The town's rich history, reflected in its well-preserved buildings and unique cultural traditions, left an indelible impression on me.
Imagine stepping into a picturesque town, nestled at the foot of the North Harz Mountains, where time seems to have stood still. Welcome to Goslar, a small town in Lower Saxony, Germany, that is brimming with architectural splendor, historical significance, and serene tranquility. The town's rich history, reflected in its well-preserved buildings and unique cultural traditions, left an indelible impression on me.
Goslar- the City of Emperors and Miners
Nestling at the foot of the North Harz Mountains, Goslar is set amidst a splendid natural landscape. Numerous churches, over 1500 colourful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets make up the medieval face of the town. Founded in 922, Goslar was one of the most important seats of power in the Holy Roman Empire and mining played an important role in its past. Today Goslar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During my stay in Goslar, I stayed in 'Zur Borse', a boutique hotel housed in a large, listed half-timbered building from the 16th century. Built in 1573, it is a beautifully restored building with an elegant exterior. Fitted with all modern amenities and just a five-minute walk from the historic market square, this Renaissance-style hotel in Goslar is located amid the thousand-year-old town so I could reach all the important sites within minutes by walk. Staying in the historical town gave me a sense of antiquity and enhanced the pleasure of my stay.
Old Town
Take a thousand steps through the historic town centre by opting for a guided tour through the 500- year- old former residential quarter of Goslar’s miners. Find out interesting facts about the lives of the miners and tradesmen. On a medieval ground plan, 1,500 half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 19th centuries are preserved on just one square kilometre. Be enchanted by romantic half-timbered buildings and the interesting architecture found in the Market Square: the market fountain, crowned by the symbol of Goslar, the eagle, forms the centre of the square, surrounded by imposing buildings, such as the ‘Kaiserworth’ (built by the cloth merchants in 1494 is now a hotel and a popular picture spot) and the Town Hall. The Romanesque churches’ mighty towers soar above the enchanting townscape with its narrow streets.
In the Market Place, the former city treasury is a great attraction with its Carillon bells and figures. Four times a day, in the gable of the house, three little doors open up and the wooden figures come alive, to tell the history of mining in Goslar as the bells chime daily at 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 6 pm. Additionally, at 8:30 a.m. a morning song and at 6:30 p.m. an evening song are played (without figures). This is worth watching!
The historic Town Hall, the churches and the town defences, houses of wealthy individuals and guilds, all surprise you with their well-preserved exteriors.
Enjoy stunning views from the Marktkirche tower
While in the Market Square, visit the beautiful Marketkirche/ Market Church, which is an interesting mix of old wooden carvings and modern pictures. Inside the beautiful church are nine stained glass windows from the 13th century, a 15th-century fresco, an old library and a 17th-century baroque altar. Go up to the north tower of the church, which is about 60 meters high, and take some beautiful pictures of the city. The 200-plus steps are worth climbing for the fabulous panoramic view.
The Imperial Palace
Close to the historic old town is the mighty Imperial Palace, a unique monument, and the largest and best-preserved secular building from the 11th century north of the Alps. For over 200 years, history was made here at numerous empire convocations and court gatherings. Visit the exhibition on the history of medieval rulers and be astonished by the 11th-century emperor’s throne made from Rammelsberg copper and the monumental wall paintings from the 19th century. The Cathedral Porch, the only remnant of the former Collegiate Church of St. Simon and St. Judas is decorated with two rows of niches with plaster sculptures that were originally coloured. This striking monument is worth a closer look.
The ore mines of Rammelsberg- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Rammelsberg was one of the most important non-ferrous (zinc, silver, lead, iron, copper and bronze etc.) metal deposits in Europe. Known to have existed since ancient times, the mine has been in continuous use since the Middle Ages: initially under the impetus of Cistercian monks, and in later periods under the control of regional princes and of the Holy Roman Empire, of which Goslar was one of the capitals. I took a guided tour at the visitor mine: it was wet, slippery, with water dripping from the ceiling, damp and oozing with liquids from all around. We were not supposed to touch any surface, as it was toxic. Passing through the claustrophobic paths we had to climb steep spiral staircases to see a network of galleries and water wheels that were used to both transport the ore and to lift the water out of the mine. On the whole, it was an interesting experience and worth trying. We got to know how the miners spent 7 to 8 hours every day at a stretch in these mines. After continuous mining for 1000 years, when the ore was exhausted in 1989, the mine was closed. Now it’s open for visitors for a peep into the past.
Harz Water Management System
Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Upper Harz Water Management System is the world’s largest and most significant combined system of ponds and water ditches. Developed over 800 years starting from the Middle Ages, it has been the most important power source for Upper Harz mining. It provided hydropower for ore extraction and the operation of several pumps. Preserved today are 107 ponds (65 of which are still in operation), 70 km of water ditches and long watercourses. This will interest people who are into water conservation.
Goslar Museum
Housed in a former monastery building of the 16th century, the Goslar Museum’s displays include important medieval works of art, in particular from the Collegiate Church of St. Simon and Judas, which was demolished in 1820. The bronze Krodo altar (12th century), the Goslar Evangiliary (13th century), the Goslar ‘Bergkanne’ (1477), and the original eagle from the Goslar marketplace (14th century) are some of the highlights. The exhibition focuses on objects that document the everyday and business life of the townspeople. In the geological department, the history of the earth is illustrated with stones, minerals and fossils.
The Tin Figure Museum
In an 18th-century watermill in the middle of the Historic Town of Goslar, you will encounter many tin figures like emperors, bishops, mines etc. Here, you can discover the influential history of Goslar and the Harz region, shaped by mining. There are miniatures of the World Heritage Sites: Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Harz Water Management System. You can try your hand at casting your tin figure to take home with you.
Gose Beer
While in Goslar, you should try the regional speciality, Gose Beer. It is best had in ‘Brauhaus Goslar’, a traditional brewery housed in a historic building in the Old Town. Gose was first brewed in the 13th century in the town of Goslar: it is an unfiltered wheat beer made with 50-60% malted wheat which creates a cloudy yellow colour with a refreshing crispness and twang. The name Gose comes from the name of the River Gose, which flows through Goslar that supplies water to make the brew. The groundwater, enriched with minerals and salts lends a distinct sour and salty taste to the brew.
Celebrate Spargelzeit, Walpurgis & Christmas in Goslar
White Asparagus, a German favourite grows year-round but it is particularly delicious during its peak season called “Spargelzeit”, which is celebrated from around mid-April to 24 June. If you visit Goslar during this period you can enjoy all the Spargel delicacies. I visited in May and fell in love with the white asparagus and its different, delicious variations.
Every April 30th the famous “Walpurgis” festival takes place on Goslar’s historic market square. People dress as witches and warlocks and dance and drink to welcome spring: the whole place is immersed in a dark red light with eerily decorated pine trees and fog coming out of the market fountain. At midnight the spring is welcomed ceremonially as the bands play on the stage.
Considered one of the best in the Harz Mountains, the Goslar Christmas Market scene is magnificent with thousands of lights strung on more than fifty illuminated pine trees, creating a fairyland setting. About 80 beautifully decorated huts offer delicious treats like mulled wine, gingerbread and roasted almonds etc.
Walking around in the cobbled alleys, admiring the pretty houses, listening to the gurgling sound of streams running across, these charming little things are what I always cherish as sweet memories. I want to go back for more! Au revoir Goslar!
