Winter in the Harz Mountains

Last winter, we were not able to travel back home for Christmas, so we decided to explore the magic of traditional Christmas markets in Germany.

Apart from getting the flavour for a number of markets in Berlin, we decided to tour around the Harz mountains in northern Germany, visiting the small towns of Wernigerode, Quedlinburg and Goslar.

Each of them has its own charm with picturesque and well-preserved timber houses, gothic castles and traditional Christmas markets.

Blacksmith in the Dahlem Domäne Christmas Market in Berlin

For lovers of old times, there is a traditional narrow gauge railway that goes to the top of the Brocken, which is the highest peak in the Harz mountains.

The weather at the top can be rather hostile with freezing temperatures and very dense fog. Yet, the amazing scenery and the unique opportunity of traveling in a historic steam locomotive, make this a 100% worthwhile experience.