The highest mountain in the Harz range, steeped in legend and popular with tourists and railway enthusiasts. From the summit, panoramic views of the surrounding forests open up.
Brocken (1141 m above sea level) is the highest mountain in the Harz range and one of the most famous tourist destinations in northern Germany. This magical peak is shrouded in legends of witches' sabbath during Walpurgis Night and inspired Johann Wolfgang von Goethe when writing Faust. Today, you will find a meteorological station, a restaurant, and a transmission tower at the summit, but it still retains a mystical atmosphere, especially when shrouded in thick fog.
However, the biggest attraction is the journey to the summit on the steam-powered cog railway Brockenbahn from the town of Wernigerode. The picturesque ride through forests and moors takes just under two hours and is an unforgettable experience. Hikers can use marked trails, for example from the station in Schierke along the Goetheweg – which is also suitable for families with children. In winter, the area offers cross-country ski trails and gentle slopes.
For Czech visitors, Brocken is accessible by car via the D8 motorway to Dresden and then westwards (about 350 km from Prague). Accommodation is available in the surrounding towns of Wernigerode, Schierke, or Braunlage. When planning your trip, check the current operation of the steam train and weather conditions – the weather at the summit changes quickly and winds can reach extreme values. In summer, remember to book train tickets in advance.
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GPS: 51.7991, 10.6156
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Foto: Axel Hindemith · CC BY-SA 3.0
