Nationalpark Harz

The Harz National Park (Nationalpark Harz) is one of Germany's most enchanting wilderness areas, spanning approximately 247 square kilometers across the states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt in central Germany. Established in 1990 and expanded in 2006, the park protects a diverse highland ecosystem that ranges from dense forests and mountain meadows to moors, streams, and rocky outcrops. The park's centerpiece is the Brocken, the highest peak in northern Germany at 1,141 meters (3,747 feet). This iconic mountain has fascinated visitors for centuries and features prominently in German folklore and literature, most notably in Goethe's "Faust." According to legend, witches gather on the Brocken during Walpurgis Night (April 30). The Brocken's summit often experiences extreme weather conditions, including the famous "Brocken spectre"—an optical phenomenon where a person's shadow is cast onto fog or clouds, surrounded by a rainbow-like halo. The park's ecological significance stems from its varied habitats that support numerous plant and animal species. The forests range from mixed deciduous woodland at lower elevations to spruce forests and subalpine vegetation at higher altitudes. Wildlife includes red deer, wild boars, lynx (reintroduced in the 2000s), numerous bird species, and rare insects. A network of over 500 kilometers of hiking trails crisscrosses the park, including the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg (Harz Witches' Trail) and the Goetheweg. The historic Brockenbahn, a narrow-gauge steam railway built in 1899, offers a scenic journey to the Brocken's summit, passing through pristine landscapes typically inaccessible by car. The national park also preserves traces of German history, including former border infrastructure from the Cold War era when the inner German border ran through the region. Several visitor centers provide information about the park's ecology, geology, and cultural history. With its mystical atmosphere, diverse landscapes, and rich biodiversity, the Harz National Park represents one of Germany's most valuable natural treasures and offers visitors a profound wilderness experience in the heart of Europe.