Nestled on the southwestern edge of the Harz Mountains, Osterode am Harz is an attractive town and former iron ore mining hub that’s a popular base for hikers. It is located on the German Timber-Frame Road, a 3,000-kilometre-long route that takes in towns and cities famed for their traditional timber-framed houses.
Things to do in Osterode
For a dose of local history, pay a visit to the Museum im Ritterhaus, which occupies a beautifully preserved knight’s residence dating back to the 17th century. Learn about the development of the town in the Middle Ages and some of its early industries, as well as the artistic products that were crafted here. Religious artworks and antique pharmaceutical equipment are displayed on the top floor.
Osterode am Harz lies at one end of the Harz Witches’ Trail, a 100-kilometre-long hiking route that extends over the Harz Mountains’ highest peak, the Brocken. It takes in the mining remains of the Upper Harz Ponds and the 18th-century Dyke Ditch, as well as the Naben Valley Waterfall. At Torfhaus, you can continue along the Goethe Way to Brocken.
Travelling with kids? They’ll love spending a day at the ALOHA Aqualand Waterpark, a family-friendly leisure centre with an indoor swimming pool and a sauna area. It lies on the edge of Apenke Park, where you’ll find a children’s playground and a creekside walking trail. On the other side of Osterode am Harz is the town’s historic cemetery, which features elaborate gravestones and castle ruins.
Getting around Osterode
Osterode am Harz is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Hannover and Hannover Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Osterode am Harz Mitte railway station and the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.