Camping by the lake in the Harz Mountains

In the heart of Germany, the Harz welcomes its guests with wildly rushing waterfalls, romantic rivers and gnarled giant trees. The Hart, as northern Germany's highest low mountain range was called until a few centuries ago, is now a varied holiday region. After a restful night's camping by the lake, the Harz offers exciting excursion destinations: There are even unicorns to discover in the mountain wilderness and interesting places to visit in towns full of character, such as the Mousetrap Museum in Güntersberge.

Top tips

• Holidays on a campsite by a lake in the Harz Mountains have their own special charm. While the youngest ones play in the shallow water until the sun sets golden over the water, those seeking relaxation can unwind right in front of their motorhome on the lakeshore. The Glockental and Okertalsperre campsites are located directly on the shores of the reservoirs.
• Those interested in culture who go on exciting sightseeing tours during the day, for example in the historic town of Braunlage, can enjoy the wonderful peace and quiet and the wide view over the tranquil waters at their lakeside campsite in the Harz Mountains in the evening. Although the Braunlage campsite is not located by the lake, it is in the middle of the forest and has excellent transport links with the main roads 27 and 242.
• Long cycle tours, a pedal boat trip across the lake and the campsite's entertainment programme make for a varied holiday. Anglers can retreat to separate sections of the shore and hope for a big catch, for example at the Bodetal dams.

Activities and excursions

Surrounded by unspoilt forests and idyllic towns with interesting sights, hiking enthusiasts, travellers with dogs and families can enjoy a relaxing holiday right on the lakeshore at the campsites.

Hiking bliss and summit conquests

The Harz hiking paradise welcomes nature lovers and active holidaymakers with a network of around 10,000 km of trails. A good 70 main hiking trails criss-cross the entire low mountain range. Summit conquerors love to climb the 1,141 metre high Brocken. Curious hikers can follow in the footsteps of old legends on the Stolberg Legend Trail. The 5-kilometre tour is a particularly impressive experience in the dark, when the eccentric wooden witches lurk behind the houses.

Those who prefer to get to know the mystical mountain world of the Harz Mountains in comfort can enjoy a breathtaking ride on the Harz narrow-gauge railway: while the steam locomotive pulls the carriages puffing along behind it, passengers gain a deeper insight into over 100 years of railway history in the Harz Mountains on the 140 km long route. And the very brave can even graduate as an honorary engine driver. There is also plenty for families with children to explore around the campsites by the Harz lakes: The fairytale forest in Bad Harzburg, for example, is a popular excursion destination. Visitors of all ages can stroll past figures created with great attention to detail: wild witches and funny dwarves make the tour through the park an exciting experience.

Swimming fun and water sports experiences

In the Harz Mountains, there are numerous bodies of water for swimming fun, such as the Sösestausee, the Okertalsperre and the Wiesenbeker Teich. The sheltered bathing areas and gently sloping waters also allow camping guests with small children to enjoy a carefree holiday. If parents choose a pitch close to the beach, they can even keep an eye on their little ones from the comfort of their holiday home. Water sports enthusiasts looking for a sporting challenge can go water skiing or go on an unforgettable canoe trip right on the doorstep of their caravan or motorhome. The Innerstetal dam is just as popular a sailing area as the Oder reservoir. Adventurous water rats can take part in a guided rafting tour in the Harz Mountains. Below the dam, the Oker is the only river in northern Germany to offer the best conditions for this exciting white water sport all year round.

Events

The campsites by the lake in the Harz holiday region are regular venues for sociable festivals. But in the Harz region, there are also nationally recognised festivals to join in the celebrations.

May

• The Walpurgis celebrations in May are spread across the entire holiday region. The Walpurgis festival on the Brocken is particularly well known: On the night of 1 May, wildly costumed witches come from all directions to reach the Blocksberg.

June - July

• The folk and shooting festival in Goslar invites you to visit at the end of June to the beginning of July with colourful stalls, fast-paced rides and a musical programme.

August

• Numerous old town festivals provide the best entertainment with music and culinary delights in August, for example in Goslar or Wernigerode.