Wernigerode Castle
Schloss Wernigerode
A neo-Gothic fairy-tale castle on the hill south of the small town. Its interiors show 19th-century aristocratic life, and its terraces overlook the town and the Brocken.
Wernigerode Castle was first built in the 12th century. From 1862 to 1885, Count Otto of Stolberg-Wernigerode remodeled it into the spire-studded neo-Gothic style you see today, earning it the nickname 'the Northern Neuschwanstein.' The castle museum opens about 50 rooms, including the count's banquet hall, the chapel, and private apartments. From the terraces you can look out over the red-roofed old town and the Brocken. Admission is about €10. It's a 20–30 minute walk uphill from the market square. You can also take the Schlossbahn tourist train or a horse-drawn carriage.
Opening hours
May–Oct 10:00–18:00; Nov–Apr 10:00–17:00 (often closed Mon in winter; check website)
Nearby sights
- Wernigerode Old Town & Town Hall
- Harz Narrow Gauge Railways – Brocken Line
- Rübeland Caves (Baumann's Cave & Hermann's Cave)
- Ilse Valley & Heinrich Heine Trail
- Titan-RT Suspension Bridge & Rappbode Dam
- Regenstein Castle Ruins
- Blankenburg Castle & Baroque Gardens
- Brocken