Harz - Quedlinburg & Goslar

Because of the continuing heat during the summer of 2020, I asked my employer if it was possible to extend my holidays for a few more days. It was too hot to work anyway, and in exchange for a few days of water and fun with the boys in the Mecklenburger Großseenland, my familymembers allowed me to look out again for some more places where Kurt Hielscher made his photos. Southwards we went to Tangermünde and then found some nice opportunity to cool down and go for some swimming  at the Gröninger See in between Magdenburg and Halberstadt before entering the Harz with promising gems like Quedlinburg, Wernigerode and Goslar on its edge. We wanted to combine these cities with the beautiful nature of the Harz. Quedlinburg and Goslar turned out to be beautiful, but we saved Wernigerode for a next time.

Quedlinburg

Before we went into the Harzes nature we went to Quedlinburg in Sachsen-Anhalt. We arrived in the early evening and after dinner Kim and I went for a short stroll from the Parkplatz Marschlinger Hof to explore the city center to look out in the dark for this characteristic house at Finkenherd 1.

Funny detail to catch the tourist train here on the left, while nowadays the Tourist Information Office is situated in this characteristic tiny house. According to oral history, the area surrounding the house is considered to be the place where the Saxon Duke Heinrich learned that he had been elected German king while catching birds: finches, hence the name "Finkenherd". When I showed the original photo from Kurt Hielscher, the employee of the tourist information office told me that the they used to have a postcard for sale from this photo, but that it was sold out at the moment. In the back you'll see the changes of the Quedlinburger Dom. Both were damaged due to artillery fire at the end of WWII. From 1947 to 1950 the spiers were replaced by lower towers. On the photo you can only see one tower from this standpoint. The new towers would suit the Romanesque style of the church better. Last remark: Kurt Hielscher brought his step at the time he made his photo, the reason for his standpoint being a little higher than mine.

During an evening reconnaissance at Finkenherd.

Also to be found at Finkenherd square: Quedlinburger Senfladen: a mustard shop.

Found a nice square to stay for the night very near the city center at the Parkplatz Marschlinger Hof with a view on the Lindenbeinturm or Sternkiekerturm. Because of COVID we did not go up to enjoy its view on the city, but I would love to do so a next time. The other photos show the central market square in the early morning, Finkenherd 1 from the other side during daytime, and two more with other picturesque tiny houses.

And then it was time to discover the natural gems of the Harz. 

Me and my oldest son cooling down in the "Selkefall" near Harzgerode.

Taking a rest in Stiege.

To find a next spot to stay for the night at the Hochwasser-Schutzbecken Kalte Bode, which was also a terrific place for us for some  stand-up paddling.

The next morning we went to the Königshütter Wasserfall, which was only a few minutes drive back form where we stayed.

Goslar

Goslar, Niedersachsen, founded in 922 AD has a beautiful by UNESCO world heritage protected market square. The eye-catching building on the left is the 1494 built Kaiserworth with its characteristic figures on its facade of which the last one is missing on my photo compared to the one from Kurt Hielscher of almost a century ago. The figures are dedicated to the Goddess of Abundance. Since 1831 an inn and a hotel are housed in it. Also take a look at the dormers to see some changes. In the middle, the 12th Century source crowned with the imperial eagle and the 15th Century built Rathaus, The City Town Hall.

Here a wider view on the square. 

More from Goslar: the fountain on the market square, another Fachwerckhaus with the Marktkirche St. Cosmas und Damian in the distance, the church from closer by, the Jewish cemetery, and Das Breite Tor, The Wide Gate.

There are over 1500 Fachwerkhäuser in Goslar. Here another rather impressive one.

Below: paddling again, this time on the Okersee, just south of Goslar.