Germany's Harz Mountains Boasts A Picturesque Colorful Town With Very Unique Attractions

Germany's vast and mystifying Harz mountain region is a mecca for those interested in the dark arts. The Brocken's slopes are renowned for the sorcerers and other mythical creatures who supposedly lurk in the woods. Iconic German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was inspired by the area for his play "Faust," where occultists conducted ceremonies with the demon Mephistopheles. In fact, each April 30, known locally as the Walpurgisnacht, witches are said to gather on the peaks of Mount Brocken during the eerie night.

For adventurous souls looking for a truly unique experience within the magical Harz Mountains, no place is better to settle than the picturesque town of Wernigerode. This scenic community is the perfect place to explore the region's spooky folklore, along with lots of other unique tourist attractions and breathtaking nature nearby. Located in the Harz district, Wernigerode is only 95 miles from Leipzig, an underrated German City with the magic of Berlin but fewer crowds and lower prices.

Wernigerode's colorful streets date back to the early 12th century, and the region remains relatively well preserved, escaping much of the destruction that many German cities and towns experienced during World War II. Today, the town is renowned for its half-timbered houses, with some prominent buildings dating back to 1494, like the impressive town hall in the market square. Other famous buildings that architecture enthusiasts should look out for are the crooked house next to the town hall and Wernigerode's smallest house on the nearby Kochstrasse street.

History buffs will have a lot to explore in Wernigerode. Definitely stop by the iconic castle that overlooks the town. To learn about more recent history, one great option is the Aviation Museum. It is an interesting establishment where you can even try out flight simulators.

Another unique attraction is the Small Harz, a family-friendly miniature park with tiny versions of Harz's most recognizable buildings. Along with checking out the miniature buildings and town, the surrounding national park is also full of amazing activities, like themed gardens, a lookout tower, a miniature golf course, recreational areas, a lakeside promenade, and a restaurant.

Along with being only 17 miles or so from Mount Brocken, Wernigerode is also close to lots of other sights in the Harz Mountains and its national park. A fun way to enjoy the scenic nature nearby is by taking a trip on the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, a train system of historic steam locomotives that travel throughout the region, including to the summit of Mount Brocken. Nature lovers will also love Wernigerode's proximity to the pleasant Holtemme and Zillierbach rivers and the nearby hiking trails.

For those wanting to explore other towns in the Harz Mountains, less than 20 miles away is one excellent place to consider: Quedlinburg, Germany's first capital with winding roads and historic charm. If you're continuing your trip in Germany and are interested in visiting other beautiful locations that mix amazing nature with epic castles, swing by Moritzberg's 16th-century hunting lodge turned fairytale palace on an artificial lake in Saxony.