At the foot of a stunning Saxony mountain range, the medieval town of Goslar is the region's main hub. Its natural surroundings make it a popular destination for fans of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, cycling and bird-watching, while the town's unique history makes it perfect for culture aficionados too.
With over a thousand years’ heritage, the Kaiserstadt (imperial town) has a time-honored ambiance with its romantic palace, timber-framed buildings, striking ramparts and ancient churches.
At the centre of the town is the Market Square, home to the impressive Gothic Town Hall. Venture inside this recently restored landmark to enjoy a selection of unique wall paintings. Another feature of the square is the Hotel Kaiserworth, which originated as a textile guild back in the late 15th century.
Newcomers shouldn't miss the city's highlight, the Kaiserpfalz Palace. Explore an interior lined with 19th-century frescoes of historical scenes and wander the beautiful gardens to find a bold sculpture of the Goslar Warrior by British artist Henry Moore. Visit the Goslar Museum, the place to find out more about the historical narrative of this town as well as the wider Harz region.
For something a little more unusual, take a trip to the Museum of Musical Instruments and Dolls, which offers a remarkable and quirky collection of oddities. The Museum of Modern Art meanwhile can be found in a 16th-century timber house and hosts regular exhibitions.
For over a thousand years the mine at Rammelsberg, seven miles (eleven kilometres) from the town, has made Goslar a prosperous settlement. In the Middle Ages, the raw ores from here were used to make armour and coins. While no longer a functioning mine, Rammelsberg is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses four museums which are popular with visitors from far and wide.
