UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz Mountains

More than 900 natural and cultural heritage sites worldwide are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and should therefore be preserved for humanity because of their exceptional significance. The aim of the agreements of the World Heritage Convention is to preserve, protect and pass on outstanding sites of human history. The Harz region has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites from different areas which originated from mining activities in the region at the time.

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Harz include the old town of Goslar and Quedlinburg, the Rammelsberg mine and the Upper Harz Water Management. Mining in the Harz, which originated in Rammelsberg, once ensured the prosperity of the Harz region and had a significant influence on the surrounding landscape and the town of Goslar. The Upper Harz water management system also originated from mining in the Harz. It served as an energy reservoir and supplied the driving water for ore extraction, passenger transport and mining pumps. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Harz Mountains illustrate the history of more than 3,000 years of mining over an area of more than 200 square kilometres, both above and below ground.

Experience the cultural diversity of the Harz in the midst of breathtaking scenery and learn more about this extraordinary mining region. We provide you with all the important background information and exciting details so that you can explore the world cultural heritage in the Harz on your own.