Thale

Thale is a town in the Harz Mountains in central Germany.

It is believed that Thale emerged at the beginning of the 10th century and was first mentioned in 936 in connection with Wendhausen abbey, however the abbey was later destroyed in 1525 due to the Peasant’s war.

Records have shown that from 1445 there was a working ironworks which was rebuilt in 1648 and it was partially destroyed during the Thirty Years War, it was completely destroyed in 1670. However it was later rebuilt in a small hammer mill due to the close proximity of the ore deposits and availability of wood, this lasted until 1714. Thale has always had a connection with the iron industry which shows in the number of workers it had, it went from 350 in 1872 to 4,400 in 1905. From 1916 Thale produced steel helmets and during the Second World War Thale had the monopoly on the product.

Tourism only started to flourish from the 19th century onwards this was due to the Hubertus spring which opened in 1836.

• DDR Museum, Steinbachstraße A, +49 394765633. M-F 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-16:00. Since 2000 the building has operated as a furniture store. The 6th floor of the building is used as a museum. It aims to convey through the exhibits, showcases, and information boards an impression of the living conditions in the former East Germany. Adult €5, Child €3.
• Walpurgis Hall.
• Hexentanzplatz.

DDR Museum, Steinbachstraße A, +49 394765633. M-F 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-16:00. Since 2000 the building has operated as a furniture store. The 6th floor of the building is used as a museum. It aims to convey through the exhibits, showcases, and information boards an impression of the living conditions in the former East Germany. Adult €5, Child €3.

Walpurgis Hall.

Hexentanzplatz.

• Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt.
  • FunPark, Parkplatz Seilbahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Mar closed. There are two fun parks with trampolines, comet, Euro bungees and bumper boats. 1 chip €1, 6 chips €5.
  • Gondola to Hexentanzplatz, Seilbahn parkplatz. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan Weekends 10:00-16:30; Feb-Mar 10:00-16:30. Take the cable railway up to the Hexenplatz where you can see views of cliffy rocks, green meadows, wild waters and the "Brocken" mountain and the "Teufelsmauer" (the devil's wall) in the distance. Adult €3-4.90; child €2-3.
  • Harz Bob, Hexentanzplat. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan closed; Feb-Apr weekends 10:00-16:30. You can ride down into the valley and decide how fast you will go. This is a unique attraction and runs in all weather conditions. It is the longest in Germany. Adults €2.50; child €1.50.
  • Chairlift, Seibahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00 Nov-Jan Closed Feb-Mar Weekends 10:00-16:30. Admire the views from the chairlift, and when you reach the top, look for the famous hoof print of princess Brunhilde's legendary horse. Adult €2.50-€3.80; child €1.50-€2.

Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt.

• FunPark, Parkplatz Seilbahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Mar closed. There are two fun parks with trampolines, comet, Euro bungees and bumper boats. 1 chip €1, 6 chips €5.
• Gondola to Hexentanzplatz, Seilbahn parkplatz. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan Weekends 10:00-16:30; Feb-Mar 10:00-16:30. Take the cable railway up to the Hexenplatz where you can see views of cliffy rocks, green meadows, wild waters and the "Brocken" mountain and the "Teufelsmauer" (the devil's wall) in the distance. Adult €3-4.90; child €2-3.
• Harz Bob, Hexentanzplat. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan closed; Feb-Apr weekends 10:00-16:30. You can ride down into the valley and decide how fast you will go. This is a unique attraction and runs in all weather conditions. It is the longest in Germany. Adults €2.50; child €1.50.
• Chairlift, Seibahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00 Nov-Jan Closed Feb-Mar Weekends 10:00-16:30. Admire the views from the chairlift, and when you reach the top, look for the famous hoof print of princess Brunhilde's legendary horse. Adult €2.50-€3.80; child €1.50-€2.

Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt.

• FunPark, Parkplatz Seilbahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Mar closed. There are two fun parks with trampolines, comet, Euro bungees and bumper boats. 1 chip €1, 6 chips €5.
• Gondola to Hexentanzplatz, Seilbahn parkplatz. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan Weekends 10:00-16:30; Feb-Mar 10:00-16:30. Take the cable railway up to the Hexenplatz where you can see views of cliffy rocks, green meadows, wild waters and the "Brocken" mountain and the "Teufelsmauer" (the devil's wall) in the distance. Adult €3-4.90; child €2-3.
• Harz Bob, Hexentanzplat. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan closed; Feb-Apr weekends 10:00-16:30. You can ride down into the valley and decide how fast you will go. This is a unique attraction and runs in all weather conditions. It is the longest in Germany. Adults €2.50; child €1.50.
• Chairlift, Seibahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00 Nov-Jan Closed Feb-Mar Weekends 10:00-16:30. Admire the views from the chairlift, and when you reach the top, look for the famous hoof print of princess Brunhilde's legendary horse. Adult €2.50-€3.80; child €1.50-€2.

Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt.

• FunPark, Parkplatz Seilbahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Mar closed. There are two fun parks with trampolines, comet, Euro bungees and bumper boats. 1 chip €1, 6 chips €5.
• Gondola to Hexentanzplatz, Seilbahn parkplatz. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan Weekends 10:00-16:30; Feb-Mar 10:00-16:30. Take the cable railway up to the Hexenplatz where you can see views of cliffy rocks, green meadows, wild waters and the "Brocken" mountain and the "Teufelsmauer" (the devil's wall) in the distance. Adult €3-4.90; child €2-3.
• Harz Bob, Hexentanzplat. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan closed; Feb-Apr weekends 10:00-16:30. You can ride down into the valley and decide how fast you will go. This is a unique attraction and runs in all weather conditions. It is the longest in Germany. Adults €2.50; child €1.50.
• Chairlift, Seibahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00 Nov-Jan Closed Feb-Mar Weekends 10:00-16:30. Admire the views from the chairlift, and when you reach the top, look for the famous hoof print of princess Brunhilde's legendary horse. Adult €2.50-€3.80; child €1.50-€2.

Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt.

• FunPark, Parkplatz Seilbahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Mar closed. There are two fun parks with trampolines, comet, Euro bungees and bumper boats. 1 chip €1, 6 chips €5.
• Gondola to Hexentanzplatz, Seilbahn parkplatz. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan Weekends 10:00-16:30; Feb-Mar 10:00-16:30. Take the cable railway up to the Hexenplatz where you can see views of cliffy rocks, green meadows, wild waters and the "Brocken" mountain and the "Teufelsmauer" (the devil's wall) in the distance. Adult €3-4.90; child €2-3.
• Harz Bob, Hexentanzplat. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan closed; Feb-Apr weekends 10:00-16:30. You can ride down into the valley and decide how fast you will go. This is a unique attraction and runs in all weather conditions. It is the longest in Germany. Adults €2.50; child €1.50.
• Chairlift, Seibahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00 Nov-Jan Closed Feb-Mar Weekends 10:00-16:30. Admire the views from the chairlift, and when you reach the top, look for the famous hoof print of princess Brunhilde's legendary horse. Adult €2.50-€3.80; child €1.50-€2.

Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt.

• FunPark, Parkplatz Seilbahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Mar closed. There are two fun parks with trampolines, comet, Euro bungees and bumper boats. 1 chip €1, 6 chips €5.
• Gondola to Hexentanzplatz, Seilbahn parkplatz. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan Weekends 10:00-16:30; Feb-Mar 10:00-16:30. Take the cable railway up to the Hexenplatz where you can see views of cliffy rocks, green meadows, wild waters and the "Brocken" mountain and the "Teufelsmauer" (the devil's wall) in the distance. Adult €3-4.90; child €2-3.
• Harz Bob, Hexentanzplat. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan closed; Feb-Apr weekends 10:00-16:30. You can ride down into the valley and decide how fast you will go. This is a unique attraction and runs in all weather conditions. It is the longest in Germany. Adults €2.50; child €1.50.
• Chairlift, Seibahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00 Nov-Jan Closed Feb-Mar Weekends 10:00-16:30. Admire the views from the chairlift, and when you reach the top, look for the famous hoof print of princess Brunhilde's legendary horse. Adult €2.50-€3.80; child €1.50-€2.

• Walpurgis, Musestieg 28, +49 39475527. 30 April. Witches are believed to ride on broomsticks to places of old pagan sacrifices in the Harz Mountains, however it is now one big party and a chance for everyone to dress up as witches and devils.
• International Folklore Festival for Children, Steinbachstr. 6, +49 3947941341. Late Jul-Aug. The market place brings together singers, musicians and dancers from throughout the world.
• Rosstrappen downhill, DH Track, +49 1792117183. Sep. A massive mountain biking event that takes place every year.

Walpurgis, Musestieg 28, +49 39475527. 30 April. Witches are believed to ride on broomsticks to places of old pagan sacrifices in the Harz Mountains, however it is now one big party and a chance for everyone to dress up as witches and devils.

International Folklore Festival for Children, Steinbachstr. 6, +49 3947941341. Late Jul-Aug. The market place brings together singers, musicians and dancers from throughout the world.

Rosstrappen downhill, DH Track, +49 1792117183. Sep. A massive mountain biking event that takes place every year.

• Kletterwald, Goetheweg, +4917696609538. May-Aug 09:00-20:00; Oct-Apr Tu-F 13:00 to sunset; Sa-Su 09:00 to sunset. Climb over rickety bridges, leaps from ropes in nets, ride on the cable cars and jump on bars and tires. Adult €18, Child €15 and under 12's €12.
• Walking - Hexenstieg, Osterode. Discover the whole of the Harz on this 97 km walk which starts in Osterrode and ends in Thale. (Website in German.)
• Mountain Biking. There are a number of different biking tours you can take part in. Alternatively you can take the cable car up to the start of the best downhill biking track.
• Fishing, Bode Valley. Clear mountain lakes and reservoirs and cold mountain streams give is the ideal surrounding to do spot of fishing. You can do coarse and fly fishing here, where you can catch Trout, Pike, Bream, Carp, and Perch. Fishing license between €8-€30.
• Mini Golf, Goetheweg 1, +49 39472500. Miniature golf course via the cable car.

Kletterwald, Goetheweg, +4917696609538. May-Aug 09:00-20:00; Oct-Apr Tu-F 13:00 to sunset; Sa-Su 09:00 to sunset. Climb over rickety bridges, leaps from ropes in nets, ride on the cable cars and jump on bars and tires. Adult €18, Child €15 and under 12's €12.

Walking - Hexenstieg, Osterode. Discover the whole of the Harz on this 97 km walk which starts in Osterrode and ends in Thale. (Website in German.)

Mountain Biking. There are a number of different biking tours you can take part in. Alternatively you can take the cable car up to the start of the best downhill biking track.

Fishing, Bode Valley. Clear mountain lakes and reservoirs and cold mountain streams give is the ideal surrounding to do spot of fishing. You can do coarse and fly fishing here, where you can catch Trout, Pike, Bream, Carp, and Perch. Fishing license between €8-€30.

Mini Golf, Goetheweg 1, +49 39472500. Miniature golf course via the cable car.

• Harzer Bergtheater, Hexentanzplatz, +49 39472324. Large open-air theatre offering a number of different shows from classical, opera and musicals. €5-23, depending on which show.
• Cinema, Bahnhofstraße 5, +49 3947779900. Various timings. Cinema with 96 seats where you can watch a film with popcorn and sweets. Adult €5, Cafe €6; Child €4, Cafe €5.

Harzer Bergtheater, Hexentanzplatz, +49 39472324. Large open-air theatre offering a number of different shows from classical, opera and musicals. €5-23, depending on which show.

Cinema, Bahnhofstraße 5, +49 3947779900. Various timings. Cinema with 96 seats where you can watch a film with popcorn and sweets. Adult €5, Cafe €6; Child €4, Cafe €5.

There are a number of family run shops within the town with the majority of them staying open until 18:00, all shops will be closed on Sunday. There is a large furniture store from kitchens to bedrooms, this store is open until 19:00 during the week.

• Flea Market, Walpurgisstraße, +49 5305912440. Various times throughout the year 08:00-16:00. A chance to pick up some items at the local flea market. Entrance €1.50.
• Weekly Market, Rathausplatz 1, +49 39474700. Every Thursday from 08:00-14:00. Weekly market where you can buy fresh, fruit, veg, meat and cheese.
• Christmas Market, Rathausplatz. Fourth weekend in advent. The town square is transformed with christmas lights and stalls where you can purchase local crafts and food. Various.
• Spielwaren & Souvenirs, Karl-Marx-Str 20, +49 39473004. A chance to buy a souvenir from the Harz.

Flea Market, Walpurgisstraße, +49 5305912440. Various times throughout the year 08:00-16:00. A chance to pick up some items at the local flea market. Entrance €1.50.

Weekly Market, Rathausplatz 1, +49 39474700. Every Thursday from 08:00-14:00. Weekly market where you can buy fresh, fruit, veg, meat and cheese.

Christmas Market, Rathausplatz. Fourth weekend in advent. The town square is transformed with christmas lights and stalls where you can purchase local crafts and food. Various.

Spielwaren & Souvenirs, Karl-Marx-Str 20, +49 39473004. A chance to buy a souvenir from the Harz.

There are a number of different types of food specific to the Harz region. The Harz cheese or known locally as Harzer roller is made from sour milk quark it takes 1638 days to mature. The cheese can be brought from any local markets or shops.

Many of the restaurants in the area will serve game on their menus, this is due to there being a number of woods for the wild animals to live in.

• Böttchers Bierstube, Roßtrappenstr. 80, +49 39472462. Ideal for a quick snack, serves fast food.
• Imbiss-Mehmo-Grill, Bahnhofstr. 1. Snack bar serving chips, donner kebabs and burgers.
• Dirk Kreft, Karl-Marx-Str. 25, +49 39472444. Daily 08:00-18:00 Sunday Closed. Fast food

Böttchers Bierstube, Roßtrappenstr. 80, +49 39472462. Ideal for a quick snack, serves fast food.

Imbiss-Mehmo-Grill, Bahnhofstr. 1. Snack bar serving chips, donner kebabs and burgers.

Dirk Kreft, Karl-Marx-Str. 25, +49 39472444. Daily 08:00-18:00 Sunday Closed. Fast food

• Berghotel Rosstrappe, Rosstrappe 1, +49 39473011. Nov-Apr 10:00-18:00; May-Oct 10:00-22:00.
• Hotel Alice, Walpurgisstraße 26, +49 3947400640. Tu-Su 10:00-14:00 and 17:30-22:00. This stylish restaurant offers typical German food. It is possible to enjoy your food on the terrace in the summer months.
• Berghotel Hexentanzplatz, Hexentanzplatz 1, +49 39474730. The restaurant offers a casual and cozy atmosphere serving well known local food.
• Hexentreff, Rudolf - Breitscheid - Straße 24, +49 3947941480. Daily 11:30-14:30 and 17:30-21:00. Typical German cuisine with a variety of different schnitzels. Mains €5-10.
• Zur Luppbode, Ortsstraße 26, +49 3945656751. Serves regional cuisine with small and larger meals for every appetite.

Berghotel Rosstrappe, Rosstrappe 1, +49 39473011. Nov-Apr 10:00-18:00; May-Oct 10:00-22:00.

Hotel Alice, Walpurgisstraße 26, +49 3947400640. Tu-Su 10:00-14:00 and 17:30-22:00. This stylish restaurant offers typical German food. It is possible to enjoy your food on the terrace in the summer months.

Berghotel Hexentanzplatz, Hexentanzplatz 1, +49 39474730. The restaurant offers a casual and cozy atmosphere serving well known local food.

Hexentreff, Rudolf - Breitscheid - Straße 24, +49 3947941480. Daily 11:30-14:30 and 17:30-21:00. Typical German cuisine with a variety of different schnitzels. Mains €5-10.

Zur Luppbode, Ortsstraße 26, +49 3945656751. Serves regional cuisine with small and larger meals for every appetite.

• Athos, Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 22, +49 39472728. M 17:30-23:00, Tu-Th & Su 11:30-14:00 and 17:30-23:00; F-Sa 17:30-24:00. A warm and inviting restaurant that serves Greek food. Mains €8-18.
• Gasthaus Konigsruhe, Hirschgrund 1, +49 39472726. Restaurant serves hearty healthy homemade food using local produce.
• Restaurant Felsengrund, Tempelstraße 12, 06507 Bad Suderode, +49 3948560088. M-F 17:00-22:00, W closed, Sa-Su 11:30-14:30. This restaurant serves German, Dutch and French cuisine.
• Bodeblick, Halde 1, +49 394565610. Daily 08:00-24:00. Serves local cuisine with the bar stocking a wide variety of spirits and wines. In the summer there is the option to enjoy your meal in the beer garden. Mains €7-16.

Athos, Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 22, +49 39472728. M 17:30-23:00, Tu-Th & Su 11:30-14:00 and 17:30-23:00; F-Sa 17:30-24:00. A warm and inviting restaurant that serves Greek food. Mains €8-18.

Gasthaus Konigsruhe, Hirschgrund 1, +49 39472726. Restaurant serves hearty healthy homemade food using local produce.

Restaurant Felsengrund, Tempelstraße 12, 06507 Bad Suderode, +49 3948560088. M-F 17:00-22:00, W closed, Sa-Su 11:30-14:30. This restaurant serves German, Dutch and French cuisine.

Bodeblick, Halde 1, +49 394565610. Daily 08:00-24:00. Serves local cuisine with the bar stocking a wide variety of spirits and wines. In the summer there is the option to enjoy your meal in the beer garden. Mains €7-16.

• Cafe Boulevard, Karl Marx Str 27, +49 3947772415.
• Tierpark cafe Hexentanzplatz, +49 3947610711.
• Cafe Bergblick, Ahornallee 4, +49 394777252450.
• Cafe Asgard, Bogenstr 17, +49 39477729231.

Cafe Boulevard, Karl Marx Str 27, +49 3947772415.

Tierpark cafe Hexentanzplatz, +49 3947610711.

Cafe Bergblick, Ahornallee 4, +49 394777252450.

Cafe Asgard, Bogenstr 17, +49 39477729231.

• Boettcher's Pub, Roßtrappenstr 80, +49 39472462.
• Altes Bootshaus, Blankenburger Str, +49 394762115. M-11:00-22:00, Tu-W closed, Th-Su 11:00-22:00.
• Warnstedter Krug, Warnstedter Hauptstr 118, +49 39472710.

Boettcher's Pub, Roßtrappenstr 80, +49 39472462.

Altes Bootshaus, Blankenburger Str, +49 394762115. M-11:00-22:00, Tu-W closed, Th-Su 11:00-22:00.

Warnstedter Krug, Warnstedter Hauptstr 118, +49 39472710.

• Dick und Doof, Steinbachstr 2, +49 39477729990.

Dick und Doof, Steinbachstr 2, +49 39477729990.

• Library, Rathausplatz 1, +49 3947470112. M-13:00-17:00, Tu 13:00-18:00, W closed, Th 10:00-18:00, F Closed. It is possible to use the internet facilities provided by the library to keep in contact.
• Youth Club, Sputnikweg 1, +49 3947779904. M-Sa 14:00-21:00. €1 for an hour.

Library, Rathausplatz 1, +49 3947470112. M-13:00-17:00, Tu 13:00-18:00, W closed, Th 10:00-18:00, F Closed. It is possible to use the internet facilities provided by the library to keep in contact.

Youth Club, Sputnikweg 1, +49 3947779904. M-Sa 14:00-21:00. €1 for an hour.

Rubeland is a small town nearby where you can explore the large ancient caves. The caves were inhabitated by bears and later humans during the stone age.

Blankenburg Is a large town just north of Thale. There are a number of shops and different cultural sites.

Quedlinburg Is close to Thale with some of the buildings in the style of Romanesque architecture and are part of the holiday route Romanesque Road.

Nordhausen - with its famous distillery