The Apostelbrücke near Niedergebra

The present-day Apostelbrücke near Niedergebra was built in 1803 using stones from the keep at Lohra. The name Apostelbrücke is said to derive from Saint Boniface. Since its reopening, the bridge has been used by cyclists, hikers and horse riders. In warmer weather, the picnic area at the Apostelbrücke is considered a popular excursion destination.

There are several ways to look at the site when planning your visit: the origin of the stones and the possible origin of the name relate to the bridge’s history. Its use by cyclists, hikers and horse riders, along with the picnic area in warmer weather, highlight its appeal as an excursion destination. This can help you decide whether the historical aspect or a visit to the picnic area is of greatest interest during your stay.

More destinations in the wider Nordhausen destination

The Karstwanderweg (Gypsum Karst Trail) crosses the Nordhausen district for 56 kilometres from east to west. The Feuersalamanderpfad (Fire Salamander Trail) is part of this route and runs below and over the Mühlberg in the nature reserve, through a gypsum karst uvala, and past sinkholes, spoil heaps, caves and historical traces. The two route descriptions have different focuses: the Karstwanderweg is described by its length and direction, while the Feuersalamanderpfad is described by its course and landscape features.

A historical highlight in the wider Nordhausen destination is the Rabensteiner Stollen, the only visitor mine for hard coal in Central Germany. A guided tour explores almost 300 years of hard-coal mining in the Harz and passes the last remaining hard coal, fossils, authentic workplaces, exhausted coal seams and mining galleries that are often only 60 cm high. The “Rabenstein-Express” mine train first travels 500 m into the mountain; the route then continues into mining areas from the 18th century. Check the current tour arrangements before your visit.

The Ilfeld Local History Museum vividly conveys the history of Ilfeld and Wiegersdorf. The Südharz Nature Park Information Centre has a different focus: its interactive exhibition explores the gypsum karst landscape and the distinctive features of the South Harz. You can choose between a local history topic and an exhibition about the landscape.

Activities for children in Harztor include the “Harztor Wanderkinder” (Harztor Hiking Kids); programme details may vary. Check the current activities in advance. The seasonal Neustadt lido has a water slide, a paddling pool, a diving facility with 1- and 3-metre boards, a playground, and football, volleyball and table tennis courts. Before setting out, it is advisable to check that it is open and confirm the facilities available.

For a culinary stop in the wider Nordhausen destination, try the “Vom Korn zum Korn” (“From Grain to Grain”) tour at the Echter Nordhäuser Traditional Distillery. It leads through the historic complex, from the mill room to the distilling room, spirits warehouse, office and barrel cellar, and on to the Henriette Bar, where the distillery’s own premium spirits and liqueurs are sampled. As availability depends on the date, check the tour dates in advance.

The Burggasthof Hohnstein serves upscale traditional German cuisine and regional specialties amid the historic ruins of Hohnstein Castle. When the restaurant is open, its terrace offers views over Neustadt and the South Harz. Check the restaurant’s opening status before planning a visit. The Harz narrow-gauge railway connects Wernigerode in the northern Harz with Nordhausen in the southern Harz foothills.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide in advance what you want to focus on: will the Apostelbrücke near Niedergebra be the main reason for your stay, or would you also like to explore destinations in the wider Nordhausen area? Tailor your search to your planned itinerary. This keeps the local history of the bridge and the regional excursion options as distinct points of reference.

Discover more destinations: Rodishain, Hohenstein, Nordhausen, Hesserode, Hainleite, Hamma, Ellrich, Sülzhayn.

Back to the main travel overview: Nordhausen.