The three-aisled eastern crypt of the Collegiate Church of St. Cyriacus is the oldest part of the church. In Gernrode, school history, an informative walk and various ways to stay active are also central themes.
Church, Schools and Local History
Small groups can take a special guided tour of the Holy Sepulchre in the Collegiate Church of St. Cyriacus. Check the current arrangements before your visit. A small Latin school “in the castle” is documented in Gernrode in 1533; by 1585, a girls’ school is also mentioned there.
At the Old Elementary School in Gernrode, visitors can see a black kitchen, an old vaulted cellar and a classroom furnished in the style of around 1900. Two smaller rooms also house a valuable mineral collection. A visit brings together several topics: historic schoolrooms, the kitchen and cellar, and minerals.
An informative walk through Gernrode offers insights into the town’s history. If you plan to take this walk, check the current tour schedule in advance.
Nordic Walking and Activities at the Osterteich
Four Nordic walking routes start at the Haferfeld car park in Gernrode, for experienced walkers, those returning to the activity and beginners. They range from about 2.5 to just under 15 kilometres and follow good forest trails exclusively. The wide range of route lengths makes it easy to compare the options and choose your preferred distance.
At the Osterteich, a floating bathing platform can be used to relax, sunbathe or jump into the water. You can also book a stand-up paddleboarding course there. Check the current course details before your visit.
Gernrode is a starting point for hiking and exploring the Harz. The activities on offer therefore extend beyond the sights in town and include both exercise on forest trails and activities on the water.
Quedlinburg as a Distinct Cultural Destination
Gernrode lies about seven kilometres south of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Quedlinburg. Quedlinburg’s sights are a cultural destination in their own right: around 2,100 half-timbered houses dating from eight centuries still shape the townscape in its World Heritage area. Quedlinburg’s Collegiate Church of St. Servatius is one of the masterpieces of Romanesque architecture; its treasury is a remarkably well-preserved collection of medieval art treasures.
The Half-Timbered House Museum in the Ständerbau explains the history of Quedlinburg’s half-timbered architecture from the 14th to the 19th century, as well as restoration and reconstruction work. Models illustrate the development of half-timbered architectural styles. In Quedlinburg, you can also choose between two city tours of different lengths: A walking tour through the historic old town up to the castle hill lasts around 120 minutes and introduces the town’s history of more than 1,100 years. The Quedlinburg Bimmelbahn takes 45 minutes, travelling from Marktstraße via the lower castle hill through the historic New Town and back to Marktstraße. Check current dates or departure times for your visit.
Discover more destinations: Rieder, Bad Suderode.
Return to the main travel overview: Quedlinburg.
