Wernigerode is located nearby the Harz Mountains in the state of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany.

How get to Wernigerode? 

From Berlin is the city about 3 hours and by train about 3 hours 30 min away. If you want to explore the city from Hannover, you need about 1 h 30 min to 2 hours to get there. On site, the sights are super accessible on foot or by public transport. Check your connections on the Deutsche Bahn website to see the travel time and if necessary the transfer time. 

1. Castle Wernigerode 

The castle originally functioned as a medieval keep, guarding the path traveled by medieval German emperors during their hunting excursions. Over the course of the 16th century, the keep was transformed into a Renaissance stronghold. Two museum tours guide visitors through over 40 rooms, some of which still feature the original furnishings where people once lived.

If you walk up the stairs to the castle, you will get a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the castle from the inside for 9 euros. Here you can find more info about the opening hours.

Enjoy the view on the picture: 

At the parking lot “Am Lustgarten” walk up the wide road and follow the white signs in the direction of “Angesberg”, then it goes steeply up the hill if you follow the short path. Therefore, be sure to think of sturdy shoes, preferably with a thick profile, so you do not fall.

2. Smallest house in Wernigerode 

You can discover the “smallest house” in Wernigerode tucked away among neighboring half-timbered residences on Koch Street. Erected during the heart of the 18th century in the Baroque architectural style, this house boasts dimensions of 4.20 meters from the ground to the gutter, a width of 2.95 meters, and a door standing at a height of 1.70 meters. You can also visit the house daily from 10 am-4 pm for 1 euro.

3. Town hall

The town hall is located on the market square in Wernigerode, surrounded by a benefactor fountain, restaurants and all buildings. There are also regular markets where you can buy food. The town hall was first mentioned in 1277 and served as a court house, as well as a place of medieval disposal with dancing and juggling and it was used for weddings.

4. Museum crooked house 

The structure was constructed circa 1680, initially serving as a fulling mill for the clothiers, replacing an older mill that had been documented as far back as the 13th century. A millrace from the Zillierbach supplied water to the water wheel. In the mid-19th century, the building’s purpose transitioned to that of a flour mill, and by around 1890, it underwent transformation into a residential dwelling. Subsequently, the town council utilized the house as its administrative headquarters for an extended period. Then from 2012 it was converted into a museum. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm and costs 2 euro. 

I can recommend you to just stroll around the city and look at the old buildings. There are also good opportunities to set up an ice cream break or have something to eat in a restaurant. Since the city has a history of witch burning, you will find many items that you can buy with a witch on them. If you are very attentive, you will see a witch standing at a traffic light. The traffic light should be in the Bahnhofsstraße at the Wernigeröder fire station.

While I walked through the city, I could look at the castle Wernigerode from the most different directions (see post picture) and I also discovered the Harz Planetarium and the Old Town Studio, where you can take photos in ancient costumes. There are also many opportunities to make a tour and, for example, take the train “red Albert” through the city.

Other things to check out in Wernigerode:

• Mininature park Wernigerode 

• Harzer tree cake house

Other things in the area:

• Quedlinburg
• Brocken

Best,

Saskia ❤