Wurmberg

The Wurmberg is far more than just a mountain. At just over 971 metres, it is the highest peak in Lower Saxony. But it is also a real grab bag of experiences and sensory impressions. This diverse world of mountain experiences therefore sometimes confronts visitors with the question of where to start. If you are visiting the Wurmberg in the Harz for the first time, it is best to head for the car park by the cable car in Braunlage. As already mentioned, the Wurmberg cable car starts here, but charming hiking trails also begin here. And this is where the famous monster scooter ride ends. But more about that later.

Hiking on the Wurmberg in the Harz Mountains

If you like hiking and want to take it easy at first, you might take a path along the "Warm Bode". By the way, the name has nothing to do with the temperature of the river. It probably derives from "Wormberg", an older name for the Wurmberg. All hiking trails are signposted and the rippling watercourse with the Bode Falls provides additional orientation. Names like "Bärenbrücke" (Bear Bridge), "Moosbrücke" (Moss Bridge) and "Panoramaweg" (Panorama Trail) give an idea of how scenic the hiking tours on the Wurmberg are.

Of course, you can also take the cable car (for which a fee is charged) to the summit and hike comfortably downhill. You will discover rushing mountain streams and real primeval forests. You can take a break in rustic refreshment stops and enjoy fantastic views.

Short info Wurmberg:

• Name: Wurmberg (formerly also Wormberg, Wormsberg or Wormberch).
• Place: Braunlage in the district of Goslar
• Height: 971.2 metres
• Comparison: Highest mountain in Lower Saxony, second highest mountain in the Harz Mountains
• Geology: Mainly Brocken granite
• History of name: The Wurmberg has been mentioned in sources since the 13th century
• Famous buildings: The ski jump built in 1922 (no longer exists), cable car operation since 1963
• History: The inner-German border ran along the Wurmberg until reunification in 1989.

The Wurmberg cable car

You can hike to the summit, but it's also much faster: the Wurmberg cable car takes you up in twelve minutes. Incidentally, cable car travel has a long tradition here, as the first cable car was opened back in 1963. A more modern version has been in operation since 2001, built at a cost of 5.2 million euros. It is the longest free-floating cable car in northern Germany, with which you can cover the 2800-metre distance to the summit. Tip for pet owners: dogs are also allowed on the cable car.

View of the Wurmberg

Whether you conquer the Wurmberg on foot or by cable car, an impressive panorama awaits you at the summit. Especially if you go a little higher, of course. To the Wurmberg Tower! The 32-metre-high observation tower bridges the remaining metres that the mountain peak lacks to exactly 1,000 metres above sea level. Through the large glass panes you can really see in all directions. The nature reserve lies at your feet. Depending on the weather, you can also see the Kyffhäuser Mountains and the Kassel Mountains. The big Inselberg in the Thuringian Forest. And of course the famous Brocken, the Wurmberg's neighbour, only about four kilometres away. Daredevils dare to climb the glass floor. And if you don't want to go down the stairs, just take the fast slide.

Winter sports on the Wurmberg

The Wurmberg offers winter sports activities for all ages. Children will love the 1,600-metre-long toboggan run, which starts at the middle station of the cable car. If you don't have a toboggan with you, you can hire one at the starting point. The older ones whiz down the mountain on a snowboard or classic skis, with the right slope for every level of difficulty. During the snow season, a chairlift, ski lifts and a children's and toboggan run also await passengers. A ski hire shop and a ski and snowboard school complete the wide range of facilities. It is not for nothing that the Wurmberg is considered the largest and most modern ski area in northern Germany.

Tip: Families like to visit the piste at Hexenritt. Here there is a small practice slope where even the youngest can make their first attempts at skiing.

Even more action on the Wurmberg

You may have wondered why so many people take their off-road bikes with them on the cable car. The Braunlage Bike Park is also located on the Wurmberg. There are two routes with a total of 18 kilometres of trails with various jumps and obstacles to overcome. If that's a bit too fast for you, you might prefer the "monster scooter". You can think of it as a powerful version of the pedal scooter, with grippy studded tyres and effective brake discs. Children from the age of ten will have just as much fun on the five-kilometre descent as older children.

Countless discoveries

The appealing thing about the Wurmberg is that it offers such a variety of experiences that it never gets boring. Those who simply want to enjoy the landscape will be delighted by the view. For example, the famous Brocken mountain and the Harz National Park. Those interested in history might hike along the border trail where the country was once divided. Children of all ages can pull out a wooden marble from a vending machine and let it whizz down the 75-metre-long track, which is, of course, the highest marble run in northern Germany. And the very young ones are delighted with the adventurous playground at the Wurmberg Alm.