Wernigerode is one of the most enchanting towns in the Harz Mountains, where half-timbered architecture and medieval charm blend with modern German life.
The town's skyline is dominated by its fairytale castle, perched high above narrow cobbled streets that wind through a remarkably well-preserved old town.
Wernigerode castle on a misty day
The town is both a cultural destination and a gateway to the Harz National Park. Steam trains still chug from Wernigerode's main station to the summit of the Brocken, Germany's highest peak north of the Alps.
The combination of working heritage railways and unspoilt countryside attracts railway enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers all year round.
Wernigerode is located on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains, approximately 250 kilometres west of Berlin and 150 kilometres southeast of Hanover.
The town occupies a strategic position at the transition between the Harz foothills and the North German Plain, making it historically significant as a trading post and modern tourist gateway to the Harz region.
Wernigerode's nearest major cities are Braunschweig (80 kilometres to the north-west) and Magdeburg (60 kilometres to the north-east), both of which are easily accessible by rail and road.
The town is an ideal base for exploring the wider Harz region. The famous Brocken mountain is just 12km to the south-west, while the historic mining towns of Goslar and Quedlinburg are within 30km.
This central location makes Wernigerode a natural starting point for both day trips and longer explorations of the region's natural and cultural attractions.
Hannover Airport or Leipzig-Halle Airport are the closest international airports to Wernigerode, although travellers flying from further away may find the choice of destinations somewhat limited. Berlin Brandenburg Airport offers connections to destinations worldwide and is especially useful for those arriving on long-haul flights.
Distance to Hannover Airport: 130km
Distance to Leipzig-Halle Airport: 135km
Distance to Berlin-Brandenburg Airport: 250km
Wernigerode can be reached on public transport from all airports above but the journey will include two or three changes. It may be wise, especially for those considering exploring the Harz mountains, to look at hiring a car for the durations of a visit.
Wernigerode's main railway station is located just over a kilometre from the historic town centre. The station is on the northern edge of the town and is within a 10-15 minute walk of the central market square and the famous town hall.
Wernigerode station serves as a junction for both standard national railway services and the famous Harz narrow-gauge railway:
Deutsche Bahn Services:
Regional trains connect Wernigerode with Halberstadt, Magdeburg and Braunschweig. Travelling to major cities such as Berlin, Hannover and Leipzig, you'll need to make one or more changes. Trains run approximately every hour during the day on weekdays, with reduced services at weekends.
Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway (Harzer Schmalspurbahn):
Historic steam trains operate from a separate platform in the same station complex. There are direct services to Drei Annen Hohne, Schierke and the Brocken (the highest peak in the Harz). There are also connections to Quedlinburg via Alexisbad. These historic trains run all year round and are both a means of transport and a tourist attraction.
Wernigerode is well connected to the German road network. The nearest motorway is the A36, which passes about a few kilometres north of the town and connects to Braunschweig in the west and Magdeburg in the east.
Many visitors approach Wernigerode by travelling on the A36 and then taking the Wernigerode exit and following the signs to the town on the B244.
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Wernigerode's history begins in the 9th century as a Saxon settlement protecting important trade routes through the Harz Mountains.
The first documented mention of "Werningherode" is in 1121, when Count Adalbert von Haimar established a base here. The settlement's strategic location on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains helped it to develop from a defensive outpost into a thriving medieval town.
The 13th century marked a crucial turning point when Wernigerode received its town charter in 1229. The Earls of Wernigerode began building the castle on the hill, which served as both a defensive fortress and a noble residence.
The town joined the Hanseatic League as an associate member during this period, although its mountainous location prevented it from becoming a major trading centre like its northern neighbours.
The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) brought considerable hardship to Wernigerode, with the town suffering several occupations and plagues.
However, the late 17th century saw a period of renewal under Count Ernest of Stolberg-Wernigerode. He initiated the transformation of the castle from a medieval fortress into a Baroque residence and established many of the administrative structures that would guide the town's development.
Timber-framed houses in Wernigerode old town
The 19th century brought industrialisation, although Wernigerode retained its historic character better than many German towns.
The arrival of the railway in 1872 connected the town to larger cities, while the construction of the Brocken Railway in 1899 established Wernigerode as a tourist destination.
Wernigerode's castle became a museum during the Soviet occupation and subsequent GDR period (1945-1990), while many historic buildings were restored. Unlike many East German towns, Wernigerode's architectural heritage survived the socialist era largely intact.
Careful conservation efforts have preserved the town's historic authenticity while developing a modern tourist infrastructure since German reunification.
Wernigerode Castle dominates both the town's skyline and visitor interest. This neo-Romantic fortress, completed in its present form in 1893, stands proudly on a wooded hill 300 metres above the town.
Wernigerode castle
Inside, perfectly preserved period rooms offer a glimpse of 19th century aristocratic life. The castle's terraces offer panoramic views over the Harz Mountains and the North German Plain.
The Lustgarten, a Baroque pleasure garden below the castle, features meticulously tended flower beds and walkways. This green space leads into the larger castle park, where paths wind through mature trees and provide alternative routes to the castle.
The distinctive town hall, a masterpiece of German secular architecture dating from 1498, is the centrepiece of the market square. This ornate building features intricate wooden carvings, colourful timberwork and an impressive exterior staircase.
The market square in Wernigerode
The weekly markets still held here continue a centuries-old tradition, while the square's cafes and restaurants are housed in buildings dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.
The smallest house (Das Kleinste Haus) in Kochstraße represents the quirky side of Wernigerode.
This half-timbered house, built in 1792, is only 4.2 metres high and 2.95 metres wide. It now houses a small museum showing how people used to live in such cramped conditions.
Nearby, the Crooked House (Schiefes Haus), which leans at an unlikely angle, serves as a visitor centre while demonstrating how the town has preserved even its most unusual structures.
Wernigerode Steam Railway Station preserves the golden age of rail travel.
Historic steam locomotives still run regularly to the Brocken, making this one of the most active heritage railways in Germany.
Steam train in the Harz mountains
The station's museum details the technical and social history of the Harz narrow-gauge railway, while the platform area offers excellent photographic opportunities of working steam engines.
St Sylvestri Church occupies a prominent position in Wernigerode's old town, just off the market square. Dating back to the 12th century, this Lutheran church is an impressive example of late Gothic architecture with elements added at various times. Its tall, distinctive tower dominates the skyline and serves as a landmark for visitors.
Inside, the church houses several treasures worth seeing. The Baroque altar, dating from 1712, displays intricate craftsmanship, while the 18th-century organ continues to fill the church with music during services and occasional concerts.
St Johann's Church is in a quieter location on the western edge of Wernigerode's old town. This smaller, more intimate church dates from the 13th century and historically served as a hospital church. Its simpler design reflects its original purpose of serving the town's hospital and those in need of care.
The Wernigerode tourist information office is situated on the main Market Square in the centre of the town. The tourist office is open seven days a week with shorter opening hours at the weekend.
Website: www.wernigerode-tourismus.de