Falkenstein/Harz can be viewed on two levels when planning a trip: within the municipality, Falkenstein Castle and Konradsburg represent different historical and landscape features. The Harz, as a broader travel destination, offers a wider setting of nature, hiking and culture.
Falkenstein Castle and Konradsburg
Falkenstein Castle rises on a mountain spur high above the Selke River and is surrounded by a nature reserve. A mountain spur is a projecting extension of a ridge. Here, the elevated setting, the river and the protected area are all part of the castle’s landscape. This offers a different focus for choosing places to visit than the architectural history of Konradsburg.
Konradsburg was later used as a Benedictine monastery. The complex includes the Church of St. Sixtus, a tall choir and a preserved crypt beneath it. The choir and crypt give a sense of the scale of the former basilica. Konradsburg therefore offers its own focus: the monastery complex and the dimensions of the basilica take centre stage, whereas the description of Falkenstein Castle emphasises above all its location above the Selke and within a nature reserve.
Hikers can take the green path to Konradsburg; it runs parallel to the road. This route description complements the historical themes with a practical way to plan part of your stay on foot.
The Harz as a broader setting
The UNESCO Geopark Harz–Braunschweiger Land–Ostfalen includes the Harz. Its visitor facilities include Geopark information points, adventure trails, show mines, erratic boulder gardens and museums. The range therefore extends from outdoor information and activities to museums and show mines.
The Harz National Park has eight visitor centres and national park houses. They offer information about the park, hiking tips, exhibitions and film screenings. The national park also offers guided hikes and excursions led by rangers, experts, national park guides and national park forest guides. If you would like to plan a guided activity, it is best to check the current schedule.
The national park covers 24,732 hectares and accounts for around ten per cent of the entire Harz. At 1,141 metres, the Brocken is the Harz’s highest peak and lies in the national park’s core zone. There are 560 kilometres of signposted trails for hiking in the area, leading to particularly scenic viewpoints.
The Harzer Wandernadel offers another way to explore the Harz: it connects 222 stamping stations throughout the region. Those who collect all 222 stamps earn the title “Harzer Wanderkaiser” (Harz Hiking Emperor). The Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, in turn, passes through the Harz National Park and the Brockenmoor. Its twelve experience points highlight viewpoints, tell stories or invite you to take a short break. A multimedia guide uses 28 stations featuring audio dramas or films; check that the digital offer is currently available before making plans.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Harz Water Management System offers a different focus from hiking trails and viewpoints. It has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since August 2010. Today, it comprises 107 preserved ponds, 310 kilometres of water ditches and 30 kilometres of underground waterways.
Choose accommodation to suit your plans
Then compare the location of each accommodation with the places and activities on your itinerary. This way, your choice reflects the specific focus of your trip, rather than treating different destinations in the Harz as if they were all part of a single excursion.
Discover more destinations: Meisdorf, Ermsleben, Pansfelde, Nordharz, Ilsenburg, Harsleben, Ditfurt, Wegeleben.
Go to the overview of the wider travel region: Harz.
