Lautenthal: Mining History and Hiking Trails

Lautenthal combines mining history with hiking trails and seasonal nature experiences. Underground, in the townscape and out on the trails, different themes come together, so you can tailor your stay to culture, activity and the season.

Mining History Underground and in the Townscape

Mining in Lautenthal dates back to the early 13th century. At the Lautenthals Glück Mining Museum, a mine train takes you into an original, preserved silver mine. There, a mine guide explains how mining has changed over time. Another highlight is steering the ore boat yourself: the trip takes you underground along a navigable waterway about 110 metres long.

The World Heritage Mining Trail also offers insights into local mining. It starts and ends at the car park by the Tourist Information Centre. Along the way, Dennert fir trees provide information about mining; the trail leads to the site of the Harz pump system and a water tunnel.

Parts of the Upper Harz Water Management System, also known as the Upper Harz Water Regale, have been preserved or restored in Lautenthal. The townscape also features numerous houses with the distinctive Harz timber cladding, some of which are listed buildings. They shape the appearance of the Upper Harz mining towns and complement the technical traces of mining with distinctive architectural heritage.

The traditional Miners’ Thanksgiving Festival is a living reminder of the mining tradition. It is celebrated every year in late February or early March with a church service and a Tscherper breakfast. The exact date can vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the date for that year.

Hiking Trails and Tours Throughout the Year

Lautenthal has around 200 kilometres of hiking trails. The town also provides access to the Volksbank Arena Harz trail network. Alongside mining-related attractions, the trails offer another focus to choose from if you would like to plan a more active stay.

Guided tours include herb walks as well as evening and torchlight hikes. They offer insights into the Harz’s plant life and landscape; specific dates may vary. The Dwarf Hiking Trail starts and ends at the Tourist Information Centre. The Mining Trail starts and ends at the car park by the Tourist Information Centre.

Winter brings another option for getting out on the trails: Lautenthal has groomed cross-country ski trails during this season. Snow conditions vary, so conditions for this seasonal activity may also vary.

Water Activities and Choosing Your Accommodation

The Innerste Reservoir is located near Lautenthal. Its soft, cool water is suitable for swimming, sailing, surfing, rowing, fishing and pedal boating. Activities and conditions may vary by season, making the reservoir another option for planning your trip around the time of year.

With this priority in mind, you can select Lautenthal more precisely as your accommodation search destination.

Discover more destinations: Bredelem, Wolfshagen Im Harz.

Return to the main travel overview: Langelsheim.