of coal smoke and the gentle rocking of the carriages, creates a multisensory journey through both space and time.
The most celebrated route is the line that climbs to the summit of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains. This journey takes passengers from the valley floor up to an elevation of 1,142 metres, offering increasingly spectacular views as the train ascends. The railway's ability to operate in all seasons, including the snowy winter months when the mountain is transformed into a glistening white landscape, makes it a year-round attraction that showcases the changing beauty of the Harz region.
Hasseröder Holiday Park
The Hasseröder Holiday Park represents a modern complement to Wernigerode's historical attractions, offering recreational facilities designed for relaxation and family entertainment. This comprehensive leisure complex provides a welcome change of pace for visitors who wish to balance cultural sightseeing with more active pursuits.
At the heart of the holiday park is its extensive aquatic centre, featuring a large adventure pool that caters to swimmers of all ages and abilities. Multiple swimming areas offer everything from gentle leisure swimming to more energetic activities. The pool complex includes exciting water slides that range from gentle curves suitable for younger children to more thrilling options that appeal to teenagers and adventure-seeking adults. The thoughtfully designed water features, including fountains, whirlpools, and artificial currents, create varied aquatic experiences within a single facility.
For those seeking relaxation rather than activity, the wellness and sauna area provides a tranquil retreat. This section features different types of saunas and steam rooms, each offering specific therapeutic benefits. Relaxation areas with comfortable loungers allow guests to rest between sauna sessions, while optional treatments such as massages and beauty therapies provide additional pampering opportunities.
The holiday park's bowling and skittles centre offers yet another recreational option. Modern bowling lanes equipped with automatic scoring systems cater to both casual players and more serious enthusiasts. Traditional German skittles lanes provide an opportunity to try this historical variation of bowling that remains popular throughout the region.
Families with younger children particularly appreciate the indoor play world, a weatherproof attraction that ensures entertainment regardless of outdoor conditions. This extensive play area features climbing structures, slides, ball pits, and interactive games designed to engage children's imaginations and physical abilities. Comfortable seating areas allow parents to relax while maintaining visual contact with their playing children.
Top Museums
Harzmuseum
Centrally located in Wernigerode's charming town centre, the Harzmuseum offers a comprehensive introduction to the natural and cultural heritage of the Harz region. Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the museum brings to life the diverse wildlife, traditional customs, and folk traditions that have shaped the identity of this distinctive area. Visitors can explore displays featuring taxidermy specimens of local animals in naturalistic settings, traditional costumes worn during regional celebrations, and artefacts related to mining—an industry that historically defined the economic landscape of the Harz. The museum also delves into local legends and folklore, including tales of witches and supernatural beings that are deeply ingrained in the cultural consciousness of the region. Interactive elements and multimedia presentations enhance the educational experience, making the Harzmuseum engaging for visitors of all ages.
Kleinstes Haus (Smallest House)
The Kleinstes Haus stands as a remarkable socio-historical cultural monument in Wernigerode, captivating visitors with its extraordinarily diminutive dimensions. This tiny folk museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the living conditions experienced by the poorer inhabitants of Wernigerode during the late 18th century. Even individuals of modest height must duck their heads to enter this miniature dwelling, creating a truly unique architectural experience that transports visitors back in time. The house serves as a poignant reminder of historical social stratification and provides valuable insights into everyday life during this period. The carefully preserved interior furnishings and household items paint a vivid picture of the challenging living conditions faced by less fortunate residents of this charming German town.
Museum für Luftfahrt und Technik (Museum of Aviation and Technology)
Aviation enthusiasts and technology buffs alike will be enthralled by the expansive Museum für Luftfahrt und Technik. Spanning approximately 6,000 square metres across four spacious exhibition halls, this comprehensive museum showcases an impressive collection of 50 meticulously restored aircraft and helicopters. The exhibits trace the fascinating evolution of aviation technology through the decades, offering visitors an educational journey through the history of human flight. A particularly striking feature is the full-sized Transall aircraft dramatically positioned atop the museum's roof, serving as both a landmark and a testament to engineering ingenuity. The museum also houses an extensive collection of aviation memorabilia, technical documents, and interactive displays that provide context to the magnificent flying machines on display.
The Miniature Park "Kleiner Harz"
The Miniature Park "Kleiner Harz" offers a unique perspective on the region's architectural and cultural heritage through meticulously crafted scale models. Located within Wernigerode's public park, this attraction presents the entire Harz region in miniature form, allowing visitors to "tour" the area's most significant landmarks in a single afternoon.
The park features 60 exquisitely detailed miniature reconstructions of the Harz region's most famous sites, all built to a precise scale of 1:25. These models represent months, sometimes years, of painstaking research and craftsmanship. Each structure has been recreated with remarkable attention to detail, from the imposing Kaiserpfalz Goslar with its imperial grandeur to the soaring spires of Halberstadt Cathedral and the romantic silhouette of Wernigerode Castle itself.
What sets this miniature park apart is the thoughtful integration of these architectural models into a landscaped environment that replicates the topography of the Harz region. The miniatures are arranged within a carefully designed setting that includes scaled-down trees, representative mountain formations, authentic-looking boulders, and miniature creek beds. This comprehensive approach creates not just a collection of individual models but a cohesive representation of how these landmarks relate to their natural surroundings and to each other geographically.
As visitors follow the pathways through this miniaturised world, they gain a unique bird's-eye perspective on the architectural diversity and historical development of the region. Information panels accompany each model, providing historical context and architectural details that enhance appreciation of both the original structures and the craftsmanship involved in their reproduction. The park offers a particularly valuable overview for visitors planning their exploration of the full-sized attractions, helping them to understand the geographical relationships between different sites and to prioritise their itinerary.
Feuerwehrmuseum (Fire Brigade Museum)
The specialised Feuerwehrmuseum offers a compelling journey through the evolution of firefighting practices and technologies in the Wernigerode region. Housing an impressive collection of historical firefighting equipment, vehicles, and uniforms, this museum chronicles the development of fire safety measures from rudimentary beginnings to modern sophisticated systems. Visitors can examine antique fire engines, hand-operated pumps, and early alarm systems that illustrate the ingenuity of past generations in combating the ever-present threat of fire. The museum also pays tribute to the brave individuals who have served in the fire brigade throughout the centuries, highlighting their contributions to community safety. Personal accounts, photographs, and memorabilia bring to life the dramatic stories of significant fires and rescues that have shaped the town's history, creating an educational experience that combines technical information with human interest.
Museum Schiefes Haus (Crooked House Museum)
Perhaps one of Wernigerode's most unusual cultural attractions, the Museum Schiefes Haus offers visitors a truly disorienting experience that challenges one's perception and sense of balance. Housed in a distinctively tilted building that seems to defy the laws of physics, this unique museum creates an environment where straight lines appear curved and water seems to flow uphill. The crooked architecture is not merely a gimmick but serves as an educational tool, illustrating principles of physics and human perception in an engaging, hands-on manner. Beyond its architectural peculiarities, the museum contains exhibits related to local history and craftsmanship, displayed within the context of this perceptually challenging space. The combination of historical information and physical experience makes the Museum Schiefes Haus particularly memorable, offering insights that engage both mind and body as visitors navigate its slanted floors and tilted doorways.
Nationalpark-Besucherzentrum Brockenhaus
Perched majestically at the summit of the Brocken in the picturesque Harz region, the Nationalpark-Besucherzentrum Brockenhaus serves a dual purpose as both an informative museum and the official visitor centre for the Harz National Park. This institution offers comprehensive exhibits detailing the rich biodiversity and unique ecological systems found within the national park. Visitors can explore displays about local flora and fauna, geological formations, and conservation efforts. Additionally, the centre provides thought-provoking historical exhibits chronicling Germany's division, as the Brocken summit once stood directly on the border between East and West Germany. The panoramic views from this elevated location complement the educational experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty that the museum works to protect and explain.
Local Cuisine
The region's cuisine is characterised by hearty, rustic dishes that showcase the bounty of the lush forests and rivers. Game features prominently on local menus, with specialties like game goulash, roast venison and deer reflecting the hunting traditions of the area. From the waters come delicacies such as Harz brown trout 'Müllerin Art', whilst the infamous Harzer cheese, known for its distinctive aroma and high protein content, was once a staple for local miners. Traditional miners' meals called Tscherperessen typically consisted of cheese, sausage, lard and bread. The region also boasts a proud brewing tradition, with Hasseröder Premium Pils and Schierker Feuerstein being world-famous local brands. For those with a sweet tooth, homemade tarts are a delightful afternoon treat. Modern restaurants like Gaststuben Gothischen Haus honour these traditions whilst adding creative contemporary touches, often using ingredients from regional suppliers such as Brockenbauer Thielecke and Westerhäuser Käsehof dairy to create dishes that truly capture the essence of the Harz region.
Shopping
The historic town centre features locally-run shops selling souvenirs, arts and crafts, and regional specialities. While not considered a noteworthy shopping destination compared to cities like Heidelberg, visitors can explore the KaiserPassage shopping mall in the historic centre, which houses various stores selling clothes, groceries, and other products. For Finnish products and Nordic specialities, Little Finland shop on Burgstraße 28 is open Monday to Friday from 14:00-18:00 and Saturday from 13:00-17:00. Most shops accept card payments, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting small shops and local markets where card payment might not be available. Note that many local businesses close early on Saturdays and remain closed on Sundays, reflecting the town's traditional lifestyle.
Nature in and around Wernigerode
Wernigerode and its surroundings offer a wealth of natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is nestled within the Harz National Park, which boasts an extensive network of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Notable features include ancient spruce forests, misty moors, and crystal-clear mountain streams. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including red deer, wild boars, and the reintroduced lynx. Nearby, the Brocken, the highest peak in northern Germany, can be reached via the historic Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, offering panoramic views of the region. The Oderteich reservoir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combines natural beauty with industrial history. For those interested in geological formations, the Rabenklippe and Hamburger Wappen (part of the Teufelsmauer) provide impressive rock formations with stunning vistas. Within the town itself, the Bürgerpark and Christianental Wildlife Park offer pleasant green spaces for relaxation and animal encounters.
Brocken
The Brocken stands as the undisputed monarch of the Harz mountain range, reaching an impressive height of 1,142 metres above sea level. This granite peak has played a significant role in both the natural history and cultural mythology of the region for centuries. Its summit offers visitors expansive panoramic views that, on clear days, extend far across the northern German landscape.
The mountain's unique climate creates distinctive ecological conditions that support rare plant species, including alpine and sub-arctic flora that would typically be found much further north. This botanical diversity has made the Brocken an important site for scientific study since the 18th century. The mountain's upper reaches feature a characteristic landscape of windswept plateau vegetation, twisted dwarf trees, and exposed rock formations that create an almost otherworldly environment.
Throughout history, the Brocken has inspired numerous legends and literary works. Perhaps most famously, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe set a key scene from his masterpiece "Faust" on the mountain, describing the supernatural Walpurgis Night celebrations said to take place on its summit. This literary connection has cemented the Brocken's place in German cultural heritage and continues to draw visitors interested in both natural beauty and cultural significance.
Today, the mountain is part of the Harz National Park, ensuring the preservation of its unique ecosystem. Numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty lead to the summit, allowing visitors to experience the mountain's changing character as they ascend through different vegetation zones. Whether shrouded in its characteristic mist or bathed in sunshine, the Brocken offers a profound connection to the natural world and the geological forces that have shaped this ancient landscape.
Christianental Wildlife Park
Nestled in a verdant valley just a short distance from Wernigerode Castle, Christianental Wildlife Park provides a tranquil retreat where visitors can observe native wildlife in naturalistic settings. This 17.8-acre park has been thoughtfully designed to balance the needs of its animal residents with the educational and recreational requirements of human visitors.
The park focuses primarily on species indigenous to the Harz region, offering an opportunity to observe animals that might be difficult to spot in the wild. Enclosures have been created to mimic natural habitats, providing the animals with environments that encourage natural behaviours while allowing visitors clear viewing opportunities. Among the residents are deer, wild boar, lynx, and various bird species, each representing an important component of the local ecosystem.
Christianental's layout incorporates existing landscape features, including mature trees, natural slopes, and a flowing stream that adds both scenic beauty and ecological diversity to the park. Winding pathways guide visitors through different sections, with informational signage providing insights into the biology, behaviour, and conservation status of the featured species.
The park's natural setting, with its mixture of open meadows and shaded woodland areas, creates a pleasant microclimate that makes it an enjoyable destination throughout the year. In spring, visitors can witness new life as young animals make their first appearances; summer brings lush vegetation and active wildlife; autumn transforms the park with spectacular foliage colours; and winter offers the chance to see how native species adapt to colder conditions.
Getting There & Around
Wernigerode is easily accessible from all directions by various transport options. You can reach this charming town by train via Deutsche Bahn and ABELLIO Rail from cities like Hanover, Braunschweig, Magdeburg, and Leipzig/Halle. If driving, take the A36 motorway with exits at "Wernigerode Nord" or "Wernigerode Zentrum". Coach services including FlixBus connect Wernigerode to major German cities. Once in town, getting around is delightfully convenient. The HATIX ticket (included with your accommodation's tourism tax) offers free travel on public buses throughout the Harz Mountains. For a nostalgic experience, ride the historic Harz Narrow Gauge Railway (HSB) which connects the town centre to attractions like the Brocken mountain. The Wernigeröder Schlossbahn, a motorised train running every 30 minutes, provides an easy ascent to Wernigerode Castle with audio guidance (offering free return journeys from stops like "Anger", "Alte Kapelle", and "Breite Straße"). The town centre is pedestrian-friendly, with Breite Strasse being a delightful car-free street perfect for exploring the town's elaborately-carved wooden homes, restaurants, and shops at a leisurely pace.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Wernigerode is from late spring to early autumn, specifically from May to September. During this period, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The town's picturesque charm is enhanced by blooming flowers in spring and beautiful fall foliage in autumn. Summertime, from June to August, offers longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, but can attract more tourists, leading to crowded attractions and higher accommodation rates. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting in May or September when you can enjoy good weather with fewer crowds. Additionally, Wernigerode hosts several notable events during this time, such as the Wernigerode Castle Festival in early summer, which features classical music performances in a stunning historical setting.
