Goslar

Goslar was founded in 922 AD, although it is widely assumed that there had been a settlement since pre-Roman times. The town is famed for its magnificent gates and ramparts, the medieval Imperial Palace, Romanesque churches, its half timbered guild houses, the ancient Rammelsberg ore mine... and its witches, the last of which was burned at the stake in 1657 AD. In medieval times the city was a major producer of armouries and coins—the raw ores for their manufacture came from the Rammelsberg mine just outside the city's walls.

History

What, Ram + Goat = Goslar? Not quite...! According to legend, Ramm, a knight to Henry's son Otto the Great, tied his horse to a tree, half way up the Rammelsberg, to continue hunting in the undergrowth. In anticipation of the return of its owner, the horse scraped with its hoof in the ground laying open a ledge of silver so rich that it took over a millennium to mine. Hence the mountain and mine were called the Rammelsberg, after Otto's knight Ramm. As the wife of knight Ramm was called Gosa, they named the town Goslar in her honor.
Emperors, Dukes, and Townsfolk Essentially Goslar was a Free Imperial City, which was under direct control of the Emperor and there were no regional feudal overlords, who were in charge of the city until the end of the Thirty's Year War. Thus the citizens were largely left to their own devices, since the emperors had mostly better things to do than to sit in their Imperial Palace at Goslar. There were several other imperial palaces throughout the Holy Roman Empire, where the emperors held court. The only problem for the city's craftsmen was that their Free Imperial City ended right behind the city's walls. Unfortunately for them, the mine they depended upon, for the delivery of the ores, was immediately outside these very city walls. So they had to lease the rights to the mine from even such regional feudal overlords, the Dukes of Brunswick, who would have fancied it, if the city was theirs. This inevitably let to regular skirmishes between the Dukes and their men on the one side, and the burghers on the other side, which were not resolved until the end of the Thirty's Year War in 1642 AD with the Goslar Accord.
Goethe's Goslar Gothic Ghosts. With the onset of the Reformation in 1517 AD Goslar has escaped the interest of the emperor, and its riches declined so that Goethe, Germany's national polymath, writes in 1777 during his visit to Goslar: "Imperial City, which rots 'inside' and 'with' its privileges!"

UNESCO World Heritage Status

This might be a reason why the Rammelsberg Mine and Town have been so uniquely preserved that they hold UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Goslar is the Harz region's festival town, culminating in the annual award of the "Imperial Ring".

By plane

If you own a plane, a helicopter or even a flying saucer then you might wish to land at the club airport Salzgitter-Drütte in the immediate vicinity (24 miles) of Goslar or the Brunswick-Wolfsburg Airport. Maybe try the disused military airfield at Goslar itself, but don't get yourselves into troubles over this.
However, as a lesser mortal you need to take a plane into either

• Hanover International Airport (HAJ) (65 miles)
• Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) (103 miles)

and make your way to Goslar by car or by train. Both airports are connected to the S-Bahn network of their respective cities from where you can take a train to Goslar.
A further option is flying into Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and taking the train from there

By train

Goslar can best be accessed by regional trains from Hanover or Brunswick. In Hanover and Göttingen there is access to Germany's ICE (Inter City Express) network. Getting to other cities might require changes along the way, often in Hildesheim, Salzgitter or Kreiensen.

By car

From Paris/London/Brussels/Cologne take the Autobahn A44/E331 to Kassel and take the A7/E45 in the direction Hamburg at the Kassel intersection. For further directions see below.
From Madrid/Rome/Vienna/Zurich/Munich/Frankfurt take the A7/E45 and leave it at either the intersection Seesen. Take the Bundesstraße B248 and then the Bundesstraße B82 to Goslar. If you wish to take the route via the Harz mountains, exit the A7/E45 at Northeim and take the Bundesstraße B241 via Osterode, Clausthal-Zellerfeld to Goslar.
Coming from Moscow/Warsaw/Prague/Berlin, take the A2/E39 to the intersection Braunschweig and head via the A395 in the direction of Bad Harzburg. At Vienenburg you leave the A395 and take the Bundesstraße B241 to Goslar.
Arriving from Amsterdam/Düsseldorf/Ruhr Basin take the A2/E39 to Hannover and at the Intersection Hannover leave the A2/E39 and take the A7/E45. For further directions, see below.
Coming from Copenhagen/Stockholm/Oslo/Hamburg/Bremen/Hanover you take the A7/E45 in the direction Frankfurt. You exit the autobahn at Derneburg-Salzgitter (63) and take the Bundesstraße B6 (mostly two-lane) to Goslar or you exit at Rhüden (66) and take the Bundesstraße B82 to Goslar.
N.B. Goslar is a popular destination for bikers who enjoy riding their bikes through the Harz mountains.

By bus

Bus services to and from Goslar are relatively frequent and efficient. The regional bus operator Brunswick Regional Transport RBB runs a website , which assists you with finding the relevant connection. In Goslar, their hub is in front of the central railway station. Here you also find a small travel centre, where staff can provide you with further advise. Essentially, the most frequent routes are between Goslar, Seesen, Harzburg-Spa, Salzgitter and Clausthal-Zellerfeld, with less frequent services to other destinations in the Upper Harz (lines 440, 450, 462, 831, 838, 841, 842, 850, 861, 879). The RegioBus lines are the express ones—the others are slow. The handy thing is that the RBB forms a partnership with other regional public transport operators, so that you only have to buy a single transferable ticket. Thus, there is no need to purchase a new one every time you change your train or bus.

• Regionalbus Braunschweig GmbH - Office Goslar, Hildesheimer St. 53. T: +49 5321 34310, F: +49 5321 343160, E: rbb.goslar@rbb-bus.de.

The town's centre is relatively small and can easily be navigated by foot. If you, however choose otherwise, then:

• The Goslar Tank Engine is the leisurely way to get around the town. It offers guided sight-seeing tours (in German only) through the town.
• Bicycle - the environmentally most friendly way to get around Goslar is by bike. Either you bring your own, or you hire one at:
• Zweirad-Linkhorst, Bäcker St. 17.
• Fahrradverleih in der Touristinformation Hahnenklee, Kurhaus Way 7, Hahnenklee.
• Sporttreffpunkt Hahnenklee, Rathaus St. 6-7, Hahnenklee.
• Bus - The Goslar town council operates bus services within the municipal boundaries (lines 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806) which run between the town centre and the borough of Oker, as well as Jürgenohl and Hahnenklee.

Castles/Buildings of Interest

• Kaiserpfalz Imperial Palace– built between 1040 and 1050. For more than 200 years German and European history was made here. Open: April - Oct: 10AM - 5PM, Nov - March: 10AM - 4PM, closed during special events. Admission: Adults € 7.50, Children/Youth € 4.50. Kaiserbleek 6, Phone: 0049 (0) 5321-311 9693

• Zwinger

  phone: +49 5321 43140
  address: Thomasstraße 2
  The massive Zwinger Tower arrests the attention of those driving by. Pedestrians in the green belt park, as well, stop to gaze in awe. Built to protect the Rammelsberg and the east flank of the town up to the Broad Gate, it was one of the mightiest defences in Europe. Up to 1000 people could find safety in its four storeys in case of siege. Measuring 26 metres in diameter, the tower's lower walls are over 6 metres thick. Today it houses a private Museum of the Late Middle Ages where armour and weapons for knights and musketeers, instruments of torture as well as boors’ weapons from 1524 are on display. From the rooftop there is a good view across Goslar and toward the mountains. It also houses a restaurant and holiday flats.

• Town Hall and Hall of Homage

  phone: +49 5321 78060
  address: Markt 7
  Town Hall (Rathaus) – The Goslar Town Hall is, indeed, a building of the centuries: the east wing with the arcades opening onto the Market Square was begun in the middle of the 15th century and over the following 400 years the Town Hall was continually extended and enlarged. Today its overall impression is determined by the 16th century additions: a period of great prosperity for Goslar, which, as a member of Hanseatic League and a Free Imperial City, profited from the flourishing mining industry. The Town Hall still serves its original purpose, housing the Lord Mayor’s Office and the hall where the Town Council still discuss the weal of the town under the beautiful star-studded wooden ceiling. Hall of Homage (Huldigungssaal) – The Hall of Homage was set up as a council chamber between 1505 and 1520. It is a unique jewel of late Gothic interior decoration: its walls, the ceiling and even the window alcoves are completely covered with wood panel paintings. Each painting is an artwork of quality, contributing to the overwhelming complete ensemble. Richly carved wood decorations surround each painting. After many years of restoration the room is now protected by complex environmental protection devices so that this masterpiece can be preserved for future generations.

• Kaiserworth – The main building of the Town Hall had not long been completed when the cloth merchants built their guildhall in its immediate proximity in 1494. For nearly 200 years the Hotel Kaiserworth has been at home here.

• St. Anne’s House

  phone: +49 5321 39870
  address: St. Annenhaus
  Just five minutes away from the Market Square, between the Glockengießer Straße and the Abzucht stream, is Goslar’s oldest unaltered half-timbered house. This almshouse was founded in 1488 and contains portions of a Romanesque stone “Kemenate” with a medieval kitchen, the large one-room hall, and a chapel. Of particular note is the Baroque altar by Jobst Heinrich Lessen and the artfully-worked Margarete Tapestry from the 15th century with 32 illustrations of the life of the martyred saint.

Houses of Worship

• Claus Chapel

  phone: +49 5321 22464 or +49 5321 22566
  This small Romanesque hall church from the 12th century was incorporated in the town fortifications and served as a gate chapel. From 1537 onwards it was the miners' hospice chapel, replacing their former church in the Bergdorp village, which had been destroyed. The miners passed through the Claus Gate going to and coming from mines and the chapel served for hundreds of years for prayer and church services. The Frankenberg Parish had the pulpit rights and obtained the chapel from the mine administration in 1969. In 1988 following the last shift in the mines the miners visited the chapel for the last time. Today it is used regularly by the Frankenberg parish congregation for prayer and church services.

• Frankenberg Church

  phone: +49 5321 22464 or +49 5321 22566
  address: Frankenberger Plan 4
  The Frankenberg Church of St. Peter and Paul Church was built in the 12th century as a three-aisled, cruciform, pillared basilica with a flat ceiling. It stands on the highest point in the west of town. The steeples were part of the town wall. The existence of the church is documented for 1108 and beginning in 1234 it was also used for the nuns of the neighbouring St. Mary Magdalena Convent. Around 1240 the roof was vaulted, in the 14th and 15th centuries Gothic alterations of the choir and the southerly transept are recorded, in 1783 the badly deteriorated steeples were removed and the Baroque tower roof added, and in 1873/80 extensive restoration of the interior and exterior was carried out. The Frankenberg Church was the parish church of miners who lived in close proximity to the mines in the Frankenberg Quarter. The bell inscriptions and the Mining Thanksgiving festival on Sunday before Ash Wednesday are reminiscent of this.

• Market Church St. Cosmas and Damian

  phone: +49 5321 22922
  address: Evangelisch-Lutherische Marktkirche in Goslar, Kaiserbleek 5
  The Goslar Market Church, first mentioned in 1151, was built as a smaller copy of the Imperial Church, which no longer exists, in the form of a triple-aisled, pillared basilica with two spires in the west. In the 14th and 15th centuries the choir was enlarged and an additional nave was added on both sides. Today it not only attracts attention through its central location on the Market Square but also because of its very high unmatched steeples, which assist in orientation and provide attractive views from various points in the Old Town. Of special note are the nine medieval stained glass windows from the first third of the 13th century, the old library, the bronze baptismal font from 1573, the remnant of a Late Gothic mural from around 1440 and the wooden Baroque altar from 1659. The North steeple of the Market Church has been made accessible for a view over the town.

Museums

• World Cultural Heritage Rammelsberg Museum and Visitors' Mine Works

  address: Bergtal 19
  Different prices for different tours above and underground. Few buildings (baths, workshops, warehouses) and underground corridors accessible. Attractions include a ride in old miners' underground train and mining tools showing. Guides speak a few languages.

• Goslar Museum

  phone: +49 5321 43394
  address: Königsstraße 1
  In the prebendary house from 1514 extensive exhibits covering the history and art history of the town as well as the geology and mineralogy of the region can be viewed. Outstanding objects: the famed Krodo Altar (early 12th century), the Goslar Evangeliar (13th century), a collection of over 1000 coins bearing the Goslar mint stamp, the miners’ tankard from 1477 and the original Market Fountain eagle from the 14 th century. Further exhibits cover the life of everyday people over the last 10 centuries. A fascinating trip back in time.

• Tin Figure Museum

  phone: +49 5321 25889
  address: Klapperhagen 1
  In the beautiful historical building of „Lohmühle“ (early 16th century) – set in romantic Klapperhagen – you will find the Goslar-Museum of tin-figures. The museum was founded by a group of sponsors in 1985. Experts and connoisseurs of the scene call it the most beautiful museum of its kind in Germany. Main subject of interest is the representation of the 1000 years of history of mining as well as the historical events of the region in general. The tin-figures are use as means of demonstration of these events and situations. Through presentation of historical information in the form of diorama (it´s a scene), that depict fragments of characteristic situations, the visitor gets the chance to approach the cultural-historical facts and situations on a “personal” level. On two floors the presentation shows about 100 diorama and more than 10.000 hand painted tin-figures. Besides the possibility of looking at the tin-figures our museum offers the opportunity to get inside information about the practical part of making the figures at our workshop. Offering the opportunity to make as well as paint a figure by yourself is part of the main concept of the museum. Also for the collector of tin-figures there is a wide range of tin-figures for sale which are partly produced in our own workshop.

• Mönchehaus-Museum Goslar

  phone: +49 5321 29570
  address: Rosentorstraße 27
  The Mönchehaus Museum is a renowned museum of modern art. Works of artists of international acclaim, such as Joseph Beuys, Max Ernst, Georg Baselitz and Eduardo Chilida, are on display in the rooms of the citizen farmer’s house from 1528 and the adjoining half- timbered buildings, the stone- vaulted cellars and the sculpture garden. Changing exhibits of works of different artists can be viewed in the three storeys of the 1528 house. Every year the town of Goslar presents the internationally acclaimed art award, the "Kaiser Ring", and the accompanying exhibit of works of the recipient opens at the Mönchehaus.

• Skiing

  address: Hahnenklee-Bockswiese (a part of Goslar)
  On a high meadow there are two ski lifts and a cable car. There are also other resorts, i.e. Torfhaus and Wurmberg in the Harz Highlands, which offer skiing facilities up to grade 4/5 in a scale of 10.

• Pure Air Resort Hahnenklee

  phone: +49 5325 51040
  address: Kurhausweg 7, Hahnenklee
  Ski slopes, cross-country ski trails, a toboggan run and ice skating make Hahnenklee a popular winter sports location. Snow-making facilities assure snow in the skiing and tobogganing areas, which are easily accessible by the trail network and the cabin funicular railway.

• Harz National Park

  phone: +49 3943 55020
  address: Nationalparkverwaltung Harz Lindenallee 35, Wernigerode
  Nature preservation area covering approximately 20.000 ha of the Harz Middle Mountain Range. Primeval natural elements such as the block fields, raised bogs, rivers and forests are preserved here. National Park Rangers introduce visitors to the natural attractions.

• Volksbank Arena Harz

  phone: +49 5321 78060
  address: Markt 7
  A paradise for mountain bikers.

• Airfield at Bollrich

  phone: +49 5322 8881 or +49 5321 22656
  address: Segelflugabteilung Geschwister-Scholl-Ring 29, Bad Harzburg
  Motorized glider flights over the town of Goslar and the Harz Mountains are possible from the airfield just outside. Experienced pilots make the bird's-eye view of the beautiful town and its surroundings possible; filming and photographing are allowed. An unforgettable experience for sure!

• Maltermeister Tower

  phone: +49 5321 4800
  address: Rammelsberger Str. 99
  The 14th century tower on the slope of the Rammelsberg above Goslar is the oldest above ground mining building of the nearby mine works. In 1578 it became the bell tower for the miners and in 1740 living quarters for the warden in charge of wood for the mines (the “Maltermeister”) were incorporated. Today it houses a restaurant which is very popular for outings. Many trails begin and end here.

• Upper Harz Water Regal National Monument

  phone: +49 5121 4040
  address: Nikolaistraße 8, Hildesheim
  The Upper Harz Water Regal is both an industrial monument and a beauty of nature. (A “regal” was a royal prerogative, in this case permitting the exploitation of water resources.) In part over 300 years old, the waterways include 70 lakes, long water courses, galleries and mechanical constructions which served the miners as a source of energy. Today hiking paths, educational trails and museums trace evidences of mining in the Harz.

• Harzer Hexen-Stieg (Harz Witches Steep Path)

  phone: +49 5321 34040
  address: Harzer Verkehrsverband e.V., Marktstraße 45
  In the middle of Germany, in the middle of the Harz Mountains. An approximately one hundred kilometre hiking trail across Germany’s northernmost Middle Mountain Range; from east to west or west to east, via the legendary Brocken peak, the highest mountain in the north: the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg (Steep Harz Witches Trail) makes it possible. The entire beauty of the Harz Mountains lies at the hiker's feet. Light-dappled mixed forests and dense coniferous forests, colourfully shimmering mountain meadows and steeply soaring cliffs, softly babbling brooks and majestic reservoirs.

Goslar is not only the perfect location for meetings but also provides various shopping facilities to let a convention day wind down with a pleasant shopping spree. Short distances and a centrally located pedestrian zone invite sauntering and shopping. A wide range of small exclusive stores provide the opportunity to find something unique. Combine your convention stay with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

• Kunsthandwerk im Großen Heiligen Kreuz

  address: Hoher Weg 7
  At the Hostice of the Great Holy Cross you have artisans and goldsmiths where you can find yourselves the right gifts & souvenirs to take home.

• Odermark Factory Outlet

  phone: +49 5321 7080
  address: Odermarkplatz 1
  There is a factory outlet at the Odermark textile plant, where you might wish to purchase some formal men's wear off the shelf at half price.

• KaiserpassageShopping centre with a wide range of shops.

Budget

• Asia Bistro, Fischemäker St. 14, T: +49 5321 3949300. Chinese food at budget prices.
• Aigner , Erkelenzdamm 110, T: +49 5321 6759, German dishes. Open Mo-Sa 11.00 - 23.00,
• Bistro Tomate, Stapelner St. 8, T: +49 5321 683886. Currywurst (curried sausage), salads, beer.
• Döner-King, Höhlenweg 2, in Goslar Oker, T: +49 5321 65003. 3 miles to the east of the town's centre. Typical Turkish next door kebab shop.
• La Piazza, Schlesische St. 50, T: +49 5321 1452, Italian dishes, weekdays lunch time is half price. Open Mo-So 12.00 - 23.00.
• Lil-Café, Markt St. 15, T: +49 5321 42178. Chips, cappuccino, salads.
• Petit , Reinhardtstraße 57, T: +49 5321 9016, French cuisine, weekdays lunch time is half price. Open Mo-Sa 11.00 - 23.00.
• Pubblico , Frankfurter St. 105, T: +49 5321 26180, Italian dishes. Open Mo-So from 12.00 - 24.00.
• Shiva, Kant St. 96, T: +49 5321 765, Indian restaurant, family friendly, children's meal for €4.95. Open Mo-So 12.00 - 23.00.
• Kasimir's Döner Ecke, Danziger St. 8. in Goslar Jürgenohl, 1 mile north of the town's centre. Nice and clean Turkish kebab shop.

Mid-range

• Altdeutsche Stuben/Teutonic Lodge Goslar's most traditional restaurant in the Old Watchtower of Achtermann Hotel. Local and international cuisine. Rosentor St. 20. T: +49 5321 70000-V. Opening hours: noon - 3PM and 6PM - late.

• Restaurant Aubergine

  phone: +49 5321 42136
  Markt St. 4, T:. Novel, vegetarian, Mediterranean and Persian cuisine. Highly acclaimed (Michelin Guide) restaurant with a nice ambience for the gourmet.
• Restaurant Sahara,Markt St. 16, T: +49 5321 381955. Maghrebinian, Arab and Moroccan Dishes. Excellent barbecues. Try the delicious couscous.

• Restaurant Worthmühle

  phone: +49 5321 43402
  Worth St. 4. T:. Known for its excellent game dishes directly from the Harz Mountains. Located in a cosy old mill at the river Gose in the town centre.
• Zum Lindenhof/Limetree Yard, Schützenallee 1, T: +49 5321 1777. Local and regional cuisine. Ideal venue for groups and parties. With 12 lane bowling alley and meeting rooms attached.

Splurge

• Trattoria Da Enzo

  phone: +49 5321 23223
  Bäckerster. 18, T:. The finest Italian meals in town. Top tip for authentic Sicilian cuisine.

• Restaurant Gosequell

  phone: +49 5321 34050
  An der Gose 23, T:, in the chefs' guildhall. Enjoy the locally brewed beer. Organic dishes. Best trout in town.

There is plenty of night-life in the town, equally divided between the traditional German Kneipe Pubs and theme bars. Some clubs take fun-photos of their visitors. So if you do not wish to be photographed, tell them.

• Tim’s 5 Tageszeiten

  phone: +49 5321 382999
  address: Breite St. 98
  Most enjoyable venue. Modern flair. Jolly visitors.

• Tiffany's Club

  phone: +49 5321 22886
  address: Marktkirchhof 3
  Located in the town centre opposite the market church. Young visitors. Do not expect the latest music and fashion.

• Heckies Pub

  phone: +49 5321 683886
  address: Stapelner St. 8, Bassgeige
  To meet up with the locals. 1 mile south of the town centre.

• La Bohéme

  phone: +49 5321 394838
  address: Schilder St.6
  Large pub. Gigs of local bands. Rock music.

• Quetsche

  phone: +49 5321 24416
  address: Marktkirchhof 4
  Local pub.

• Heaven's Door

  phone: +49 5321 1214
  address: Brüggemann St. 14
  Irish themed pub.

• White Swan

  phone: +49 5321 25737
  address: Münz St. 11
  Nice outdoor beer garden. Located in an old half-timbered house.

• Maxi Mumm

  phone: +49 5321 22627
  address: Markt St. 3
  Bar with live music.

• Brauhaus Wolpertinger

  phone: +49 5321 22155
  address: Marstall St. 1
  Bavarian theme bar.

Campsites

• Campingplatz Sennhütte

  phone: +49 5321 22498
  address: Clausthaler St. 28
  Camping site in the vicinity of the town centre. Clean.

• Campingplatz Am Kreuzeck

  phone: +49 5325 238564
  address: 2570 Kreuzeck 5, Hahnenklee
  Suited for caravans. ca. 250 places. High up in the Upper Harz in the village of Hahnenklee, ca. 5 miles to the South of Goslar. Quiet.

Budget

• YHA Hostel Goslar

  phone: +49 5321 22240
  address: Rammelsberger St. 25
  The YHA hostel can be found at the southwestern edge of Goslar on a hill overlooking the town. Its slate roof and half timbered façade make the building instantly recognisable. Membership of the International Youth Hostel Association is required. There are 163 beds, each room has 2 - 8 beds and a washing facility. The rooms in the annex have 12 beds and are suited for visitors with disabilities.

Mid-range

There are more than 20 private pensions and room rentals as well as almost 100 holiday apartments catering to this price range in Goslar. It is best to contact the Tourist Information or see the official website for details.

• Zwinger

  phone: +49 5322 554944
  address: Thomasstraße 2
  A real castle to sleep in! With a selection of beautiful rooms.

• Haus am Steinberg

  phone: +49 5321 75880
  address: Zeppelinstr. 1
  They offer 13 double rooms and 21 single rooms with shower and toilet. Seminar rooms of various sizes with modern media equipment waiting for you.

• Gästehaus Möller

  phone: +49 5321 23098
  address: Schieferweg 6
  Total 27 beds, of those 5 single rooms, 11 double rooms.

• Haus Lieselotte

  phone: +49 5325 2348
  address: Langeliethstr. 1, Hahnenklee
  Family Guesthouse in Hahnenklee-Bockswiese. Equipment: parking lot, TV room, garden/park at the house, discount for children, quiet location near the forest. A total of 8 beds, 2 singles, 3 doubles.

Splurge

• Hotel Achtermann

  phone: +49 5321 70000
  address: Rosento St. 20r
  Situated near the central railway station. Has a conference centre attached.

• Hotel Kaiserworth

**** At the historical market place directly in the centre. Has also an excellent restaurant, the "Worth", and a confectionery with delicious cream cakes... yummy yummy!

• Hotel Niedersächsischer Hof

**** Opposite of the central railway station, newly refurbished.

• Tourist Office - Harz Tourism Agency

  phone: +49 5321 34040
  address: Markt St. 45

• Bad Gandersheim - a town in South Lower Saxony. It is a town is full of character and is made up of many half-timbered houses. (40 minutes from Goslar)
• Bad Harzburg - a small spa town nestled in the foothills on the northern edge of the Harz. It is named after a former imperial castle, the Harzburg, which used to stand proud on the heights above the town, but is now a ruin with just a few walls and ramparts remaining. The town itself caters largely for residents taking the "cure" as well as tourists - especially ramblers and cyclists - visiting the Harz. As a result, the centre is a pedestrian zone with small shops and timber-framed houses, surrounded by sprawling suburbs - a mix of impressive timber-framed residences and functional modern buildings. Bad Harzburg is a great base for exploring the northern Harz. There is an 80-year old cable car to the Harzburg above the town called the Harzbergbahn. Once on the top, there is a network of easy walking trails and numerous sights within striking distance including the Lynx Enclosure near the Rabenklippe crags and several outstanding viewing points over the surrounding area. (Only 12 minutes from Goslar).
• Wernigerode
• Clausthal-Zellerfeld - in the Oberharz. It is the largest town of the Oberharz community with an altitude of 535m. It is great for winter activities as well as walking and mountain biking during the rest of the year. Clausthal has a well known University "Aula Academica". It has a picturesque low mountain range landscape with crystal clear waters in more than 60 ponds and flowering meadows. (20 minutes from Goslar).
• Brunswick - (German: Braunschweig) is a city of around 250,000 people, located in the federal-state of Lower Saxony, Germany. It is located north of the Harz mountains at the farthest navigable point of the Oker river, which connects to the North Sea via the rivers Aller and Weser. (40 minutes from Goslar).

• Hildesheim - the historical centre of Hildesheim consisted of over 1900 half-timbered buildings and was often called "Nuremberg of the north" up to the Second World War. During the war, 90% of the centre was destroyed; only a few lanes in the southern centre remained unchanged. Today the centre consists mainly of postwar buildings, 1950 to 1970. However, many historical monuments have been reconstructed. In this process, some of the changes of the last few centuries were removed and the original form of the buildings restored. Two church buildings were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1985. (50 minutes from Goslar).
• Hanover - capital of Lower Saxony. Visit the Herrenhausen Gardens, the Old Town Hall or Hanover Zoo. Follow the "red line" tourist trail and visit many of the historic sights. (1 1/2 hours from Goslar).
• Göttingen - a city in the southernmost part of the state of Lower Saxony, bordering Hesse and Thuringia. (1 hour from Goslar).