Langelsheim combines mining experiences with trails through forests and along reservoirs. The destinations described offer different ways to spend your time, without requiring every activity to be planned in the same way.
Hiking Trails Along the Reservoirs
The Kleine Wasser-Tour L1 starts at Langelsheim station and leads through the northern Harz foothills to the Innerstetalsperre reservoir. On the return to Langelsheim, the route crosses the dam after climbing through deciduous and mixed forests. Forest sections and the route across the dam thus define different parts of the same tour.
The circular trail at the Granetalsperre reservoir offers a different route choice: It starts at the parking lot beside the dam and follows paved or gravel paths with only gentle inclines. At the viewpoint is Harzer Wandernadel stamp station 110, which offers views of the reservoir and dam. The Granetalsperre can store up to 46.4 million cubic metres of water and is used by Harzwasserwerke to supply drinking water to large parts of Lower Saxony. This means you can also combine the walk with a look at the reservoir’s function. From Langelsheim, you can reach the Granetalsperre via the B82 towards Herzog-Juliushütte and Astfeld.
Mining and Water as Experiences
At the Lautenthals GlĂĽck Mining Museum, two activities offer different ways to explore the world of mining: Visitors can take a train into the mine tunnels. By contrast, the ore boat ride is a boating attraction powered by the visitors themselves. If you are weighing up the two experiences, the difference is between a ride underground and an active ride on the water.
The Spur der Steine trail also connects a walking route with art: Its viewpoints feature sculptures and reliefs made from local diabase blocks. The Steinway Trail focuses on the history of the Steinway family. The two themes provide different cultural highlights without requiring a particular order of visits.
At the Granetalsperre, an exhibition at the Harzwasserwerke waterworks offers insights into the subject of water. Check its availability locally. Windsurfing and sailing are possible at the Innerstetalsperre; local rules may apply and should be checked in advance. Another option by the water is Wölfi-Bad, a 15,000-square-metre woodland swimming pool with swimming, non-swimming and children’s pools. Its seasonal opening schedule may vary.
Getting Here and Finding Your Way
Langelsheim has direct train connections to Göttingen, Holzminden, Goslar and Bad Harzburg. Direct bus connections go to Goslar, Wolfshagen and Lautenthal. As timetables may change, it is advisable to check the current connections before travelling. For planning purposes, it makes a difference whether you arrive by train at Langelsheim station, start the L1 there or drive to the Granetalsperre.
A Cultural Highlight in the Wider Destination of Goslar
In the wider destination of Goslar, the historic old town offers a cultural highlight of its own. It is preserved as a cohesive area of around one square kilometre and includes more than 1,500 half-timbered houses. The former Rammelsberg ore mine is also a visitor mine where you can explore various aspects of the mining tradition; an adjoining museum presents its history. These Goslar attractions complement the themes of mining and history, which may also play a role when planning a trip to Langelsheim.
Discover more destinations: Lautenthal, Wolfshagen Im Harz, Bredelem, Bad Harzburg, Lutter Am Barenberge, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Braunlage, Goslar.
Go to the wider travel overview: Goslar.
