In the north of Thuringia one can follow the tracks of the German emperors. As the legend goes, Emperor Barbarossa waits asleep in the mountain of Kyffhäuser, a wooded mountain ridge in the north of Thuringia, until Germany needs his strong hand again. A wide view of the country offers the monument of Emperor Wilhelm.

Towns like Nordhausen, Mühlhausen, Artern, Sondershausen and Bad Frankenhausen are rich in history and worth a visit.

In the Harz narrow valleys, wooded mountains, scenery marked sometimes by gruff rocks, sometimes by gentle hills, flower meadows and clear lakes attract to stay. Here, mining has a history of over thousand years. Mine museums and show mines attest to this rich history. Town culture and half-timbered buildings are results of the riches accumulated by mining. Most of the numerous historic architectural monuments are remains of Romanesque times. Along the Road of Romanesque Art unforgettable events, concerts and parties are staged. Vacationers can explore the Harz by hiking, by car or bicycle, but also with the Harz narrow gauge railway. Its steam engine goes from Wernigerode to Nordhausen and even climbs up mountain Brocken.

More information: http://www.thuringia-tourism.com/travel-hotel-holiday-tour/nature-and-activities-127952.html

Photo: Wernigerode, LianeM/Shutterstock