Wernigerode is the first town I visited in Saxony-Anhalt. It is charming, atmospheric, idyllic, and memorable. One wants to return to it to stroll through the medieval streets, have a coffee with a traditional German cake, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this unique place.
Anyway, this is not just my opinion, as I received many messages and comments on social media stating that Wernigerode is one of the most beautiful small towns in Germany. There’s a reason why it’s referred to as the “Colorful Town in the Harz Mountains.” Wernigerode is located at the foot of the Harz Mountains, specifically on the underside of their northeastern slope, and yes, it is indeed very colorful.
I invite you to take a walk around this charming town, during which I will show you what is worth seeing there.
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Wernigerode Old Town
One of the main attractions of Wernigerode is the well-preserved Old Town with its picturesque streets lined with half-timbered houses. Although there aren’t as many of them as in nearby Quedlinburg, the number of such buildings is still impressive (more than 700 buildings).
Wernigerode is extremely colorful, and the buildings often resemble gingerbread huts due to the aforementioned half-timbering and their colorful fillings. They look truly fabulous!
Which buildings are worth seeing here? In fact, simply walking around the town is delightful, but those stands out:
- The smallest house in town, located at Kochstraße 43, is really charming and houses a small museum inside. Its width is only 2.95 meters, and in the past, it accommodated up to 11 people!
- The colorful orange City Hall. This building with two turrets was built in 1420 and still stands out for its architecture.
- The Crooked House, a former mill that collapsed and created this interesting, asymmetrical structure. Inside, you can visit the Crooked House Museum.
- The Krummel House, a uniquely decorated building with various allegories (there is a half-timbered wall under the facade).
This is, of course, just a small part of the interesting buildings in the Old Town of Wernigerode. There are several churches in the city, including the oldest parish church (St. Sylvester’s Church). In the garden on the slope of the castle hill, you will find an orangery, and on the Mountain of the Poor, there is an observation tower called Kaiser. That’s just the beginning because there is plenty to see and admire in Wernigerode, and one of the highlights of the trip is definitely the castle.
Wernigerode Castle
Above Wernigerode reigns the castle, which can be reached in various ways. You can reach it on foot, and although it’s not far, most tourists choose another mode: the train. The electric train costs 7 euros for a round trip and is the most convenient and fastest option.
Wernigerode Castle is one of the most famous and visited places in Saxony-Anhalt, thanks in part to its location. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area, and although the castle has undergone many changes over the centuries, the fortifications are still preserved. In addition, Wernigerode Castle is surrounded by a park that is free to visit.
This 12th-century castle is, of course, available for tours, but please note that photography is not allowed inside. This is an incredible shame because I can’t showyou how beautiful it is inside! However, the exterior of the castle is equally stunning, especially at this time of year when the roses in the chateau’s gardens are in bloom, filling the air with a beautiful fragrance.
A charming café in Wernigerode
If you’re wondering where to sit down for a coffee, there is one special place in Wernigerode that I can recommend with a clear conscience. Café Wien is a café with 126 years of tradition, offering delicious pastries, good coffee, and an atmosphere reminiscent of the cafés of Vienna in the early 20th century. Despite its great reputation, the prices are quite reasonable (around 10 euros for a cake and coffee for two people).
Recommended Accommodations in Wernigerode
Wernigerode offers a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer a cozy guesthouse, a charming hotel, or a comfortable vacation rental, you’ll find a wide range of choices to enhance your experience in this enchanting town.
Please click on the following link to access the recommended accommodations: booking.com
Booking.comWhat else is worth knowing and seeing?
Wernigerode is also famous for its proximity to the Harz Mountains, so it’s a great opportunity to explore the hiking trails or take a ride on the narrow-gauge railroad. Among other destinations, steam trains go to Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains. According to stories, a witches’ sabbath was held every year on Brocken Mountain, and to this day, witches, symbolic of the mountains, can be seen in various places around the city, along with its picturesque buildings. You’ll also notice Hexe inscriptions in many locations, which simply means “witch” in German.
Wernigerode is truly charming, and it’s one of the reasons why I enjoyed my visit to Saxony-Anhalt so much. While writing about this town, I can’t help but remind you that there are many more interesting places to explore in this state. So, be sure to check out other attractions and points of interest in the area during your trip.
See also:
Saxony-Anhalt: Must-See Attractions You Can’t Miss
Things To Do In Quedlinburg – Tips for a Day Trip
Exploring Lübeck: A Gem of Medieval Architecture and Cultural Heritage
