Elend has two clearly distinct local highlights: the neo-Gothic wooden church and the seasonal forest lido on the edge of the woods. For visitors planning a trip, these offer architecture and a summer leisure activity in the village. The wider destination of Oberharz am Brocken also offers further hiking, charcoal-burning and cultural themes.
The wooden church as a landmark
The wooden church in Elend is a local landmark. This half-timbered building in the neo-Gothic style covers 60 m² and has a “rolling” altar. Its construction, architectural style and striking interior feature come together in a compact space. Visitors who like to include architecture in their travels will find a specific point of interest here during their stay in Elend.
A seasonal attraction on the edge of the woods
The forest lido in Elend is located on the edge of the woods. As a summer attraction, it has a swimming pool, a children's pool, a slide, a pond with water lilies, a beach volleyball court and a sunbathing lawn. Its seasonal nature makes the time of year an important factor when planning. If you are timing your trip around a visit to the lido, check before you go whether it will be open then.
Helenenruh is nearby: a viewpoint at an elevation of 600 m above the Elend Valley, near Schierke.
Hiking in Oberharz am Brocken
In the wider destination of Oberharz am Brocken, two moderately challenging hikes can be compared by distance and stated walking time. The 2.8 km route to the Krockstein viewpoint passes through mixed forest; the stated walking time is 55 minutes. The moderately challenging circular route around the Hasselvorsperre reservoir near Hasselfelde is 5.5 km long and takes 1 hour 28 minutes according to the stated time. The loop is therefore 2.7 km longer, and its stated time is 33 minutes more than the Krockstein hike. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Charcoal burning and culture in Oberharz am Brocken
At the Harzköhlerei Stemberghaus, traditional earth kilns are built, fired and harvested from early April to late October, offering a live demonstration of the old charcoal-burning craft. In Hasselfelde, the charcoal-burning museum gives an impression of the difficult working and living conditions of charcoal burners. The seasonal demonstration and the portrayal of working and living conditions offer different perspectives on charcoal burning.
The churches also have different architectural features. Stiege’s stave church is the only religious building in Germany in the Norwegian dragon style. St. Anthony’s Church in Hasselfelde is a three-aisled Gothic basilica. In Neuwerk, the traditional Grasedanz festival is dedicated to the hay harvest.
In Hasselfelde, the Heimatstube museum in the Haus des Gastes tells the story of the town and the lives and work of its residents. In the same building, the Blumenau Museum presents the life and work of the chemist and emigrant Hermann Blumenau in pictures and text. The history of the town and the story of an individual therefore feature as separate museum themes.
The Rübeland stalactite caves are right in the centre of Rübeland. In Stiege, Lake Stieger lies in the middle of the village, surrounded by green meadows and woods. Also in Stiege, the turning loop is part of the Selketal Railway; it is described as Europe’s smallest turning loop.
Rail connections are also part of regional trip planning: daily Harzer Schmalspurbahn services from Hasselfelde to the Brocken or into the Selke Valley are listed. Check the current timetable for your travel date before setting out.
Discover more destinations
Benneckenstein, Sorge, Trautenstein, Neuwerk, Hasselfelde, Stiege, Rübeland, Elbingerode
Back to the main travel guide: Oberharz Am Brocken.
