Dankerode: Churches, Nature and Historic Paths
Accommodation in Dankerode
Dankerode is a recognised health resort and a starting point and destination for relaxation and recreation in and with nature, for locals and tourists alike. At the same time, tangible traces lead into the village’s history: a late Romanesque church tower base, a bell dating from the 13th century and a nature experience station on the Luther Trail. The topics therefore range from church architecture to nature experiences.
Churches and tangible traces of history
At Dankerode’s choir tower church, the tower base, its oldest part, dates from the late Romanesque period. Looking at this section draws attention to an early phase in the church’s construction. The Church of Our Lady in Dankerode holds another historic testimony: the “Seiger Bell”, which dates from the 13th century. These are two different points of interest for culture enthusiasts—a structural element dating from the late Romanesque period and a medieval bell. Both details make the village’s history tangible through specific architectural and cultural artefacts.
Nature themes in different formats
The “Heuweg Dankerode” nature experience station is located on the Luther Trail and is paved with slag stones. The stones are a by-product of the copper smelters in the Mansfeld region. This station thus connects a nature theme with a material whose origins point to the region’s industrial history. Those who enjoy noticing details will find a special perspective on the path’s surface here, not just on the landscape.
Another, much longer route is the Harz Naturist Trail between Dankerode and Wippra. It is 18 kilometres long and opened in May 2010 as Germany’s first official naked hiking trail. Its length and the two places named give the route a clear frame of reference. By comparison, the Heuweg is a nature experience station on the Luther Trail. So, when planning your trip, the points of interest differ in format and focus: a station with a distinctive surface, or a longer route with a special history.
More destinations in the wider Harzgerode destination area
The wider Harzgerode destination area has its own cultural and nature attractions. Harzgerode Castle is a Renaissance building constructed in 1552, with a stair tower and a round tower. It was rebuilt between 1549 and 1552 and served as the residence of the Anhalt princely house’s Harzgerode line from 1635 to 1709. St. Mary’s Church in Harzgerode is a Baroque building dating from 1697 to 1699. The castle and church therefore represent different periods in architectural history.
The nature attractions in Harzgerode also differ in character. The natural toboggan run stretches 1,100 metres, winding in several curves from the Harzgerode plateau into the Selke Valley and down to the promenade in Alexisbad, with a descent of around 75 metres. Tobogganing requires enough snow; when there is too little snow, the route is also suitable for a winter walk. The Harzgerode nature trail features a quiz, a barefoot path and a musical instrument called a sound organ. Along the HARZGERÖDER KUGELsPASS there are two playgrounds and eight stations with marble runs. Audio stations offer content in German for adults and children, as well as in Russian, Danish, English and Chinese.
At the HARZKUGELEUM in Harzgerode Castle, a beechwood ball travels through different themed worlds alongside visitors. Its shape and weight convey information about the Lower Harz, mining, nature, and local and regional history. The Carlswerk in Mägdesprung offers another facet of the region’s history: original machine tools from the first half of the 20th century and a wooden crane from 1890 have been preserved there. The employees’ lockers, workbenches and holiday postcards illustrate the working culture of the early industrial era.
When looking for a holiday apartment, start by considering which local destinations are your priority. If you plan to include destinations in the wider Harzgerode destination area, also consider Harzgerode itself.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Alexisbad, Siptenfelde, Güntersberge, Schielo, Neudorf.
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Harzgerode.
