Braunlage is a beautiful town in the Goslar district in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated in the Harz mountain range. Braunlage is well known as a health resort and a skiing town. It is also the official venue of the International Ski Federation (FIS).
Getting there
Braunlage can be accessed through various modes of transport. You can catch hourly buses or train from Hannover International Airport. You can also catch a bus from Berlin to the Harz region. You can get around Braunlage by foot but there is a local bus that can take you around town as well as a taxi service and Herz rental cars.
Things to do in Braunlage
Hiking
There are several hiking trails around Braunlage. The hiking trails are fantastic all throughout the year, no matter the season. There are over 300 kilometres of hiking trails surrounded by gorgeous nature scenery. Come visit the luscious mountain meadows, amazing views and dense forests. There are themes and guided tours all year round.
Mountain Biking
Braunlage is perfect for biking enthusiasts. Bike Park Braunlage is one of the largest bicycle parks in Germany. There are also guided mountain bike tours available to those of all riding levels, from beginner to experienced daredevil mountain bikers.
Skiing, snowboarding and ice-skating
In winter, Braunlage becomes a winter wonderland, blanketed by a thick layer of fresh snow. The cross-country trails and the downhill slopes are well kept and popular with all skiers, beginner and advanced cross-country skiers. The ski resort Wurmberg in Braunlage is popular for snowboarding, tobogganing and snow tubing. There is also an ice rink in Braunlage for ice skating, curling or ice hockey, and skate hire is available. Braunlage has its very own ice hockey team the “Harzer Falken” and you can visit an exciting game for yourself.
Cable Car
The Wurmberg ski resort also features the longest cable car in northern Germany. The cable car comprises of six-person cabins that take 15 minutes to get to the top of Wurmberg, 971m above sea level. The views of the Harz region are breathtaking!
Wurmberg Resort
The Wurmberg ski resort in Braunlage has traditional alpine cabins to keep you warm and cosy. There is a large winter beer garden and a scenic mountain restaurant, Wurmberg- Alm. There is also a goat enclosure and a rabbit enclosure, which attract crowds of children throughout the year. In summer, you can ride down the mountain with Monster scooters, a thrilling experience like no other.
Swimming and spa
Even during winter Braunlage spa gardens and leisure pools are hugely popular. They include outdoor heated pools, indoor massage jet pools, wave pools, Finnish sauna and steam rooms. In summer, you can get a tan on their sunbathing lawn.
Events around the year
In May, there is plenty of fun for kids with mystical trips and a storybook theatre during the annual fairytale week. Every year on April 30th in Branlauge, they have an annual Witch Festival where you can find dark creatures and mischievous witches all over the town. There is a parade that marches through town and games for children and hellish live music. There is a firework show and plenty of food and drinks.
On August 26th, the Kurpark (central park) changes into a live music show with several performers including fire performers and culinary delicacies to offer.
More activities
For a family adventure there is an adventure Golf park in Braunlage as well as outdoor tennis courts and archery grounds where you can practice your bow and arrow skills. For more serious thrill seekers, cliff-climbing guided adventures are available.
For those who enjoy a bit of history, the Heimat and Ski museum is a must see. You can listen to 100s of years of rich history about Braunlage and experience the museum through guided historical tours from locals.
In the middle of spa park is the Kurgastzentrum. Here, events are held all year round including concerts, theatre, cabaret, folk nights, lectures and movie nights.
Kurgastzentrum also has TV rooms, conference rooms, a large chess set and restaurant.
Cool places to eat in Braunlage
The top rated restaurants in Braunlage include:
– Grimbart’s German Steakhouse for succulent steaks and schnitzels and locally brewed beer.
– Kleine Auszeit where the fried king prawns and cinnamon parfait is a sure hit.
– Jasper bar for the burgers and the extensive cocktail selection.
– Maritim Hotel for the best nightclub in town.
Best places to stay
There is a huge range of hotels and hostels.
Budget hotels
Harzidyll is a hotel near the gardens and is a great central hotel to stay at.
Zur Euholung Hotel is also a central bed and breakfast close to many of the hiking trails. Children under 10 stay free here.
Mid-range hotels
Relaxa Hotel Harz Wald. A few minutes from the town centre, this hotel is a relaxation hotel. There is a restaurant that serves delicious meals. Children under 12 stay for free.
Zum Alten Forsthaus Hotel. This is a traditional hotel (originally built in 1685). It is a 3-star hotel where pets and children under 12 years of age can sleep for free. There is also a bar and a restaurant.
Hapimag Resort Braunlage. The Hapimag Resort is a very popular resort in Braunlage, designed in country style with 125 rooms. The hotel has a sauna, solarium, billiards, table tennis room and playground. There is also an indoor swimming pool. From the hotel’s car park, there are shuttle buses to Wurmberg mountain.
More expensive hotels
Maritim Berghotel 4 stars. The Maritim Berghotel is a luxury hotel outside Braunlage. The rooms have spectacular views of the mountain. It offers a tennis court, sauna, gym, game room, solarium, spa and massage facilities, indoor and outdoor pool and children’s playground. There is a restaurant and a nightclub and on Saturdays a cafe is open on the rooftop area.
Hotel And Residence Hohenzollern. This is a 4 star luxury hotel. Rooms include balconies with incredible panoramic views of the mountains. Facilities: sauna, gym, spa and massage centre, steam room and indoor swimming pool. There is a bar and a restaurant that offers fantastic gourmet food.
Tourist cards can be purchased from Braunlage Tourist office. With a tourist card, you can gain free access to the leisure and spa facilities as well as discounts to various activities around Braunlage.
Visit the Braunlage Tourist office for more information on the majestic Braunlage.
