A German gem in the middle of the mountains
If you're looking forward to a tour of Germany's most picturesque countryside, a Wernigerode vacation rental is the perfect home base. Use it as a jumping-off point for steam engine tours through rolling hills, hikes up the wind-swept but still hospitable Brocken mountain, and exploratory walks in Harz National Park. Then head back to town to rest your legs and throw back a local brew, ideally in one of Wernigerode signature half-timbered buildings. Whether your crew is full of nature lovers, shopaholics, little kids, or selfie enthusiasts, you'll have what you need to be happy in the Harz.
A town hall of timber and a castle fit for a Kaiser
With all the striking half-timbered houses around these parts, it's fitting that Wernigerode's Town Hall ("Rathaus," in German) is the most beautiful example of this medieval architectural style. Built in 1277, the stately edifice is open for tours and has a popular restaurant in the basement. Take in another fabulous facade at Schloss Wernigerode, a castle built in the 12th century to protect German Kaisers on hunting expeditions. It's now a museum on a hilltop with beautiful portraits, furnishings, and views of the town below.
Sip local bitters while your kids enjoy sweet wooden toys
The gorgeous Harz Mountains that surround your Wernigerode vacation rental provide the perfect backdrop for any outing. Take a stroll down Breite Strasse, the town's main street lined with half-timbered homes and fine cafes. Pop into a local shop if you're interested in finely carved wooden toys and decorations, or if you're thirsty for bitters made at a local distillery. A favorite pastime for kids and history buffs is riding the region's narrow-gauge railways. Locomotives from as early as 1897 chug away from Wernigerode and traverse Harz National Park.
4 breezy seasons protected by mighty mountains
The temperate climate in Wernigerode provides warm summers with highs in the 70s, cold winters with temps hitting the 40s, and less rainfall than elsewhere in Germany. The weather is affected by the mountains. They keep the clouds away and increase the chance of winds that raise temperatures and make hikes in the mountains a little blustery. Still, it wouldn't hurt to pack an umbrella, especially in July, the rainiest month. Fall and spring temps can be unpredictable, so stock up on local brews and enjoy cold nights in your cozy Wernigerode vacation rental.
From wild landscapes to witches, Wernigerode has it all
Wernigerode is nestled right up against Harz National Park, nearly 100 square miles of wild landscape. The altitude varies from a few hundred feet above sea level to a few thousand feet atop Brocken peak, the highest mountain in northern Germany. You'll find creeks, bogs, forests of beech and spruce, and mountain heath. You'll also find plenty of legends to keep your imagination running wild. The devil takes Faust up "the Brocken," as the locals call it, in Goethe's Faust, and children believe witches gather there every April to plot something sinister.
Traveling to and around Wernigerode
The nearest airport is in Hecklingen (CSO-Magdeburg - Cochstedt), located 27.3 mi (43.9 km) from the city center.
If you'd rather travel by train, make your way to Wernigerode Central Station or Wernigerode Elmowerk Station to see more of the city.