Niedergebra: Discover the Apostles’ Bridge

Near Niedergebra, the Apostles’ Bridge tells a story that can be traced to a year of construction and the origin of its stones. At the same time, it is an excursion destination associated with cycling, hiking, horse riding and picnicking. This puts a specific place at the center, where the history of its construction and time spent outdoors can be viewed from different perspectives.

The Apostles’ Bridge: construction history and interpretation of its name

The present-day Apostles’ Bridge near Niedergebra was built in 1803 using stones from the keep at Lohra. The precise year and the origin of the material together offer a tangible way into its construction history: stones from a named structure were used to build the bridge. Anyone interested in historic buildings will find a specific point of reference here.

The wording about the name is more cautious: the Apostles’ Bridge is said to derive its name from Saint Boniface. A firmly dated construction and a possible origin for its name thus sit side by side. The bridge offers both a detail about its construction and a religious interpretation, explicitly presented as a possibility.

An excursion destination with a variety of attractions

Since its rededication, the Apostles’ Bridge has been used by cyclists, hikers and horse riders. In addition, the picnic area at the Apostles’ Bridge is considered a popular excursion destination in warmer weather. The two statements emphasize different things: use of the bridge is described as continuing since its rededication, while a picnic outing is specifically associated with warmer weather. When planning your stay, you can distinguish between getting active and taking a picnic break outdoors.

In the wider Nordhausen destination: landscape and mining history

In the wider Nordhausen destination, hiking trails, landscape features and mining history are also possible themes for excursions. The Karst Hiking Trail crosses Nordhausen district for 56 kilometers in an east–west direction. One more specifically described section is the Feuersalamanderpfad (Fire Salamander Trail): it is part of the Karst Hiking Trail and runs below and over the Mühlberg in the nature reserve, through a gypsum-karst uvala and past sinkholes, spoil heaps, caves and traces of history. This lets you distinguish the length and direction of the longer trail from the specific landscape details of this section.

The South Harz Nature Park Information Center focuses on something different: its interactive exhibition explores the gypsum-karst landscape and the distinctive features of the South Harz. If mining interests you more than landscape features, the Rabensteiner Stollen offers a subject of its own. It is the only visitor mine for hard coal in central Germany. The guided tour covers almost 300 years of hard-coal mining in the Harz and passes the last remaining hard-coal traces, fossils, authentic workplaces, mined-out seams and workings that are often only 60 centimeters high. The “Rabenstein Express” mine train first travels 500 meters into the mountain; the route then continues into mining areas from the 18th century. Check the current tour arrangements before your visit.

The Ilfeld Local History Museum also focuses on history, presenting the history of Ilfeld and Wiegersdorf in an engaging way. For a different perspective on the wider Harz region, the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway connects Wernigerode in the northern Harz with Nordhausen in the southern Harz foothills. The museum, mine and railway thus offer different points of interest for a trip shaped more by cultural history, mining or regional orientation.

Food and drink, and options for different travel interests

The “From Grain to Grain Spirit” tour at the Echter Nordhäuser Traditional Distillery takes you through a historic complex: from the mill room through the distilling room, brandy warehouse, office and cask cellar to the Henriette Bar. There, visitors can sample the distillery’s own premium spirits and liqueurs. As availability depends on the date, check tickets for your travel dates.

The Hohnstein Castle Inn serves upscale traditional German cuisine and regional specialties amid the historic ruins of Hohnstein Castle. From its terrace, the view extends over Neustadt and the South Harz. Before making plans, check whether the restaurant is currently operating.

If you are planning a trip with children, the wider Nordhausen destination offers more options. The seasonal Neustadt Forest Swimming Pool has a water slide, a paddling pool, a diving facility with 1- and 3-meter boards, a playground, and soccer, volleyball and table tennis courts. Check its current operating status and facilities before visiting. Activities for children in Harztor also include the “Harztor Hiking Kids”; as program details may vary, find out about the current offerings in advance.

Then compare accommodation locations with the experiences that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Nordhausen, Wolkramshausen, Werther, Hamma, Rodishain, Hainleite, Harztor, Hesserode.

Back to the wider travel overview: Nordhausen.