Climate change threatens the Harz Mountains: Forests are dying, the future is uncertain!

Climate change threatens the Harz Mountains: Forests are dying, the future is uncertain!

When you travel to the Harz Mountains, you encounter an impressive landscape that impresses not only with its beauty, but also with its eventful history. More than 350 kilometers from Cologne, this area extends over around 2,200 km² and impresses with heights of up to 1,141 meters. The region was formed during the Variscan mountain formation around 300 million years ago. A central starting point for exploration is Clausthal-Zellerfeld, known for the largest wooden church in Germany and the traditional Technical University, which has been teaching geosciences for 250 years.

The Harz is a region shaped by its industrial past. Mining in the Upper Harz in particular has left deep traces. Obsolete shafts are now part of the landscape and are a reminder of a time when this area was a center for raw material extraction. The influence of mining extends to forestry, which has to deal sustainably with the upheavals in nature. These challenges have been exacerbated today by climate change.

In the shadow of climate change

Climate change has already led to noticeable changes in the region. Winter sports opportunities are decreasing, which is affecting exclusive bookings and the region's tourist attractiveness. A current report Biodiv im Wald documents the dramatic effects of climate change on the forests in the Harz. Spruce trees in particular are dying on a large scale, which is closely linked to rising temperatures, longer periods of drought and pest infestation. Originally, deciduous trees such as oaks and beeches were replaced by spruces in the Harz forests, which are now at great risk due to their susceptibility to pests such as bark beetles and fungal diseases.

The effects of the hot summer of 2023 were particularly devastating in the Brocken massif area. According to a report by Moritz Kreyer in the book “Problems of forest dieback due to climate change in the Harz National Park,” the consequences of this forest dieback became so visible for the first time since the 1980s. Almost two thirds of the spruce trees in the Harz have already died and the future of these forests is uncertain.

Leisure activities in the Harz

But in addition to the challenges, the Harz also offers numerous leisure opportunities. The Rappbode Dam, the highest dam in Germany with an impressive height of 106 meters, attracts numerous visitors. Here you can not only enjoy the breathtaking views, but also experience adventures, such as walking across a suspension bridge or trying out the mega zipline, which offers spectacular views of the landscape.

Another highlight is the Harz Tower in Torfhaus, which opened in 2024 and offers a magnificent view of the Brocken. Modern holiday resorts have emerged around the region that are tailored to the needs of holidaymakers. The Brockenbahn offers a nostalgic ride to the highest peak in the Harz and is a popular destination for tourists. The region presents its charming old towns such as Goslar, Wernigerode and Blankenburg, which delight with their lovingly restored half-timbered houses, to international visitors, including bikers from Belgium, Denmark and Sweden.

The Volvo EX30: An innovator on four wheels

A lot is currently happening in the automotive sector. The new Volvo EX30 Extended Range could play an interesting role in the region's mobility mix. Equipped with a 65 kWh battery, the vehicle achieves a WLTP range of 475 km and has a maximum output of 200 kW (272 hp). The interior impresses with Scandinavian design and high-quality recycled materials, while the 318 liter trunk offers plenty of space. With a top speed of 180 km/h and a maximum charging power of 200 kW, the Volvo is also technologically up-to-date.

In summary, the Harz shows how diverse and challenging the landscape is - from the threats of climate change to the opportunities offered by the region and its heritage. Whether experiencing nature or test driving a modern electric car, there is a lot to discover.