Osterode Am Harz: Half-timbered houses, history and active days

Osterode Am Harz combines visible traces of the city’s history with opportunities for active days. Many half-timbered houses can be seen within the old city wall, while the ruins of Welfenburg Castle stand above the city. There is a climbing area on the north shore of the Söse Reservoir, and several hiking trails in the municipal forest. The options range from historical themes in the city to activities that require your own preparation.

Half-timbered houses, city wall and local stories

The city wall of Osterode Am Harz was first mentioned in a document in 1233. Many surviving half-timbered houses can be seen within the old city wall. Another historical feature is the donkey-driver monument in front of the Old Town Hall: it recalls the history of the donkey drivers. The ruins of Welfenburg Castle stand above the city. These different points of interest give the city’s history more than just one face.

A city walking tour lasting around two hours covers stories related to brewing in Osterode. During the tour, Notarius Schellschläger recounts local history; he was once the landlord of the “Stadt London” inn. Alongside the visible buildings, the history of brewing also comes into focus. Check the current date of the walking tour before your trip.

Hiking trails and climbing around Osterode

The Steinbruch an der Sösetalsperre climbing area is located on the north shore of the Söse Reservoir near Osterode Am Harz. The German Alpine Club has set up ten climbing routes there. Climbing is at your own risk and requires your own equipment; the area can only be reached on foot. Seasonal restrictions may also apply. Take the walk and your own equipment into account when planning, and check in advance whether seasonal restrictions affect your visit.

Since autumn 2022, three family hiking trails ranging from 4 to 7 kilometres in length have been located in the municipal forest of Osterode Am Harz. The Harzer Försterstieg is on a different scale: this 60-kilometre long-distance trail runs through the western Harz, connects Goslar with Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken, and passes along the Granetalsperre, Innerstetalsperre and Sösetalsperre reservoirs. It offers views of the landscape along the way. The distances illustrate the different scope of the hiking options: the municipal forest trails are 4 to 7 kilometres long, while the Försterstieg is a longer route through the western Harz.

Local cuisine and practical planning

The Ratskeller serves hearty Harz dishes as well as other Mediterranean-style dishes, including pasta and salads. It also has an idyllic beer garden. The dining options may change; check what is currently being offered before visiting.

When looking for accommodation, it helps to first decide what pace you want for your stay. A walking tour of around two hours can be planned differently from a climbing visit that involves walking to the site and bringing your own equipment, or from tackling a 60-kilometre long-distance trail. The shorter trails in the municipal forest also offer a different scale from the Harzer Försterstieg. Consider whether city history, hiking or climbing will be the main focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bad Grund, Bad Lauterberg, Bad Sachsa, Badenhausen, Herzberg Am Harz, Osterode Am Harz, Pöhlde, Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken, Lonau, Wulften am Harz.

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