Quedlinburg, a Hanging Bridge, and Wernigerode Castle

Start your trip in Magdeburg, the capitol of Saxony-Anhalt. Stay at the Hundertwasser designed ArtHotel, tour the Green Citadel of Magdeburg, the impressive cathedral, and go for a walk along the beautiful Elbe river.

Quedlinburg not only dates back to the 9th century, it was ruled by women for over 800 years and is considered the first German capital. A UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll love the 2000 half-timbered houses throughout the walkable town. Don’t miss the oldest half-timbered house in Germany at Wordgasse 3.
The best way to enjoy Quedlinburg is to take a leisurely stroll through the town. There is a public parking lot on Carl-Ritter-Straße 1. From there is a short walk to the center of Quedlinburg.
After parking your car, walk about 7 minutes to the Marktplatz and then down Breite Strasse. Along the way you’ll see many beautiful half-timbered houses from 5 different centuries. You’ll also glimpse a view of Quedlinburg’s castle and abbey on the hill.

A short walk from Quedlinburg’s town-square you’ll find Ruinen Romantik, a cafe, bistro, and beer garden. This is the perfect place to grab a coffee and an early lunch and soak in the relaxed Quedlinburg atmosphere.
After grabbing a bite to eat, head back to the public parking lot on Carl-Ritter-Straße to pick up your car and head to the next stop.
Opening Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 11:00-21:00 Thursday - Saturday: 11:00-23:00

The town of Thale - along with nearby Quedlinburg and Wernigerode - were part of the DDR (German Democratic Republic or East Germany). The DDR Museum Thale is the perfect place to step back in time and experience what everyday life was like for citizens of East Germany. You’ll see a living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and even a classroom as they would have been furnished and decorated, as well as toys and other everyday items, from the 50s through the 80s.
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 18:00 Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00 Closed Sunday

Your next stop is Hexentanzplatz (Witch’s Dance Floor) overlooking the town of Thale. After parking your car in the car park (you can also take a gondola up from Thale), stop by the Hexenhaus (witch’s house), then walk to the Hexentanzplatz overlook for sweeping views of the Bode Gorge.
Then choose your preferred activity: ride the Harzbob toboggan, visit the woodland zoo, follow the short hiking trail to Hexenstieg or enjoy a beverage at the cafe or restaurant.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 - 18:00

After a short drive into the Harz mountains you’ll arrive at the Titan RT, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. Time for an adrenaline rush! As you walk over the 450 meter hanging bridge, you’ll have a breathtaking view of Germany’s tallest dam and valley, as well as the zipliners as they fly by.
Opening Hours: 8:00 - 21:30 Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. You can park in the designed car park.

Now it’s time to head to Wernigerode Castle, the most visited castle in Saxony-Anhalt. Overlooking the town below, this castle is reminiscent of Neuschwanstein in Bavaria but was originally a medieval fortress. After your self-guided tour of the castle rooms and courtyard, be sure to spend time walking around the castle grounds and enjoying the panoramic views of Wernigerode and the Harz.
Opening Hours: April 4 - November 6 2022 Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 Last entry is at 17:30
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance
Park in the Altstadt/Schloss car park in Wernigerode and take the tourist train (Wernigerode Schlossbahn) up to the castle. On your way back down into Wernigerode you can take the same train or hike down the trails into the town (about 20 minutes).

After checking into your hotel, walk 5 minutes to the Capital Restaurant in Wernigerode’s Altstadt (old town) for dinner. This restaurant features popular German and local specialties and both indoor and outdoor dining.
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 10:00 - 22:00 Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 11:00 - 22:30 Reservations can be made by phone: +49 3943 606713

Check into this boutique hotel a stone’s throw from Wernigerode’s historic Rathaus (Town Hall) in the Altstadt. It’s the perfect location for an evening stroll through the town or a beverage at the hotel’s wine bar. Public parking is available at public car parks a short walk from the hotel.