Wernigerode lies on the north-eastern edge of the Harz mountains, where the gentle foothills slope down into the surrounding lowlands. The town is crossed by the Holtemme river, here fed by the Zillierbach and Barrenbach streams. Important transport routes pass through Wernigerode, including federal highways 6 and 244 and the Halberstadt–Vienenburg railway line. To the south-west stretches the Landmann forest area, while the Brocken, a striking peak, is only a few kilometres away. The historic core consists of the old town and new town, surrounded by districts such as Hasserode, Nöschenrode and Schierke. The city’s territory ranges in altitude from about 215 to 1,141 metres.
The first recorded mention of Wernigerode dates from 1121, though the settlement probably originated earlier as a clearing village at the Klint, where a castle called Schnakenburg once stood. In the 12th century the Counts of Wernigerode settled here, giving the town its name and shaping its development. In 1229 Wernigerode was granted town privileges and grew into a regional centre. Trade and craftsmanship drove the town’s expansion, with its location on important transport routes further enhancing its importance.
Wernigerode is known as “the colourful town on the Harz” because of its brightly painted half-timbered houses. Particularly worth seeing is Wernigerode Castle, which towers above the old town. The town is surrounded by a varied landscape of forests, hills and river valleys that invites walking. Wernigerode is also notable for its geological significance, as the Harz northern edge fault runs through the area, offering insights into millions of years of Earth’s history.
