Historic places in Wernigerode

Historic places in Wernigerode

1. See

   Emperor Tower

   Kaiserturm

   This stone observation tower is not part of the town's old fortifications, though it certainly looks of a piece with the remaining medieval-era towers: named and dedicated in honor of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Kaiserturm has stood since 1902 at the 478-m summit of the Armeleuteberg hill a short distance south of the town centre. From its top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the castle and old town of Wernigerode and out to the high summits of the North Harz.

   24 hours a day·Free

2. See

   Firefighting Museum

   Feuerwehrmuseum Wernigerode

   The Firefighting Museum has an interesting collection of historic firefighting equipment and a covers the history of firefighting in the town and area.

   Thu 14:30-16:30; Sat 14:30-17:00·By donation

3. See

   Half Tower

   Halbschalenturm

   In the middle of a small park near the castle is another remnant of Wernigerode's medieval city wall: the semicircular shell of one of the old watchtowers (the side facing away from the castle is open) that was the object of a partial restoration in the 19th century at the request of Count Otto zu Stolberg-Wernigerode, and now is protected from the elements by a new slate roof.

4. See

   Harz Museum

   Harzmuseum

   Housed in a historic timber-framed house in the oldest quarter of Wernigerode, the Harz Museum is dedicated to the history of the Harz including fossils, minerals and rocks, the Harz mining industry, its animal and plant life, as well as the history of the town. It also has exhibitions of art by Harz artists.

   Mon-Sat and public holidays 10:00-17:00·Adults €2. Reductions available

5. See

   Medieval Town Hall

   Rathaus

   Described as a "pearl of medieval timber-framed architecture" the town hall is stunningly beautiful and has dominated the town's market square since at least 1277. It used to be owned by the counts of Wernigerode and acted as a courthouse, and as a place of medieval entertainment including weddings. Guided tours are available and the cellars house a classic Ratskeller restaurant.

6. See

   Orangery

   Orangerie

   The old Orangery, with its pleasure garden (Lustgarten), was built between 1713 and 1719 by Count Ernest of Stolberg-Wernigerode and was supposed to be a miniature version of the Palace of Versailles.

7. Eat

   Ratskeller

   Good food and quiet atmosphere in a typical Ratskeller restaurant in the historic cellars of the town hall. Ideal for that slightly special occasion.

   Apr-Oct: daily from 11:30; variable opening hours at other times·Mains €10.80-25.80

8. See

   Smallest House

   Kleinste Haus

   Built in the mid-18th century, this is a handsome Baroque-style half-timbered structure much like the others in Wernigerode's old town — except, of course, for its size. In the 1920s, its owner, a well-to-do craftsman who lived there with his wife and seven children, deeded it to the city who now maintains it as a historic house museum with period furnishings and interpretive exhibits.

   May-Oct: daily 10:00-16:00; Nov-Apr: Tue-Sun 10:00-16:00·€1

9. See

   St. John's Church

   St.-Johannis-Kirche

   St. John's Church is the oldest surviving church in Wernigerode and dominates the northwestern edge of the historic Neustadt. The oldest parts of the church - the west tower and transept - were built in the Romanesque style around 1279. Its original main hall was expanded in 1497 into a triple-aisled nave. The church underwent extensive restoration in the 19th century and, after being damaged in the air raid of 22 February 1944, was further restored during the post-war years. Especially impressive is the Gothic carved altar from 1415, the pulpit dating to the early 1600s and a sculpture of John the Baptist from around 1500. One of the portraits on the octagonal font is of the great reformer, Martin Luther.

10. See

    Wernigerode Castle

    Schloss Wernigerode

    A walk around this striking medieval castle is well worth the effort of the climb from the town centre. There are numerous paths through the woods and grounds of the castle. A climb onto the Agnesberg hill behind it is rewarded with a view over the castle, the town, and the edge of the Harz mountains that many visitors simply miss. The more adventurous can make their way through the woods into the valley of Christianental, where there is a forest inn serving traditional German fare and a small wildlife park with deer, wild boar and birds of prey. The castle is now a museum which is open to the public - see "Museums" section below.

11. See

    Wernigerode Castle Museum

    Museum Schloss Wernigerode

    Wernigerode Castle is an impressive, preserved, medieval castle on a hillside dominating the town. The original Romanesque castle was built in the 12th century, but has been much altered over the years. Until they were dispossessed in 1945, it was the residence of the counts of Stolberg and, later, the princes of Stolberg-Wernigerode, but today it is a fascinating museum. The splendid, turreted stone and half-timbered castle has magnificent views over the town of Wernigerode. You can see the original state rooms that once hosted Europe's highest aristocracy. The castle appears very much as it was when the owners, the counts of Wernigerode, were dispossessed in 1945 and the rooms display many of their artefacts from paintings and books, to furniture and table settings. There are also changing exhibits and the castle hosts a variety of events and scientific symposiums. The museum has audio guides in English, so you can go at your own pace and take in the atmosphere. There is also a cafe in the courtyard and great views from the terrace. A must if you have a couple of hours.

    May-Oct: daily 10:00-18:00; Nov-Apr: Tue-Fri 10:00-17:00·Adults €6; children 6-14: €3.00; under 6 free; family card €15.00

12. Buy Not mapped

    Christmas Market

    Weihnachtsmarkt

    Wernigerode's Christmas Market is especially atmospheric, thanks to its setting amongst the medieval town houses around the market square. Expect to find the usual range of Christmas artefacts, including wooden figurines, Nativity scenes, decorations and candles, as well as local produce and specialities.

13. Do Not mapped

    Hiking in the local area

    Wernigerode is a great base for hiking in the northern Harz. Destinations that are within reach include the summit of the mighty Brocken, the Harz's highest mountain (14 km round walk via the Steinerne Renne pub); the town of Ilsenburg (11 km round trip), the Otto Rocks (10 km round trip) and the historic town of Blankenburg (13 km round trip). Another trail, the Upper Harz Crag Trail (Oberharzer Klippenweg - 12 km round trip) takes in several of the well-known tors in the area with great views of the surrounding countryside. More information is given on the town website (link at start of article)

14. Do Not mapped

    Market Place to Wernigerode Castle

    From the market square (Marktplatz) head down Marktstraße to the end, turn L into J.S.Bach Straße, at Schöne Ecke follow the Burgberg road uphill, turn R by the Fürstengrotte restaurant onto the steep path (Schlossaufstieg) up to the castle. Distance: about 1.3 km. Time: 30 min. Return by foot or on the road train (Schlossbahn or Bimmelbahn)

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Wernigerode (CC BY-SA 4.0).