Discover Schierke: Nature, Culture and Winter Experiences

Schierke combines a naturally designed town centre with activities that take on different accents depending on the season. In the spa gardens, granite, water and the Holy Lake shape the landscape; in winter, the Feuerstein Arena, cross-country ski trails and tobogganing opportunities are added. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering whether nature trails, winter activities, culture or a guided tour will define your stay. These interests can help guide you when looking for accommodation.

Spa Gardens and Town Centre

Schierke spa gardens are in the town centre, south of Brockenstraße. The grounds slope southwards towards the Kalte Bode; the Feuerstein Arena is southeast of the park. Large granite boulders, water features and the Holy Lake define the naturally designed park. The combination of terrain, stones and water gives this place its own character. The listed Schierke Town Hall is also in the town centre, on the north side of Brockenstraße 5.

The spa gardens also host Schierke Winter Sports Weeks, the Walpurgis celebration, Schierke Music Summer and the Fantasia Festival. If you are planning to travel for one of these events, check the dates in advance. This lets you plan your trip around a specific cultural event or focus.

Winter in Schierke

During the cold season, Schierke offers over 72 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails, several toboggan runs and numerous opportunities for winter hiking. Seasonal facilities and snow conditions vary from year to year, so factor current conditions into your plans. In winter, you can go ice skating and curling at the Schierke Feuerstein Arena, attend ice discos or watch ice hockey. Check the current operating conditions before travelling.

The winter activities offer a range of options: cross-country ski trails and toboggan runs are outdoor activities, while the arena adds ice sports and spectating. Which option takes priority during your stay depends on how you would like to spend your time in Schierke.

Nature Trails, Trail and Guided Experiences

An approximately four-kilometre nature trail runs around Schierke and offers insights into the Harz region’s flora and fauna. It complements the more sports-focused activities with a nature walk centred on learning. The nature-oriented “Rock & Round” mountain bike trail offers different difficulty levels for beginners and advanced riders. It passes over boulders, by streams and along narrow paths. You can also jog or walk at the bike trail spot, provided no mountain bikers are using it at the time. Trail conditions and access may change; check the latest information before your visit.

If you would like to discover Schierke on a guided tour, consider “Unterwegs in Schierke” (Exploring Schierke). The tour introduces the town’s history and natural environment; check the official information for public tour dates or group bookings. Pottery classes at the “Alte Schmiede” pottery workshop offer an introduction to the craft. It is best to ask the pottery workshop directly about specific class options. Guided hikes are offered around Schierke and in the Harz National Park; check current availability.

More to Explore in the Wider Wernigerode Destination

The wider Wernigerode destination also has its own cultural and leisure activities. The “Kleiner Harz” miniature park in Wernigerode’s Bürgerpark features around 60 culturally and historically interesting Harz buildings in a miniature landscape. The Kleinstes Haus Museum in Wernigerode shows what living conditions in the house were like in the past. Bürgerpark includes themed gardens, playgrounds, animal enclosures, a park restaurant and ponds.

At the Harz Planetarium in Wernigerode, explanations and experiments cover topics including the sun’s path, the phases of the moon and how clouds form. The Wernigerode Castle Railway travels to Wernigerode Castle; during the ride, the drivers provide information about sights along the route. These activities offer more things to explore in Wernigerode, separate from the places and activities in Schierke.

Getting to the Arena

The Am Winterbergtor car park is recommended for visitors to the Schierke Feuerstein Arena. It is well signposted in Schierke and designed for cars up to 2 metres high. From there, the arena can be reached on foot in a few minutes via a step-free route. Parking information and conditions may change, so check the details before travelling.

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