Stolberg in the Harz: Discover the pearl of the half-timbered town!

Stolberg in the Harz: Discover the pearl of the half-timbered town!

Stolberg in the Harz, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Southern Harz”, exudes a very special charm. This historic European city is known not only for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its rich heritage and deep-rooted history. Located at an altitude of 300 to 350 meters, Stolberg attracts spa guests and tourists alike who want to enjoy the fresh, healthy air and intact nature. With over 380 half-timbered houses from four centuries that shape the cityscape, Stolberg is a paradise for half-timbered lovers. Loud T Online The city was mentioned in documents as early as 1210 and still impresses today with its historical substance.

But how did this abundance of half-timbering come about? Let's take a closer look at the history of this construction method. The origins of half-timbered buildings, which have developed from simple huts to magnificent skeleton structures, are complex. According to that Half-timbered competence center The heyday of half-timbered construction took place between the 14th and 17th centuries. The construction could be stabilized using diagonal struts, which better absorbs the lateral pressure forces and thus withstands stormy Harz weather. This type of construction is closely linked to regional identity and reflects the way of life of the people there.

The story of Stolberg

The city has experienced many changes over the centuries. In the Middle Ages it was a center for mining and coinage, particularly for valuable raw materials such as silver, copper and tin. The “Alte Münze” from the 16th century is a particularly outstanding example of the stylistic eras that shaped Stolberg. The Counts of Stolberg, who dominated life in the region from the 13th century, made a significant contribution to the economic boom. Thomas Müntzer, an important reformer, was born here and is still an integral part of the city's cultural heritage today.

However, the 19th century saw an economic decline. The city experienced a change and was increasingly discovered as a spa and tourism destination. Stolberg not only offers relaxation, but also numerous leisure opportunities. The strict criteria for status as a climatic health resort prove that health awareness is very important here. The city meets the requirements for regular air quality measurements and thus lives up to its reputation. There are also many attractions such as the local history museum with a coin workshop, the early Gothic town church of St. Martini or the medieval Knight's Gate.

Tourist highlights and offers

Today, tourism is the economic backbone of Stolberg. Well-equipped hotels and guesthouses invite visitors to stay for several days. Particularly noteworthy is the “Thyragrotte” leisure and health pool, which offers relaxation all year round. But nature lovers will also get their money's worth: hiking trails lead through the nearby forests and hills, making the region an Eldorado for those seeking relaxation. An absolute highlight is the Joseph's Cross on the Großer Auerberg, the largest iron double cross in the world, which, at 38 meters high, offers a fantastic view of the surrounding area.

For anyone who wants to visit Stolberg from Braunschweig, the journey by car via the A36 takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, traveling by bus and train takes around 3.5 hours after the rail connection was discontinued in 2011. So if you bring a little time with you, you will be rewarded with a trip to a city that is rooted not only in nature but also in history.