Königreich Romkerhall

Fans of the Harz Mountains are particularly familiar with the many curious legends, stories and incidents that have emerged from the region. But the story of the "smallest kingdom in the world" is something truly special. If you believe the stories about the self-proclaimed kingdom, which can be found on the federal road 498 between Oker and Altenau, King George V of Hanover is said to have laid the foundation stone for the later empire. He built the small hunting lodge, which is still the centre of the kingdom today.

The origins of the smallest kingdom in the world

Under the name of the Kingdom of Romkerhall in the Harz Mountains, an area of around 5,000 square metres is home to a property that was already used as a hunting lodge for the King of Hanover in the 19th century. The central elements are the castle hotel and the royal hall, which also offer accommodation and rooms for events. While the building was constructed between 1861 and 1863, the Romkerhall Waterfall was added in 1863, which is the second most important sight in the kingdom.

While the history on the kingdom's website itself refers to an aristocratic connection that goes back many hundreds of years, the reality is likely to have been different. In the course of the territorial reforms in the 1970s and 1980s, the property was simply forgotten and not reincorporated. The owner took advantage of this situation and quickly proclaimed the "smallest kingdom in the world" and found himself a suitable queen from Germany's lower nobility. And so the curiosity was born in the middle of the Harz Mountains.

What can be experienced in the kingdom of Romkerhall?

Apart from the fact that after a visit you can claim to have visited the smallest kingdom in the world, which is located in the centre of Germany, the Kingdom of Romkerhall is a good starting point for hikes in the region. Numerous free car parks are available. If you are travelling through the Oker Valley, it is definitely worth taking a look at the kingdom itself.

The kingdom itself offers guided tours of the old hunting hotel and the premises are available for events and weddings. The waterfall, which was created for King George's wife, is a beautiful sight and a popular photo motif in the region.