Osterode Am Harz – City History and Trails

Osterode Am Harz combines traces of the past with trails and activities in the Harz Mountains. The town wall was first mentioned in a document in 1233. Many preserved half-timbered houses can be seen within the old wall; in front of the Old Town Hall, the Donkey Drivers’ Monument recalls the history of the donkey drivers. The ruins of Welfenburg Castle stand above the town. These sites each offer a different perspective: the wall and half-timbered houses shape the town’s historic character, while the monument recalls its donkey-driving history.

Discover the Town’s History

A town tour lasting about two hours explores stories connected with Osterode’s brewing tradition. During the tour, Notarius Schellschläger, once the landlord of the “Stadt London” inn, shares stories from the town’s history. Brewing is therefore the tour’s central theme. If you would like to include it in your day’s plans, check the dates in advance.

Even without the tour, several aspects of the town’s history can be explored: the half-timbered houses are found within the old town wall, the Donkey Drivers’ Monument stands in front of the Old Town Hall, and the ruins of Welfenburg Castle are above the town. The town wall itself has been a useful point of reference for dating local history ever since it was first mentioned in a document in 1233.

Hiking Trails and Climbing

Since autumn 2022, three family hiking trails, ranging from 4 to 7 kilometres in length, have been available in the Osterode Am Harz municipal forest. The stated range makes trail length a practical factor when planning your day: there is a three-kilometre difference between the shortest and longest routes. For a longer day of hiking, the Harzer Försterstieg offers a different scale. This 60-kilometre long-distance trail in the western Harz connects Goslar with Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken and runs along the Granetalsperre, Innerstetalsperre and Sösetalsperre reservoirs. It offers views of the landscape along the way. The shorter forest trails and the 60-kilometre Försterstieg are different route options, which you can consider depending on your planned hiking programme.

The Steinbruch climbing area is on the north shore of the Sösetalsperre reservoir, with ten climbing routes established by the German Alpine Club. Climbing is at your own risk and requires your own equipment; the area can only be reached on foot. Seasonal restrictions may apply. Check the conditions before your visit and factor in the walk to the area when planning.

A Tour, a Meal and Getting There

If you would like to include culture and outdoor activities in your stay, you can treat the town tour, hiking trails and climbing area as separate options. Their specific themes and route lengths can help you organise your plans for the day.

The Ratskeller in Osterode Am Harz serves hearty Harz dishes and other southern European cuisine, including pasta and salads, in an idyllic beer garden. Restaurant offerings can change, so check the current menu before your visit.

From Kassel, you can reach Osterode Am Harz via the Northeim/West exit on the A7 and then take the B241 towards Osterode Am Harz. Check current traffic conditions before you set off. This also lets you plan your journey around which of the town’s cultural and outdoor attractions you want to focus on during your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Osterode Am Harz, Herzberg Am Harz, Badenhausen, Bad Sachsa, Bad Lauterberg, Wulften am Harz, Bad Grund, Pöhlde, Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken, Lonau.

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