Summer vacation in the Harz Mountains: the best tips
Summer vacations in the Harz Mountains are ideal for all holidaymakers looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The region offers an impressive selection of hiking trails that wind their way through forests and over mountains, including the famous Harz Witches’ Trail. In addition to the breathtaking natural surroundings, historic towns such as Quedlinburg, Wernigerode and Goslar, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, also attract visitors.
Summer vacations in the Harz Mountains offer numerous experiences for families. From exciting cable cars and summer toboggan runs to educational visits to the region’s mines, there is an activity to suit every taste. The Harz National Park protects important ecosystems and invites visitors to discover the unique flora and fauna of the mountains with information centers and guided tours. In the summer months, the Harz Mountains combine relaxation, education and adventure to create a fulfilling vacation experience for all age groups.
When are the summer vacations in the Harz Mountains?
The Harz Mountains lie at the intersection of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. The summer vacation dates for these three federal states are:
- Lower Saxony: 3.7 – 13.08.2025
- Saxony-Anhalt: 28.6. – 8.8.2025
- Thuringia: 28.6. – 8.8.2025
If you’re looking for a free hotel in the Harz Mountains during the summer vacation, you’ve come to the right place. Here you will find an overview of our current prices.
The beauty of the Harz Mountains in summer
The summer season in the Harz Mountains reveals the region’s magnificent nature and picturesque towns in all their glory. We’ll give you some great tips on what to do and see in our beautiful home region during the summer vacations!
Harz National Park
The Harz National Park is a diamond of green diversity. It is the heart of the region. In summer, the flora blooms and rare animal species such as the lynx can be spotted with a bit of luck. The Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany at 1,141 meters, offers a breathtaking view that extends as far as the Thuringian Forest on a clear day.
Special places in the Harz National Park:
- Brocken: Challenging hiking trails and the mystical ambience attract thousands every year.
- Oderteich: A relaxing place for families and nature lovers, ideal for picnics and walks.
- Lynx tour: The lynx tour with the lynx head as a symbol leads through the Harz National Park. The starting point of the approx. 16.4 km long circular hiking trail is the Bad Harzburger Wandertreff at the tourist information office.
Harz sights
Summer in the Harz Mountains is characterized by the beauty of its towns and cultural treasures. Wernigerode, often referred to as the “colorful town on the Harz”, fascinates with its colorful town hall and romantic castle. Quedlinburg impresses with its UNESCO-protected townscape and over 1,300 half-timbered houses. Goslar attracts visitors with its imperial palace and picturesque alleyways.
Must-see attractions:
- Wernigerode: Wernigerode Castle and the historic town hall.
- Quedlinburg: The market square and the collegiate church of St. Servatius.
- Goslar: The imperial palace and the Rammelsberg visitor mine.
Vacationers in the Harz Mountains can look forward to a combination of nature experiences and cultural discoveries during the summer vacations. This is further enriched by the summer heat and the vibrant green of the landscape.
Activities and adventures
The Harz Mountains offer a variety of activities and adventures for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This region is known for its well-signposted hiking trails and diverse outdoor opportunities, including exciting rides on the Harz narrow-gauge railroads and the famous Harz Witches’ Trail.
Hiking in the Harz Mountains
The Harz Mountains have an extensive network of hiking trails. They lead through dense forests, past crystal-clear lakes and over gentle hills. A highlight for hikers:
- Harzer Hexenstieg: The approximately 100 km long long-distance hiking trail leads through the Harz Mountains. It offers a unique blend of nature experience and regional culture. Hikers can follow in the footsteps of witches and discover historical sites. The trail is divided into different sections that are suitable for different fitness levels.
Outdoor activities Harz
Adventure seekers will find numerous leisure activities in the Harz Mountains:
- Harz narrow-gauge railroads: A ride on one of the authentic steam locomotives puffing through the picturesque Harz landscape is a special experience.
- Other outdoor activities:
- Mountain biking on designated routes
- Climbing in special high ropes courses
- Canoeing on the clear Harz rivers
- Wall running at the Hotel Panoramic for the ultimate adrenaline rush
Outdoor pools and adventure pools
The summer vacations in the Harz Mountains offer many opportunities to cool off and relax in the region’s outdoor pools and adventure pools.
In the idyllically situated outdoor pools, you can enjoy the refreshing water in the middle of the picturesque Harz landscape. These outdoor pools often offer spacious sunbathing lawns where you can enjoy the sun, as well as play and sports facilities for the whole family.
Find out more here: The most beautiful outdoor pools in the Harz Mountains.
The adventure pools in the Harz Mountains with their varied water landscapes provide additional bathing fun. Exciting slides, bubbling whirlpools and child-friendly water attractions make a swimming trip an unforgettable experience. These facilities are ideal for families looking for relaxation and adventure in equal measure on their summer vacation in the Harz Mountains.
In the VITAMAR leisure and adventure pool, which is within walking distance, you can cool off in the outdoor area. In addition, many water treading areas in and around Bad Lauterberg provide excellent cooling on hot days. There is a water treading area right next to the Panoramic Hotel.
You can find more information here: The best fun and adventure pools in the Harz Mountains
Cultural excursion destinations and historical sites
The Harz region in Germany is rich in culture and history. Quedlinburg and Goslar in particular stand out as historical sites that offer visitors a unique insight into the Middle Ages and early history of Germany.
Quedlinburg
Quedlinburg is a town known for its well-preserved medieval town center and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. The town is home to:
- Collegiate Church of St. Servatius: A Romanesque church enthroned on the Schlossberg.
- Old Town: More than 2,000 half-timbered houses from eight centuries.
Quedlinburg also serves as a starting point for exploring the nearby Rübeländer stalactite caves, which are known for their impressive formations.
Goslar
Goslar, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for:
- Imperial Palace: Former seat of German emperors, important for its historical architecture.
- Old town: Characteristic half-timbered houses and medieval buildings.
Near Goslar is the legendary Hexentanzplatz in Thale, a place of worship with a unique panoramic view over the Bode Valley. Falkenstein Castle, which towers high above the Selke Valley and is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Germany, is also nearby.
Family-friendly attractions
Families will find numerous attractive excursion destinations in the Harz Mountains that are specially geared towards the needs of children. The Brocken, the Harz narrow-gauge railroads and the Bad Harzburg treetop walk offer a variety of experiences for a successful family vacation. In addition, all Panoramic guests receive discounts from our cooperation partners.
Brocken with children
The Brocken, at 1,141 meters the highest mountain in the Harz Mountains, is a popular destination for families. The ascent can be made either on foot via easy hiking trails or in comfort with the Brockenbahn cable car. The viewing platform on the summit offers an impressive panoramic view that rewards the effort of the climb.
- Height: 1,141 meters
- Access: Hiking trails/Brockenbahn
- Attraction: Viewing platform
Harz narrow-gauge railroads
A trip on the Harz narrow-gauge railroads is like a journey back in time. The diesel locomotive travels up to the Brocken in summer and offers passengers an impressive view of the surrounding countryside. It connects important places in the Harz Mountains and passes through picturesque landscapes. The route to the Brocken is particularly popular with families and offers great views and photo opportunities during the journey. Tickets to the Brocken can be purchased from us at reception.
- Attraction: Harz narrow-gauge railroad
- Route highlights: Ride to the Brocken
Bad Harzburg treetop walk
The treetop walk in Bad Harzburg offers exciting insights into nature from a completely new perspective. The path leads through the treetops at a height of up to 30 meters and ends at an impressive observation tower. Learning stations along the way provide interesting facts about the local flora and fauna.
- Height of the path: Up to 26 meters
- Learning opportunities: Stations on flora and fauna
- Special feature: Observation tower
- Highlight: Tree suspension railroad
Nature experiences and scenic highlights
Summer vacations in the Harz Mountains offer unforgettable experiences in a unique natural landscape. Particularly noteworthy are the many reservoirs and the historic Upper Harz Water Regal, which invite you to go on discovery tours.
Harz reservoirs
There are numerous reservoirs in the Harz Mountains that form part of a summer adventure vacation. The Oderteich reservoir is one of the oldest reservoirs in Germany and is now a nature reserve. With its clear water quality and surrounded by dense forests, it is an idyllic destination for hikers and nature lovers.
- Location: In the Harz National Park
- Activities: Hiking, nature observation
- Special feature: Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Upper Harz water shelf
The Upper Harz Water Regal is a complex system of ponds, ditches and tunnels that was built between the 16th and 19th centuries to supply water to the mining industry in the Harz Mountains. Today, it is an important historical water management attraction and draws numerous visitors year after year.
- Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: 2010
- Condition: Very good, partially restored
- Suitability: For visitors interested in technology and cultural history
The Torfhaus high moor is located in the immediate vicinity of the Oberharzer Wasserregal, which serves as a starting point for tours into the surrounding forests and moors. It offers a direct view of the Brocken and is a popular starting point for hikers.
Summary
Summer vacations in the Harz Mountains offer the perfect mix of nature, adventure and relaxation. With its breathtaking scenery, diverse leisure activities and charming villages, the Harz Mountains are an ideal destination for families with children, couples and adventurers. Whether hiking on the numerous hiking trails, relaxing in one of the picturesque outdoor pools or exploring the historic towns and cultural sights – there is something for everyone in the Harz Mountains. The region impresses with its diverse range of activities and warm hospitality, making a summer vacation here an unforgettable experience.
The friendly team at the Hotel Panoramic in Bad Lauterberg will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are looking forward to meeting you!
