In the northeast Harz, 12 km far from mountain Brocken (1141m above sea level) and directly at the Dutch-German holiday road “Oranier Route” lies Wernigerode. Old half-timbered buildings, Gothic and Romanesque buildings as well as historical railways promise pleasure and welcome change to visitors. One of the greatest attractions in the east Harz is the narrow gauge railways that go up to Brocken and from there straight across the Harz to Thuringia.

The historical Old Town is above all outstanding for its half-timbered houses in Lower Saxony style. From distance you can see the neo-Gothic castle of Wernigeröde which sits enthroned above town. In summer a castle festival is staged by the philharmonic chamber orchestra in the inner courtyard.

Worth seeing are in the idyllic Old Town furthermore the city hall, the smallest house in town being situated in Kochstrasse, the skew house – a former pond mill, the „old coin“ or the Krummelsche house which was built in late baroque style and is decorated with luxurious carvings and figures.

More information: http://www.wernigerode.de/en/

Some churches are worth visiting, too. So, for example, St. Sylvestrie church, this is the oldest parish church in town. It was in 1265 converted into a Benedictine convent of canons.

Numerous cultural and leisure facilities in this colourful Harz town won‘t leave you any time. Many-sided possibilities, for example, a visit to game park of Nöschenrode, a walking tour on planet way or a visit to holiday park of Hasseröde make Wernigerode an attractive holiday destination. Moreover, the museums in town offer an interesting programme also in rainy and cold weather.

Photo: LianeM/Shutterstock