Sights and landmarks in Wernigerode

Sights and landmarks 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

   Kleine Renne

   cascading mountain stream and officially designated natural monument

6. See

   Krummel House

   Krummelsches Haus

   The Krummel House is another old, timber-framed building, now a restaurant, whose timberwork is beautifully decorated. It was built in 1674 by corn merchant, Heinrich Krummel.

7. See

   Leaning House

   Schiefes Haus

   The Schiefes Haus is an old, timber-framed watermill, the present building dating to 1680 and built for the Guild of Clothmakers. It has subsided on one side because of the undercutting action of the mill stream over the centuries. The stream, which used to supply water to the mill and town, is no longer visible. Today the Leaning House is home to a local society.

8. See

   Luftfahrtmuseum Wernigerode

   Aviation museum Wernigerode

   The Museum of Aviation and Technology displays over 60 aircraft and helicopters, and over a thousand other exhibits in its four halls. A Transall C-160 airplane is displayed on the roof. It can be visited. Furthermore there are two flight simulators a small restaurant and a souvenir shop.

   Daily 10:00-18:00 except 24 and 25 Dec and 01 Jan·Adults €8.00, Children 6-15 €5.00. Under 6 free

9. 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.

10. See

    Mönchsbuche

    old beech tree, designated as a natural monument due to its age and the stories surrounding it.

11. See

    Old Mint

    Alte Münze

    The Old Mint is one of the few remaining timber-framed buildings in Wernigerode from the 16th century. It has a stone base. Today it is home to the Harz Library and town archives.

12. See

    Oldest House

    Ältestes Haus

    Wernigerode's oldest house was built around 1400 as a plain post-and-beam structure. It is one of the few that survived the Great Fire of 1847.

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. See

    Town Fountain

    Wohltäterbrunnen

    The ornate cast iron fountain in the market square was cast in 1848 in Ilsenburg in a neo-Gothic style. It was intended to commemorate those people who had worked for the good of the town.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. See

    Western Gate Tower

    Westerntorturm

    This imposing tower, 38 m high, is first recorded in 1356 and acted as a toll gate. It was built in Early Gothic style and formed part of Wernigerode's city wall.

20. See

    Krellsche Schmiede

    Krellsche Forge

    Forge from 1678

21. See

    Ottofelsen

    granite rock formation

22. See

    Steinerne Renne

    gorge with small waterfalls and rapids

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