Chunks for the future: District invests in new tourism plans!

Chunks for the future: District invests in new tourism plans!

An exciting day for the Harz district: District Administrator Thomas Balcerowski described June 22, 2025 as “historic” because the Harz district committee voted in favor of the planned purchase of the Brocken plateau. This means that the tourist appreciation of the impressive mountains is within reach. The main aim of the acquisition is to secure public property and revitalize the region, which has recently been struggling with a decline in tourist numbers. The plans promise to make the Brocken an attractive travel destination again, which is an important destination for many holidaymakers.

The decision to buy the Brocken Plateau was not made without ulterior motives. Balcerowski plans to hold talks with various stakeholders, including Brockenwirt Daniel Steinhoff as well as representatives of the national park and the Harz narrow-gauge railways, in order to develop a comprehensive overall concept. The current investments and renovation measures are estimated at three million euros, although the exact purchase price for the area around the Brockenhotel has not yet been announced. These measures could help to increase tourist attractiveness and overcome the challenges ahead in the Harz, especially given the poor condition of the forests, which is seen as a critical factor for tourism in the Harz.

Prospects for tourism

The hope is that the new measures will bring more guests to the historic Brocken Railway. In order to counteract the current downward trend in tourist numbers, a new concept is intended to help increase the attractiveness of the Brocken. The Brocken plateau is known as a central tourist attraction in the Harz and could experience a new beginning thanks to the new offers and the return to regional values. The Harz Tourism Association (HTV) has already announced that it will actively communicate about forest change and reforestation in order to convince holidaymakers of the region's beauty.

Although the number of overnight stays in the first half of 2023 fell slightly by 4-5% compared to 2019, they still remained at the 2018 level. The exceptionally good booking situation in summer 2022 shows the potential of the Harz, especially if restaurants and local public transport can be strengthened. Many restaurants are facing challenges because the lack of staff has limited the offerings and opening times, which is particularly noticeable in the lunch area. It is therefore crucial to bring these areas back into shape to meet emerging domestic demand.

The overall package around the Brocken has the potential to revitalize the Harz. After all, the district committee's decision ensures that the Brocken and the surrounding areas can be perceived not only as excursion destinations, but also as stable tourist pillars of the region. This is an important step these days, when many holidaymakers are looking for relaxation that is more close to nature.

This could open up a whole new chapter for the region and the local companies, which not only stimulates tourist flows, but also strengthens the general well-being of the local residents. It will be exciting to see how these developments will unfold in the coming months.

Further information can be found in the reports from Country and forest, Central German newspaper and MDR to find.