Harz National Park

Harz National Park is located in central Germany, spanning the states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. The park covers a large section of the Harz Mountains, with the nearby towns of Wernigerode, Braunlage, and Sankt Andreasberg serving as popular access points. The highest peak in the park, Brocken, is a significant natural and historical landmark, standing at 1,141 meters. Harz National Park was established in 1990 in Saxony-Anhalt and expanded in 2006 to include Lower Saxony’s portion of the mountains. This unification created one of Germany's largest forest national parks, dedicated to protecting the area’s unique mountainous ecosystems, which had been heavily impacted by mining in earlier centuries. The park offers ample parking facilities, with several parking lots available at popular trailheads, such as Torfhaus, Schierke, and Braunlage. Many parking areas charge small fees, typically between €3 and €5 per day, and visitors are advised to use these designated areas to reduce environmental impact. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including notable species such as the Eurasian lynx, wild boar, red deer, and the European wildcat. The reintroduction of the lynx is a significant conservation success. Birdwatchers can also spot black storks, peregrine falcons, and rare woodpeckers. The flora of the park is characterized by dense spruce and beech forests, as well as subalpine vegetation at higher altitudes. The lower elevations are rich in ferns, mosses, and wildflowers. Peat bogs, meadows, and streams also add to the biodiversity of the area. One of the park’s most famous features is the Brocken, with its mystical associations and panoramic views. The Brocken Railway, a historical narrow-gauge steam train, provides a scenic route to the summit. Public transport options include buses connecting the park to towns like Wernigerode and Braunlage, and the Brocken Railway is a popular option for visitors aiming to reach the summit. There are also extensive hiking and cycling trails.