Active and nature » Braunlage
The heart of the Harz Mountains
Braunlage, nestled in the Upper Harz at around 550 m – with the Wurmberg towering 971 m into the sky – is an established climatic health resort and popular winter sports destination in Lower Saxony. Its location in the valley right next to the Harz National Park makes Braunlage the ideal destination for nature lovers and active vacationers alike.
First mentioned in documents in the 13th century as “Brunla”, Braunlage developed over the centuries from a rural market town to a state-recognized climatic health resort, which was granted town status in 1934. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Braunlage experienced an upswing in tourism, particularly due to the upgrading of the winter sports facilities on the Wurmberg. In the 1990s, however, the town briefly missed its tourist targets due to economic upheaval, before stabilizing again with modern offers and becoming one of the most popular vacation resorts in Lower Saxony.
The Wurmberg is Braunlage’s landmark and attracts visitors all year round with a wide range of leisure activities. The Wurmberg cable car, the longest aerial cable car in northern Germany, leads to the summit at almost 972 m and offers fantastic views and an easy ascent for winter sports enthusiasts and hikers alike. In summer, the mountain is transformed into a bike park with trails, a hiking area, monster scooters, mountain carts and a new viewing tower – perfect for active nature lovers.
The ice rink in Braunlage also invites you to an active day.
Braunlage is an ideal starting point for hikes and cycle tours through the Harz Nature and National Park, not only in winter but also in summer. Themed hiking trails such as the Nature Myth Trail or the Harz Witches’ Trail lead through impressive landscapes. The majestic Hahnenklee cliffs are also a worthwhile destination for a hike with a view, for example from Braunlage’s Königskrug district.
In the town center, the spa park, which has been laid out since the 1920s, with its pond (former gondola pond) and the modern spa guest center invites you to linger. Children and adults alike enjoy the peaceful park with its Kneipp treading pool, fitness equipment and pond – a place of retreat in both summer and winter. Those interested in culture will find a historic building full of history in the Trinitatis church – from half-timbered construction to baroque altar frames and bells with historic inscriptions.
The tourist information office at Elbingeröder Straße 17 will ensure you have an all-round successful stay. Here you can obtain maps, tips on hikes, cycle tours, event tickets and souvenirs. And we at the Designhotel Viktoria are also happy to provide you with suggestions for your Harz vacation.
Medieval origins: First mentioned in the 13th century as “Brunla”.
From market town to climatic health resort: Braunlage grew over the centuries and was granted town status in 1934 and developed into a state-recognized climatic health resort.
Tourist revival after 1989: The fall of the Berlin Wall brought a strong upswing, particularly due to the modernization of winter sports on the Wurmberg.
Challenges in the 1990s: Economic upheaval led to a short-term setback for tourist destinations.
Modern success story: Braunlage has re-established itself as one of the most popular vacation resorts in Lower Saxony thanks to a wide range of leisure activities, nature experiences and an improved infrastructure.