Quedlinburg

Germany

Roofs of Quedlinburg

Quedlinburg is a town in the Harz Mountains, of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

Quedlinburg, located on the northern boundary of the Harz Mountains National Park, it was once at the centre of the German Empire. Today it is one of Europe's best preserved medieval renaissance towns. It features a rare combination of ancient and modern historical treasures. In 1992 it was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Almost all of the buildings in the town centre are timber framed, some dating back to the 16th Century. It is a sight not to be missed, walking through the narrow alleys and streets around the town square and seeing all the colourful painted old houses. In the innermost parts of the town a wide selection of timber framed buildings from at least five different centuries are to be found, including a 14th century structure, one of Germany's oldest. Fortunately Quedlinburg did not suffer too much damage during WW2 and preservation orders were put on a large number of these properties. If you wish to learn more about the timber framed buildings of the region, a trip to the Fachwerkmuseum Standebau in one of Germany's oldest half timbered houses (1310) is a must.

A highlight of Quedlinburg is the castle (schlossberg) perched above the city, of which the centre piece is the recently restored baroque Blue Hall (blue Halle).

Castle and Collegiate Church of Quedlinburg Relatively untouched by World War Two, the old town and the castle mount and collegiate church in Quedlinburg are listed on UNESCO's register of World Heritage Sites, and the town itself is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval and Renaissance towns. The town's medieval buildings are worth a visit: its half-timbered buildings represent at least five different centuries (including one of Germany's oldest, from the 14th century). Around the edges of the old town are late 19th and 20th century examples of Jugendstil buildings.

The Harzer Schmalspurbahnen Selketal branch of the historic steam narrow gauge railway was extended into Quedlinburg from Gernrode in 2006, giving access to Alexisbad and the high Harz plateau.

  • Stiftskirche St Servatii und Domschatz, Schlossberg 1, +49 3946 709000. Open: Apr - Oct (Tue - Sat 1000 - 1730hrs) (Sun & Holidays 1200 - 1730hrs) Nov - Mar (Tue - Sat 1000 - 1530hrs) (Sun & Holidays 1200 - 1530hrs) Closed: 24, 25 Dec & 1 Jan. This is an excellent example of the German Romanesque style. The Domschatz (the treasury), located within the church, containing many ancient artefacts and books, many of which are on display.
  • Blasii Church, Blasiistraße. As well as normal visitations, you can also see theatrical and musical performances here. These events are run from Apr - Oct and include jazz, Classical, Cabaret, Dance, Organ Concerts etc.

Stiftskirche St Servatii und Domschatz, Schlossberg 1, +49 3946 709000. Open: Apr - Oct (Tue - Sat 1000 - 1730hrs) (Sun & Holidays 1200 - 1730hrs) Nov - Mar (Tue - Sat 1000 - 1530hrs) (Sun & Holidays 1200 - 1530hrs) Closed: 24, 25 Dec & 1 Jan. This is an excellent example of the German Romanesque style. The Domschatz (the treasury), located within the church, containing many ancient artefacts and books, many of which are on display.

Blasii Church, Blasiistraße. As well as normal visitations, you can also see theatrical and musical performances here. These events are run from Apr - Oct and include jazz, Classical, Cabaret, Dance, Organ Concerts etc.

  • Schloss Museum, Schlossberg 1, +49 3946 905681. Open: Apr - Oct (Tue - Sun 1000 - 1800hrs) Nov - Mar (Tue - Sun 1000 - 1600hrs) Closed: 24, 25, 31 Dec & 1 Jan.
  • Klopstock Museum, Schlossberg 12, +49 3946 2610. Open: All year round (Wed - Mon 1000 - 1700hrs) Closed: 25, 25, 31 Dec & 1 Jan.
  • Fachwerk Museum Standerbau, Wordgasse 3, +49 3946 3828. Open: Apr - Oct (Fri - Wed 1000 - 1700hrs) Nov - Mar (Fri - Wed 1000 - 1600hrs) Closed: 24, 25, 31 Dec & 1 Jan.
  • Museum fur Glasmalerei und Kunsthandwerk, Word 28, +49 3946 810653. Open: All year round (Tue - Fri 1000 - 1800hrs) (Sat & Sun 1100 - 1600hrs) Closed: Mon.
  • Mitteldeutsches Eisenbahn-und Spielzeug-Museum, Blasiistraße 22, +49 3946 3751. Open: Apr - Oct & Dec (Daily 1000 - 1700hrs) Nov, Jan - Mar (Mon - Sat 1000 - 1600hrs) (Sun & holidays 1100 - 1600hrs).
  • Munzenberg Museum, Munzenberg 16. Open: Mon - Wed & Fri 1000 - 1200hrs 1400 - 1700hrs Sat, Sun & Holidays 0900 - 1200hrs 1400 - 1700hrs Closed: Thu.

Schloss Museum, Schlossberg 1, +49 3946 905681. Open: Apr - Oct (Tue - Sun 1000 - 1800hrs) Nov - Mar (Tue - Sun 1000 - 1600hrs) Closed: 24, 25, 31 Dec & 1 Jan.

Klopstock Museum, Schlossberg 12, +49 3946 2610. Open: All year round (Wed - Mon 1000 - 1700hrs) Closed: 25, 25, 31 Dec & 1 Jan.

Fachwerk Museum Standerbau, Wordgasse 3, +49 3946 3828. Open: Apr - Oct (Fri - Wed 1000 - 1700hrs) Nov - Mar (Fri - Wed 1000 - 1600hrs) Closed: 24, 25, 31 Dec & 1 Jan.

Museum fur Glasmalerei und Kunsthandwerk, Word 28, +49 3946 810653. Open: All year round (Tue - Fri 1000 - 1800hrs) (Sat & Sun 1100 - 1600hrs) Closed: Mon.

Mitteldeutsches Eisenbahn-und Spielzeug-Museum, Blasiistraße 22, +49 3946 3751. Open: Apr - Oct & Dec (Daily 1000 - 1700hrs) Nov, Jan - Mar (Mon - Sat 1000 - 1600hrs) (Sun & holidays 1100 - 1600hrs).

Munzenberg Museum, Munzenberg 16. Open: Mon - Wed & Fri 1000 - 1200hrs 1400 - 1700hrs Sat, Sun & Holidays 0900 - 1200hrs 1400 - 1700hrs Closed: Thu.

  • Lyonel-Feininger Galerie, Finkenherd 5a, +49 3946 6895930. Open: Apr - Oct (Tue - Sun 1000 - 1800 hrs) Nov - Mar (Tue - Sun 1000 - 1700 hrs). A trip to the Lyonel-Feininger Galerie is recommended where the works of this important Bauhaus artist who was born in Germany but became an American citizen are displayed. Most of the works were hidden from the Nazis by a resident of Quedlinburg.

Lyonel-Feininger Galerie, Finkenherd 5a, +49 3946 6895930. Open: Apr - Oct (Tue - Sun 1000 - 1800 hrs) Nov - Mar (Tue - Sun 1000 - 1700 hrs). A trip to the Lyonel-Feininger Galerie is recommended where the works of this important Bauhaus artist who was born in Germany but became an American citizen are displayed. Most of the works were hidden from the Nazis by a resident of Quedlinburg.

  • Guided Tours of the City. Tours in German: All year round tours at 1400hrs (Apr - Oct additional tours at 1000hrs); Tours in English: Available upon request in advance to Quedlinburg Information Center. ; Individual City Guides: Audio guides available in English and Japanese from the Quedlinburg information Center
  • NordHarzer Stadtebundtheater. Drama, Ballet, Musical theatre and concerts

  • Spring Awakening - held around the Castle Hill the weekend before Easter.
  • Kaiserfruhling (Spring Assembly of the Emperor) - an Ottonian Medieval Spectacle held at Pentecost.
  • Summer Music - held at Stiftskirche St Servatii from Jun - Sep.
  • Dixieland and Swing Weekend - held in Jun.
  • Enchantment of the trees - held in Jun at the Romantic Park, Bruhl.
  • Plants and Monuments - held in Sep.
  • ProVinz Arts Festival - held in Sep/Oct.
  • Christmas Market - held throughout Dec for 4 weeks.
  • Stars around the Castle - held 1st weekend of Advent.
  • Advent in the Courtyards - held 2nd & 3rd weekend of Advent.
  • The Magic of Christmas Exhibition

Guided Tours of the City. Tours in German: All year round tours at 1400hrs (Apr - Oct additional tours at 1000hrs); Tours in English: Available upon request in advance to Quedlinburg Information Center. ; Individual City Guides: Audio guides available in English and Japanese from the Quedlinburg information Center

NordHarzer Stadtebundtheater. Drama, Ballet, Musical theatre and concerts

There are no big shopping centres in the immediate vicinity of Quedlinburg. Instead they pride themselves on the numerous little curio shops selling everything from arts and handicraft, to antique shops, offering a wide choice of objects to suit every taste. Visitors looking for attractive articles, small gifts and unique home accessories will be able to discover what they are looking for in Quedlinburg. Many of these shops are housed in beautiful medieval properties, dotted all over the city centre. Alongside this historical ambience, there are any number of new shops too with items representing the latest in modern shopping tastes.

  • Muenzenberger Klause, Polle 22, +49 3946 2928. Tavern style, very relaxed with a beautiful summer terrace to enjoy in the warm weather. 10.00 - 16.00 Euro.
  • Schlosshotel Zum Markgrafen, Weingartenstraße 30, Quedlinburg 06484, +49 3946 81140. International cuisine, including a good selection of vegetarian food. The hotel has it's own parking and when the weather is fine, you can enjoy the terrace and garden. 10.00 - 19.00 Euro.
  • Bistrorant im Hotel Theophano, Markt 13/14 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 96300. 12:00-14:30 and 18:00-21:30. Italian and local cuisine, with seasonal specialties. Parking, beer garden, non-smoking area, dogs allowed. Reviews suggest service is below par when very full. 14.00 - 19.00 Euro.
  • Kartoffelhaus No1, Breite str 37, Quedlinburg. International Cuisine: A rustic, warm atmosphere, with a lovely beer garden and seating outside the front which overlooks a beautiful quiet street. 5.00 - 10.00 Euro.
  • Wispel Pub, Steinweg 81 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 702254. 11:00 - 01:00. Advertises "Essenpreise wie in den 80er Jahren" ("food prices like in the 1980s") and lives up to the promise. Non-touristy Ostalgie, which does however mean that the interior is rather smoky and that a lot of the food comes out of cans.

Muenzenberger Klause, Polle 22, +49 3946 2928. Tavern style, very relaxed with a beautiful summer terrace to enjoy in the warm weather. 10.00 - 16.00 Euro.

Schlosshotel Zum Markgrafen, Weingartenstraße 30, Quedlinburg 06484, +49 3946 81140. International cuisine, including a good selection of vegetarian food. The hotel has it's own parking and when the weather is fine, you can enjoy the terrace and garden. 10.00 - 19.00 Euro.

Bistrorant im Hotel Theophano, Markt 13/14 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 96300. 12:00-14:30 and 18:00-21:30. Italian and local cuisine, with seasonal specialties. Parking, beer garden, non-smoking area, dogs allowed. Reviews suggest service is below par when very full. 14.00 - 19.00 Euro.

Kartoffelhaus No1, Breite str 37, Quedlinburg. International Cuisine: A rustic, warm atmosphere, with a lovely beer garden and seating outside the front which overlooks a beautiful quiet street. 5.00 - 10.00 Euro.

Wispel Pub, Steinweg 81 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 702254. 11:00 - 01:00. Advertises "Essenpreise wie in den 80er Jahren" ("food prices like in the 1980s") and lives up to the promise. Non-touristy Ostalgie, which does however mean that the interior is rather smoky and that a lot of the food comes out of cans.

  • Prinz Heinrich, Polle 29, +49 3946 3707. Bistro Style. Decor from the turn of the century. Very cosy. Unfortunately they do not take credit cards. 12.00 - 20.00 Euro.
  • Himmel & Holle, Holle 5, 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 974 210. German Cuisine: Delicious food in a beautiful setting. The antipasta is highly recommended, but many other dishes to choose from. The restaurant cover two floors and outside. 15.00 - 22.00 Euro.
  • Perlis Pasta Mia, Steinbruecke 23, 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 2122. Italian Cuisine: Bright and clean corner restaurant, just off the old market square. Warm welcome to all and accommodating with languages. 12.00-20.00 Euro.
  • Kasekuchenbackerei Vincent, Schlossberg 13, 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 81. Cafe, Bakery: Beautiful cheescakes, slightly pricey but the large portions make up for this. 15.00-24.00 Euro.

Prinz Heinrich, Polle 29, +49 3946 3707. Bistro Style. Decor from the turn of the century. Very cosy. Unfortunately they do not take credit cards. 12.00 - 20.00 Euro.

Himmel & Holle, Holle 5, 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 974 210. German Cuisine: Delicious food in a beautiful setting. The antipasta is highly recommended, but many other dishes to choose from. The restaurant cover two floors and outside. 15.00 - 22.00 Euro.

Perlis Pasta Mia, Steinbruecke 23, 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 2122. Italian Cuisine: Bright and clean corner restaurant, just off the old market square. Warm welcome to all and accommodating with languages. 12.00-20.00 Euro.

Kasekuchenbackerei Vincent, Schlossberg 13, 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 81. Cafe, Bakery: Beautiful cheescakes, slightly pricey but the large portions make up for this. 15.00-24.00 Euro.

  • Pension St. Nikolai, Polkenstraße 22, 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 528093. Steakhouse: There are not many steakhouses in Germany, but this is one of the better ones. succulent steaks, cooked to your tastes, highly recommended. 18.00-28.00 Euro.
  • Weinstube im Hotel am Bruhl, Billungstraße 11, 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 961 80. German Cuisine: Clean, spacious A la Carte restaurant. 18.00-25.00 Euro.
  • Restaurant Benedikt, Marktkirchhof 18, Quedlinburg 06484, +49 3946 526652. Traditional German cuisine presented in a modern style. Beautiful setting located behind a church. 20.00-35.00 Euro.
  • Brauhaus Ludde, +49 3946 901481. Located between the market place and the castle. It is set in the heart of the medieval city centre. Traditional German cuisine, next to a working brewery. 20.00-30.00 Euro.

Pension St. Nikolai, Polkenstraße 22, 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 528093. Steakhouse: There are not many steakhouses in Germany, but this is one of the better ones. succulent steaks, cooked to your tastes, highly recommended. 18.00-28.00 Euro.

Weinstube im Hotel am Bruhl, Billungstraße 11, 06484 Quedlinburg, +49 3946 961 80. German Cuisine: Clean, spacious A la Carte restaurant. 18.00-25.00 Euro.

Restaurant Benedikt, Marktkirchhof 18, Quedlinburg 06484, +49 3946 526652. Traditional German cuisine presented in a modern style. Beautiful setting located behind a church. 20.00-35.00 Euro.

Brauhaus Ludde, +49 3946 901481. Located between the market place and the castle. It is set in the heart of the medieval city centre. Traditional German cuisine, next to a working brewery. 20.00-30.00 Euro.

Interspersed among all the numerous shops and boutiques are any number of small cafes and bars. Many of these in the summer, spill out onto the cobbled streets, allowing their customers the opportunity to soak up the amazing historical atmosphere and watch the world go by. In contrast there are also modern bars to cater for the younger members of the Quedlinburg society.

  • Bier-Pub Nase, Carl-Ritter-Str 18, +49 3946 514255. Irish pub
  • Brauhaus Ludde, Blastiistr 14, +49 3946 705206. Beer House, restaurant and bar combined

Bier-Pub Nase, Carl-Ritter-Str 18, +49 3946 514255. Irish pub

Brauhaus Ludde, Blastiistr 14, +49 3946 705206. Beer House, restaurant and bar combined

For further information on Quedlinburg go to www.thisisharz.com/quedlinburg

Quedlinburg is ideally situated on the edge of the Harz Mountains, with its dramatic gorges and mountainous landscapes, waiting to be explored by hikers and bikers alike. The 'Romanesque Road' recounts dynasties and events from German and European history going back over a thousand years. Many Romanesque edificies can be found in the immediate vicinity of Quedlinburg, which bear witness to this history.

  • Harzer Schmalspurbahn – A narrow gauge tourist railway runs from Quedlinburg through the Selke Valley (parallel with the River Selke), to the top of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains.
  • Thale Hexentanzplatz (Witches Dance Floor)is reputedly an Old Saxon cult site, at which, celebrations were held in honour of the so-called Hagedisen (forest and mountain goddesses), particularly on the night of 1 May. The place did not become known as the Hexentanzplatz until the cult was banned by the invading Christian Franks. According to tradition the site was guarded by Frankish soldiers in order to enforce the ban and they were chased off by Saxons dressed as witches and riding on broomsticks. On this plateau is the Thale Mountain Theatre (Bergtheater Thale), one of the oldest open-air theatres in Germany with 1,350 seats, which was founded in 1903 by Ernst Wachler. A gondola lift runs from Thale up to the Hexentanzplatz, where today, the plateau resembles a small Theme Park aimed at families. It includes various rides, small gift and craft shops and a Wildlife Park, illustrating the wide variety of different species of animal who can be found in the Harz region. While there are relatively unspoiled forests nearby with plenty of hiking trails, the immediate area of the Hexentanzplatz has become fairly commercialized.
  • Bode Valley lies below the Hexentanplatz. This trail follows the Bode River deep into the Bode Valley gorge. Take in the spectacular scenery and rich flora as the stream tumbles over granite boulders. The walk starts next to Thale gondola station, where the path follows the river, taking you through dense forest and then into open meadows filled with wildflowers, ending in the village of Treseburg near a ruined castle. The walk along the Bode Valley takes about three hours (covering about 10km), and is mostly gentle, with one short, somewhat steep climb that takes you to a great vantage point above the river. You can take the bus from Treseburg back to Thale. From the same starting point, you can also branch off this trail and hike up to the Hexentanzplatz or the Rosstrappe, the two rocky outcrops that surround the opening of the Bode Valley (shorter but much steeper routes).
  • Halberstadt
  • Nordhausen

Harzer Schmalspurbahn – A narrow gauge [[tourist railway]] runs from Quedlinburg through the Selke Valley (parallel with the River Selke), to the top of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains.

[[Thale]] Hexentanzplatz (Witches Dance Floor)is reputedly an Old Saxon cult site, at which, celebrations were held in honour of the so-called Hagedisen (forest and mountain goddesses), particularly on the night of 1 May. The place did not become known as the Hexentanzplatz until the cult was banned by the invading Christian Franks. According to tradition the site was guarded by Frankish soldiers in order to enforce the ban and they were chased off by Saxons dressed as witches and riding on broomsticks. On this plateau is the Thale Mountain Theatre (Bergtheater Thale), one of the oldest open-air theatres in Germany with 1,350 seats, which was founded in 1903 by Ernst Wachler. A gondola lift runs from Thale up to the Hexentanzplatz, where today, the plateau resembles a small Theme Park aimed at families. It includes various rides, small gift and craft shops and a Wildlife Park, illustrating the wide variety of different species of animal who can be found in the Harz region. While there are relatively unspoiled forests nearby with plenty of hiking trails, the immediate area of the Hexentanzplatz has become fairly commercialized.

Bode Valley lies below the Hexentanplatz. This trail follows the Bode River deep into the Bode Valley gorge. Take in the spectacular scenery and rich flora as the stream tumbles over granite boulders. The walk starts next to Thale gondola station, where the path follows the river, taking you through dense forest and then into open meadows filled with wildflowers, ending in the village of Treseburg near a ruined castle. The walk along the Bode Valley takes about three hours (covering about 10km), and is mostly gentle, with one short, somewhat steep climb that takes you to a great vantage point above the river. You can take the bus from Treseburg back to Thale. From the same starting point, you can also branch off this trail and hike up to the Hexentanzplatz or the Rosstrappe, the two rocky outcrops that surround the opening of the Bode Valley (shorter but much steeper routes).

[[Halberstadt]]