Neudorf’s mining history has a vivid starting point: on the historic Neudorf mining circular trail, hikers pass along the so-called Menschentrappe to the Stahlquelle, a spring with a high iron content. The approximately 15 km circular trail starts and ends in Neudorf and traces more than 600 years of mining history in the Neudorf mining district. At this length, the loop is a stand-alone hiking option to include in your day’s plans. Check trail conditions if you plan to hike it on a particular day.
Mining history and water
Birnbaumteich pond offers a different perspective: in the 17th century, it was dammed to serve as an important water reservoir for mining; today, it is a bathing lake. Its history thus connects the water supply for mining with its present-day role as a bathing lake. In addition to the mining route, visitors interested in Neudorf will find a second, distinct perspective on the village’s history here.
The two themes also differ in form: the circular hiking trail brings mining history to life along the way and leads to the Stahlquelle spring; at Birnbaumteich pond, the focus is on its former function as a water reservoir and its current role as a bathing lake. You can therefore plan your visit around the hike or add the pond, without combining the two places into a single route.
Church and local history
Neudorf’s architectural history is also easy to explore. The current church of St. Peter and Paul was built in 1888, replacing an earlier building that had been badly damaged by fire. The Neudorf local history room preserves numerous artefacts relating to the history of the former mining village. Together, the church and local history room offer different points of focus: the construction of the present-day church on the one hand, and objects passed down from the mining village’s history on the other.
More to discover in the wider Harzgerode destination
Other attractions in the wider Harzgerode destination add to Neudorf’s local history. Harzgerode Castle is a Renaissance building with a stair tower and a round tower. It was rebuilt between 1549 and 1552 and served as the residence of the Anhalt princely family’s Harzgerode branch from 1635 to 1709. The HARZKUGELEUM is also located in the castle: together with visitors, a beechwood ball travels through various themed worlds. Its shape and weight convey information about the Lower Harz, mining, nature, and local and regional history through the ages. Architectural history and an interactive way of presenting information thus offer different ways to explore the region’s themes.
The wider Harzgerode destination also offers activities with a different focus: along the HARZGERĂ–DER KUGELsPASS are two playgrounds and eight stations with ball runs. Multilingual audio stations are available in German for adults and children, as well as in Russian, Danish, English, and Chinese. The natural toboggan run descends 1,100 metres from the Harzgerode plateau, winding down into the Selke Valley to the promenade in Alexisbad and covering around 75 metres in elevation. Tobogganing depends on the amount of snow; if there is too little snow, the route is also suitable for a winter hike.
To travel to Harzgerode by train, go via Quedlinburg: first take the train to Quedlinburg, then continue on the Selketalbahn. Check the timetable for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Siptenfelde, Dankerode, Schielo, GĂĽntersberge, Alexisbad
Back to the wider travel overview: Harzgerode.
