What's up?
A lot...
Hiking & Trails: In the immediate vicinity of the BodeBude, you'll find several well-marked hiking trails. Be it the well-known Hexenstieg (Witches' Trail) or the Bodetalweg (Bode Valley Trail). For a short exploration, we recommend the trails to "Wilhelmsblick" or "Treseburg." The latter may actually have existed. Both locations offer a fantastic view of the Bode Valley and Treseburg. Please note! The Bodetalweg between Treseburg and Thale is closed every year from the beginning of November to the beginning of April due to weather conditions. During this time, cleanup and security measures take place. The detour leads via "Weißer Hirsch" and "Hexentanzplatz" (Hexentanzplatz Trail). More information and tips are available upon request from us on site.
Of course, hiking is possible at any time of the year. This can be a short, relaxed walk in the forest, a whole day hike or even a long-distance hike.
The best known is the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, which leads directly past the BodeBude.
Extensive and up-to-date information about the Harz hiking area can be found on the website RESIN INFO.
Harz Narrow Gauge Railway - HSB: It's a fantastic experience to travel through the stunning landscape on the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway, stopping at fascinating locations. With 25 steam locomotives on a route network of over 140 km, consisting of the Harzquerbahn, Selketalbahn, and Brockenbahn, it's impressive. Holders of a Deutschlandcard can also use it here. However, the route to the Brocken is excluded. The season doesn't matter at all here, as the landscape always has something to offer.
Information on timetables, current changes, prices and ticket sales points of the HSB .
The Rappbode Dam & Harzdrenalin: Another must-see or experience when visiting the Harz Mountains is undoubtedly a detour to the Rappbode Dam. This structure is truly awe-inspiring. A walk across the dam wall with views on both sides is impressive. There's also a hiking trail along it, so you can combine the whole experience with a hike. Guided tours are also offered. The icing on the cake, however, is the 458.50-meter-long suspension bridge. If the view and the height (100 meters) aren't enough for you, you absolutely have to climb the observation tower (39 meters). Then things really get going: Megazipline, Gigaswing, Ultrashot, and Wallrunning.
The Brocken. The mountain (1141 m) with its distinctive summit can be seen from afar. That is, of course, when it isn't disappearing into a cloud or fog. This is precisely why you should check the visibility up there before visiting. This way, you can avoid frustration. How you get up there depends entirely on your fitness level. There are various hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, or you can take the narrow-gauge railway. This is definitely not possible with your own vehicle.
What's the visibility like?: Brocken webcam , When does my train to the summit leave?: Brockenbahn
Hexentanzplatz & Rosstrappe: The newly built witch village on the Hexentanzplatz is truly stunning, and the mountain theater with its fantastic backdrop is a real highlight. Both can be combined with a cable car ride, a trip to the zoo, a ride on the "Harzbob" summer toboggan run, or simply enjoying the view of the Bode Valley and Thale and its surroundings. The latter is also available from the "Rosstrappe" viewing point. The view of the Bode Valley is both legendary and truly amazing. You can reach it by car, bus, chairlift, or on foot along the hiking trails. Before you visit, you should familiarize yourself with the legends surrounding these two places. Afterwards, you'll see the whole thing with completely different eyes.
The program: Mountain Theatre , The Legend of the " Rosstrappe " and the " Witches' Dance Floor "
Thermal Baths & Sauna Dirty weather? Tired bones? Water lover? Or all three? A day at the Bodetal Thermal Baths is sure to help you relax. With your registration form, which you receive along with the "Sarfuchs" spa tax booklet, you can save 30% on the entrance fee. Parking in the parking deck in front of the thermal baths is discounted for visitors.
When is the thermal bath open and how much does it cost me?
Pullman City Harz The Western town. In Hasselfelde, just outside of town, you can experience the Wild West in the East. Crazy, right? Western shows with tons of action and Native Americans who want to give visitors a glimpse into the lives of Native Americans. The focus in Pullman City, however, is definitely on shows and events. A MUST for Western fans of all ages. There are several great events throughout the year.
Why are there cowboys and Indians there? How many gold nuggets do I need to bring, and what will I get in return? You can find out all about it here .
Mines & Caves Where there's a mountain, there's a mine nearby. You might think so. In any case, there are quite a few closed mines that can now be visited. Here you can get a glimpse into the underworld. Examples include the Rammelsberg World Heritage Site - Museum & Visitor Mine, the Glasebach Mine, and the Samson Mine. Truly interesting! The naturally formed caves are no less interesting and impressive. Some were opened to visitors long ago and are equipped with walkways, stairs, and appropriate lighting. The Baumanns- & Rübeländer Stalactite Caves, the Iberger Stalactite Caves, and the Barbarossa Cave are very well known.
Here you can look deep into the Baumann & Rübeländer Stalactite Cave , the Iberger Stalactite Cave , and the Barbarossa Cave.
World Heritage & Half-Timbered Houses A city tour can be boring, but this one certainly isn't. Quedlinburg should be mentioned first. A guided tour is a must when visiting the Harz Mountains. Wernigerode, with its beautiful old town and fairytale castle, is set in a beautiful landscape. For lovers of half-timbered houses, Blankenburg is also very interesting. Here you can visit the historic old town, villas from the Wilhelminian period, and the castle. A little further out, but definitely worth a visit, is Michaelstein Monastery. It's beautifully situated and such a peaceful place. World War II didn't leave much of Halberstadt behind, but the cathedral with its treasury and the Jewish quarter are definitely worth a visit.
Want to get a taste of the (old) city air? In Quedlinburg , Halberstadt , Wernigerode , or Blankenburg
Fly fishing in the Harz Mountains Fly fishing is a very popular pastime for passionate anglers. Here in Treseburg, in the Bode River, it's permitted. Of course, only with a valid fishing license and a guest fishing permit. These can be purchased here at the BodeBude. They are available as one-day or three-day permits.
Annoying fish? Harzer-Fliegenfischer e. V.
Castles & Palaces Falkenstein Castle tops our list of favorites. It has served as a film set several times. The location is stunning, and the castle itself is stunning. The castle is connected to the creation of the "Sachsenspiegel" (Saxon Mirror). The exhibitions at Falkenstein Castle are no less interesting. Please note! The castle will remain closed for renovations until at least July 2025. Regenstein Castle and Fortress A rock-hewn complex that is second to none. There's a lot on offer here, especially for children. A huge adventure playground with many child-friendly information panels. A special app allows you to explore the castle complex virtually. A visit to the Viking Festival, which takes place here every year at Easter, is also recommended. Wernigerode Castle This is a truly fairytale castle. The location is fantastic, and the castle can be seen from afar. The castle itself is stunning, but a guided tour of the rooms really gives a glimpse of days gone by. Of course, there's also a castle ghost. Really! No kidding! There are special tours for children, such as "Visiting the Castle Ghost." Roseburg Castle This is something completely different. Construction of the castle began in 1907 at the instigation of architect Bernhard Sehring. The complex was intended to serve as a summer residence and exhibition space for his collection of art treasures. A tour, or at least a visit to the castle café, is particularly worthwhile in summer. Also: "Alter Falkenstein" Castle
Damsel or what? Wernigerode Castle , Falkenstein Castle , Regenstein Castle and Fortress , Roseburg
Stolberg Town in the Harz Mountains This small town deserves a special mention. This beautiful, lovingly restored, half-timbered town is absolutely worth seeing and has a rich history. Stolberg Castle is considered the cradle of the Dutch royal house, the House of Orange. Thomas Müntzer, familiar to many from history class, was born in Stolberg. Martin Luther preached in Stolberg against the peasant revolts, which were in turn led by the aforementioned man. We continue to the Joseph's Cross. Not far from Stolberg, on the "Großer Auerberg," which is 580 meters high in itself. Here, in 1834, none other than Karl Friedrich Schinkel built the second version of the tower. The first, built in the 17th century using half-timbering, had already been demolished several years earlier due to dilapidation.
In the neighborhood...
Hexentanzplatz & Rosstrappe + Downhill - bike park + Hiking trails + Therme & Sauna + climbing forest + Mountain bike tours + Mountain swimming pool + fishing sport+ find mushrooms
Hike
The BodeBude is perfectly located for anyone who likes hiking. Several hikes can be started directly from here. One of the best hiking trails in Germany runs not far from the BodeBude - the Hexenstieg. The trail leads through the Bodetal from Treseburg to Thale, past the Rosstrappe, the Bodekessel and the Hexentanzplatz.
With the tourist tax booklet you can use public transport in the district free of charge. So start your hike and come back by bus. It couldn't be better. Lines 557 or 256 currently run between Thale and Treseburg. With one click you can get to the timetable information (start/destination = Treseburg "Rübezahl").
You can find some more suggestions on this page or tours on this page .
Winter time
Disappointment is written all over many guests' faces when they arrive in the winter. WHAT, NO SNOW?
Apart from looking at the weather app, you can also find out about the current snow depth here.
What else?
Participate in culture...
Experience nature...
...in one of the 5 nature parks that stretch across the entire Harz region.
...in the tiers of the open-air stages.
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THE spectacle on the Hexentanzplatz during Walpurgis Night.
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The KulT(o)urbühne am Bodetal.
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The forest stage in Altenbrak.
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The Harz Mountain Theater.
More info here
Adrenaline junkies...
....we strongly advise you to visit Harzdrenalineat the Rappbodetalsperre
climbing rocks...
...in just 4 km from the BodeBude you can climb great climbing rocks.
More information can be found on the page from DAV (German Alpine Club).
learn history...
...in over 40 museums within a radius of 40 km
You can find a list with current information, opening times, etc. here
Mit der Harzer Schmalspurbahn (HSB) auf den Brocken...
...düsen könnt Ihr mit der Brockenbahn. Klar. Zusteigen könnt Ihr zum Beispiel in Wernigerode, Drei Annen Hohne oder Schierke.
Aufgepasst: Nicht immer wird der Zug von einer Dampflok gezogen. Ein Blick in den aktuellen Fahrplan zeigt Euch wann es losgeht. Außerdem könnt Ihr auch noch mit der Selketal- und der Harzquerbahn umher fahren. Es ist ein echtes Erlebnis.
Hier geht es zu den Fahrplänen und -preisen
Achtung! Wer einen Blick vom Brocken ins Tal werfen möchte sei gewarnt. Nicht selten ist die Bergkuppe wolkenverhangen. Ein Blick vorab mit der Webcam kann Klarheit verschaffen und Frust vermeiden.
And then...
Cities in the Harz with a lot of charm and history.
World Heritage City - Quedlinburg
A beautiful old town that was rebuilt and maintained with a lot of love and commitment. During a guided city tour or the night watchman tour, you can learn really interesting things about the city and its history.
It gets very romantic in the Advent season, when the city is transformed into a Christmas country.
There is more information about this here:
Wernigerode
This magnificent half-timbered town is only 30 minutes from Treseburg and should not be missed. The castle and the city center, with the many half-timbered houses and the impressive town hall, are absolutely worth seeing.
The Baumkuchenhaus is right on the outskirts of Wernigerode. Anyone who knows and loves Baumkuchen has to go there. If not - also.
There is more information about this here:
Blankenburg
Blankenburg stands for: historic old town, Blankenburg Castle with its baroque and flowery castle gardens, the impressive castle ruins and Regenstein Fortress, as well as the sand caves, for culture and music in the Michaelstein Monastery and the great rock formations of the Teufelsmauer.
There is more information about this here:
Halberstadt
Visible from all directions and the symbol of the city - the Halberstadt Cathedral with its treasury. Also impressive are the Liebfrauenkirche, the only four-towered Romanesque pillar basilica in Central Germany and the St. Martinskirche with its towers of different heights. In the Berend Lehmann Museum, visitors can learn more about the Jewish quarter and the almost 800-year history of the Jewish community in the former episcopal city.
There is more information about this here:
Cathedral & cathedral treasure
Stolberg is a climatic health resort and historical European city and is also the birthplace of Thomas Müntzer. Martin Luther was also seen here and preached against the peasant revolt in 1525 in St. Martini Church. Stolberg Castle has been enthroned above the city since around 1200 and offers a great view over the roofs. Juliana von Stolberg and Wernigerode was born here in 1506. She spent the first 13 years of her life in the count's palace complex. She is the mother of William of Orange and is still revered as the ancestress of the Orange family.
The Großer Auerberg (579 m) rises not far from Stolberg. On it is the 38 meter high lookout tower called Josephskreuz. It is the largest double iron cross in the world.
There is more information about this here:
Our recommendation:
Use public transport for your activities in the Harz Mountains. With your registration form (tourist tax) you get free access to the public bus and tram lines in the Harz district as well as selected lines in the Mansfeld-Südharz district and the Lower Saxon districts of Goslar and Göttingen. More informations, timetables and an app are available on the HATIX- Page.
Pullman City resin
For people who have a penchant for putting on big hats and then performing a strange dance with like-minded people or putting feathers in their hair and painting their faces brightly, we recommend a visit to Pullman City Harz.
During the high season, lots of events take place here. To name just a few:
- Let's Line Dance
- Indian Spirit & Culture
- Horse whisperer
- Bike Week, Quad & ATV meeting
- Indian Riders Group Meeting
- American Power Weekend
... and so on
There is also a lot on offer here in winter.
