The UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz –
cultural diversity amid stunning man-made landscapes
The Harz has a very special treasure of human achievement for you to explore. It originally developed through the mining activities of the region and is so valuable that it has been declared as World Heritage by UNESCO. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System", in short: UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz, you will find traces and monuments from 3000 years of mining, spread over an area of more than 200 km².
Whether above or below ground, on your own or with a guide – in the cultural landscape of the Harz you can experience a lot of European history condensed into a small area. Here you will find cultural diversity in the middle of stunning landscapes and you will learn more about this exceptional mining region.
BRIEFLY INTRODUCED
Mining in the Harz began at the Rammelsberg. The mining activities had a significant influence on the surrounding landscape and also on the town of Goslar. They were the basis for the wealth and the political importance of the mining town, which is reflected, for example, in Goslar's Imperial Palace. In addition to the Imperial Palace, evidence of the influence of mining on the town is provided by the historic Town Hall, the churches, the town defences, houses of wealthy individuals and guilds as well as more than 1500 half-timbered buildings.
The Upper Harz Water Management System was also created to serve the mining activities and is a today regarded as the world's most important pre-industrial energy supply system. As part of the World Heritage Site, the Upper Harz Water Management System also includes other important historic buildings and installations both above and below ground such as Walkenried Monastery.
