Germany's highest low mountain range is characterized by its dense forests, clear streams, and legendary peaks. The Harz region’s reputation attracts more than just German tourists. The region spans across parts of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, and offers a high quality of life and many attractions – not just for tourists.

Ancient myths and rugged nature meet a modern lifestyle and a vibrant economic region.

The Landscape

The Harz region is about 110 km long and 40 km wide. At 1,141 meters, the Brocken is the highest and certainly the best-known mountain in the Harz region. It is characterized by extreme weather – ranging from sunshine to strong winds and fog, and even hurricanes. These weather phenomena are the source of many of the legends and myths surrounding the Brocken. The Brocken is also known as the Blocksberg and is the setting for Walpurgis Night. Since 1540, the Brocken has been known as the “Witches’ Dance Ground,” and even today, large crowds of costumed onlookers gather there on the night of April 30-May 1 to drive away evil spirits.

Otherwise, the landscape of the Harz region is characterized by steep cliffs, reservoirs, and dense forests, but it has plenty to offer, not just for nature lovers.

Towns like Quedlinburg offer an idyllic, picture-perfect setting with over 1,300 half-timbered houses. Wernigerode is renowned for its idyllic old town and its Neo-Gothic Wernigerode Castle. In the former imperial palace town of Goslar, visitors will find not only the imperial residence but also the impressive UNESCO-listed Rammelsberg Mine. Non-ferrous metals were mined in this pit for over 1,000 years. It wasn't decommissioned until 1988 and is now used for tourism.

If you're looking for a bigger thrill, head to the Rappbode Dam. There, you can walk across a 483-meter-long suspension bridge and enjoy the breathtaking views.

However, the Harz is not just a vacation destination; it also invites you to stay and make it your home. Here, you experience the interplay between tranquility and adventure, tradition and new beginnings. Approximately 205,000 people live in the Harz region, which covers a total area of 2,104.91 km².

The region has good infrastructure connections and is easily accessible even from abroad by car, train and plane.

Migration through the Centuries

The people of the Harz region have long been deeply rooted in local folk culture, mining, and forestry, though they are currently undergoing a period of structural change. In addition to traditional occupations, the local area is shaped by tourism, the chemical and automotive industries, and a young generation of people returning from within Germany and abroad. The region is struggling with population outflow, but offers potential for recovery thanks to people returning home and new initiatives. About 500 years ago, the mining privileges attracted many people to St. Andreasberg and the Harz region. Anyone could try their luck there, explore the mountains, and mine for natural resources. In the meantime, many people have moved away, and the population is shrinking. As a result, the region is reorienting itself and actively recruiting returning residents and newcomers. The region promotes itself as a place with affordable housing surrounded by unique natural beauty. Affordable housing and family-friendly amenities are provided, especially for young families. Compared to metropolitan areas, real estate prices in the Harz region are moderate to affordable.

The Harz region has a high density of playgrounds (e.g., 54 playgrounds in Goslar, which has a population of approximately 47,000). There are many childcare and educational facilities available, including the Harz University of Applied Sciences, where students can enroll in numerous bachelor’s degree programs without any admission restrictions, such as business administration or business informatics.

You can spend your free time enjoying sports such as hiking, biking, and numerous other outdoor activities, or winter sports in the cold season. For example, you can participate in club sports at the Rot-Weiss sports club in Wernigerode.

For those interested in culture, the Harz region offers a variety of museums, theaters, and, of course, movie theaters. The Harz Mountain Theater in Thale, located on the Hexentanzplatz, is particularly well known.

“I wish you luck, open up a new alley” (“Glückauf”)

The Harz is undoubtedly more than just a vacation destination; it is a living landscape with a rich history and great potential for growth and development. The region is undergoing a transformation and offers newcomers many opportunities to thrive away from the big cities. It may not always be easy to understand natives of the Harz region because of their dialect, but the various local dialects have a certain traditional and endearing quality to them. We extend a warm “Glückauf” to everyone who wants to start a (new) life to in the Harz region.