Camping Guide | Harz

The Harz extends across the federal states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia and forms the northernmost German low mountain range. Its striking silhouette, characterized by the Brocken, the highest mountain in Northern Germany, is recognizable from afar. Arriving for Camping Harz is straightforward, no matter which direction you are coming from. By car, the best way to reach the Harz is via the A7, A38, or A395 motorways. Coming from the north, take the A7 to the Seesen exit and then follow the country roads towards the Harz. From the south, you can reach the region via the A38, which leads you directly into the Southern Harz. Those arriving from the west use the A395, which connects Braunschweig with the Harz. Toll fees are currently not charged on German motorways, so you can arrive without additional costs. For travelers by train, the Harz is also easily accessible. Numerous regional trains connect surrounding cities such as Hanover, Göttingen, or Halle with the Harz railway stations. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway (Harzquerbahn) is particularly recommended; it's a narrow-gauge railway that takes you through the picturesque landscape all the way up to the Brocken. From Hamburg, there are regular ICE connections to Hanover, from where you can easily continue by regional train. The journey takes a total of about 3.5 to 4 hours. Coming from Frankfurt, you can reach the Harz via Göttingen in about 3 hours. Arrival by plane is also possible, with the nearest airport being Hanover (HAJ). From there, you can continue your journey into the Harz by train or rental car. The drive from the airport to the Harz takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Within the Harz, it is best to get around by car, bus, or the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway. Numerous well-signposted paths are available for hiking and cycling tours. Many campsites are also well-connected to the public transport network, so you can be mobile even without your own vehicle. Ferries play no role in the Harz, as it is a low mountain region.

The Harz can be roughly divided into three subregions: the Upper Harz, the Lower Harz, and the Eastern Harz. Each of these regions has its own character and offers different focuses for your Harz camping holiday. The Upper Harz, located in the western part, is known for its mountain landscape and its historic mining towns. Here you will find places like Clausthal-Zellerfeld, a traditional university town with numerous sights related to mining. Goslar, an old imperial city with an impressive old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also located in the Upper Harz. The Upper Harz is ideal for hikers and nature lovers looking for the peace and seclusion of the mountains. Families with children will find numerous adventure offers here, such as the Bad Harzburg Treetop Path. The Lower Harz, located in the eastern part, is characterized by its rolling hills and numerous lakes. Quedlinburg, another UNESCO World Heritage city, is also in the Lower Harz and impresses with its numerous half-timbered houses. Thale, with the famous Hexentanzplatz (Witches' Dance Floor), is also worth a visit. The Lower Harz is particularly popular with families and couples who want to spend a relaxed camping holiday. Here you can swim, go boating, or simply enjoy nature. The Eastern Harz, which extends into Saxony-Anhalt, is known for its wild, romantic landscape and its numerous castles and palaces. Stolberg, a historic town with an impressive castle, is also located in the Eastern Harz. Wernigerode, with its striking castle, is also worth a visit. The Eastern Harz is ideal for those interested in culture and history who want to explore the region's numerous sights. Athletes will find challenging mountain bike trails here. No matter which subregion you choose, the Harz offers the right choice for every taste. Whether you are looking for the peace of the mountains, want to explore the cultural highlights of the cities, or simply want to spend a relaxed camping holiday, you will find your paradise here.

The camping landscape in the Harz is diverse and offers something for every taste. From large resort sites with pools and animation to small, nature-oriented campsites, you will find everything here. In total, there are about 80 campsites in the Harz and its immediate surroundings, so you have a large selection. Many campsites are located directly on a lake or river, which is particularly attractive for families with children. Most campsites in the Harz are well-equipped and offer modern infrastructure. This usually includes sanitary facilities with showers and toilets, power connections for caravans and motorhomes, and Wi-Fi access. Some campsites also have a small supermarket or a restaurant, so you can easily provide for yourself on-site. The quality of the Wi-Fi can vary but is usually sufficient for emails and simple internet research. Prices for a pitch vary depending on the season and the facilities of the campsite. In the high season, from July to August, you should expect prices between 25 and 40 euros per night for a pitch for two people. In the low season, from April to June and from September to October, prices are usually slightly cheaper, ranging between 20 and 35 euros per night. Additional costs may apply for electricity, water, and visitor's tax. The size of the pitches also varies depending on the campsite. As a rule, however, the pitches are large enough to set up a motorhome or a caravan with an awning. Many campsites offer both sunny and shady pitches, so you can choose according to your needs. A reservation is recommended, especially in the high season, as the campsites are then often fully booked. However, there are always last-minute chances, especially during the week. In addition to classic campsites, there are also some agritourism offers and pitches for motorhomes in the Harz. At an agritourism farm, you can enjoy country life and buy regional products directly from the producer. Motorhome pitches are often somewhat more simply equipped but offer a cheap alternative to campsites.

For a successful Harz camping holiday, it is important to inform yourself about some practical things in advance. Here you will find important information on toll fees, petrol stations, shopping facilities, gas supply, disposal, mobile communications, medical care, and rules. Toll fees are currently not charged on German motorways. You can therefore arrive without additional costs. Diesel prices in Germany are moderate by European standards. Petrol stations usually have long opening hours, many are even open around the clock. Along the motorways and in the larger towns, you will find numerous petrol stations from various providers. There are plenty of shopping opportunities in the Harz. In the larger towns, you will find supermarkets such as Lidl, Edeka, or Rewe, which offer a wide range. Smaller grocery stores and farm shops are also available, where you can buy regional products. Supermarket opening hours are usually Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 10 pm. Most supermarkets are closed on Sundays, but there are exceptions in some tourist locations. The supply of gas cylinders can be a bit difficult in the Harz. German gas cylinders cannot usually be easily exchanged because there are different connections. It is advisable to take an adapter with you or to find out locally where you can have your gas cylinder filled. Many campsites also offer gas cylinders for sale or rent. Disposal stations for greywater and toilets are available at most campsites. There are also public disposal stations in some larger towns. The fees for disposal are usually included in the pitch price or amount to only a few euros. Mobile network coverage in the Harz is predominantly good. In most places and at the campsites, you will have reception. In remote areas, however, network coverage may be slightly worse. Roaming charges do not apply within the EU, so you can use your mobile phone as usual. Medical care in the Harz is good. There are hospitals and pharmacies in the larger towns. Numerous doctors are also available. In an emergency, dial 112. When camping in the Harz, there are some rules to observe. Wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany and is punished with high fines. Camping in nature reserves is also not allowed. There are currently no environmental zones in the Harz. Tap water in the Harz is generally of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation.

The Harz holds some secrets that can make your Harz camping holiday an unforgettable experience. Here are some insider tips that you won't find in any travel guide. The low season in the Harz, from April to June and from September to October, is particularly charming. The campsites are then less frequented, prices are lower, and nature shows its most beautiful side. Especially in spring, when the trees and meadows are in full bloom, the Harz is a feast for the senses. Also in autumn, when the leaves of the trees turn colorful, the landscape is breathtaking. Off the beaten tourist tracks, there are numerous lesser-known places and beaches in the Harz that are worth a visit. The Oderteich, an idyllic mountain lake, is located about 10 km south of Sankt Andreasberg and is accessible via a well-developed road. Here you can swim, go boating, or simply enjoy the peace. The Wiesenbek mountain lake, about 5 km west of Bad Lauterberg, is also a secret tip. It is accessible via a hiking trail and offers a magnificent view. A special experience is the local markets and direct sales in the Harz. At the weekly markets in Goslar, Quedlinburg, or Wernigerode, you can buy regional products such as cheese, sausage, honey, or jam directly from the producer. Numerous wineries and farm shops also offer their products for sale. A visit is particularly worthwhile to get to know the culinary diversity of the Harz. Numerous festivals and events take place in the Harz throughout the year. Particularly popular is the Walpurgis Night on the night of May 1st, where witches and devils meet at the Hexentanzplatz in Thale. The Old Town Festival in Wernigerode in August and the Christmas market in Quedlinburg in December are also worth a visit. Culinary-wise, the Harz has a lot to offer. Be sure to try Harz cheese (Harzer Käse), a sour milk cheese with a strong taste. The Harz sausage specialties such as Knackwurst or Feldkieker are also very tasty. In the restaurants and inns of the region, traditional dishes such as Harz game dishes or potato soup with bacon are served. Locals like to visit the restaurant "Zum Roten Forellenteich" in Ilsenburg or the inn "Zur Grünen Tanne" in Braunlage. Here you can enjoy regional specialties in a cozy atmosphere. A day trip that is worthwhile is the ride with the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway up the Brocken. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs approx. 35 euros per person. Once at the top, a magnificent view over the Harz awaits you.