On the northwest side of the Harz in Lower Saxony is located a charming small town, with a rich history dating back over a millennium, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. Explore this wonderful city once known as "Rome of the North".
The Imperial Palace of Goslar (Kaiserpfalz Goslar)
Begin your journey through time at the Imperial Palace of Goslar , a testament to the town's historical significance in the Holy Roman Empire. The palace, dating back to the 11th century, showcases splendid Romanesque architecture and houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the period. Once visited, this will be your Roman Empire.
Opening Times: April to October: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, November to March: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Admission: Adults €7.50, Reduced €5.50
The Historic Old Town
Stroll through Goslar's Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead you past half-timbered houses, ancient market squares, and the beautiful Goslar Cathedral. The town's layout has remained largely unchanged for centuries, offering a genuine glimpse into the medieval era. A simple walk around will do you wonders!
Opening Times: Open year-round, best experienced during daylight hours.
Admission: Free, though guided tours are available at various prices.
Mönchehaus Museum of Modern Art
The Mönchehaus Museum is renowned for its engaging exhibitions, often featuring paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works from famous artists such as such as Joseph Beuys, Max Ernst, Christo, Rebecca Horn, Olafur Eliasson, Wolfgang Tillmans. With a dynamic program that includes temporary exhibitions, artist talks, and educational workshops, the museum provides visitors with a deep dive into contemporary art trends and discussions.
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Admission: Adults €8, Reduced €6, Children under 16 free.
The Rammelsberg Mine
A visit to Goslar wouldn't be complete without exploring the Rammelsberg Mine , a UNESCO World Heritage site that operated for over 1,000 years. Today, it's a museum offering fascinating insights into the world of mining with underground tours that bring the mine's rich history to life.
Opening Times: Daily, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Admission: Museum and mine tour combo tickets - Adults €18, Children €9
The Harz Mountains and National Park
Nature enthusiasts will love the Harz Mountains and National Park, just a short drive from Goslar, we mention this an an unfoergetable experience in a previous blog . The area offers a myriad of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and, in winter, skiing. Don't miss the chance to ride the historic Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains that are worth the leg workout.
Opening Times: Accessible year-round, 24 hours. Specific attractions have their own opening times.
Admission: Free access to the park. Train and activity prices vary.
Goslar Christmas Market
If you're visiting in December, the Goslar Christmas Market is a must-see. Set in the picturesque market square, the market is famed for its enchanting atmosphere, traditional crafts, and delicious local specialties. Learn more about German Christmas markets here .
Opening Times: Late November to December 24th, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Admission: Free
Culinary Delights and Local Brews
No visit to Goslar is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Be sure to try some Harz specialties such as Harzer cheese, and enjoy a pint of Gose, the traditional beer of the region. There are numerous restaurants and breweries throughout the town offering these delights.
Make sure to indulge in Kaffee und Kuchen, a delightful tradition akin to Britain's afternoon tea, typically enjoyed around 3 or 4 pm—though, truly, any time is perfect for cake. A fantastic spot to savor this experience is for instance at Barock-Café Anders.
Opening Times: Varies by establishment.
Admission: Prices for meals and drinks vary.
Practical Tips
Getting Around: Goslar is best explored on foot, especially the Old Town. For attractions further afield, local buses and rental bikes are available.
Accommodation: There's a range of options from cozy guesthouses in the Old Town to luxurious hotels with views of the Harz Mountains (we got you covered).
Explore the historic City Hall during special guided tours.
Get to the top: Enjoy the view from the church tower of the Marktkirche
Hear stories about witches, night watchmen, executioners and more on costume tours.
On the large monastery tour, there are tastings in the monastery distillery dery in Wöltingerode
Goslar as an audio guide: Experience the city with the audio guide
Free interactive exhibition in the World Heritage Information Center in the historic town hall
Herzberger Teich: Swim and have fun in the World Heritage lake
Goslar offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking for an authentic German experience. Whether you're exploring its historic sites, enjoying the great outdoors, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, you're sure to leave with lasting memories. Enjoy your visit to Goslar!
