Goslar, Germany — Things to Do in This Pretty Harz Town

Ever found a great destination that seems exclusively popular with domestic tourists? Because that’s what I found when visiting Goslar, a charming and old-fashioned town in north-central Germany. With only a few exceptions the tourists I encountered in this devastatingly pretty place were all Germans. This seems crazy to me, as Goslar is exactly the kind of destination that tourists to Germany would want to see.

Honestly, the only reason I knew to visit Goslar was thanks to my travel blogger friend who lived in Germany, the California Globetrotter. I had seen her great post on this picturesque half-timbered town that’s even been heritage-listed by UNESCO and mentally filed it away for the future.

So when a cheap bus fare popped up as an option while travelling in Germany, I knew the opportunity I had before me. I’m so grateful that I had someone clue me into this region of Germany because now I can’t wait to go back and explore it more. In the spirit of sharing, here’s why the town of Goslar should be in your travel plans.

Where is Goslar?

Goslar is found in the Harz region of northern Germany, a low-lying mountain range covered in forest. But it’s important to understand that Goslar is just one of many quaint towns in this part of Germany. The Harz region is popular with German tourists for two things: the opportunity for scenic hikes in the mountains and its charming half-timbered towns. What’s more, it sits squarely between cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Leipzig making it an easy place to add to a trip.

Travelling without a car, I only had time for Goslar, but many tourists will stop in at several towns while touring the region. Other picturesque towns to visit in the region include Wernigerode and Quedlinburg, both of which also delight with their traditional look. My decision to visit the Harz region was quite a spur-of-the-moment thing and therefore quite short. I’d love to go back and fully explore more next time.

How to get to Goslar

If you’d like to visit Goslar to see it in person, you’ll need to know how to get there. For those without a car, you have your pick of train and bus. Trains connect Goslar with big cities like Berlin, Leipzig or Hamburg, but often you do have to make one transfer. Going by bus with Flixbus from cities like Hamburg and Berlin may be cheaper, but there are also fewer departures each day. An added benefit of having a car is that you can drive around the Harz region after seeing the town.

Staying in Goslar

For accommodation in Goslar, there are quite a lot of hotels and guesthouses to choose from. It is popular with German tourists, after all, meaning it has tourism infrastructure. I stayed out at Hotel Harzlodge Goslar which is a 20-minute walk from the Old Town on the edge of the forest. Despite its location, it was cheap and quiet, and the food at the restaurant was pretty good.

Things to do in Goslar in Germany

In a place like Goslar, the kinds of attractions you can expect to find are somewhat limited. Activities either fall into three categories: admire its historic architecture and atmosphere, visit cultural landmarks, or hike in the surrounding woods.

I focused on the town’s architecture, but you could also fill your time here with places like the Imperial Palace of Goslar, Goslar Cathedral, the Mönchehaus Museum, and the Zinnfiguren Museum. Here’s what it’s like visiting Goslar.

Goslar Altstadt

Goslar isn’t a large town by any stretch of the imagination, but its historical centre is even smaller. Known as Goslar Altstadt, the Old Town here is where tourists will want to spend all of their time. Founded in 922, Goslar emerged out of mining efforts in the nearby mountains. But the town also developed an important royal and imperial connection, giving it considerable clout for centuries.

You’ll know when you’ve reached the Old Town when you pass through or by a gate tower. Although there isn’t much left of the town walls that once encircled Goslar, several of its medieval towers still stand. Pass through them and you’ll quickly be met with a barrage of half-timbered houses and grey slate roofs. That is the signature look of Goslar and it doesn’t disappoint.

Marktplatz

Like any good European town, you’ll want to pay a visit to the main square in Goslar, Marktplatz. Lining each side of the square you’ll find a wonderful selection of buildings. Interestingly, very of them here are half-timbered, instead showcasing Goslar’s other style which incorporates slate shingles. That may not sound as visually appealing, but trust me, it is.

The one building here that stood out to me though is the red building above, the Hotel Kaiserworth Goslar. Thanks to its unusual colour scheme it distinctly stands out among its neighbours and is undeniably interesting. Another interesting feature of Marktplatz is the eye-catching patterns in the square’s cobblestones, which emerge from the Marktbrunnen fountain in the centre of the square.

Unfortunately, there was a lot of construction off one end of the square during my visit which ruined the ambience a bit. Photos I’ve seen of Marktplatz show it normally has quite an intimate, enclosed feel, but the construction ruined that.

Marktkirche Tower Views

Whenever possible I like to see an aerial view of a place and look out over its rooftops. Well, the Marktkirche is the place for it in Goslar. This Romanesque church may not look much, but take the long staircase up its tower and you’re rewarded with a full panorama of Goslar below.

The view from up there transforms the town from a sea of white and black houses to one of grey and orange rooftops. It may not be as beautiful as the street-level view of things, but you do get to see how meandering Goslar’s main streets can be. You also get a chance to admire the surrounding forest and countryside up there, which may be your only chance if you don’t have time to leave the town.

Goslar Streets

Without a doubt, the best thing to do in Goslar is to simply walk around. Head for the southern end of Goslar Altstadt and you’ll find plenty of enchanting cobblestone streets jam-packed with half-timbered houses. Not only does this area best capture the mood of the town, but it’s also incredibly photogenic.

It’s honestly surprising that this entire Goslar blog post isn’t just photos of the town’s streets. I did take a few after all. I don’t know how busy it gets in summer, but visiting in March the streets here were dead empty.

Travel Tips for Visiting Goslar

Spring is an excellent time to visit Goslar. You avoid summer crowds, the weather is comfortable for spending the day outside, and the town’s trees and flowers are in bloom. I’ve read that Goslar also hosts a good Christmas market and can only imagine how enchanting the town is blanketed in snow and dressed up in lights.

Have you heard of Goslar or the Harz region of Germany before? Do these photos make you want to visit Goslar or other nearby towns? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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