Where To Stay in the Harz Mountains? The Best Towns & Hotels in Germany’s Northern Fairyland
Our personal recommendations for the best places to sleep in the Harz | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
Castles in wonderland
Ancient mountains, deep forests, sparkling lakes and charming towns with beautiful castles.
Visiting the Harz is like stepping into an adventure where witches and trolls live side by side with humans.
Despite its popularity, accommodation prices remain quite reasonable here. You can enjoy a comfortable stay without spending a fortune.
In this travel guide on where to stay in the Harz Mountains, we recommend that you base yourself in towns like Goslar, Quedlinburg or Wernigerode during your time in the area. Spend your days exploring nature and return in the evening to the charm of cobbled streets.
Read on to see our personal recommendations for the best places to stay; ranging from luxury to budget hotels.
Our favourites: Where to stay in the Harz?
- Luxury: Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen (5*) – True spa luxury awaits at the foot of the Brocken in Ilsenburg.
- Value for money: Schlosshotel zum Markgrafen (4*) – Decadent living in a real-world castle with high attention to detail.
- Budget: Hotel Harzlodge (2*) – Double rooms in a small “town” in the forest at a reasonable price close to the historic centre of Goslar.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Harzen here.
Table of contents
Where is the Harz?
The Harz is located roughly in the middle of Germany, halfway between Hanover and Leipzig only approximately 2.5 hours from Hamburg or Berlin.
It’s conveniently located with easy access from major cities via well-connected autobahns. Yet, it’s just far enough to whisk you away from the chaos of urban life, offering a tranquil haven that city-dwellers often crave.
In technical terms, the Harz Mountains span across three German states: Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and a small part of Thuringia.
The Harz stretches for approximately 100 kilometres from west to east and 32 kilometres from north to south, with Goslar as the main town in the northwestern part.
The best towns and areas in the Harz to stay in
For the vast majority of travellers in the Harz, we would recommend staying in either Goslar, Quedlinburg or Wernigerode (adlinks).
The three towns are the largest in the area and in our opinion there are several advantages to settling here:
- First of all, these are all cosy towns that perfectly encapsulate the atmosphere of the Harz. You will find impressive churches, cobbled streets and lots of charming half-timbered houses.
- They are all easy to get to (and from) by train and car.
- The biggest selection of restaurants can be found here.
What about staying outside of the towns in the Harz?
If you want to be even closer to nature and don’t mind eating at the same restaurant every night or cooking for yourself, you can consider staying further from the towns.
Nature is so close to the towns in the Harz that this might not be necessary for most visitors.
However, you might find great deals in more isolated or peripheral areas. This can be especially worthwhile if you’re booking late or travelling on a budget during high season.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in the Harz here (adlink).
Stay in Goslar
Goslar is the main town (and the unofficial capital) of the Harz and it would be a shame not to visit, even if you choose to stay elsewhere.
The city has more than 1,500 half-timbered houses, perfect for long, leisurely walks and admiration. The churches here are among the most beautiful in the region and there is plenty to do.
Goslar also serves well as a base for excursions in the Harz. The region is easy to navigate, and when you return in the evening, there are lots of excellent dining options around.
We have stayed in Goslar on several occasions; at Hotel Alte Munze, Hotel Der Achtermann and AKZENT Hotel Villa Saxer (adlinks).
All three hotels can easily be recommended. We write more about each of them further down in the guide.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Goslar here (adlink).
Advertisement
The best hotels in Goslar:
- Luxury: Haus Mittenmank am Marktplatz (5*) – Luxurious apartments right in the heart of town.
- Value for money: Romantik Hotel Alte Münze (4*) – Perfect location with a historic feel. The first place we stayed in the Harz.
- Value for money: AKZENT Hotel Villa Saxer (4*) – Very modern with great views over Goslar. We enjoyed staying in their spacious room on the top floor.
- Value for money: Hotel Der Achtermann (4*) – Goslar’s biggest hotel with a huge spa area and adventure pool. Another place we have stayed at and can recommend.
- Budget: Hotel Harzlodge (2*) – A cheaper alternative. Double rooms in a small “town” in the forest close to the historic centre of Goslar.
- Budget: Dein Hotel (3*) – Indoor pool and sauna right by the Liebesbank Trail just 15-20 minutes from Goslar in Hahnenklee.
Stay in Quedlinburg
What Quedlinburg lacks in size and population (there’s about half as many people here as in Goslar), it clearly makes up for in charm.
Quedlinburg is often called one of the most romantic towns in Germany and we strongly agree. It is simply so lovely.
Although Quedlinburg is situated at a somewhat greater distance from the western Harz Mountains and the highest peaks, there are still plenty of beautiful sights and experiences nearby.
There are so many natural attractions easily accessible from Quedlinburg that it can be considered just as central as Goslar.
You could also enjoy the best of both worlds by staying a few nights in each town during your visit to the Harz Mountains.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Quedlinburg here (adlink).
Advertisement
The best hotels in Quedlinburg:
- Value for money: Romantik Hotel am Brühl (4*) – A beautiful, romantic 4-star hotel where we stayed during our first visit to Quedlinburg.
- Value for money: Schlosshotel zum Markgrafen (4*) – Decadent living in a real-world castle with high attention to detail.
- Value for money: Bellevue Ferienwohnungen (4*) – During our second time in Quedlinburg we stayed in this apartment and loved it!
- Budget: Acron-Hotel Quedlinburg (3*) – With everything in Quedlinburg within walking distance, you can get nice double rooms here on a budget.
Stay in Wernigerode
If you choose not to stay in Goslar or Quedlinburg, consider the town of Wernigerode.
Situated roughly between the two other (larger) cities, Wernigerode is centrally located in the northern Harz.
From here, it’s easy to explore the Harz region. Wernigerode itself is also a charming town with abundant nature and attractions – including the highlight: Schloss Wernigerode (Wernigerode castle).
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Wernigerode here (adlink).
Advertisement
The best hotels in Wernigerode:
- Value for money: Boutique-Hotel Anno 1910 (4*) – Stylish boutique hotel with a great location in the Harz Mountains.
- Value for money: Boutiquehotel Schlosspalais (4*) – Another excellent choice for value-for-money accommodation in Wernigerode.
- Budget: Regiohotel Pfälzer Hof Wernigerode (3*) – Option for a smaller budget room or an apartment with a kitchen and living room.
Accommodation elsewhere in the Harz
If you have a car, consider comparing accommodation options in Goslar, Quedlinburg or Wernigerode with stays in the smaller towns nearby.
Near Quedlinburg, towns like Blankenburg and Thale are excellent alternatives, offering closer access to the renowned rock formations along the Teufelsmauer (Devil’s Wall).
The best hotels in the Harz (that’s not in the biggest towns):
- Luxury: Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen (5*) – True spa luxury awaits at the foot of the Brocken in Ilsenburg, less than a 15-minute drive from Wernigerode.
- Value for money: Schlosshotel Stecklenberg (3*) – Stay in (yet another!) castle, this one right next to Burg Lauenburg close to Quedlinburg.
- Value for money: Hotel Villa Viktoria Luise (3*) – Charming boutique hotel in Blankenburg with just 13 rooms and lovely views.
- Budget: Harzhotel Warnstedter Krug (3 *) – Experience traditional living in Warnstedt, located between Quedlinburg and Thale, with a pool and a small playground.
The best luxury hotels in the Harz
Goslar: Haus Mittenmank am Marktplatz
The 5-star luxury apartments at Haus Mittenmank am Marktplatz are located as centrally as it gets in Goslar.
If you would like more space and/or enjoy cooking your own meals, staying in a holiday apartment here could be an excellent option.
See prices and availability at Haus Mittenmank am Marktplatz (adlink).
Ilsenburg: Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen
With a fantastic central location between Goslar and Wernigerode at the foot of the Brocken mountain, the 5-star Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen is one of the area’s best choices for the ultimate relaxing holiday in the Harz.
With a swimming pool, spa area and sauna, you will have plenty of opportunities to relax after a day in the mountains.
Don’t forget to visit nearby Ilsetal (Ilse Valley) to experience scenic trails, waterfalls and lush forests – ideal for hikes or peaceful nature walks.
See prices and availability at Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen (adlink).
The best value for money hotels in Harz
Goslar: Romantik Hotel Alte Münze
The 4-star Romantik Hotel Alte Münze has the perfect location in Goslar right next to the central market square.
The hotel almost feels like a small town in itself; a mix of old and new buildings tucked away on a quiet side street.
Arriving after sunset on our first day in the Harz Mountains, we felt transported back in time when walking on the cobbled streets (almost like we were in an old movie!).
As a bonus, the restaurant at Hotel Alte Münze had vegan meals on the menu. The service at the reception was also top-notch.
See prices and availability at Romantik Hotel Alte Münze (adlink).
Goslar: AKZENT Hotel Villa Saxer
During our second visit to the Harz and Goslar, we spent a few nights at AKZENT Hotel Villa Saxer.
With a great location, the 4-star hotel is a very comfortable place to stay with a breakfast buffet, parking and all the comforts you could need in the room.
We especially loved the view of Goslar’s rooftops from staying at the top-floor.
See prices and availability at AKZENT Hotel Villa Saxer (adlink).
Goslar: Hotel Der Achtermann
When you arrive in Goslar by train, the 4-star Hotel Der Achtermann is hard to miss.
Being the biggest hotel in town, it’s only fitting that they also have a huge spa area complete with a fun swimming pool, hot tub and several saunas – just what we needed after a long day of hiking in the Harz!
See prices and availability at Hotel Der Achtermann (adlink).
Quedlinburg: Romantik Hotel am Brühl
Quedlinburg is the most romantic town in the Harz with its perfectly preserved historic town centre.
If you are looking for a romantic stay, look no further than the 4-star Romantik Hotel am Brühl.
We unfortunately only stayed for one night, but we loved the atmosphere and design from the first moment we set foot in the hotel.
See prices and availability at Romantik Hotel am Brühl (adlink).
Quedlinburg: Bellevue Ferienwohnungen
During our second visit to Quedlinburg, we stayed in Bellevue Ferienwohnungen.
The holiday apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a dining room and two large bedrooms.
It was honestly much bigger than what we needed but we can easily imagine it being the perfect place to live as a family and/or if you are staying in the Harz for a longer period and want to have plenty of space (and cook for yourselves).
See prices and availability at Bellevue Ferienwohnungen (adlink).
Quedlinburg: Schlosshotel zum Markgrafen
A real (renovated) castle; the 4-star Schlosshotel zum Markgrafen is a unique place to stay in Quedlinburg.
We saw the beautiful building from the outside when we visited the castle tower for a great view of the town.
There’s clearly been a lot of attention to detail – and staying there is actually cheaper than we expected…
See prices and availability at Schlosshotel zum Markgrafen (adlink).
Wernigerode: Boutique-Hotel Anno 1910
Unfortunately, we haven’t stayed in Wernigerode ourselves, but if we ever did, it would be a dream to spend the night at Boutique-Hotel Anno 1910.
It’s modern and stylish – and some of the rooms even have a view of the magnificent Wernigerode Castle.
See prices and availability at Boutique-Hotel Anno 1910 (adlink).
Stecklenberg: Schlosshotel Stecklenberg
A 15-minute drive southwest of Quedlinburg takes you to the small town of Stecklenberg.
It’s located close to the stunning natural landscapes offering easy access to forests, hills and lots of hiking opportunities on scenic trails.
We hiked through the forest up to Große Lauenburg Castle (and the unique linden tree) and were captivated by the enchanting atmosphere.
Schlosshotel Stecklenberg also looks like an excellent place to stay in the Harz. There’s a pool for warm days, authentic decor and great hiking opportunities in the surrounding area.
See prices and availability at Schlosshotel Stecklenberg (adlink).
Blankenburg: Hotel Villa Viktoria Luise
This boutique hotel in the Harz is truly a gem.
On a hill surrounded by trees, Hotel Villa Viktoria Luise is situated on the outskirts of Blankenburg. The view is beautiful, especially at sunset. And the entire hotel has a charming appearance.
In the summer, you can enjoy the outdoor area until late in the evening while you can get warm in the sauna in the winter time.
Blankenburg is located between Wernigerode and Quedlinburg right next to some of the most famous rock formations of the Teufelsmauer.
See prices and availability at Hotel Villa Viktoria Luise (adlink).
The best budget hotels in Harz
Hahnenklee: Dein Hotel
Located in Hahnenklee only 15-20 minutes from Goslar (and right next to the pretty Liebesbank hiking trail), Dein Hotel looks like a delightful place to stay – especially if you appreciate having hiking trails right outside the door.
And it’s not too expensive either.
See prices and availability at Dein Hotel (adlink).
Goslar: Hotel Harzlodge
Hotel Harzlodge is situated just over a kilometre from Goslar’s old town and is an excellent option for budget-friendly accommodation in the Harz Mountains.
See prices and availability at Hotel Harzlodge (adlink).
A simply styled room at Hotel Harzlodge. ©Hotel Harzlodge (adlink)
h4>Warnstedter: Harzhotel Warnstedter Krug
Located just 10 minutes from the charming town of Quedlinburg and right next to some of the renowned rock formations of the Teufelsmauer, you’ll find the family-friendly Harzhotel Warnstedter Krug.
The hotel offers reasonable prices, providing guests not only comfortable accommodations, but also a pleasant garden and pool – all at a fair rate.
See prices and availability at Harzhotel Warnstedter Krug (adlink).
The best things to do and see in the Harz
There is a lot to do in the Harz. From stunning fairytale towns to wonderful nature experiences.
Check out our comprehensive travel guide to the Harz Mountains for all the best things to do and see + lots of tips.
Discover the best photo spots and viewpoints in the Harz
The Harz is a very beautiful area! Regardless of the season, its landscapes and towns are particularly photogenic.
See our photo guide with the best photo spots & most beautiful viewpoints in the Harz for inspiration.
Search for accommodation in the Harz
Advertisement
How to get around the Harz Mountains
By car
The road network in the Harz Mountains is well-developed and it’s fast to go pretty much anywhere in the region.
You’d be hard-pressed to find trips inside the Harz Mountains that take much more than an hour of driving.
Parking is generally free in most places. In the towns and near attractions, you may have to pay a small fee if you park centrally. Remember to bring euro coins for parking.
By public transport
We haven’t used any public transport in the Harz Mountains ourselves (except for the steam train to Brocken), but it should definitely be possible to go almost wherever you like with a combination of local trains and buses.
Many trains and buses have timetables and routes that are specifically designed for hikers.
How to get to the Harz Mountains
By land
The Harz Mountains are connected to the German autobahn meaning you can go here by car from all over Europe in a whizz.
Be aware that people drive very fast on the sections of the autobahn that don’t have speed limits. Overtake with caution.
By train
It’s possible to travel by train from all over Europe to the Harz Mountains.
Goslar is the main hub, but it’s also possible to for example go to Wernigerode and Quedlinburg.
By air
Fly into either Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Leipzig or Frankfurt and catch a local train or hire a car to get to the Harz Mountains.
When to visit the Harz Mountains
There’s no bad time to visit the Harz Mountains, but as with most other holiday destinations, avoiding the main holiday seasons is a good idea if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy cheaper accommodation.
Spring is a beautiful time to visit with warming weather, rushing water and blooming flowers.
Summer is naturally the warmest season. The summer holidays in Germany are spread out between the middle of June and the middle of September. When we visited in June we had incredible, warm and sunny days.
Autumn is a wonderful time. When we visited the Harz Mountains in the middle of November we were lucky to still see some colourful leaves on the trees. For the best autumn foliage, it might make sense to visit a little bit earlier.
Winter is a popular time to visit for winter sports. Especially so during Christmas and New Year’s. During heavy snowfall, the Harz Mountains turn into the most perfect fairytale winter landscape.
What to bring to the Harz Mountains
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it.
- A good camera (of course!) – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen (adlink). The sun can be strong even in winter.
- Hiking shoes, sneakers or other comfortable shoes you can walk in.
- Swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim or stay at a hotel with a spa.
- Water and snacks.
Sustainable travel tips
To minimise your impact during your visit to the Harz Mountains, follow these guidelines:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Check your sunscreen if you intend to swim. Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that are harmful.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
- Respect wildlife.
What do you think of the Harz?
Thanks for reading along!
We hope our guide helps you make a more informed decision about where to spend the night in the Harz.
If you’ve visited the Harz before, we’d love to hear about your experience. Did you stay in one location as a base or did you choose to stay in several different towns?
If you haven’t been to the Harz yet, don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments below.
You can also read our travel guides to Düben Heath and Saale-Unstrut if you want more tips for things to do close to the Harz.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
Book cheap hotels 
Find the best flight deals 
Nomad insurance 
Our Camera Gear
Our Packing List