Upon my first footsteps through the quaint and quiet streets of Goslar, I could not believe my eyes. How does a place like this still exist in Germany after World War II? Goslar, a small town located next to the Harz Mountains, is one place that everyone should visit while in Niedersachsen.
Known as the “Queen of the Harz”, the only thing missing are the jesters, peasants and children wearing rags that meander the streets. Goslar is an untouched and majestic medieval town that sparkles with history. The only way to describe Goslar is that it really is a fairy-tale town pulled directly from a Grimm Brother’s book. Just by the looks of the buildings you can feel the existence of Hansel and Gretel come alive.
Known as the “Queen of the Harz”, the only thing missing are the jesters, peasants and children wearing rags that meander the streets. Goslar is an untouched and majestic medieval town that sparkles with history. The only way to describe Goslar is that it really is a fairy-tale town pulled directly from a Grimm Brother’s book. Just by the looks of the buildings you can feel the existence of Hansel and Gretel come alive.
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City center is not far from the Hauptbanhof (central train station) and it’ll take several minutes of meandering past the modern plagues of Kartstadt and H&M before getting to the good stuff. First, I recommend getting lost in the side streets on and around Bäckerstraße to explore its thousand-year-old history and _____ faux houses, the traditional half-timbered homes. Here, you’ll explore buildings constructed in the 15th and 16th Century with wonders such as, “How many people have lived in this very apartment?”
Along with colorful facades and blooming plant life, you’ll also explore “modern” Germany where the Apothekes (pharmacy) open 8-1 on Saturdays and 10-1 / 2-6pm during the week, a life that maybe once existed in 1930 America. So, if you think your heart may go "kaputz," stay away from the wurst and bring extra meds.
Along with colorful facades and blooming plant life, you’ll also explore “modern” Germany where the Apothekes (pharmacy) open 8-1 on Saturdays and 10-1 / 2-6pm during the week, a life that maybe once existed in 1930 America. So, if you think your heart may go "kaputz," stay away from the wurst and bring extra meds.
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The heart of Goslar is its central Market Square. Bustling with leisurely walkers, locals and visitors experience the slow life by having a cup of coffee at one of the many street side cafes or watching the town clock strike the new hour. The carillon bells and figures chime four times per day where mining figures tell the story of the Rammelsburg mining and its renowned discovery of ore by Knight Ramm.
The two most impressive buildings are the Gothic Kaiserworth and town hall. The Baroque figures still stand on Kaiserworth boasting the best of Gothic-architecture. History dates back to 1494 where clothed-merchants build their immediate guild hall.
Another prominent landmark is the Market Fountain. Topped with a golden Eagle, this fountain marks the center of Goslar and its market square. The lower basin was constructed in the 12th Century flaunting the Romanesque times. One hundred years later, locals added the upper bowl while the eagle perched its throne in the 13th Century. However, the eagle’s crown dates to the 18th Century. Although pieced together through time, it’s the perfect place to toss a Euro and make a wish. I’m still waiting for mine to come true, but you know, patience.
The two most impressive buildings are the Gothic Kaiserworth and town hall. The Baroque figures still stand on Kaiserworth boasting the best of Gothic-architecture. History dates back to 1494 where clothed-merchants build their immediate guild hall.
Another prominent landmark is the Market Fountain. Topped with a golden Eagle, this fountain marks the center of Goslar and its market square. The lower basin was constructed in the 12th Century flaunting the Romanesque times. One hundred years later, locals added the upper bowl while the eagle perched its throne in the 13th Century. However, the eagle’s crown dates to the 18th Century. Although pieced together through time, it’s the perfect place to toss a Euro and make a wish. I’m still waiting for mine to come true, but you know, patience.
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After exploring the Nordturm de Marktkirche (central square’s church), walk left on the Hoher Weg for a cup of tea or a slice of traditional kuchen (cake). Keep your eyes peeled for the witch guarding the cafe doors. Alongside the road you’ll notice various tourist shops filled with “hexens” (witches) and Christmas decorations sold year round. Let me tell you, if you love German Christmas the items in Goslar are much more affordable here than in other parts of Germany.
Witches play a large roll in Germany’s medieval history. Wurzburg is known for the largest witch trial in the Deutschland, but Goslar does not shy away from its dark past and The Harz Witch Trials. Known as the modern day aromatherapist, witches brewed up plenty of medicinal cures for people in need. They understood nature, the same as the modern day tea mixer.
If you get a chance to stop at the Elke Walter tea shop located near Market Square, I highly recommend spending the two-euro on a bag of loose-leaf “hexenpunsch” or witch’s punch.
Witches play a large roll in Germany’s medieval history. Wurzburg is known for the largest witch trial in the Deutschland, but Goslar does not shy away from its dark past and The Harz Witch Trials. Known as the modern day aromatherapist, witches brewed up plenty of medicinal cures for people in need. They understood nature, the same as the modern day tea mixer.
If you get a chance to stop at the Elke Walter tea shop located near Market Square, I highly recommend spending the two-euro on a bag of loose-leaf “hexenpunsch” or witch’s punch.
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Anyways, on Hoher Weg is the 1254 Great Holy Cross. Here, orphans, pilgrims and ill people received food and shelter. What looks once like a church is now an art gallery for local artists. Nestled in tiny rooms, duck under the four-foot doorway to explore a variety of jewelry, handmade clothes, scarves, pottery, glassware, paper products and purses.
Nearby is the Tin Figure Museum, which is a must-see in Goslar. Set in a 16th Century building, local artists keep history alive by creating, constructing tin figures. The two floor museum shows approximately ten thousand handmade and painted tin figures to show the best of Goslar’s thousand-year-old history. There is really no other word other than “cute” to describe the pride and care that goes into bringing tradition alive.
Nearby is the Tin Figure Museum, which is a must-see in Goslar. Set in a 16th Century building, local artists keep history alive by creating, constructing tin figures. The two floor museum shows approximately ten thousand handmade and painted tin figures to show the best of Goslar’s thousand-year-old history. There is really no other word other than “cute” to describe the pride and care that goes into bringing tradition alive.
There is so much to do, see and explore in Goslar that one to two days here is best. Although ordinary, exploring life outside the gated old town is still majestic in its own way. On Septemeber 20, 1934 Hitler made a grand appearance in Goslar. Luckily, Goslar remained pure and untouched, unlike most of Germany.
Can you imagine what Germany would have looked like if World War II never happened? I can only imagine that it looked a lot like Goslar…
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Goslar, Germany: A Place Where Medieval Life is Still Alive
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Can you imagine what Germany would have looked like if World War II never happened? I can only imagine that it looked a lot like Goslar…
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Goslar, Germany: A Place Where Medieval Life is Still Alive
Let's Connect!
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