Lonau: Nature Experiences and Excursion Destinations in the Southern Harz

Lonau is located in Harz National Park between mountain slopes, meadows and open beech forests in the southern Harz. Those who choose accommodation in Lonau will find a place where nature experiences, hiking opportunities, regional culture and seasonal leisure activities are closely connected with the character of the village. Notable destinations include the Lonau Waterfall, the Harz mountain meadows, the ranger station, St. Michaelis Church and the public outdoor swimming pool.

Natural surroundings between mountain meadows and beech forests

The landscape around Lonau is characterised by mountain slopes, meadows and open beech forests. The typical Harz mountain meadows near Lonau are particularly distinctive. They are home to a unique diversity of species; more than 50 plant species classified as endangered grow there. This creates a specific focus for nature enthusiasts: the meadows are not merely open areas of landscape, but also habitats for numerous endangered plant species.

Another natural attraction is the Lonau Waterfall. It is located in a narrow rocky gorge, where the water plunges a total of 10 metres into the depths in several cascades. The combination of the rocky gorge, cascading course and drop height makes the waterfall a clearly recognisable destination within the Lonau landscape. The foot-wading area in Lonau is an additional destination for excursions and relaxation.

Hikes and information about the national park

Lonau’s community centre houses a national park ranger station and the Lonau National Park Information Centre. At the ranger station, films for all age groups provide information about nature and the attractions of Harz National Park. Rangers answer questions and offer hiking tips. This gives adults and children a shared way to engage with nature topics, while allowing you to plan your time in the village around different interests.

As part of the nature experience programme, the rangers at the Lonau ranger station offer open hikes for everyone or arrange appointments for groups. The programme is therefore aimed both at individual visitors and at groups travelling together. Anyone wishing to explore the surroundings in greater depth during a hike can choose between an open event and an arranged group appointment.

The signposted “Around Lonau” trail is a short hike above Lonau. Its location above the village distinguishes this trail from the information available at the community centre and provides another way of finding your bearings in the landscape.

Nature observation with a current notice

The capercaillie enclosure near Lonau is currently closed for technical reasons. The special stamp station at the capercaillie enclosure near Lonau remains accessible. This distinction is important for your planning: access to the stamp station does not mean that the enclosure itself is open. This allows both attractions to be considered separately without overlooking the current closure status of the capercaillie enclosure.

Church and organ as local history

St. Michaelis Church in Lonau was built in 1883 from solid red brick, replacing the older wooden church. The church also has an organ built in 1884 by Gebr. Krell from Duderstadt. The two consecutive years link the construction of the church and the organ chronologically, while the red brick and the replacement of the older wooden church identify specific features of the church building.

For visitors who wish to include local culture alongside nature and hiking, St. Michaelis Church offers a distinct point of interest.

Outdoor swimming pool with seasonal opening

The public Lonau outdoor swimming pool is located directly next to the campsite. It has swimming pools surrounded by trees, including one for children, as well as ample sunbathing lawns and play areas. Families with children can therefore find space there not only for swimming, but also for relaxing and playing. The different pools and play facilities make the outdoor swimming pool a clearly defined leisure attraction within the village.

The Lonau outdoor swimming pool has seasonal opening hours from 15 May to 15 September, daily from 10:00 to 19:00.

Other places to compare

Other places for planning your trip: Bad Lauterberg, Bad Grund, Pöhlde, Herzberg Am Harz, Badenhausen, Osterode Am Harz, Bad Sachsa, Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken.

For the higher-level travel overview: Osterode am Harz region.