Discover Sankt Andreasberg: Mining, stars and winter sports

Sankt Andreasberg combines mining history, astronomical observations, art and activities at Matthias-Schmidt-Berg. At the Grube Samson visitor mine, you can look far back into the past; the observatory turns your gaze to the sky, while the summer toboggan run and ski area add an active touch. The National Park House rounds out this mix with topics related to the Harz Mountains’ natural and cultural landscape. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether cultural events, astronomy, mining or winter sports should take centre stage.

Mining history at Grube Samson

The Grube Samson visitor mine presents the mining history of Sankt Andreasberg. Ores were mined there from 1521 to 1910; the shaft is 810 metres deep, and guided tours are available. The period during which ore was mined and the depth of the shaft provide two concrete points of reference for understanding the mine’s history. If you are interested in the technical and historical side of the town, you will find a distinct focus here alongside the town’s nature and cultural attractions.

Observatory and art exhibition

The Sankt Andreasberg Observatory offers public astronomical observations. Its programme also includes talks, guided tours, exhibitions and excursions. As public events follow a schedule, it is best to check the dates for your travel period in advance.

The NATUR – MENSCH art exhibition also adds a special touch: it takes place every two years in late summer in Sankt Andreasberg. The exhibition invites visitors to explore and artistically interpret the complex relationship between people and nature in a variety of ways. Alongside astronomical observation, it offers another perspective on nature and its significance.

Activities at Matthias-Schmidt-Berg

The summer toboggan run at Matthias-Schmidt-Berg is 550 metres long and has an elevation difference of 130 metres. You can reach the starting point by double chairlift or by walking across the grounds for 20 minutes. This makes it easy to factor the walk to the start into your day’s plans. Operating conditions may vary, so check the latest operating information before your visit.

Matthias-Schmidt-Berg is also a destination in winter: the town’s ski area has just under 25 ha of designated ski terrain, two chairlifts and two drag lifts. The number of lifts may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before making specific winter plans. The summer toboggan run and ski area offer different activities on the same named mountain, while the information about the toboggan run also describes how to reach its starting point.

Natural and cultural landscape at the National Park House

The Sankt Andreasberg National Park House features an exhibition on the Harz Mountains’ natural and cultural landscape, the Bat Realm and an interactive cinema featuring a real Harz witch. There is also the Erzwasche Café and a visitor shop with a natural foods section. The house is also a starting point for adventurous excursions into the wilderness of the Harz uplands. Its themes range from exhibitions and film to excursions into the Harz landscape.

Winter in Braunlage

Braunlage also offers a distinctive winter attraction at Wurmberg. The ski area is at an altitude of 971 metres and is described as the highest and largest ski area in the Harz Mountains. In winter, its facilities include a gondola lift, a chairlift and several drag lifts; the runs have varying difficulty levels. Braunlage thus adds a ski area with its own altitude and lift profile to the choice of winter destinations.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Altenau, Vienenburg, Seesen, Braunlage, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Langelsheim, Bad Harzburg, Liebenburg

Back to the main travel overview: Goslar.