Harz Mountains – A Hidden Treasure
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Germany - Harz - Brocken © PT Wilding
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Palace Marienburg, Lower Saxony ©DZT, Florian Trykowski, GNTB
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Germany - Harz - Harzer Schmalspurbahnen © PT Wilding
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Aerial view of Herrenhausen Palace with Herrenhausen Gardens ©HMTG, Lars Gerhardts
The Harz Mountains, Germany’s northernmost mountain range, is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Step into a land of pine-covered hills, green valleys and half-timbered medieval villages. It’s also an area rich in legend, fairytales and folklore. With so many beautiful castles and gardens, it does look like a whimsical kingdom from a storybook. See the numerous relics of historic mining and ride on the unique Harz Narrow Gauge Steam Railway. Chug up the highest peak of the Harz Mountain range for outstanding views which departs from the wonderful town of Wernigerode. This area has an abundance of beautiful medieval towns – a definite hidden treasure.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 and 2025
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to Germany
Take a short sea crossing to Calais and continue into Belgium for an overnight stop before travelling to Goslar in the Harz Mountains the next day.
Day 3
Imperial Goslar
Goslar, with its thousand year history, offers a postcard worthy view at almost every turn. Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town. The town itself has been strongly influenced by mining and visitors can experience an exceptional collection of industrial monuments and cultural heritage. These include the Emperor’s Palace, Town Hall and Rammelsberg Mine itself. The town also boasts a wonderful pedestrian shopping area and excellent market square which can be explored at leisure after the tour.
Day 4
Wernigerode and the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway
A beautiful medieval city with many restored half-timbered houses including the ‘smallest house’ and the ‘crooked house’. See also the impressive castle perched over the town. Having explored this charming town, hop on board the famous Harz Narrow Gauge Railway for a return journey to the summit of the Harz’s highest mountain, the Brocken.
Day 5
Hanover and Castles
Few cities are as diverse and attractive as Hanover. Stroll though the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen or along the promenade of Lake Machsee. In the old quarter, you can wander through narrow medieval streets or through the extensive modern pedestrian zone with its series of elegant arcades and shopping malls. Optional guided tours are available. Continue to nearby Marienburg Castle for a guided visit. This fortress-like castle was built by the King of Hanover as a birthday gift for his wife, Queen Marie.
Day 6-7
Return to the UK
Depart Goslar, making an overnight stope en-route to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing on day 7
Optional extra 2 nights
Why not extend your tour to include Berlin, one of Europe’s most important and exciting cities
Explore the cultural and historical sights of Berlin on a guided tour. Key sights include the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Bundestag, Museum Island, Potsdamer Platz and Berlin Cathedral. Perhaps spend the afternoon strolling along the famous Unter den Linden Boulevard or shopping on Ku’damm or visiting the famous Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens. There’s a host of fascinating museums worth exploring such as the DDR museum which offers insight into life in East Berlin. Further afield, why not make the short journey to Potsdam and visit the Sansoucci Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We have a selection of 3* and 4* central hotels in Berlin.
Suggested hotels
Hotel Der Achtermann, Goslar ****
Unique historic hotel with a 500-year old tower, located in the centre of the town in close vicinity to the pedestrian zone. Lovely terrace overlooking the stunning mountain scenery. The hotel does not have onsite coach parking, however there is a free public car park with space for 2 coaches just 200 m from the hotel and another larger parking area, with space for up to 8 coaches by the station.
| Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 dates | price on request | price on request |
| 2025 dates | price on request | price on request |
