Quedlinburg

Quedlinburg, located on the northern boundary of the Harz Mountains National Park, it was once at the centre of the German Empire. Today it is one of Europe's best preserved medieval renaissance towns. It features a rare combination of ancient and modern historical treasures. In 1992 it was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Almost all of the buildings in the town centre are timber framed, some dating back to the 16th Century. It is a sight not to be missed, walking through the narrow alleys and streets around the town square and seeing all the colourful painted old houses. In the innermost parts of the town a wide selection of timber framed buildings from at least five different centuries are to be found, including a 14th century structure, one of Germany's oldest. Fortunately Quedlinburg did not suffer too much damage during WW2 and preservation orders were put on a large number of these properties. If you wish to learn more about the timber framed buildings of the region, a trip to the Fachwerkmuseum Standebau in one of Germany's oldest half timbered houses (1310) is a must.
A highlight of Quedlinburg is the castle (schlossberg) perched above the city, of which the centre piece is the recently restored baroque Blue Hall (blue Halle).

By plane

The nearest main airport is Hanover International Airport (HAJ) (57 km). Alternatively you could use either of Berlin's airports (Tegel TXL and Schönefeled SXF the code for Berlin as a whole as well as the new airport (if and when it opens) is BER) (216 km) and make your way to Quedlinburg by car or train.

By train

Quedlinburg can best be accessed by regional trains from Hanover or Berlin. From Hanover the train will go via Halberstadt, taking approximately 3 hr 20 mins. From Berlin you will go via Madgeburg, taking approximately 4 hrs. There are other routes with differing changes, but these are the simplest.

By road

Quedlinburg is located on the B6n dual carriageway that runs along the northern edge of the Harz from west to east. The B6n branches off the A7 motorway near Goslar and the A395 motorway (branches off the A2) from Braunschweig to Vienenburg.

By bus

The local bus services offer various routes around the local area. Various long distance buses also serve the city.

• Surrounding Area - Quedlingburg is an ideal point of departure to reach the nearby Harz, with dramatic gorges and mountainous landscapes waiting to be explored in a hiker's paradise. The 'Romanesque Road' recounts dynasties and events from German and European history up to a thousand years ago. Numerous Romanesque edifices in the immediate vicinity of Quedlinburg bear witness to this history.
• The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway - More than a million passengers a year and not only for the railway enthusiasts, enjoy this steam railway. Anyone who likes train travel, beautiful scenery and history will love the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways. It takes you through the beautiful picturesque scenery of the Harz: it's hills and mountains, forests and meadows. A trip on a steam train is a delightful experience. The railway connects the principal cities of Wernigerode, Nordhausen and Quedlinburg and several smaller towns in the area. Although opened in 1898, it has only been accessible to Quedliburg since 2006. There are three services:

• The Trans-Harz Railway Line: Crosses the Harz Mountains from north to south. On the 60km track passengers are treated to a kaleidoscopic journey through nature.
• The Selke Valley Railway Line: Is the most romantic track of the whole narrow gauge network and has long been an open secret among nature lovers.
• The Brocken Railway Line: In July 1992 public rail service was resumed to the legendary Brocken. Climbing up there is a hard work for the 700 HP steam powered locomotives. (Tip: it is worth buying the HarzCard if you plan to do the Brocken trip combined with other activities).
• The Brocken trip uses carriages that have a feel of times gone by. There are wooden platforms between the carriages, which enable you to admire the views which are breathtaking, steep slopes, and twists and turns. The climb from Schierke, 685 meters above sea level, to the Brocken, 1142 meters above sea level, is hard and you can listen to the train puffing its way up. Once near the top, the fir trees gave way to the Brocken plateau. it can be very windy on top so do make sure you pack approriate clothing . The summit has the Brocken House, the Brocken Hotel and the TV tower as well as the Brocken-plateau, a great place to get your picture taken. There is a free viewing point on the 8th floor of the Brocken Hotel, which is all glassed in and commands excellent views. There is a restaurant on the 7th floor. The museum is in the Brocken House with exhibitions on four floors that cover witches, the use of the Brocken as a former military base and border post. There is a cafe on the 2nd floor and another viewing platform on the 3rd floor. Entrance is 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for kids (6-16). If you have the time, than the walk down is possible and well sign posted. For further information go to www.hsb-wr.de.

TIP: The HarzTourCard enables you to travel by bus, train and narrow gauge train (only Schierke–Brocken) as much as you like within three days. It cost from 18 €, family: 34,50 €. Go to www.insa.de or the local tourist information.

Relatively untouched by World War Two, the old town and the castle mount and collegiate church in Quedlinburg are listed on UNESCO's register of World Heritage Sites, and the town itself is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval and Renaissance towns. The town's medieval buildings are worth a visit: its half-timbered buildings represent at least five different centuries (including one of Germany's oldest, from the 14th century). Around the edges of the old town are late 19th and 20th century examples of Jugendstil buildings.
The Harzer Schmalspurbahnen Selketal branch of the historic steam narrow gauge railway was extended into Quedlinburg from Gernrode in 2006, giving access to Alexisbad and the high Harz plateau.

Churches

• Stiftskirche St Servatii und Domschatz

  address: Schlossberg 1
  This is an excellent example of the German Romanesque style. The Domschatz (the treasury), located within the church, containing many ancient artefacts and books, many of which are on display.

• Blasii Church

  address: Blasiistraße
  As well as normal visitations, you can also see theatrical and musical performances here. These events are run from Apr - Oct and include jazz, Classical, Cabaret, Dance, Organ Concerts etc.

Museums

• Schloss Museum

  address: Schlossberg 1

• Klopstock Museum

  address: Schlossberg 12

• Fachwerk Museum Standerbau

  address: Wordgasse 3

• Museum fur Glasmalerei und Kunsthandwerk

  address: Word 28

• Mitteldeutsches Eisenbahn-und Spielzeug-Museum

  address: Blasiistraße 22

• Munzenberg Museum

  address: Munzenberg 16

Galleries

• Lyonel-Feininger Galerie

  address: Finkenherd 5a
  A trip to the Lyonel-Feininger Galerie is recommended where the works of this important Bauhaus artist who was born in Germany but became an American citizen are displayed. Most of the works were hidden from the Nazis by a resident of Quedlinburg.

• Guided Tours of the CityTours in German: All year round tours at 1400hrs (Apr - Oct additional tours at 1000hrs); Tours in English: Available upon request in advance to Quedlinburg Information Center. ; Individual City Guides: Audio guides available in English and Japanese from the Quedlinburg information Center

• NordHarzer StadtebundtheaterDrama, Ballet, Musical theatre and concerts

Events

• Spring Awakening - held around the Castle Hill the weekend before Easter.
• Kaiserfruhling (Spring Assembly of the Emperor) - an Ottonian Medieval Spectacle held at Pentecost.
• Summer Music - held at Stiftskirche St Servatii from Jun - Sep.
• Dixieland and Swing Weekend - held in Jun.
• Enchantment of the trees - held in Jun at the Romantic Park, Bruhl.
• Plants and Monuments - held in Sep.
• ProVinz Arts Festival - held in Sep/Oct.
• Christmas Market - held throughout Dec for 4 weeks.
• Stars around the Castle - held 1st weekend of Advent.
• Advent in the Courtyards - held 2nd & 3rd weekend of Advent.
• The Magic of Christmas Exhibition

There are no big shopping centres in the immediate vicinity of Quedlinburg. Instead they pride themselves on the numerous little curio shops selling everything from arts and handicraft, to antique shops, offering a wide choice of objects to suit every taste. Visitors looking for attractive articles, small gifts and unique home accessories will be able to discover what they are looking for in Quedlinburg. Many of these shops are housed in beautiful medieval properties, dotted all over the city centre. Alongside this historical ambience, there are any number of new shops too with items representing the latest in modern shopping tastes.

Budget

• Muenzenberger Klause

  address: Polle 22
  Tavern style, very relaxed with a beautiful summer terrace to enjoy in the warm weather.

• Schlosshotel Zum Markgrafen

  phone: +49 3946 81140
  address: Weingartenstraße 30, Quedlinburg 06484
  International cuisine, including a good selection of vegetarian food. The hotel has it's own parking and when the weather is fine, you can enjoy the terrace and garden.

• Bistrorant im Hotel Theophano

  phone: +49 3946 96300
  address: Markt 13/14 06484 Quedlinburg
  Italian and local cuisine, with seasonal specialties. Parking, beer garden, non-smoking area, dogs allowed. Reviews suggest service is below par when very full.

• Kartoffelhaus No1

  address: Breite str 37, Quedlinburg
  International Cuisine: A rustic, warm atmosphere, with a lovely beer garden and seating outside the front which overlooks a beautiful quiet street.

• Wispel Pub

  phone: +49 3946 702254
  address: Steinweg 81 06484 Quedlinburg
  Advertises "Essenpreise wie in den 80er Jahren" ("food prices like in the 1980s") and lives up to the promise. Non-touristy Ostalgie, which does however mean that the interior is rather smoky and that a lot of the food comes out of cans.

Mid-range

• Prinz Heinrich

  phone: +49 3946 3707
  address: Polle 29
  Bistro Style. Decor from the turn of the century. Very cosy. Unfortunately they do not take credit cards.

• Himmel & Holle

  address: Holle 5, 06484 Quedlinburg
  German Cuisine: Delicious food in a beautiful setting. The antipasta is highly recommended, but many other dishes to choose from. The restaurant cover two floors and outside.

• Perlis Pasta Mia

  address: Steinbruecke 23, 06484 Quedlinburg
  Italian Cuisine: Bright and clean corner restaurant, just off the old market square. Warm welcome to all and accommodating with languages.

• Kasekuchenbackerei Vincent

  address: Schlossberg 13, 06484 Quedlinburg
  Cafe, Bakery: Beautiful cheescakes, slightly pricey but the large portions make up for this.

Splurge

• Pension St. Nikolai

  address: Polkenstraße 22, 06484 Quedlinburg
  Steakhouse: There are not many steakhouses in Germany, but this is one of the better ones. succulent steaks, cooked to your tastes, highly recommended.

• Weinstube im Hotel am Bruhl

  address: Billungstraße 11, 06484 Quedlinburg
  German Cuisine: Clean, spacious A la Carte restaurant.

• Restaurant Benedikt

  phone: +49 3946 526652
  address: Marktkirchhof 18, Quedlinburg 06484
  Traditional German cuisine presented in a modern style. Beautiful setting located behind a church.

• Brauhaus Ludde

  phone: +49 3946 901481
  Located between the market place and the castle. It is set in the heart of the medieval city centre. Traditional German cuisine, next to a working brewery.

Interspersed among all the numerous shops and boutiques are any number of small cafes and bars. Many of these in the summer, spill out onto the cobbled streets, allowing their customers the opportunity to soak up the amazing historical atmosphere and watch the world go by.
In contrast there are also modern bars to cater for the younger members of the Quedlinburg society.

• Bier-Pub Nase

  address: Carl-Ritter-Str 18
  Irish pub

• Brauhaus Ludde

  address: Blastiistr 14
  Beer House, restaurant and bar combined

Budget

• Gaestehaus Toepke

  address: Weststraße 13
  Located right in the town centre.

• Hotel Pension Weingart

  address: Friedrich Jahnstr 27, 06484 Quedlinburg
  This family-run guest house is located in a quiet part of town, a 15-minute walk from Quedlinburg town centre. It offers large country-style rooms and apartments. On-site parking is free.

• Hotel Garni Am Dippeplatz

  address: Breite Str 16, 06484 Quedlinburg
  The Am Dippelplatz, is a beautiful half-timbered building, located in the centre of the Old Town and in one of the oldest streets of Quedlinburg, which leads directly to the lively market square. Many sights, restaurants and cafès are in walking distance.

Mid-range

• Quedlinburgerhof Hotel

  address: Harzweg 1
  This family run hotel offers 31 rooms with 3-star comfort, a conference and banqueting room for 60 people, an elevator plus wireless internet access in the whole house

• Hotel Domschatz

  address: Muhlenstr 20
  This 3-star hotel occupies an over 200-year-old, timber-framed house at the foot of the Burgberg hill in Quedlinburg. It offers free Wi-Fi, free parking and free, large breakfast buffets.

• Kunsthaus

  address: Blasiistr 16
  The Kunsthaus offers spacious rooms and free Wi-Fi internet access within a historic Baroque building. It is located in Quedlinburg’s Old Town, just 300 metres from the Medieval Quedlingburg Abbey.

Splurge

• Schlosshotel Zum Markgrafen

  address: Wallstraße 96 / Weingarten 30
  This traditional 250 year old family-style hotel is picturesquely integrated into the old Market Square with an attention to detail, and an unique charm blend with clever new ideas and developments.

• Hotel Schlossmuehle

  address: Kaiser Otto Straße 28
  This hotel offers stylish in a quiet location near the center of the historic city of Quedlinburg in the Harz Mountains.

• Hotel Dorothea Christiane Erxleben

  address: Steinweg 51
  A small cosy and very nice hotel in the centre of the old town. The historic ambience and the modern furnished rooms make a great combination and give this 300 year old building a beautiful atmosphere, where you can relax and feel comfortable.

• Hotel Zum Bar

  address: Markt 8/9
  Set in a peaceful location in historic and picturesque Quedlinburg, this romantic castle hotel offers elegant 4-star superior accommodation just a short stroll from the old town centre.

For further information on Quedlinburg go to www.thisisharz.com/quedlinburg

Quedlinburg is ideally situated on the edge of the Harz Mountains, with its dramatic gorges and mountainous landscapes, waiting to be explored by hikers and bikers alike. The 'Romanesque Road' recounts dynasties and events from German and European history going back over a thousand years. Many Romanesque edificies can be found in the immediate vicinity of Quedlinburg, which bear witness to this history.

• Harzer Schmalspurbahn – A narrow gauge tourist railway runs from Quedlinburg through the Selke Valley (parallel with the River Selke), to the top of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains.
• Thale Hexentanzplatz (Witches Dance Floor)is reputedly an Old Saxon cult site, at which, celebrations were held in honour of the so-called Hagedisen (forest and mountain goddesses), particularly on the night of 1 May. The place did not become known as the Hexentanzplatz until the cult was banned by the invading Christian Franks. According to tradition the site was guarded by Frankish soldiers in order to enforce the ban and they were chased off by Saxons dressed as witches and riding on broomsticks. On this plateau is the Thale Mountain Theatre (Bergtheater Thale), one of the oldest open-air theatres in Germany with 1,350 seats, which was founded in 1903 by Ernst Wachler. A gondola lift runs from Thale up to the Hexentanzplatz, where today, the plateau resembles a small Theme Park aimed at families. It includes various rides, small gift and craft shops and a Wildlife Park, illustrating the wide variety of different species of animal who can be found in the Harz region. While there are relatively unspoiled forests nearby with plenty of hiking trails, the immediate area of the Hexentanzplatz has become fairly commercialized.
• Bode Valley lies below the Hexentanplatz. This trail follows the Bode River deep into the Bode Valley gorge. Take in the spectacular scenery and rich flora as the stream tumbles over granite boulders. The walk starts next to Thale gondola station, where the path follows the river, taking you through dense forest and then into open meadows filled with wildflowers, ending in the village of Treseburg near a ruined castle. The walk along the Bode Valley takes about three hours (covering about 10km), and is mostly gentle, with one short, somewhat steep climb that takes you to a great vantage point above the river. You can take the bus from Treseburg back to Thale. From the same starting point, you can also branch off this trail and hike up to the Hexentanzplatz or the Rosstrappe, the two rocky outcrops that surround the opening of the Bode Valley (shorter but much steeper routes).
• Halberstadt
• Nordhausen