A city wall first mentioned in a document dating back to 1233 and a monument to donkey drivers give Osterode am Harz tangible points of interest to explore. Many preserved half-timbered houses can be seen within the old city wall, while the ruins of Welfenburg Castle stand above the town. There are also hiking options of varying lengths and a climbing area at the Sösetalsperre reservoir. The town can therefore be explored through a range of interests: architectural and local history, shorter or longer routes, and activities on the rock.
Local History Among Half-Timbered Houses and Monuments
The city wall of Osterode am Harz was first mentioned in a document in 1233. Many preserved half-timbered houses can be seen within the old city wall. They complement one another as features of a walk through the town: the wall points to the town’s early history, while the houses draw attention to half-timbered architecture in the old town.
In front of the Old Town Hall, the donkey-driver monument commemorates the history of the donkey drivers. The ruins of Welfenburg Castle stand above the town. If you would rather explore local history through storytelling, you can join a town tour lasting about two hours. It covers stories connected with Osterode’s brewing tradition. Notarius Schellschläger shares local history; he was once the landlord of the “Stadt London” inn. Check the tour date in advance.
Hiking Trails and Climbing
Since autumn 2022, there have been three family hiking trails in the municipal forest of Osterode am Harz, ranging from 4 to 7 kilometres long. This range offers several options for a shorter hike. The Harzer Försterstieg offers a different scale: this 60-kilometre long-distance hiking trail in the western Harz connects Goslar with Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken. It runs along the Granetalsperre, Innerstetalsperre and Sösetalsperre reservoirs and offers views of the landscape. For planning purposes, the routes vary in length and character: woodland trails and a long-distance hiking route that passes three reservoirs.
Another option is the quarry climbing area at the Sösetalsperre reservoir on its north bank. The German Alpine Club has set up ten climbing routes there. The area is accessible only on foot; climbing is at your own risk and with your own equipment. Seasonal restrictions may apply. Check in advance whether any such restrictions are relevant to your visit.
Regional Cuisine and Getting There
At the Ratskeller in Osterode am Harz, the menu includes hearty Harz dishes as well as other southern European fare, including pasta and salads. There is also an idyllic beer garden. As the menu may change, check the current selection before your visit.
From the direction of Kassel, you can reach Osterode am Harz via the Northeim/West exit on the A7 and then take the B241 towards Osterode. Check the route against current traffic conditions before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Bad Grund, Bad Lauterberg, Bad Sachsa, Badenhausen, Herzberg Am Harz, Osterode Am Harz, Pöhlde, Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken, Lonau, Wulften am Harz.
Go to the main travel overview: Lower Saxony.
