In the Upper Harz, you can explore the World Heritage site from two perspectives: as an extensive water management system and through the history of mining. There are also hiking trails through varied landscapes and themed town walks. When choosing what to see, it is worth considering the focus of each attraction and the time required—whether you want to focus on nature, technical installations, local history or an event date.
Water Management and Landscape
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Upper Harz Water Management comprises 107 historic ponds, a total of 310 kilometres of ditches and 31 kilometres of watercourses. These figures convey the scale of this historic system and make water management a distinct focus when planning your trip.
The World Heritage hiking trails lead through a landscape of ponds, ditches, mountain meadows and forests, which is also home to diverse wildlife. Information boards along the way provide insights into the World Heritage site. If you want to experience nature and cultural history together while hiking, you can take in both the trail and the information provided on site.
Mining History and Technology
The Upper Harz Mining Museum in Clausthal-Zellerfeld was founded in 1892. It traces the development of Upper Harz ore mining from the Middle Ages until its end in 1930. At the mine exhibit, visitors can explore both above-ground and underground facilities. The museum thus focuses both on the long historical period and on exploring the installations.
A striking testament to mining technology is the iron headframe of the Ottiliae Shaft, dating from 1876: it is the oldest surviving structure of its kind in Europe. An experience tour begins at the Ottiliae Shaft World Heritage monument and includes a guided tour of the site of the former central shaft, with machinery demonstrations. At Kaiser Wilhelm II Shaft in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, the publicly accessible grounds also feature an exhibition on the technology and history of Upper Harz water management.
Clausthal-Zellerfeld is also home to the Market Church of the Holy Spirit, Germany’s largest wooden church. The World Heritage Information Centre offers around 170 square metres of exhibition space and features a 3D landscape model with video projection. These stops offer different perspectives: one focuses on historic architecture, while another brings the landscape and World Heritage site to life.
Town Walk and Time Planning
The Robert Koch Town Walk in Clausthal-Zellerfeld takes you to places associated with Koch’s youth. These include his birthplace, the church where he was baptised and his former school. Allow about 2.5 hours for the walk, not including a visit to the Upper Harz Mining Museum. This time estimate therefore applies to the route without the museum visit; you can plan for the two visits as separate blocks of time.
Events and Brewing Together
The UNESCO World Heritage Day in the Upper Harz takes place annually in early June and offers special guided tours and a wide range of events. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific dates in advance.
In Clausthal-Zellerfeld, the BRAUakademie offers seminars where groups of four or more can brew their own beer under the guidance of master brewers. This is a different kind of activity from visiting historic sites or taking a walk: here, the focus is on brewing together.
Discover More Destinations
Altenau, Wildemann, Schulenberg in the Upper Harz, Lutter am Barenberge, Bad Harzburg, Liebenburg, Braunlage, Seesen
For the higher-level travel overview: Goslar.
