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Are you a die-hard Harry Potter fan, dreaming of one day receiving an owl and stepping into the famous wizarding school – Hogwarts? If so, pack your bags and head to Wernigerode – an ancient town in the Harz Mountains, a highland region in northern Germany. With its unique architecture, majestic nature, and exciting adventures, Wernigerode promises to offer you an experience no less captivating than stepping into the wizarding world.
Lost in the world of magic
The moment you arrive in Wernigerode, its magic will immediately remind you of Hogsmeade, the famous village of witches and wizards. While Hogsmeade boasts the High Street, with its unique shops and pubs like Zonko's Joke Shop and the Honeyduke's Honeyduke's Shop, Wernigerode features the sun-drenched Westernstraße, lined with charming half-timbered houses.
Along this street, charming little cafes and shops are exquisitely decorated, creating a captivating and enchanting atmosphere. The highlight of Wernigerode is the town hall located right in the central square. With its impressive architecture, the building is also one of the town's main attractions.
The town hall is located right in the central square and features the distinctive architecture of Wernigerode.
Wernigerode Castle - Hogwarts in real life
When mentioning Wernigerode, one cannot fail to mention the magnificent Wernigerode Castle. Situated atop a mountain, the castle, with its tall towers and distinctive bay windows, evokes images of the legendary Hogwarts School. Currently, about 50 of its 200 splendid rooms are open to visitors, each possessing its own unique beauty, from architecture to interior design.
To reach the castle, visitors can choose to walk along the winding, steep path or take the Wernigeröder Bimmelbahn tourist train – an exciting experience not to be missed. From Wernigerode Castle, you can enjoy stunning views of the town below as well as the vast Harz plateau. For those who enjoy a thrill, climb to the top of Agnesberg for an even more spectacular panoramic view.
Wernigerode Castle is located atop the Harz Mountains. It served as a hunting lodge for local rulers and nobles in the 12th century.
Brocken - the wizarding mountain and the Hogwarts Express train
But that's not all; your experience in Wernigerode will be even more complete with a hike to the summit of Brocken – the highest mountain in the Harz region, at 1,141 meters. Brocken is not only known for its majestic beauty but also for its famous connection to the legend of witches in Germany. According to folklore, it was the main gathering place of witches in the area.
If you don't want to hike, you can choose the Brockenbahn – a nostalgic steam-powered train that evokes images of the Hogwarts Express. The feeling of hearing the train whistle echoing through the vast open space and seeing the white smoke rising from the locomotive swirling around the lush green hills is an unforgettable experience.
From the top of Brocken, on a clear day, you can see up to 100 km away, admiring the panoramic beauty of the magnificent surrounding nature. A round-trip ticket for the Brockenbahn train costs 42 euros for adults, a worthwhile price for a fascinating journey into a real-life magical world.
The Brockenbahn – a true steam-powered train, reminiscent of the Hogwarts Express – departs from King's Cross Railway Station.
Exploring ancient caves and natural beauty.
If you love exploring nature and discovering wonders from beneath the earth, don't miss a visit to the limestone caves in Rübeland. These caves are up to 380 million years old and were formed by the waters of the Bode River. During your visit to the Baumannshöhle cave, you'll have the chance to attend theatrical performances and even wedding ceremonies. Additionally, Rübeland boasts the Hermannshöhle cave – home to the unusual blind fish and the skeleton of a long-extinct herbivorous bear – all must-see highlights.
Limestone caves in the Rübeland, some dating back over 380 million years.
Aerial adventure
For thrill-seekers, Wernigerode also offers an amazing experience at the Rappbodetalsperre Dam. Here, you can walk across Germany's highest steel suspension bridge to admire the panoramic view of the valley and the majestic dam. Or, if you want to challenge yourself further, try ziplining – an exhilarating adventure activity. However, you should book in advance as these activities always attract a large number of visitors.
At 483 meters long, it was the world's longest suspension bridge when it opened in May 2017.
Wernigerode is not only the perfect destination for fans of the Harry Potter wizarding world, but also offers a wealth of travel experiences. From quaint villages with unique architecture to magnificent castles and stunning natural landscapes, Wernigerode truly is the perfect blend of fairytale world and everyday life.
