Dense mountain forests, bizarre rocky gullies, mysterious caves, roaring waterfalls... the landscape of the Harz mountains has many guises. Rare plants and animals that you won't come across anywhere else are found here. The shy wild cat, for example, the capercaillie, owls, kingfishers and black storks are still native. Experience unspoilt nature - in the Harz!

The Harz mountains, Germany's most northerly mountain range, is situated in the south of Niedersachsen, stretching into parts of the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.

Deep valleys, mountains with acres and acres of deciduous and coniferous forests and rugged rocks alternating with gentle hills, colourful mountain meadows and clear lakes characterise the Harz landscape. Famous people such as Martin Luther, Heine and Goethe appreciated the Harz mountains and their variety. You can walk in the footsteps of kings and emperors, discover world-class cultural highlights or enjoy the beauty of nature in our two national parks in the Harz.

Harz National Park

The Harz national park protects and develops a biodiverse mountainous landscape of woodland, moors, rivers and streams. The area was given special conservation status in 1994, because of its particularly valuable habitats, home to rare plants and animals. "Let nature be nature“ is the motto of this mountain wilderness, which is rich in legend. In Saxony-Anhalt, the Hochharz national park borders directly onto the Harz national park.

• http://www.nationalpark-harz.de/ueber/inhalt_gb.htm

"Harzer Hexenstieg" (Witches' Way)

In the middle of the Harz mountains lies the Hexenstieg – a bewitchingly beautiful and devilishly twisting 100-odd kilometre footpath right through the most northerly of Germany's central mountain ranges and over the Brocken, rich in local legends. The footpath runs from Osterode in the West to Thale in the East (or vice versa) and is suitable for the whole family. The full beauty of the Harz mountains lies at your feet, bright mixed woods and thick pine woods, colourful mountain meadows and towering cliffs, bubbling streams and majestic reservoirs. The route leads through both the Harz and Hochharz national parks and the rangers will be happy to accompany you along a stretch of the route and let you in on some of nature's secrets. Be sure to bring waterproof clothing and good boots, however - this is after all alpine country!

Harz Mountains - a Winter Paradise

Winter sport makes its appearance with the first snows of winter. Over 500 kilometres of freshly laid cross-country ski tracks lead through this winter wonderland. Ski runs, natural ice sheets and toboggan runs offer fun for all the family. Or visit a sleigh-dog race for a whiff of Alaska. Or if you prefer a bit more comfort, then you've come to the right place. You can watch the world go by over a glass of mulled wine in the buffet car of a steam train, or well wrapped-up on a horse-drawn sleigh. And at the end of a tiring day, let the snowflakes drift down onto your body in the open-air thermal baths.

Following the History in the Cultural Harz!

Enter a stage on that emperors and kings have made history - the Harz. Numerous monuments from Romanesque and Gothic show the cultural shine of past eras. Discover historical delicacies of world rank: The UNESCO world heritage cities Quedlinburg and Goslar, the cathedral treasure in Halberstadt, castle and city hall in Wernigerode, the place in memory of Luther in Lutherstadt Eisleben. Walking through the cornered lanes of the medieval cities, countless further details wait to be discovered.

The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway

The most famous old railways puff their way through the Harz mountains. The most northerly of Germany's mountain ranges is criss-crossed by a unique rail network, the Harz narrow gauge railways, which cut through the north-south axis of the Harz mountains. On over 132 kilometres of track, passengers can enjoy the lost flair and romance of rail travel in the middle of the romantically wild natural landscape. Real nostalgia fans can get trained up as "honorary locomotive drivers" in seminars of several days and experience the thrill of steam travel close up in the driver's cabin. For special occasions, you can charter the entire train – an unforgettable journey with typical Harz culinary delicacies awaits you and your friends.

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