"Steam Trains and Broomsticks" Harz by Ekaterinburg

Harz Travel Guide: 16 reviews and 26 photos

In the Harz mountains witches and broomsticks dangle from doors and windows on almost every house you pass. Legend has it that on Walpurgis night they flew to the top of the Brocken on their broomsticks.This is a delightfully spooky part of Germany where dark forests cluster around storybook towns and you find yourself briefly rekindling some of the magic of childhood. The nostalgia trip really kicks off when you wait at a small station in a clearing and an antiquated purple and yellow steam train chugs round the corner hissing and spitting clouds of vitriolic steam. There are many other aspects to a holiday in the Harz but for me this one was very special.

Great Towns to Visit

Postcard of Glocken und Figurenspiel at Goslar

Mountains and forests are great placesfor holidays but sooner or later you usually get the urge to do some shopping or explore a new city. With a base in the Harz mountains there is a huge range of villages, towns and cities to visit. Goslar, Quedlinburg and Wernigerode are three architecturally amazing cities all within easy driving distaance.

Last visit to Harz: Aug 2000
Intro Updated Jun 23, 2006
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Reviews (12)

Wernigerode-Another Architectural Gem - Harz

Wernigerode-Another Architectural Gem Things to Do (10)

Travelling east from Bad Lauterburg, Wernigerode is another city well worth a visit. The Harzquerbahn sets out from... more travel advice

Take a Hike! Things to Do (10)

Once you have gotten over the excitement of reaching the top of the Brocken you must then find ways to amuse yourself... more travel advice

High Rise in the Harz Hotels (1)

Tower blocks are the last thing you expect to find in a pretty little town like Bad Lauterberg. But about five minutes... more travel advice

Strange Entertainment at the Panoramic - Harz

Strange Entertainment at the Panoramic Things to Do (10)

The Panoramic Apartment Complex organises entertainment most evenings in the summer. Much of this was the usual mix of... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
Air so Fresh ,Water so Soft.

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Comments (23)

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BruceDunning Aug 12, 2012 at 1:18 PM

We recently returned from Germany trip around Munich and now this one may be one a future list of "to see" Nice description of the area.
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ricky52 Jan 22, 2009 at 3:21 PM

With all of these broomsticks hanging around, I'm sure my Mother in Law has been here. Great page and will include this area of Germany on our future trip there.
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uglyscot Jun 9, 2008 at 1:33 PM

I love being where there are mountains, though can't climb for fear of heights, but this looks lik e a great place to relax.
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iandsmith Dec 12, 2007 at 7:31 PM

I've considered throwing a milk crate at my children but hoisting them, there's something I've learnt! Nice pages, thanks for sharing.
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irishgalmtl May 30, 2007 at 8:09 AM

Hi there Katherine, Wow this looks like a nice place. I like the idea Spa town and resort it sounds wonderful... Donna :)
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Knoto May 16, 2007 at 12:05 PM

Wow, lovely overview! Hope to see you here again one time... Greetings Peter
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Ekaterinburg Apr 28, 2007 at 11:30 AM

Quedlinburg is beautiful Sonja. Iwould love to go back again and see it again, preferably with a camera, this time ))
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yumyum Apr 27, 2007 at 12:47 AM

I have never been to this part of Germany yet but I have heard of Quedlinburg. Thanks for the overview of the area!
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Mariajoy Jan 26, 2007 at 8:36 AM

I nearly visited the Harz last year but had to miss it.. hopefully I will get there soon! Lovely page Katherine! :))
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ettenaj Jan 18, 2007 at 8:22 AM

Another place in Germany that I would like to Visit, sounds really nice.