History
In 1121 was when Wernigerode was mentioned for the first time. This "colourful town of the Harz Mountains” has been attracting travellers for decades with its beautifully restored and well-kept half-timbered houses.

The settlement between Holtemme and Zillerbach (two streams which are nearby) probably took place in the 11th Century. The leader of the settlers could have been somebody by the name of "Wern”, "Wernher” or "Werniger”. The second part of the city’s name "rode” derives from the German word Rodung (clearing). This is because the still existing riverside woodland used to be cultivated.

Later Count Adalbert, from the area around Hildesheim, chose Wernigerode to be his home. The present-day castle was later built on the foundation walls of Count Adalbert’s fortress.

The Count of Wernigerode gave the city municipal rights on the 27th of April 1229. Since then Wernigerode has become a quite considerable town in size.

Goethe visited Wernigerode in 1777, no one could even have thought about holidays in the Harz Mountains.

It was not until the end of the 19th Century, that Wernigerode’s newspapers announced the first summer guests. Among them were Theodor Fontane and Herrman Löns, two German poets. The latter introduced the name "colourful town of the Harz Mountains”, which still seems true today.
Since then visitors from home and abroad have come to Wernigerode.


Geography and demographics
It is located southwest of Halberstadt, and is picturesquely situated on the Holtemme river, on the north slopes of the Harz Mountains. Population (1999): 35,500. During the GDR period, it was very close to the border between East and West Germany.


Architecture
It contains several interesting Gothic buildings, including a fine town hall with a timber facade of 1498. Some of the quaint old houses which have escaped the numerous fires that have visited the town are elaborately adorned with wood-carving. The Gerhart-Hauptmann -Gymnasium (Gerhart - Hauptmann - Gymnasium - Wernigerode), occupying a modern Gothic building, is the successor of an ancient grammar-school, which existed until 1825. Brandy, Hassserode Lager, cigars and dyes are among the products manufactured in Wernigerode. Above the town rises the castle (Schloß Wernigerode) of the prince Stolberg-Wernigerode; the original was built in the 12th century. The present castle was built between 1862 and 1893 by K. Fruhling and includes parts of the medieval building.


Sights
The Harzer Schmalspurbahn is a narrow gauge railway that leads from Wernigerode to The Brocken (1141m), the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, and then goes to Nordhausen to the south of the Harz mountains. The second highest peak, Wurmberg (971m), is accessible by cable car from Braunlage which is connected by bus to Wernigerode. Wernigerode has numerous museums, galleries, libraries, monuments and parks.

Recommendable Events

Wernigerode holds a rich choice of cultural events and places in store for you.
Be it the Town Hall Festivities, the Wine Days of Neustadt, the Castle Festival or the Old Town Fair, there is always time for sociability and communication as well as for artistic enjoyment.

Expositions and concerts happen all year round. The Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra of Wernigerode and the Radio Youth Choir of the regional Music High School are based in Wernigerode. Every two years, Wernigerode hosts the international Johannes Brahms Choir Contest.

Sports events, such as the Harz Mountain Run, are an integral part of the cultural calendar.
Recommendable events in Wernigerode in any season:
Guided tours "1000 Steps Around the Town Hall"
- daily at 10.30 a.m. and additionally on Saturdays at 2 p.m., starting from the Tourist Information, Marktplatz 10

About town on a "night flight" with the "Town Owl"

Meeting place: The Fountain at the Nicolaiplatz

The guided tour can also be booked in advance in the Tourist Information, Marktplatz 10.

HILLEBORCH guides you through and around the town hall
from the cellar to the attic - not an ordinary visit, not without surprises
Meeting place: Ratskeller (town hall restaurant), in the council room for a reception drink, duration: about 1 ½ hours

Tickets for the town hall tour can be obtained at the Tourist Information, Marktplatz 10.
For dates and hours please see the special page and the Events Overview.

On a walk with the night watchman
For dates please see the Events Overview and go to www.Nachtwaechter-Wernigerode.de!
Phone/Fax information: +49 (0)3943-60 69 48 or +49 (0)170-28 44 029