Goslar, Germany – Medieval Fairytale Town in the Harz Mountains

Goslar is not only a beautiful destination for a vacation in the peaceful Harz-Mountains but is also the town I grew up in and lived for about 20 years. While as a teenager I cared more about Goslar not having great clubs like the neighbor towns have, today I appreciate all the attractions there a lot and I am proud being able to call Goslar my hometown.

Goslar doesn’t only offer one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Germany, but can also be used as a starting point for several day-trips to the Harz-Mountains.

Goslar Facts

• First documentary reference about Goslar in 979
• The Gose-River (Abzucht) floats through Goslar
• Name is derived from the word Goselager (German for Compound at the Gose)
• Since 1009, Goslar was known as important Palatinate region for several emperors

Our Goslar Video

How to get to Goslar

Going to Goslar by train

Goslar has a train station with direct connections to the 3 nearest big cities Hanover, Brunswick (Braunschweig), and Göttingen.

You can get the best price deals for German trains if you book in advance with the German train company Deutsche Bahn.

Going to Goslar by Bus

Probably the cheapest way to get to Goslar is to go by bus. Goslar is being served by several bus connections. Anyway, since Goslar is not quite a big city, most of the lines just stop here once a day.

Going to Goslar by airplane

Unfortunately, Goslar doesn’t have an airport. The nearest airport is in Hannover. You can get there also by Low-Cost-Airlines, such as Vueling.

The best accommodation in Goslar

If you aren’t coming just for a day-trip, you need accommodation. As always, in the following, you can find accommodations for different types of budgets. If you want to get more information, prices, or availability, just click on the name of the accommodation.

$ Cheap Accommodation in Goslar

Hostel Goslar – Double – or Twin Room

Ein Zimmer – Double room

Hotel Harzlodge – Double room

$ Mid-Price Accommodation in Goslar

Hotel Kaiserpfalz – Double Room in the City Center

Altstadt Hotel Gosequell – Double Room in the City Center

Ferienwohnung Holzberger – Two rooms for up to 4 people

$ Accommodation in Goslar

Hubertus Hof Goslar – Doube Room

Schiefer Hotel – Double Room on Market Square

Liono Boutique Hotel – Big Double bed

Altstadtappartments Goslar – Apartment

GDA Hotel Schwiecheldthaus – Suite or Appartment

$ Luxury Accommodation in Goslar

Hotel Alte Münze – Double Room

Hotel Niedersächsischer Hof – 4 Star Double Room near the Station

Novum Hotel Brusttuch – 3 Star Double Room in the Center

City-Appartements am Wall – Apartment with one sleeping room

Hotel Kaiserworth – 4 Star Double Room on the Market Square

The Best things to do in Goslar

Goslar Map

The Goslar Market Square

Our little tour through beautiful Goslar starts at the market square (Marktplatz) such as any guided city tour would.

Besides the Tourist Information, an ice-café and some restaurants, there are also some important Goslar points of interest located on the market square.

The Market Fountain

The oldest part of the Market Fountain is from the 12. Century, while the Golden Eagle on top is actually is much younger – from the 18th century. At that time, it was orignally made out of real gold, but after getting stolen too often, nowadays, it is only painted in gold.

The fountain not only marks the center of the market square but also of the whole old-town.

In medieval times, many people couldn’t believe that humans could carry such a have fountain to the middle of the market square. Therefore, many people believed that the devil himself has brought it there. Following this legend, some people used to believe that if you would knock against the fountain at midnight during full moon the devil would appear from the market fountain.

The Glockenspiel

Times: 08.00 am, 12.00 pm, 03.00 pm & 06.00 pm

Four times a day, you can enjoy the famous Glockenspiel of Goslar from the market square.

The figures being shown tell the story of the beginnings of Goslar’s mining industry starting with the knight Ramm, whose horse discovered the ore on the mountain, up to modern times.

Kaiserworth

After the Glockenspiel is over you can just turn to your right to see another great sightseeing spot in Goslar: the Kaiserworth. It was founded 1494 as a guildhall and since then got redesigned several times. That’s the reason why the Kaiserworth building shows a mixture of different kind of features(Gotic and Barock).

Besides impressive emperor statues, you can see the “Dukatenscheißer” (The one who sh*ts ducat). It was a place where people that couldn’t pay their depths have been brought to and held captive until they would actually sh*t money. (Spoiler Alert: It didn’t happen!) Just have a look along the Kaiserworth. Maybe you can spot him.

Town Hall and Hall of Hommage

Important note: The Town Hall, such as the Hall of Hommage can’t be visited due to constructions that are expected to last until the end of 2018

If you are turning to your right-hand side again, you will look directly at the town hall of Goslar. It was built in the middle of the 15th century but constantly renewed until the 16th century.

The Hall of Hommage is located inside of the town hall and can be visited. It was built between 1505 and 1520 as the council meeting hall. The specialty of this hall is that it is full of extraordinary wall paintings.

The Schuhhof (Shoe Square)

The Schuhhof is known to be the oldest square in Goslar and is located directly next to the market square. Here, you can have some delicious ice-cream when the weather is nice and enjoy the view of the bordering Market Church.

Around Christmastime, dozens of pines are getting set up here to provide the Ultimate Christmas Forest vibe while enjoying some delicious German Glühwein (Mulled wine).

The Marktkirche (Market Church) St. Cosmas & Damian

Opening Times Church: 10.00 am – 05.00 pm

Opening Times North Tower: 11.00 am – 05.00 pm (During Christmas Market Season until 07.00 pm)

Let’s move on to the Market Church. As the name might already reveal, this church is located directly next to the market square. After enjoying the interior of this church, another highlight is waiting for you. You can walk up the 66 meter (216,54 ft) high tower and get rewarded with a beautiful view over the roofs of Goslar.

After taking the 232 steps that lead you to the top of the tower, you get rewarded with an amazing view over the roofs of Goslar.

Lohmühle & Museums Plaza

The Lohmühle is a mill that has been built in the 16th century and is the last remaining mill in Goslar being powered by water power.

It is my partner Eduardo’s favorite Goslar sight and we go there every time we visit.

If you are interested in the drive engineering, you can check it out in the Goslar Museum which is located right there on the Museums Plaza.

Here, you can learn a lot of things about the history of this little town.

Another museum that you can find at the Museums Plaza is the Zinnfigurenmuseum (Pewter Figure Museum). In this museum, you can learn more about the history of Goslar being portrayed by pewter figures.

Großes Heiliges Kreuz (Great Holy Cross)

Entrance Fee: free of charge

Opening Times: 11.00 am -05.00 pm (Mondays and Tuesdays closed)

Walking over the King’s bridge (Pons Regis) we go on. On your right-hand side, you can find the Große Heilige Kreuz. This building has been founded in 1254 to provide help and shelter for people in need.

Inside, nowadays, you can find several stands in which craftsmen are selling their crafts.

The Cathedral Porch

Did you know that Goslar used to have its own cathedral? It was built between 1040 and 1050.

Fun Fact: The Goslar Cathedral (Dom) is called like that but was actually just a church. The name Dom (Cathedral) was just given to it in modern times.

Anyway, between 1819 and 1822, they started to break down the cathedral as its material was needed in other parts of the cities.

Nowadays, the only part left of the cathedral is the porch, which you can have a look at. Where the cathedral used to be is now a big parking spot for the Emperor’s Palace.

The Emperor’s Palace

Entrance Fee: 7,50€

Opening Times: 10.00 am – 05.00 pm (November until March: 10.00 am –  04.00 pm)

Same as the Goslar Dome, the Emperor’s Palace (Kaiserpfalz) has been built between 1040 and 1050. It was used as the summer residence for several German emperors and is therefore, an important building in German history.

In the Emperor’s hall (Aula Regia), you can find truly unique wall painting from the 19th century, which are portraying the history of the Roman Empire.

Fun Fact: When walking through the hall, it actually feels like the eyes of the riders in the painting are following you.

For me, this room has another special meaning has I received my high school graduation papers here in a big ceremony some years ago.

In the basement, you can find a big exhibition that displays several art treasures and former emperors’ properties.

Behind the Emperor’s Palace, you can find a pretty garden in which you can have a beautiful walk outside of the winter months.

The Zwinger

Entrance Fee: Museum: 3,70€ & Viewpoint (rooftop): 2€

Opening Hours: 15. March – 31. October: 11.00 am – 04.00 pm (Other times: Upon Consultations for Groups with more than 10 people)

The Zwinger was once part of the fortification of Goslar. It was built in 1517 to protect this town. At that time, it still had a round rooftop which had been removed in 1857.

With its 6,5 Meter (21,33 ft) wall thickness and its diameter of 26 meters (85,3 ft) it is still one of the strongest remaining fortification towers in Europe.

Besides a restaurant and tourist apartments, you can find the Museum of the late Middle Ages inside. In this museum, you can see several medieval exhibits, such as suits of armors or instruments of torture.

Breites Tor (Wide Gate)

From the Zwinger you can have a great walk along the ramparts up to the Wide Gate.

The Wide Gate used to be the town gate and therefore the weak point of the fortification around Goslar. It was constantly expanded and reinforced up to the 16th century.

Nowadays, you can still see this impressive gate, that used to be the entrance to the city.

The Rammelsberg Mine

Entrance Fee: Museum: 9€; Museum + Mine Tour: 16€

Opening Times: 16. March – 31. October.: 09.00 am – 06.00 pm; 01. November – 15. March: 09.00 am – 05.00 pm

The Mine of Goslar probably is one of the main attractions of the region. The history of this mine is older than 1000 years and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1992 together with the Old Town of Goslar.

If you want to know more about the history of this important mine, you can visit the museum, which is located here. For an even greater experience, you can take a tour through the mine. The tours leave here once an hour and you don’t need to make an appointment in advance. (Only if you are coming with a group).

The mining in Goslar is based on the legend of the Knight Ramm, which is also mentioned in the Glockenspiel. Due to this legend, Knight Ramm was hunting in the area which is known nowadays as Rammelsberg (Ramm Mountain). He tethered his horse on a mountain while trying to hunt a dear. While he was away, the horse became bored and started scratching the ground with its hooves. When the knight returned he discovered that his horse has uncovered a vein of ore under his feet. That’s how the mining in Goslar started.

The Jakobikirchhof (Jacob Church Square)

One of the few Catholic Churches in Goslar is the Jacobi Church, which is located right in the City Center. If you are looking for a little rest, feel free to sit down on one of the benches or in one of the restaurants and cafés surrounding this Square. By the way, the ice cream sold here is one of the best in the whole town 😉

The Statues of Fernando Botero

Between the station and the City center, you can find these unique statues created by Fernando Botero. It’s unlikely you will see this statues without someone taking a picture with it.

Fun Fact: In my new home, in Barcelona, there is also a big statue of the same artist (a cat).

The Siemens House

On the corner of the Schreiber- / and Bergstraße (Street), you can find another sight of Goslar: The Siemens Haus. This house is called after the family that owns this building: The Industrial family Siemens. I am sure you have heard of them before, or at least of one of their products. 😉

This unique building has been built between 1692 and 1693 and still has the motto of its first owner scratched into its door: Ora et labora (Latin for: Pray and Work).

If you want to enter and have a look at the inside of this building, you have to join a tour. Get all the information about tours in Goslar at the Tourist Information on the Market Square.

The Steinberg (Stone Mountain)

If you feel like seeing a little bit of Goslar’s gorgeous nature, make sure to have a walk at the Steinberg.

This walk is perfect for families with kids or travelers with dogs.

On the Steinberg, you can find a big playground for the little ones.

If you want to have a snack or some refreshments on the way, I highly recommend you to make a stop at the Steinberg Alm, which is a typical Bavarian Alm (Just that it is not in Bavaria obviously).

More Impressions of Goslar

As you can see, not only in the South of Germany, with places like the Neuschwanstein Castle or Rothenburg, you can find amazing fairytale places. In the north, you can find gorgeous places as well.

The best Restaurants in Goslar

German Cuisine

Die Butterhanne

Historic Inn & Café

Address: Marktkirchhof 3

Try the tasty Gose beer.

Maltermeister Turm (Maltermeister Tower)

Eating with Panorama-View

Address: Rammelsberger Straße 99

Sit on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful view over Goslar.

Worthmühle

Harz-Mountains Specialty Restaurant

Adresse: Worthstraße 4

Enjoy an ice-cold beer in the Beergarden directly next to the Abzucht (river).

International Cuisine

Rigoletto – Italian Cuisine

My absolute favorite Restaurant in Goslar.

Address: Spitalstraße 2a

Don’t miss the Pizza Bread or the yummy desserts!

Hubertus Hof – Yugoslav Cuisine

Here you can find yummy Yugoslaw Food and also typical German cuisine.

Address: Wallstraße 1

Sit on the terrace near the Emperor’s Palace.

Have you already been to Goslar? Which is your highlight? Let me know in the comments below!