Dankerode is a recognized health resort and serves as a starting point and destination for locals and tourists seeking relaxation and recreation in and with nature. The village combines church architecture and history with a nature experience station on the Luther Trail and an 18-kilometer nudist hiking trail. This offers a choice of different themes for planning a trip, from architectural details to a dedicated hiking route.
Churches and Trails in Dankerode
The lower section of the tower of Dankerode’s chancel tower church is its oldest architectural component and dates from the Late Romanesque period. This dating refers specifically to the lower section of the tower. The church therefore provides a concrete point of reference for its architectural history, without assigning an age to the entire building.
Dankerode’s Church of Our Lady houses the “Seigerglocke” bell, which dates from the 13th century. Together, the lower section of the tower and the bell provide two different historical points of reference: the chancel tower church is notable for one architectural component, while the Church of Our Lady is notable for a single object. Those interested in local history will find both a reference to Late Romanesque architecture and a date associated with the bell.
The “Heuweg Dankerode” nature experience station is located on the Luther Trail and is paved with slag stones. These stones are a by-product of the copper smelters in the Mansfeld region. The station’s location and materials provide two clear points of reference: the Luther Trail identifies its location, while the paving points to the origin of the material used. This offers a different way to explore the surroundings than the architectural and historical details of the churches.
The Harz Naturistenstieg between Dankerode and Wippra offers a distinctive hiking experience. It opened in May 2010 as Germany’s first official nudist hiking trail and is 18 km long. It connects two explicitly named places and can therefore be considered a distinct, clearly defined route option. The opening date and stated length describe different aspects: the trail’s creation and its extent.
More attractions in the wider Harzgerode destination
Harzgerode Castle offers a distinct architectural and historical focus in the wider Harzgerode destination. It was rebuilt between 1549 and 1552 and is a Renaissance building with a stair tower and a round tower. From 1635 to 1709, it served as the residence of the Harzgerode branch of the Anhalt princely house. The construction period and its later use as a residence mark different chapters in the castle’s history. Harzgerode is also home to St. Mary’s Church, a Baroque building dating from 1697 to 1699.
At HARZKUGELEUM in Harzgerode Castle, a beechwood ball travels through different themed worlds together with visitors. Its shape and weight are used to convey information about the Lower Harz, mining, nature, and local and regional history through the ages. Opening hours vary by season, so check the hours that apply to your visit before you go.
Another play and audio attraction in the wider Harzgerode destination is HARZGERĂ–DER KUGELsPASS. Along the route, there are two playgrounds and eight stations with ball runs. Multilingual audio stations are also available: in German for adults and children, as well as in Russian, Danish, English, and Chinese. Alongside the play stations, visitors can therefore enjoy audio content in several languages.
The Harzgerode Advent Trails are also part of the wider Harzgerode destination. They return every year on the second Sunday of Advent as a pre-Christmas experience for the whole family; dates and programs vary. If you would like to plan your trip around them, check the specific event dates and program details.
For winter activities in Harzgerode, the natural toboggan run is another option. It winds for 1,100 meters, with several turns, from the Harzgerode plateau down into the Selke Valley and on to the promenade in Alexisbad, descending around 75 meters. Tobogganing depends on sufficient snow; if there is too little snow, the route is also suitable for a winter hike. Harzgerode is also accessible from Quedlinburg by the Selke Valley Railway, after taking the train to Quedlinburg. Check the timetable for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Alexisbad, Siptenfelde, Schielo, GĂĽntersberge, Neudorf.
View the wider travel guide: Harzgerode.
