Lautenthal combines mining history and hiking opportunities into two distinct areas to consider when planning a trip. At the Lautenthals Glück Mining Museum, the mine train takes you into a silver mine preserved in its original condition; outside, the mining heritage trail explores the town’s history. If you are looking for accommodation in Lautenthal, you can first consider whether you would like to spend more time on mining, hiking trails or seasonal activities.
Mining Underground
A mine guide explains how mining has changed in the silver mine. Highlights include navigating the underground ore boat yourself: the ore boat travels through a navigable waterway about 110 metres long. The mine train and ore boat each offer a different way into the world of mining: the mine train takes you into the silver mine, while the ore boat travels along the underground waterway.
History and Cultural Heritage
Mining in Lautenthal dates back to the early 13th century. The Bergdankfest also commemorates the mining tradition: it is celebrated every year in late February or early March with a church service and a Tscherper breakfast. The exact date varies from year to year. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the event date before planning your trip.
Parts of the Upper Harz Water Management System, also known as the Upper Harz Water Economy, have been preserved or restored in Lautenthal. Numerous houses, some of them listed buildings, with the typical Harz wooden house cladding shape the townscape of the Upper Harz mining towns. The area’s cultural character therefore extends beyond the mine: water management and architectural style complement the mining history with other local themes.
Mining Heritage Trail and Hikes
The World Heritage mining heritage trail starts and ends at the car park by the Lautenthal Tourist Information Office. Information about local mining is provided on Dennert firs; the trail leads to the site of the Harz pump set and a water adit. The Dwarf Hiking Trail starts and ends at the Tourist Information Office in Lautenthal. The named starting points therefore differ: for the heritage trail, it is the car park by the information office; for the Dwarf Hiking Trail, it is the Tourist Information Office itself.
Lautenthal has around 200 kilometres of hiking trails. The town also provides access to the Volksbank Arena Harz trail network. Guided hikes include herb walks as well as evening and torchlight hikes. Participants learn about the plants and landscapes of the Harz; specific tour itineraries may vary. The choice of hiking style makes the difference clear: the trail network offers options for independent hikes, while guided hikes combine exercise with explanations on specific themes.
Seasonal Activities
In winter, groomed cross-country ski trails are available in Lautenthal; snow conditions vary. The Innerste Reservoir is nearby. Its soft, cool water is suitable for swimming, sailing, surfing, rowing, fishing and pedal boating. Activities and conditions may vary by season. For planning purposes, these options differ: the trails are a winter activity, while activities at the reservoir may vary depending on the season.
Discover more destinations: Wolfshagen Im Harz, Bredelem.
Return to the main travel overview: Langelsheim.
