Berlin can also be magically beautiful in winter. Even though the time of the Christmas markets is slowly coming to an end, there are still plenty of sporting activities to enjoy. Right around Berlin, you can actually find the northernmost ski resort in Germany and even a ski jumping facility! But Brandenburg doesn’t really have a real mountain feeling. The few hills are used, but if you want alpine-style skiing, you have to travel a little further afield. The ski area in the Harz Mountains is the closest “real” winter sports region.
Around 250 km from the capital, the most important low mountain range in northern Germany offers a fantastic backdrop that inspired Goethe and the Brothers Grimm. Perfect for a winter excursion from Berlin!
The ski resort in the Harz Mountains: off to the Wurmberg
At 971 meters, the Wurmberg is the highest mountain in Lower Saxony and the largest ski area in the Harz Mountains. There are slopes of all levels of difficulty: from the easy family slope to the steep Hexenritt slope (black). In total, there are around 12 kilometers of slopes to choose from.
And if you want to try out other winter sports, you’ve come to the right place: in addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, the Harz is a paradise for cross-country skiers and tobogganists . There is a huge network of trails around the resort and toboggan runs, some of which even have their own lift.
Incidentally, the Harz Mountains can more than keep up with ski resorts in the Alps in terms of price: A day ticket on the Wurmberg is usually only between €35 and €45. Of course, this depends on the season. Although there are snow cannons, it is worth checking the weather conditions on the ski resort’s website before you visit.
A visit to the fairytale wonderland
The Harz Mountains are famous for their mystical atmosphere. Dark coniferous forests, wooden houses covered in deep snow and frozen mountain streams – the area looks straight out of a fairy tale! And that can even be taken literally: Because not only does it all sound like “Hansel and Gretel”, this is exactly where the fairy tale originated. The Brothers Grimm found one of their most important sources of inspiration in the Harz Mountains.
Incidentally, from the Wurmberg you have a direct view of the neighboring Brocken, the highest mountain in the Harz. Long walks through the snow-covered landscape are also worthwhile in winter. If you prefer a more comfortable ride, simply take the Harz narrow-gauge railroad, which circles through the national park with historic steam locomotives.
The Harz is therefore the ideal place for Berliners looking for more than just a hill. It offers a real “mountain feeling” and is comparatively quick to reach. Depending on traffic, it takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by car , or you can take the ICE/RE train to Braunschweig or Goslar and then take the bus from there.