Camping in the Harz Mountains: Brocken, Wernigerode & hiking – vacation in the mountains

Camping Harz – picturesque landscapes, interesting sights and charming villages.
Are you still undecided about where to go on your next vacation?
Then the beautiful Harz Mountains have everything your heart desires!
Whether you prefer the warm summer months or the cold winter months, in the Harz Mountains you will find a variety of sights and camping adventures to suit every taste.
The best way to travel is with a rooftop tent, so you are super flexible in how you spend your days.
Whether with your partner or the whole family with children and dog – here are our vacation tips for a vacation full of exciting activities and highlights, such as the Brocken and Wernigerode.

Your vacation in the Harz Mountains: shrouded in legend & naturally beautiful

Vacation tips – Green forests, babbling brooks and mountainous landscapes.
You can experience a fantastic natural panorama on a walk or a longer hike along the unspoilt paths.
But the Harz Mountains have much more to offer than just fairytale landscapes.
From unique caves to historic castles and charming villages, this beautiful vacation destination offers an eventful and adventurous time for young and old.
But the myths and legends surrounding the Harz Mountains are also an appealing factor that always goes down well with tourists and families in particular.
So if you want to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in nature and combine amazing landscapes with adventure, relaxation and cultural input, then you’ve come to the right place in the highest mountain range in northern Germany!

The Harz Mountains offer your camping vacation a real enrichment:

  • Idyllic landscapes with natural hiking trails
  • Exciting legends & myths: exciting for the family
  • Unique sights: Caves, castles & villages

Before we get to the vacation tips, here is some general information about the Harz Mountains:

Between 3 federal states: Location on the map

Map – The Harz is a low mountain range located in Germany and is also the highest mountain range in northern Germany.
It forms the interface between Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia and this central location makes it easy to reach from anywhere.
So it’s worth traveling to the Harz from many home towns in Germany.
In the middle of northern Germany – this is where the Harz Mountains are on the map: To give you an overview of the Harz Mountains, you can find a map here:

Flying like a bird: the Harz Mountains from above

Video – Picturesque sunrises bathe the clear lakes and green forests in orange light.
You can see the landscape of the Harz Mountains in this video filmed with a drone – it’s as if you’re flying over it like a bird.
https://youtu.be/IomcRcLrELA Now you know where the Harz Mountains are and what they look like.
But what should you do on your vacation in the Harz Mountains?

Bucket list: tips for your vacation with dogs & children

Sights – As you have already learned, the Harz Mountains are known for their picturesque landscapes, green forests, mighty mountains and extensive hiking trails.
Due to its extraordinary flora and fauna, the mountains are particularly suitable for a summer vacation.
This is why the peaceful Harz Mountains are a popular destination for Germans and attract numerous visitors every year.
Natural highlights – Not only the popular national park with its amazing forests and hiking trails is one of the top excursion destinations in the Harz Mountains, but other natural phenomena also attract a large number of visitors every year.
What’s more, the Harz Mountains are not only beautiful to look at, but also conceal numerous myths, sagas and old legends.
As a result, there are exciting and interesting stories about many of the attractions that have been spread and passed down over the years.
So if you visit the caves, for example, you can also find out about the myths to add a very special touch to your visit.
But apart from the attractive landscapes, the multifaceted Harz Mountains also impress with historical attractions, famous sights, family-friendly leisure activities and much more.
The following activities and sights are recommended in the Harz Mountains:

  • Day trip to the Harz National Park
  • Lively town of Wernigerode
  • Oldest nature reserve: The Devil’s Wall
  • Legendary rock formations in the unicorn cave
  • Highest mountain in the Harz: the Brocken

My top 5 tips:

Harz National Park: Hikes between forests & meadows

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of Germany’s largest national parks!
Covering an area of around 250 square kilometers, you can spend an eventful and relaxing day among spruce and beech forests.
You can explore the area on a walk and plan your day freely and individually on the hiking network, which covers at least 600 kilometers.
A day trip to the popular national park is a special highlight for nature lovers and passionate hikers.
Whether it’s an extensive exploration tour while hiking or a leisurely stroll in the countryside – the multi-faceted national park is definitely worth a visit and should definitely be visited during your vacation in the Harz Mountains.
The national park offers you:

  • Scenic highlights
  • Quiet & idyllic nature
  • Colorful panorama
  • Dense spruce & beech forests
  • 600 kilometer hiking network

Watch the following video to see what awaits you on a day trip to the national park!
https://youtu.be/yyfD994bV6E

Wernigerode: get to know the livelier side of the Harz Mountains

The next item that should be on your bucket list is the charming town of Wernigerode.
In contrast to the otherwise peaceful and idyllic nature, it reflects the livelier side of the Harz.
Wernigerode is located on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains and boasts a modern and young atmosphere.
From numerous cafés, charming restaurants and lively hotels to the romantic Wernigerode Castle, this inviting town offers everything your heart desires.
In summer, the Wernigerode Castle Festival is held, attracting numerous visitors from all over the world every year.
However, it is not just the castle, but the colorful town in general that enchants many tourists with its unique atmosphere and lively vibe, which is why you should definitely make a stop here.
The highlights of a visit to Wernigerode:

  • Charming city in a modern, young style
  • Colorful, lively flair
  • Numerous cafés and restaurants
  • Wernigerode Castle

To help you find your way around – here is Wernigerode on the map: And that’s how beautiful it is in Wernigerode: What else is there to explore and do in nature?

Devil’s Wall: Germany’s oldest nature reserve

The sandstone Teufelsmauer (Devil’s Wall) is particularly worth seeing in the Harz Mountains.
It is one of the oldest nature reserves in Germany and is home to a variety of unique plants and animals.
On a day trip, you can view the mighty rock formation and take a break at the numerous viewpoints to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere.
Information about the Devil’s Wall:

  • One of the oldest nature reserves in Germany
  • Home to a variety of unique plants & animals
  • Mighty rock formation created from sandstone
  • Numerous viewpoints for hikers

So that you don’t get lost or “wander off” – you can find the Devil’s Wall on the map here: So that you don’t start your trip to the Devil’s Wall completely blind, here is a preview of what the Devil’s Wall looks like:

Caves: Stalactite formations with exciting myths

You should also take a look at the unique caves that are famous for the Harz Mountains.
Some of them were formed artificially by mining and others are of natural origin and were gradually created thousands of years ago by the formation of mountains.
The Baumann and Hermann caves are particularly popular.
An excursion to the Unicorn Cave, for example, one of the oldest stalactite caves in Germany, is particularly suitable for families with children, as an amazing creation of stalactites awaits you, in which you can interpret various shapes, such as animals or dwarves.
The extraordinary Unicorn Cave is also a natural highlight in the northern Harz foreland and is popular with people from all over the world.
Many legends and myths revolve around this natural monument, which is how it got its special name.
Information about the numerous caves:

  • Partly artificially formed by mining
  • Partly formed naturally through rock formation
  • Particularly popular: Baumann’s & Hermann’s Cave
  • Unicorn cave with many legends & myths

Here you can get a first impression of the famous Baumann Cave with a 360-degree overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXMuL4J7qA8

The Brocken: Highest mountain in the Harz

Another top excursion destination in the Harz Mountains is definitely the famous Brocken.
You can climb the mighty peak on various hiking trails to enjoy an amazing natural panorama across the entire valley to the Harz foreland in good weather.
If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can also take the Brockenbahn from Wernigerode and reach your destination within an hour and a half.
In any case, an unforgettable and impressive view awaits you in an alpine climate, which is why a visit to the highest mountain in the Harz Mountains is a must.
Everything you need to know about the Brocken:

  • Various hiking trails up to the summit
  • Amazing natural panorama over the valley
  • Not hiking?
    Brockenbahn from Wernigerode!

Found quickly!
The Brocken on the map: A visit that is worthwhile in any weather!
Watch the following video about the Brocken.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8RkqsBCEt0

Three in one go: Route between Brocken,

Are you an ambitious hiker?
Or would you like to take in as much of the exciting adventures in the Harz mountains as possible?
With this route, you can visit three of the excursion destinations.
Start at the Devil’s Wall, where you can go for a walk with the whole family and enjoy the view.
The next stop is the Brocken.
Here you can hike all the way to the summit.
At the end of your tour, you can visit the Unicorn Cave and admire the mystical stalagmites and stalactites.
An overview of the three points:

  1. Devil’s wall
  2. Hunks
  3. Unicorn cave

The tips as a simple route: But how are you actually going to manage this route flexibly?

Experience more nature: Camping instead of a hotel

When camping, you can enjoy everything the Harz Mountains have to offer right into the evening hours and experience an adventure that you won’t soon forget.
Families with small children in particular get their money’s worth here, as camping provides relaxation and recreation on the one hand, but is also a natural paradise with numerous opportunities to run around and play on the other.
When traveling, it is often the case that you are dependent on a fixed sleeping place and have less freedom to move around.
When you go camping, you are more flexible.
A roof tent makes it particularly easy for you, as you can simply fold it up and therefore don’t have the hassle of dismantling the tent poles.
A roof tent is also usually simply mounted on the roof of your car to save space.
This means you don’t have to maneuver as much as with a caravan, for example.
Curious?
You can take a look at various roof tents here:

Packing list for camping: checklist, tips & suggestions

Nowadays, most people no longer go camping with just the bare essentials.
Instead, it can be a little more luxurious.
Instead of a 2-person tent, it is more comfortable to travel in a comfortable roof tent and important outdoor equipment such as chairs, a table and loungers are also a must on the campsite.
Is tidiness the be-all and end-all for you?
There is also a practical solution for this when camping!
Here’s a checklist to help you take all the essentials with you on your camping vacation and make the most of your time.
These top 5 things should definitely be on your packing list:

Sleeping under the stars: campsite recommendations

As wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, you should choose one or more campsites or legal pitches for your overnight stay here.
The popular campsites are all located in the mountains and are centrally located so that you don’t have to travel far to reach the most interesting attractions and highlights of the Harz Mountains.
I have picked out some popular, affordable and central campsites here:

Harz Camp Goslar

Interesting facts about the campsite Harz Camp Goslar:

  • Ratings: 4.8 / 5 (835 ratings)
  • Address: Clausthaler Straße 28, 38644 Goslar
  • Phone: +49 5321 22502
  • Website: Harz Camp Goslar
  • Directions (Google Maps): Harz Camp Goslar

Harz-Camp Bremer Teich in Gernrode

That is important:

Camping ground Alte Waldmühle in Wernigerode

Short & sweet – you should take a look at this in advance:

Find your campsite: What’s important?

When you go camping, you should definitely pay attention to a few important criteria when choosing your campsite so that you can enjoy your time here as much as possible.
You have your own specific needs.
Here I have listed a few factors that you should keep in mind when looking for the right place:

  1. Location & Pitches
  2. Price-performance ratio
  3. General cleanliness
  4. Infrastructure (restaurants, stores, …)
  5. Leisure activities in the surrounding area
  • You can get more help to make sure everything fits here: Campsite

Activities: Hiking, walking & climbing

If you choose camping as your accommodation option, you are always surrounded by nature and usually have direct access to popular leisure activities.
The Harz Mountains are a paradise for nature lovers and not only impress with idyllic landscapes and picturesque nature, but also offer fun and games as well as exciting activities for the whole family.

Go for a walk: Relax and enjoy nature

The Harz Mountains are known for their breathtaking nature.
During a walk, you can enjoy the picturesque landscape with dense forests, clear lakes, rushing waterfalls and imposing mountain peaks.
Of course, it also makes sense to visit the highlights on our bucket list.
The Harz National Park and the area around the Brocken are particularly beautiful for this.
You can find out what walking actually does for you here:

Hiking: longer distances outdoors

Walking is the precursor to hiking, so to speak.
If you want to cover longer distances, then you should take up hiking.
Hiking in the Harz Mountains allows you and your family to spend time together in nature.
You can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
You can hike along exciting trails, explore caves, hike to waterfalls or even take a ride on the historic Brockenbahn, so there’s something for everyone!
You can find out how to plan the right hiking route here:

Climbing: Adventure on the Devil’s Wall

The Harz Mountains offer a variety of climbing routes of different levels of difficulty.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, there are routes to suit your ability and allow you to continuously improve.
For example, climbing on the Devil’s Wall gives you an exciting challenge and the opportunity to test your own limits.
It requires physical dexterity, strength and concentration.
The thrill of climbing and tackling difficult routes can provide an intense adrenaline experience.
You can learn everything you need to know before your first climb here:

At what time of year is a vacation in the Harz recommended?

Weather: alpine climate in summer & winter

The Harz Mountains offer very changeable temperatures between -2 degrees and 24 degrees on average throughout the year.
The weather is therefore very changeable and can sometimes be cold and wet.
The best time of year is therefore in the summer months, i.e. between May and September, as you can expect summer temperatures here and a hiking, cultural or swimming vacation is all the more fun!

  • Warmest average temperature: 24 degrees
  • Coldest Ø-temperature:: -2 degrees
  • Changeable weather
  • About 74.8 hours of sunshine per month

Current overview: Weather at this moment

On this map you can see what the weather looks like at this moment in the Harz Mountains:

FAQ: Questions & Answers

Where is the best place to go on vacation in the Harz Mountains?
Where exactly is the Brocken?
And how high is it in the Harz Mountains?
Here you will find some questions that are frequently asked about the Harz Mountains and the answers.

Where is the best place to go on vacation in the Harz Mountains?

The Harz Mountains are very diverse and offer a wide range of possibilities for a successful vacation.
If you want to relax and enjoy wellness, you should go to Bad Harzburg.
Another recommendation would be the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goslar.
In winter, Bad Sachsa is ideal for skiing, for example.
Other popular places are Bad Lauterberg, Sankt Andreasberg, Wernigerode and Osterode.

What can you do in the Harz Mountains?

The most popular sights include the Hexentanzplatz, the Barbarossa Cave and other caves, the famous Devil’s Wall, the Harz National Park and the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway.

Where exactly is the Brocken?

The Brocken is the highest mountain in the Harz low mountain range, in Saxony-Anhalt and in the whole of northern Germany.
It is located in the Schierke district of the town of Wernigerode in the Harz district of Saxony-Anhalt.

How high is it in the Harz Mountains?

The highest point of the mountain range is the Brocken at 1,141 meters.

Excursion destinations for campers: stopovers throughout Germany

If you’re traveling to the Harz Mountains, you might pass by one or two destinations worth seeing.
Here you will find an overview of all the federal states in the vicinity and for the whole of Germany.

Camping in Lower Saxony

The Harz Mountains also partly cover the federal state of Lower Saxony.
If you are looking for blooming heathlands, sunny beaches and fresh sea air during a cycle tour along the coast, you will find all this and much more in Lower Saxony.
From water sports at Alfsee to relaxation in Bensersiel and island vacations on Norderney to fishing at Steinhuder Meer – with a roof tent or tent trailer, you have the flexibility to reach all these places easily.
Here you will find pictures, information and the best tips for the most beautiful places in Lower Saxony:

Camping in Saxony-Anhalt

Another part of the Harz is located in Saxony-Anhalt, which is why the federal state is also perfect for a short break or excursion.
The state offers a comprehensive program for nature lovers.
In the north, you can go on relaxed cycle tours through the flat landscape, which are ideal for the whole family.
In the southern part of Saxony-Anhalt, on the other hand, mountainous regions await you.
Or you can jump into the cold water to cool off – Saxony-Anhalt has many great mountain lakes.
Here you will find lots of tips on camping in Saxony-Anhalt and fantastic regions, similar to the Harz Mountains.

Camping in Thuringia

The last federal state in which the Harz Mountains are located is Thuringia.
This federal state is also rich in mountains and invites you and your fellow travelers to go on adventurous hikes.
The impressive landscape offers a variety of opportunities to explore nature.
In addition to the picturesque mountains, Thuringia also offers a wealth of cultural treasures in cities such as Weimar.
Here you can immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic heritage, visit museums and explore historical sites.
In addition to mountains such as the Harz Mountains, you can find travel tips for a vacation in Thuringia here.

Vacation in Germany

You already know that you can reach the Harz Mountains from anywhere in Germany.
Of course, you will also pass by many other beautiful places in Germany.
So that you can choose one or more places for a short stopover or excursion, you should plan your route well in advance.
Read more about a vacation in Germany here:

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Offroad
Raised and extra stable for road and off-road… What do you do if you are traveling in regions with poor roads or drive an off-road vehicle or SUV whose dome height does not fit conventional trailers? The solution: the off-road tent trailer from CAMPWERK – specially developed for extreme conditions. This unique model impresses with a raised and particularly robust AL-KO chassis that can withstand even the most demanding off-road routes. The entire body is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum, reinforced with durable stainless steel components. So you are perfectly equipped for any terrain.
Black / Silver
Available now: The CAMPWERK Offroader in the exclusive Black/Silver Edition CAMPWERK is expanding its range and now also offers the popular off-road tent trailer in the coveted Black/Silver Edition. The high-quality aluminium body is completely anodized in matt black, while the mudguards are powder-coated in elegant “Gun Silver Metal”. An absolute eye-catcher on any road and in any terrain!
The off-road trailer from CAMPWERK impresses with its lightweight construction: Thanks to the aluminum body, the base only weighs around 300 kg when empty. With a permissible total weight of 1.5 tons, it offers an impressive payload capacity of up to 1.2 tons – ideal for small excursions, transport and even larger expeditions.

Visually, the trailer blends in perfectly with the appearance of an off-road vehicle or SUV with its coarse-tread MT tires and robust, full-length aluminium mudguards. The mudguards are also designed in such a way that they are ideal for the safe transportation of petrol and water canisters or gas bottles.

To ensure flexibility, the off-roader’s tyres can be individually adapted to the towing vehicle on request, so that only one set of spare wheels is required. The standard ball head coupling can also be optionally replaced with a DIN or NATO eye.
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
Aluminum body
Wheels
Terrain values
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Onroad

The perfect solution for your camping adventure:
Road trailer with tent
Imagine a first-class equipped road trailer that is ideal for camping trips in Germany and the surrounding countries.
This trailer comes with a sturdy holding device for a matching tent that can be set up in no time at all.
The result is your mobile home – ready for unforgettable tours!

Your decisive advantage: you are ideally equipped for your vacation in a particularly cost-effective way. And when you’re not on the road, you can use the trailer as a conventional utility trailer. We offer you the road trailer in two versions, depending on your needs: An unbraked version with a permissible total weight of 750 kg and the braked version recommended by us with a permissible total weight of 1,300 kg.
10-year guarantee
Our trailer base was not created in the laboratory – it was made for the real world. The robust construction is optimized for tough conditions. Oversized axles and virtually indestructible aluminum frames ensure exceptional durability. We are the only supplier in Germany to give you a 10-year guarantee on this unique quality!
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
Aluminum structure
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Material and processing.
The tent fabric of our trailer tents is made from a high-quality, 450 g blended fabric, also known as canvas. This unique combination of cotton and polyester combines the advantages of a natural fiber with those of a modern high-tech material. The result is a robust, breathable fabric that impresses with its pleasant feel and high dimensional stability.

The tent fabric, which is also used by the military, is impregnated and particularly tear-resistant thanks to the ripstop process. In this special weaving technique, thicker threads are woven into the fabric at intervals of around 10-15 millimetres, giving the fabric its characteristic tiled structure and exceptional tear resistance. It goes without saying that our fabrics are opaque and therefore offer optimum protection and privacy.
The basis of our trailer tents is a robust stainless steel frame with a thickness of 3×3 cm. A 1.8 cm thick, water-resistant wooden floor panel is securely fastened to this sturdy frame with stainless steel screws. The frame of the trailer tents is also made of galvanized steel tubing and special stainless steel components that ensure maximum stability. The modern surface finish not only offers a high level of corrosion protection, but also gives the material a pleasant feel and ensures a durable, weatherproof construction.
We rely exclusively on yarn from the German market leader Amann. Thanks to the combination of a cotton core and a high-tenacity polyester core, this yarn is characterized by a particularly high tensile strength and excellent water resistance.

On contact with water, the cotton coating swells and closes the seam holes created during sewing. For additional protection, all seams in the roof area are fitted with a transparent sealing strip to ensure maximum waterproofness.
Less is sometimes more.
We are often asked: What about the water column? For tent fabrics, the impermeability of the fabric is specified in the form of the water column. For cotton tents, this value is usually around 300 to 400 mm. However, our tent fabric offers an exceptionally high water column for cotton fabric of around 750 mm. This means that theoretically more than 75 cm of water can stand on the material before the first drops penetrate.

A major advantage of cotton as a natural raw material is its ability to swell when it gets damp, which provides additional waterproofing. In contrast, synthetic fabrics, which cannot swell, must have a much higher water column (between 3,000 and 10,000 mm, depending on the material) in order to achieve comparable waterproofness.
Good night.
The comfort sleep set consists of a high-quality visco foam mattress that adapts perfectly to the individual body shape, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The set is complemented by the innovative Froli bed spring system, which guarantees an exceptional sleeping experience. Perfect sleeping comfort in a well thought-out overall package.
Premium mattress.
An excellent mattress is the basis for healthy and restful sleep. Just as every person is unique, their mattress should also be individually tailored to them.
Our premium mattress adapts perfectly to the contours of the body and promotes orthopaedically correct positioning of the spine. Thanks to targeted pressure relief, back muscles and intervertebral discs can relax optimally. The innovative construction and high-quality materials create an ideal sleeping environment.
There are no compromises at CAMPWERK: We rely on flexible visco foam with memory function. The unique combination of supportive foam core and relieving visco foam topper ensures maximum sleeping comfort.
Suspension.
Good ventilation is crucial for your well-being and sleep hygiene. To ensure maximum sleeping comfort, we combine our mattress with an innovative Froli slat base. The flexible spring elements form a comfortable slat base with individually adjustable firmness zones. This combination ensures orthopaedically correct positioning of the body and provides targeted, pressure-relieving support. This effectively prevents tension and one-sided strain. The open, air-permeable cells also enable optimum ventilation and create a healthy sleeping environment.
Are you allergic or do you have special health requirements? No problem! We cooperate with a renowned German mattress manufacturer to offer customized solutions. Simply contact us and together we will find the ideal mattress for your needs.