Harz Mountains
Snowy adventures with a view
Step into a winter wonderland! When the Harz Mountains don their snowy coat, the magic truly begins – snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and white-capped peaks create the perfect setting for winter lovers.
From December, the Harz Mountains are transformed into Germany’s northernmost winter sports region. Whether you’re into skiing, tobogganing, winter walks or atmospheric cultural events in historical surroundings – the Harz Mountains really come into their own in winter.
The Harz Mountains are so cozy in winter
Cozy nights & warm hearts
A crackling fire, warm blankets, the scent of wood, and the feeling of having arrived. Winter is cozy in the Harz Mountains. Here you can slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the magic of winter in true hygge style.
Speeding downhill
A total of 53 slopes across 13 ski resorts in the Harz Mountains invite you to carve your way downhill. Thrilling descents and varied pistes await in places like Sankt Andreasberg, with excellent public transport links. Prefer tobogganing? Grab a sled and take your pick from 39 runs. At 1.5 kilometres long, the run on Goslar’s Bocksberg is one of the longest in the Harz Mountains. You can take the Bocksberg cable car to the top, or use one of the toboggan lifts in Braunlage or Torfhaus to glide back uphill in comfort. Best time to visit: December to February.
Winter walks and cross-country skiing
Your breath forms white clouds in the frosty air, snow crunches rhythmically beneath your boots. If you cherish the silence of snow-covered landscapes, try a magical winter walk. Most marked trails in the Harz Mountains range from a leisurely two kilometres to more challenging ten-kilometre routes. In Goslar-Hahnenklee, curious visitors can even try snowshoeing along a dedicated trail. A spin on the roughly 500-kilometre network of cross-country ski trails is equally fun. Along the way, forest inns and cosy mountain huts offer welcome refreshments after your efforts. Or perhaps you'd rather hit the ice? Glide across six rinks – outdoors or indoors – where pucks fly and future skating stars practise their pirouettes, such as at the ice stadium in Braunlage.
And if there’s no snow? Not a problem. Walking in the Harz Mountains is a joy all year round. In winter, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Goslar draws visitors after a day on the trails with its charming Christmas markets in the historical Old Town, mulled wine and traditional sweet Schmalzkuchen (golden, puffed dough bites served with icing sugar).
Winter culture
Even underground, the festive season sparkles: the Rammelsberg Mines UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts a Christmas market in the Roeder tunnel, lit by hundreds of candles. Speaking of candles, romantics will love guided tours by candlelight and the cloister concerts at the historic Walkenried Abbey. These are all part of the Harzer KulturWinter (Harz Mountains winter culture programme), featuring atmospheric readings, tours and concerts.
