Hexentanzplatz

Do you get scared when you hear about the "Hexentanzplatz"? Do you dare to go among witches and devils? Or do you even enjoy dancing with them and perhaps being accepted into their circle?

Do you dare to celebrate with a witch?

The Hexentanzplatz Thale in the Harz mountains is one of the best known, most popular and also most impressive destinations in Saxony-Anhalt. Here in the foothills of the Harz Mountains, visitors not only find sights, attractions and culture, but above all opportunities to experience eerie goings-on from the Harz's past live. The historic plateau above the Bode Valley is the place where witches and devils gather every year on 30 April to celebrate Walpurgis Night. After their ritual dance, they move on to the Brocken to dance around the witches' fire, summon spirits and ask for the devil's hand in marriage.

The Thale cable car and the Bode Valley

But how do you get to the Hexentanzplatz in the Harz mountains, 450 metres above sea level, and its attractions and sights? Of course you fly, as you should. Or at least float - if not with a broom, then with the Thale cable car, which of course has a real glass floor and offers an impressive view of the legendary Bode Valley. The Bode Valley is 10 km long and 280 m deep and, with its varied colourful world of trees and thickets, is one of the most impressive areas of the Harz. You can also see the riverbed of the Bode as you ride up the imposing rock cliffs. Everything can be viewed at its best on the approximately 720-metre-long route during the cable car ride, provided you dare. If you like cable cars and have already mastered this test of courage, you can also dance with the devil. If you prefer to come by car, there is a large car park at Hexentanzplatz.

The ideal place for hiking

Of course, there are also hiking trails to and from the Hexentanzplatz Thale. Descend via the Roßtrappe and steep serpentines or roam the romantic and wild Bode Valley on the approximately sixty-minute ascent. At the top, you will be greeted by sculptures of a witch, a devil and a fantasy figure. These were created by the Harz artist Jochen Müller.

Thale Zoo

Besides demons and devils, there is much more to discover up here. First of all, there's the Thale Zoo, which is home to around 70 species of animals, all of which are native to the Harz Mountains. Meet lynxes, raccoons, foxes, red deer and wild cats in their natural habitat. You can also see bears here. In addition, you can look for shy and rare birds from the forests of the Harz in the bird houses: from buzzards, peregrine falcons and pheasants to different species of owls and capercaillies. This is a very special place where children can of course celebrate birthdays in animal company!

The Walpurgis Hall at the Witches' Dance Site

Fittingly for the Hexentanzplatz, one attraction is the Witches' House, another is the Walpurgis Hall, where murals by the artist Hermann Hendrich depict motifs from Goethe's "Faust". Goethe was inspired to write the play during a trip to the Harz Mountains, and it was he who made Walpurgis Night famous in the 19th century. However, the rituals have been around for longer, as shown by the sacrificial stone decorated with ancient Germanic runes, which is also on display in the hall. During the Carolingian period, the inhabitants of the region are said to have met at the Hexentanzplatz in the Harz Mountains to practice their ancient customs and rites in secret. The site also contains the remains of a Germanic-Saxon refuge.

The Harz Mountain Theatre

The Harzer Bergtheater (Harz Mountain Theatre) on the Hexentanzplatz offers a breathtaking view of the Bode Valley. The complex, which is modelled on an amphitheatre, offers over a thousand spectators open-air theatre performances, culture, concerts, festivals and other shows between May and September. Over 150 events take place here for children and parents, young and old, from "Pippi Longstocking" to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream".

"Harzbob" - the all-weather toboggan run

If all that isn't enough, you can whizz down the Harz Mountains and Steinbach Valley on the Harzbob all-weather toboggan run (one of the longest all-weather toboggan runs in Germany) at speeds of up to 40 km/h for almost 1,000 metres - almost like riding a real broom. The all-weather toboggan run offers space for one person alone or for two, minimum age is three years. In addition, there are of course restaurants and souvenir shops at the Hexentanzplatz.

Walpurgis Night at the Witches' Dance Grounds in Thale

So the Hexentanzplatz Thale in the Harz mountains offers fun for the whole family! Especially, of course, on Walpurgis Night. Every year on this legendary night, there is a big event at the Hexentanzplatz with live music, laser show and, of course, high-altitude fireworks. Every year, 10,000 visitors gather at the Hexentanzplatz on this night. If you want to join in the fun, it's best to come dressed up. You'll have to look for the real thing among all the ghoulish witches, devils and fantasy creatures.

Well, ready? Then get on your broom and visit the Hexentanzplatz Thale in the Harz mountains.

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