Goethefelsen im Bodetal

German poets and thinkers are connected to the Harz Mountains in a very special way. Almost all of them were inspired by nature, the legends or the sagas. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in particular stood out as a friend and patron of the communities and landscape in the Harz. It is therefore no wonder that a rock formation has been given a memorial plaque in his honour. Over the years, this rock face has become a particularly popular destination in the Harz and should be visited by every friend of the Harz at least once.

The naturalist Goethe and the Harz Mountains

Goethe is remembered today primarily for his literary works. But he had many other interests. Among other things, the Harz Mountains were a wonderful natural playground for him and he carried out a great deal of research here. He is said to have been particularly fond of the variety of rocks, and it was not uncommon to see him in the forests and on the rocks, where he undertook various studies and ultimately put them down on paper.

Today's Goethe Rock was named as such in honour of the 200th anniversary of his birth. Of course, it is no coincidence that these rocks were chosen. Goethe and his companion, the painter Georg Melchior Kraus, are said to have spent time on this rock face in the Bode Valley in 1783, carrying out various research projects and resting on the slab by the water known as the "Goethestein". Hikers find the rocks quite easily, as they are labelled with an image of the scholar. So Goethe also finds his place of honour in the Harz Mountains. This is only fitting, as Goethe immortalised the Harz Mountains several times in his works and thus contributed significantly to the fascination of the region.